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."

hand against the desk once more, Maximus ended the

of everyone present in the

sure most of you have already seen the video before. With more reports talking about dungeon overflows becoming more prominent and the monsters no longer dying like in the past as soon as

has stated in the past, during the press conference that almost everyone here is all too familiar with. The third calamity is no longer

in the room rose at his words.

than ten years, and during that

comments, everyone's expression turned ugly. In a sense, everyone already knew this, but it wasn't until it was brought to their attention that they truly

in fact Kevin who kept his head lowered with

already knew all

to hit in ten years, but rather four years…or perhaps even

lot more dire than the people inside the room knew. One couldn't begin to

exception of Inferno, which Ren had largely cleared out—were going to start waging war

actually over just yet. Unfortunately, Inferno wasn't that easily defeated. There were a couple of remnants that survived, and might cause

of destruction, but enough to make them feel the

how close are you from breaking through

away from the situation

fell on Octavious once Maximum's words

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

they waited

were unfortunately left disappointed

still not

his remarks caused everyone's hearts to clench. Even while no one was certain if Malik Alshayatin had attained the level of , just the idea that there was a rumor of him doing so was enough to leave them feeling helpless in the face of the unexpected

signed a contract with a demon, granting him more power than those that didn't

you at least

the little hope they had

did not get the answer

"No, I'm not close."

more somber after he said

said anything as an uncomfortable silence

the

an end when Octaviois casually got up. He turned around and left the area

others also stood

it was clear that they were

the meeting as she remained quiet throughout the walk

you doing

out of his thoughts. Lowering his head to

I was just thinking

That was a lie.

recall a few faces at the moment. Although it didn't appear that way at first glance, this meeting was immensely detrimental to the Union. Especially in light of the fact that several top ranked

this meeting that several people made up their minds

with trying to find ways to silently

bother thinking about changing them, no, he much rather have them