Chapter 129: Approaching the New Year

Over the next month and a half, Harvey observed that Sonia continued to carry out her duties as usual. Seeing that she appeared entirely unaffected, Harvey felt a sense of relief. During this period, Tony had also asked Sonia to help procure various items, all of which were minerals or special materials found only in outer space.

It was on this very day that Tony came to call on him personally.

"Harvey, I'm taking the fighter jet back tomorrow," Tony said, having arrived at Harvey’s villa in his Iron Man armor. "I’ve checked the wormhole routes; the return journey should take about three days. I plan to head back early to surprise Pepper. I’ll be able to spend Christmas with her, too."

"You haven't told Pepper you’re coming back?" Harvey asked, somewhat surprised by Tony's words.

"If I told her, it wouldn't be a surprise. I even told her I’d be delayed," Tony replied with a smile. Although he knew Pepper had grumbled when he mentioned the delay, he was certain she would be delighted when he arrived home ahead of schedule.

"Have you said goodbye to the others on the island?" Harvey asked. "You might not be able to return for quite some time once you go back."

Although Tony’s strength had increased significantly, Harvey knew that after 2011, it would not be easy for Tony to simply walk away from his responsibilities.

"…?" Tony was puzzled by the suggestion that he wouldn’t be able to return for a while. He had intended to spend Christmas with Pepper and stay with her for a period of time before returning—perhaps in half a year. He didn't think it was necessary to make a special farewell for a departure that was only supposed to last six months. However, Tony also knew that Harvey possessed a power akin to seeing through everything. He understood that Harvey wouldn't say such things without reason; if he said it, it meant there would likely be entanglements that would make it difficult for him to get away.

"Alright, I’ll go say my goodbyes to them before I leave," Tony conceded after a moment’s thought, nodding before departing immediately.

"Mr. Kassadin, how long do you intend to stay on C-53 Blue Planet?" Sonia, who had been listening from the side, could no longer contain her curiosity and asked.

"It depends on the situation," Harvey said, taken aback by her question, though he proceeded to outline his upcoming plans. "I expect to stay there for a while to watch a good show before returning."

"A good show?" Sonia asked, sounding puzzled.

"Yes. In a few years, a guy called Star-Lord should arrive on Xandar," Harvey said, nodding. "When you hear news of him, send me a message."

"Star-Lord? I’ve never heard that name," Sonia murmured, her eyes flickering as she searched her memory for any information associated with that name, only to find nothing. She asked with a hint of surprise, "A few years from now... does Mr. Kassadin possess the power of foresight?"

Asking this question made her feel conflicted. If Mr. Kassadin truly possessed the ability to foresee the future, did that mean their meeting had been part of his vision? Was everything that would happen between them in the future already within his sight?

"No," Harvey replied, shaking his head. He would only gain the power of foresight once he obtained the abilities of the Void Prophet. For now, he only knew of general events; he could not peer into the lives of individuals. Even if another hero template appeared, he wouldn't consider choosing the Void Prophet. Instead, he would choose the Void Terror—Cho'Gath’s template. Since he had already chosen the Void Reaver’s abilities and continuously strengthened his physical form, he naturally prioritized his physical capabilities. The Void Prophet’s power belonged to the realm of magic, and while magic was useful, having a powerful body provided a greater sense of security. As long as his body was tough enough that he didn't die in a single hit, he could teleport away and immediately restore himself to peak condition.

"I see," Sonia said, feeling significantly more relaxed. Being seen through was one thing if the future was bright, but if the future held misfortune, it was something one would rather not face. Of course, what she feared most was that Mr. Kassadin might have foreseen their future and found it lacking, which was why he showed no romantic interest in her. But since he denied having such powers, her fears were put to rest.

"I recall that Xandar’s New Year is on December 20th, isn't it?" Harvey noticed Sonia’s relieved expression and, with a flash in his eyes, looked out at the snow-covered, white world outside the window.

"Yes, it is. Why do you ask?" Sonia answered, though she found the sudden change in topic strange.

"It should be quite lively on the island then," Harvey mused. Even in the depths of winter, with heavy snow falling and many people preferring to stay indoors, the island remained bustling.

"The Void Order currently has four hundred and twenty-seven members," Sonia replied with a smile. "Excluding myself, there are three hundred and fourteen members on the island. Many of them plan to celebrate the first anniversary of joining the Void Order. A lot of them intend to go back to spend the first day of the New Year with their parents before returning to celebrate on the island. They also plan to visit the temple to pay respects to your statue and thank you for granting them a new life. It will certainly be very lively."

"In that case, I’ll stay and finish the New Year celebrations before I set off," Harvey said with a smile.

"Really?" Sonia was stunned, her joy impossible to hide as she asked, barely daring to believe him.

"Of course," Harvey nodded. "Since they all plan to gather and worship my statue, it wouldn't look right if I weren't on the island."

"That’s wonderful! I’ll go and prepare," Sonia said, a radiant smile on her face as she ran downstairs to fetch the New Year decorations.

Harvey watched her go without saying a word. Even if he returned to Blue Planet for the New Year, he would be spending it alone; staying on Void Island would be far more festive. He didn't know much about Sonia’s past—he had never asked, and she had never offered. However, he remembered clearly that when she had signed for him, her file showed no next of kin. Perhaps they had met with misfortune, or perhaps she had been abandoned. Regardless of the reason, had he left, Sonia would have spent the New Year alone. While they might have both been used to the feeling of solitude, having company made the occasion significantly more joyful.