Chapter 130: The New Year's Audience

Tony found Reynoli, Lacey, Kael, and the Seer sitting inside the large house Kael had built, warming themselves by a fireplace. Given their physical constitutions, the cold was of no concern to them, but gathering around the fire was a matter of seasonal atmosphere—life always required a touch of ritual.

After Tony announced his intention to leave for a while, Reynoli patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "December 20th, five days from now, we’re all planning to hold a grand celebration. But it’s understandable that you’d want to go back and see your wife after being away for so long. We’ve all been granted longevity now, so there will be plenty of time to get together later."

"Is December 20th the New Year on Xandar?" Tony asked, surprised.

"That's right," Lacey said with a smile. "Everyone on the island has organized some activities, and we're planning to visit the temple for the New Year."

"You guys couldn't have told me sooner?" Tony exclaimed upon hearing about the festivities.

"Hahaha, you’ve been buried in the lab for over a month; there was no way to notify you," Kael explained with a laugh. "But you’ve treated everyone to so many great feasts that we decided as long as you were there in person, that was enough. If you have to go home, then so be it—we can celebrate the New Year together another time."

"Who said I couldn't make it?" Tony retorted, waving his hand. "I only planned to leave tomorrow because I didn't know. Now that I’m aware, I’ll certainly follow the local customs and stay through the New Year." He didn't want to miss out; back on Earth, he’d just be spending the holiday with Pepper, and he’d have to stay in his Iron Man suit the whole time to avoid exposure. Tony was a man who loved a lively atmosphere, and here, he could be himself without reservation.

"Didn't you say you wanted to go back and spend the holiday with your wife?" the Seer asked.

"Our holiday, Christmas, is on December 24th, and it only takes me two days to get back," Tony replied. "So, I can just leave on the 21st and make it in time. Anyway, enough of that—since we’re celebrating the New Year, I assume you’ve got the drinks ready?"

"Of course," Kael laughed. "There will be plenty of alcohol."

"That’s all I needed to hear." Having decided to stay a few days longer, Tony took his leave.

***

The following days passed quietly until December 20th, the Xandarian New Year, arrived.

At five in the morning, before dawn, the air was biting cold—the hour when most people would be tucked away in their beds for warmth. Yet, the members of the Void Island were full of spirit. They lit candles and carried a procession of fine food and wine, flowing like a tide along the main road toward the temple. Because their faith in the Void Cult gave them voracious appetites, and Lord Kassadin was no different, the offerings for him naturally consisted of various delicacies and spirits.

Along the way, the air was filled with laughter and conversation. Tony, wearing his Iron Man suit, launched a series of fireworks. The brilliant, dazzling displays exploding in the sky drew cheers from the crowd.

"Is that called a firework?"
"Yeah, I heard that's how they celebrate the New Year on Earth."
"Not bad, it's actually quite beautiful."

As the group chatted happily, Tony Stark’s reputation on the Void Island was now second to none, save for Ms. Sonia. Everyone knew he was a senior who had joined even earlier than Reynoli’s group, and that he was incredibly clever, wealthy, and generous. His monthly grand banquets had made him a legend. Of course, the highest prestige remained with the great Void God, Lord Kassadin.

The massive crowd reached the temple. It was adorned with lights, shining brightly in the pre-dawn darkness like a palace of light. In the air before the statue of the Void God Kassadin, there were several massive floating platforms capable of holding many people. As the group climbed the stone stairs, they signaled one another, leaping ten meters into the air in perfect synchronization, landing steadily on the platforms while still carrying their offerings. They placed the food on a stone altar and left offerings of money.

"Thank you for the grace of the great Void God," Damu prayed piously with his hands clasped after leaving fifty thousand in cash and a specially ordered feast. "My strength is meager, and I have nothing to repay you with, so please accept this small token. When my strength improves in the future, I will surely repay the new life you have granted me."

Others followed suit, offering food and prayers. Of the three hundred people present, everyone gave at least fifty thousand, while the likes of Reynoli, Kael, the Seer, and Lacey each placed thirty million on the altar. The total value of the offerings—the food and the three hundred million in cash—piled up like a small mountain.

While the others felt at peace after their offerings, Tony felt a sudden wave of awkwardness. He wanted to shout that this wasn't what was agreed upon! Reynoli had told him his presence was enough. Now, everyone had presented their tributes to seek peace of mind, while he had only prepared some fireworks. It was too late to prepare anything now; he didn't have that much cash on hand, and while he made billions, he felt a sting of melancholy at being the only one empty-handed.

Just as the others finished their worship and Tony was wondering how to break the awkward silence, a melodious voice pierced the night sky, resonating in the ears of everyone present:

"Lord Kassadin, the Void God, has heard your prayers and is about to descend."