Chapter 101: Observing and Joining

On the planet Mogri, a burly red-haired man radiating explosive strength and possessing handsome features received the message as well.

"The great Lord Kassadin has personally established the Void Church on Xandar?" he mused. "It seems I must begin applying to spread the doctrine myself."

A look of reverence and devotion filled Lyx's eyes. Five months had passed since Lord Kassadin had bestowed his blessing upon him. His appearance had fully reverted to the vigor of his youth, not only restoring his looks but multiplying his power several times beyond what he had possessed at his peak.

Thus, Lyx worshipped the mighty Void God, Lord Kassadin, with extraordinary fervor. King Aub Mogri had declared he would observe Lyx for a year before considering widespread promotion. Lyx himself felt there was no need to rush, but now that Lord Kassadin had built the Void Temple and broadcast the news throughout the galaxy, intending to personally spread the doctrine, he—as one of the faith's followers—must respond. Otherwise, he would be ashamed to face Lord Kassadin.

Moreover, he dreaded that when Lord Kassadin summoned the scattered followers of the Void Church from across the cosmos, those he brought would be too weak due to joining the Void too late.

"Great Void God Kassadin above, your devotee Lyx will never disappoint you," Lyx declared, kneeling before the statue in the temple and voicing his unwavering devotion.

Rising, he immediately took up his communicator to contact the king, hoping he would begin disseminating the teachings of the Void. He wished for all Mogri's people to receive the grace of the great Void, for the entire race to join the glorious evolution.

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Throughout the universe, anyone connected to interstellar civilization and equipped with a network communicator had already heard the news. They admired Kassadin's power, but most doubted such fortune could fall from the sky. They believed that joining the Void Church must entail some cost.

Hence, all chose to observe before acting, for the domain of the Void God Kassadin was now clearly established.

Announcing the location of his stronghold so boldly was undeniably audacious. It revealed Kassadin's absolute confidence in his own strength. While admiration ran deep, the risk of being first was left to others.

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Several days passed.

The first group, eager to join the Void Church—Renoli, Kyle, the Seer, and Lacey—knelt before the temple statue, their hearts filled with gratitude, reverence, and awe.

"You have all received the blessing of the great Void God Kassadin," said Sonia, standing five meters away and gazing at their prostration. "I have come to explain what abilities you will gain after joining the Void Church and receiving the Void's blessing."

"First, congratulations. From this moment, unless you perish from danger, you will live for several centuries, even millennia," she said softly. "This means you have shed the shackles of ordinary lifespan and become long-lived beings."

Her melodious words thundered in the ears of Renoli and the others, stirring waves of emotion in their hearts. They had hoped to gain power by joining the Void Church, but never imagined their lifespans would be transformed.

In the universe's advanced civilizations, longevity was often extended, but even then, limits remained. On Xandar, the longest-lived barely surpassed three centuries; most could not live beyond two hundred years. Faith in the Void now promised further extension—a benefit that, if publicized, would drive Xandar’s most influential figures to madness.

"Perhaps you feel no immediate increase in power," Sonia continued, "but do not worry. Receiving the Void's blessing means you have joined glorious evolution. In time, you may absorb various substances to undergo repeated evolutions, gaining incomparable strength."

"I trust you now understand the meaning of the commandments. I urge you not to violate them and become subjects of judgment by the Tribunal. The great Lord Kassadin is ever watching your conduct."

Sonia saw their bodies tremble slightly, a smile appearing on her face as she offered both explanation and sincere warning.

Sonia did not know why Kassadin was willing to grant the Void's power to so many. Yet she understood clearly: Lord Kassadin gave everyone a chance to join the Void, seemingly without cost, but the greatest price lay in resisting the hunger within. If, after tasting the thrill of growth, one could still maintain self-control and not lose oneself, one could live long and grow ever stronger. Otherwise, rather than living for centuries, one might soon devolve into a mindless creature, condemned to judgment.

"Thank you, Miss Sonia. We will remember the commandments of the Void Church," Renoli, Kyle, the Seer, and Lacey replied respectfully, nodding in unison.

"The great Lord Kassadin has said he will not restrict your freedom," Sonia added. "But in his wisdom and kindness, he has prepared a gravity chamber. As new members, you may stay on the island for a time, acclimating and training to master your powers and desires."

"As for provisions, you may purchase food from the island's chefs or fish in the sea yourselves. I have secured permission for fishing—if you wish, you may do it yourself."

"As members of the Void Church, the great Lord Kassadin hopes that, now and always, he will see you retain your reason and clarity," Sonia concluded.

With those words, she departed.

Though the first visitors arrived swiftly, no second group came in the following days. Sonia knew the wider world was still observing the Void Church. Once Renoli and his companions returned safely, proving that faith in the Void truly granted power, more and more would hope to gain strength through such belief, and Sonia would soon find herself busy.

Yet this busyness was far less taxing than her former work at the elite hotel.

After Sonia left, Renoli, Kyle, the Seer, and Lacey rose from their kneeling positions, exchanging looks of astonishment.