Chapter Sixty: Power Determines Action

Harvey crossed the Sky Bridge and arrived at the garden, where the lights promptly illuminated the surroundings.

Under the night sky, the garden appeared even more beautiful, and the fresh fragrance of flowers seemed to soothe the heart without anyone noticing. Standing at the edge of the garden’s walkway, Harvey gazed out over the distant, vibrant panorama created by countless lights twinkling across the city.

In terms of technology, Xandar was unquestionably far ahead of Blue Planet. After all, Blue Planet didn’t even have interstellar fighters yet, much less warships. But when it came to daily life, Harvey felt that Xandar was not very different from his time in New York.

If there was one significant distinction from the New York he once called home, it was that Xandar, thanks to the Nova Corps, enjoyed far better public security.

However, these Nova Corps members, while possessing far greater life energy than ordinary people, still did not match the vitality of those Harvey had met on Mogli. In other words, the overall physical prowess of the Nova Corps could not be considered particularly exceptional.

Yet, the people of Xandar wore the unique Nova armor—advanced technology that granted them powers beyond those of ordinary beings. Because of this armor, wherever they went, they were met with respect and salutes.

By contrast, the guards patrolling the ground in standard military uniforms generally only offered a greeting, not formal salutes or displays of respect.

When Harvey first arrived, the guards at the city gate, including Dam, were also dressed in these standard uniforms. It was clear that even among those serving their race, there were distinct ranks and classes.

To Harvey, these hierarchies presented a valuable opportunity.

He had no intention of destroying Xandar, nor did he wish to rule it. He simply wanted to guide more Xandarians to join the Void.

But before he could lead others, he needed to make a name for himself. Once he was renowned, mere rumors would suffice to draw people to seek him out.

On Blue Planet, he’d had to worry about attracting the attention of the likes of the Ancient One or Odin, who could bring endless trouble. But here in the universe, he had no such concerns. Even if the Nova Corps, so revered and feared by many worlds and races, called Xandar their pride, they posed no threat to him.

As for whether those who gained power through joining the Void would eventually disrupt Xandar’s class system and order, even provoking war—Harvey knew this was inevitable. But he would not interfere in such changes, nor would he make it his mission to shelter the weak.

He understood all too well that one's power determined one’s position.

At present, he was not yet strong enough to establish order for the entire universe. To bind himself with endless restrictions and act with caution would be pointless—he might as well have stayed quietly on Blue Planet.

His purpose in coming to the stars was crystal clear.

The vast, boundless universe would accelerate his own evolution, helping him grow strong enough to fear nothing and live freely.

True freedom was not just an empty phrase—it meant choosing your own path, free from the coercion of others.

He also wished to spread the will of the Void throughout the universe.

For this, he was willing to offer any intelligent lifeform who did not oppose him a chance to join the Void.

What those beings might become after joining the Void was not Harvey’s concern—at least, not for now.

“Xandar truly is remarkable,” Harvey murmured, gazing upon the myriad lives of the city. He saw beings of many races hurrying about their daily affairs, and a smile appeared on his lips.

At that moment, Sonya wheeled a large cart laden with delicacies into the villa.

“Mr. Kassadin, I have selected a variety of dishes from the gourmet district for you—enough for fifty people. Please, enjoy these first,” she announced. “Once you’ve finished, I’ll be happy to bring you more.”

Sonya’s voice carried through the sky garden, reminding Harvey that dinner was ready.

Harvey was unfazed at the prospect of consuming enough food for fifty people; in a flash, he crossed the Sky Bridge and appeared at the table where Sonya was arranging the meal.

“Mr. Kassadin, you truly are no ordinary man,” Sonya remarked, maintaining her professional smile as she continued setting out the dishes.

“From your tone, you don’t seem the least bit surprised,” Harvey observed, noting a subtle change in her gaze.

“I’ve worked here since I was fourteen—ten years now,” she replied, her hands never ceasing their work. “I’ve met many guests, though few possess the aura of a true leader as you do, Mr. Kassadin. Still, I’ve seen plenty with unusual abilities. Every member of the Nova Corps is exceptionally strong, so nothing surprises me anymore.”

A night at the Prestige Hotel cost ten thousand—a price far beyond the reach of most. Those who could afford it were either people of great status or possessed of extraordinary abilities.

The former might be renowned tycoons from various worlds, aristocrats, or individuals of significant power and influence. The latter were often bounty hunters or those who had made a name for themselves through their superhuman abilities.

“So you mean, the masked ball held monthly by the Prestige Hotel must attract many powerful individuals?” Harvey mused at Sonya’s words.

“Given that you checked in without a reservation, Mr. Kassadin, it seems you’re not familiar with our hotel,” she explained, finishing her arrangement and elegantly pouring a glass of wine. “Prestige Hotel is less a place for vacation and leisure than a gathering spot for celebrities of all kinds. Anyone who pays for a full month’s stay up front earns an invitation to our ball. It’s a masquerade—guests use special props to conceal their identities, and only after a congenial conversation might they reveal who they truly are. So, your assumption is correct. Since you’ve already paid for a month, you have a ticket. The next ball is in half a month. If you’re interested, let me know.”

“So it’s three hundred thousand for an entry ticket,” Harvey remarked lightly. “If I’m interested, I’ll be sure to attend.” As he spoke, the golden mask vanished from his face, replaced by a gentle golden radiance that shielded his features from view.

Then, he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.

Sonya had long since ceased to be startled by those with special powers. But finding herself unable to see Harvey’s face beneath the mask of light, she could not help but feel a moment of shock.