The Author's POV

Two days have passed since Ren went to Immorra, nothing changed in Ashton city during that time.

Everything was just as calm as it had been for the past couple of years.

Of course, that was merely on the surface level.

Anyone in a high position knew that this was the calm before the storm.

…and it wasn't just any regular storm, but a large storm. One that would severely affect the conditions of the human domain in the near future.

That was due to the fact that the truce between the Union and the Monolith will expire in less than a month, ushering in the start of a new era. An era that was filled with conflict and death.

"Why are you so confident that they will declare war on us as soon as the truce is over?"

A gathering was taking place at the top of the Union tower.

Currently, all of the top tankers were present. Including Kevin, who stood beside Monica, and Donna, who was also present and standing beside him.

It was clear to see that they belonged to the same 'faction' inside of the Union. Monica's faction.

"It is not a matter of why anymore, Monica."

Daphne, the now third ranked hero spoke up.

She began to explain the situation to her.

"Over the past few years, we have observed that the Monolith has used this opportunity to consolidate their authority and influence. Their forces are stronger and more powerful than ever, and although it isn't confirmed, we can conclude from that, that there is a high chance of a war breaking out between the two of us. Also, have you not noticed Monica?"

Daphne paused while her eyes swept over everyone in the room.

"Have you not noticed how both the demons and the members of the Monolith have become so quiet right after that crack appeared in the air?"

Monica immediately became calm after hearing her remarks, sitting back in her chair and thinking to herself.

Before she could say anything else, Maximus spoke up.

"Regarding the crack, I think this will be useful for all of you to look at."

He then pressed his hand against the desk and a hologram appeared in the air.

The image of an elf appeared in the video. Everyone in the room was familiar with the video that was currently being displayed.

"A manifestation of the most recent cataclysm is the crack that has appeared in the atmosphere. The main objective of the crack is to fill the planet with as much mana as possible in order to open the door for monsters from the demon world to arrive."

"Previously, due to the planet's low mana density, dungeon creatures could not survive on the surface for very long. This isn't true, though, when there is a lot of mana in the world of humans. If it were to occur, monsters would be free to wander the earth, allowing the demons to start a blown out war against humanity."

the desk once more, Maximus ended

faces of everyone present

no longer dying like in the past as soon as they enter the earth, it is safe to assume that we don't have much longer before the third

with. The third calamity is no longer a question

tension in the room rose at his

will hit, but it is within the reasonable assumption that it will take no less than ten years, and during that time, the most appropriate thing for an organization that is linked with the demons would be to try their best to

ugly. In a sense, everyone already knew this, but it wasn't until it was brought to their attention that they truly understood how serious

in the room whose face didn't change was in fact Kevin who

already knew all

third cataclysm wasn't going to hit in ten years, but rather

situation was a lot more dire than the people inside the room

organizations pitted against the three races—with the exception of Inferno, which Ren had largely cleared out—were going

easily defeated. There were a couple of remnants that survived, and might cause significant damage to the dwarves in the

point of destruction, but

how close are you from breaking

shifting the conversation away from the situation on

on Octavious once Maximum's words

at the far end of the round table, slowly opened his eyes. A terrifying and tanglible pressure emitted from his body

their breath while they waited

were unfortunately left disappointed

not there

was certain if Malik Alshayatin had attained the level of , just the idea that there was a rumor of

granting him more power than those that didn't have a contract, everyone felt their heart

you at

clinging to the little hope

did not get the answer she

"No, I'm not close."

atmosphere became even more somber after he said these

no one said anything

end the

up. He turned around and left the area without saying

also stood

of the people present, it was clear that they were filled with anxiety regarding the future

Monica was quite shaken after the meeting as she remained quiet throughout the walk back, something

are you doing

his thoughts. Lowering his head to glance at Monica,

I was just thinking about the

That was a lie.

moment. Although it didn't appear that way at first glance, this meeting was immensely detrimental to the Union. Especially

up their

preoccupied with trying to

changing them, no, he much rather have