Chapter 132: A Sense of Belonging

As the starlight faded, dawn broke, gradually brightening the world and revealing a clear sky. Everyone slowly rose to their feet.

“Today, we are truly fortunate to have witnessed the great Lord Kassadin.”

“Those who went home for the New Year will surely regret missing this.”

“But it couldn’t be helped. They planned to come the next day; no one expected the great Void God, Lord Kassadin, to appear now.”

Excitement still lingered on every face as they happily exchanged words.

Then, someone expressed gratitude to Sonia for introducing them to Mr. Kassadin.

“No need to thank me. It was your devotion that moved Lord Kassadin to grace us with his presence,” Sonia said softly, a gentle smile on her lips.

In truth, it was she who owed thanks to these people. It was their plans that inspired Mr. Kassadin to spend the New Year on Sundar Prime. Sonia herself was unaware of the side of Mr. Kassadin that had just manifested; all she knew was that he instructed her to make the announcement within a set time.

This time, Lord Kassadin made it clear to the members of the Void God Cult that he had seen their prayers and offerings. For many cult members, this was undoubtedly the greatest gift.

“Lord Kassadin has felt your devotion,” Sonia continued. “Therefore, everyone may divide the food you brought. This is Lord Kassadin’s instruction.”

She spoke to those still lingering, conveying not her own words but the will of Lord Kassadin, who had known they intended to offer not only food but also money.

“Thank you for Lord Kassadin’s generosity!” someone exclaimed.

Though Sonia mentioned only the food and remained silent about the money, no one felt dissatisfied.

Soon after, Sonia excused herself. As for the money, it could be collected slowly after the New Year.

In a few days, Lord Kassadin planned to depart, and it seemed he would be gone for quite some time. Sonia hoped to see him in person rather than communicate through the cosmic communicator.

Once it was known that the food was free to share, the members began dividing it among themselves, scattering into smaller groups.

Tony, Renoli, Kyle, the Seer, and Lacey gathered together for casual conversation.

Renoli asked Tony about his hometown, C53.

Tony naturally introduced Blue Star, describing it as similar in environment to Sundar Prime, though less technologically advanced.

He spoke of Blue Star’s various nations, focusing mainly on its major powers, such as America and the Celestial Empire.

“Blue Star still has separate countries?” Lacey asked, surprised.

“Isn’t it a unified federation?”

Tony smiled knowingly. “Blue Star’s technology is still far from achieving free interstellar travel. Naturally, people are attached to their own little homesteads. But when it comes to entertainment, Blue Star is quite developed—more so than Sundar Prime. That’s why there are many fun things there.”

Lacey’s surprise stemmed from the fact that most advanced civilizations in the cosmos are unified federations. Tony knew this wouldn’t change easily and chuckled.

“More entertainment, huh? I should visit sometime.”

“Do you think the people of Blue Star would suddenly attack me?”

Lacey joked.

“They wouldn’t. Your appearance isn’t much different from Blue Star humans. You could blend right in without raising suspicion,” Tony assured her enthusiastically.

His approval was wholehearted; if Lacey came, she would likely ask to stay with him. Having her around wouldn’t be a problem; he could easily help her if needed.

“Similar to Sundar Prime, then?”

“So I shouldn’t have any trouble if I go?”

Kyle’s interest was piqued.

“You and Renoli both should be fine, as long as you don’t cause trouble,” Tony responded.

Kyle, towering over two meters tall, looked like a strongman. Blue Star wasn’t without tall people, though none quite as burly as him.

“So that means there’s a problem if I go, right?” the Seer remarked, noticing Tony hadn’t mentioned him.

“You’re fine too. It’s just your style—it’s a bit too trendy for Blue Star. But even if you don’t change, people would probably just think you’re cosplaying,” Tony said diplomatically, eyeing the Seer wrapped in bandages that obscured his face.

“I understand. You’ll be gone for a while this time.”

“If you run into trouble, let us know. We’ll come help,” Tony offered.

The Seer nodded in understanding.

“Even if you don’t need help, I welcome you all to visit Blue Star. As your host, I’ll make sure you enjoy the entertainment it offers,” Tony smiled.

“Great. If we go, we’ll notify you in advance,” Kyle said cheerfully.

Each small group gathered, sharing delicious food and chatting about the future.

※※※※※※

Inside Harvey’s villa:

When Sonia returned from the temple, she found Mr. Kassadin had already arrived, and the dining table was laden with food.

“Come, sit and eat with us,” Harvey said, noticing her surprise.

“Thank you for Lord Kassadin’s invitation,” Sonia replied. “But it feels improper for me to share the same table as you.”

Her heart stirred at his words, yet reason prevailed, and she smiled gently to decline.

“In the past, I often spent New Year alone, adding a few extra dishes just for myself. Beyond that, it was much like any other day.”

“This time I wanted to stay here because I knew you were here.”

“So on this New Year’s Day, let go of formality and join me,” Harvey said, unfazed by her refusal.

“…Very well,” Sonia said, a flush coloring her beautiful face as she nodded.

She took the seat beside Mr. Kassadin instead of directly opposite, a position indicating lower status than the host.

“Sonia, over the past year, you have helped me greatly.”

“I’ll be counting on you to continue overseeing Void Island.”

Harvey’s gaze flickered as he noted her choice of seat. He had initially offered Sonia an annual salary of five hundred thousand, but she had managed daily affairs so well that he had become complacent. Her work managing the island far exceeded what the original salary could justify. Occasionally, he rewarded her handsomely.

“Even without your instructions, Lord Kassadin, I would do the same,” Sonia said with a smile, raising her glass.

The scene between Harvey and Sonia was one of harmony. Likewise, the various groups on Void Island all mingled amicably.

Even the chefs, who had prepared a great feast, had gathered after their work to share some side dishes and drinks, planning to visit their families after the celebrations.

All of this stemmed from a shared sense of belonging to Void Island.