Chapter Seventy-Seven: It Was Not Just an Empty Promise

Sonia didn’t understand how things had unfolded, but upon hearing Mr. Kassadin’s words, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d boarded a pirate ship. The way he spoke sounded remarkably like a pyramid scheme. The promise of a power that could grant all things was so overblown that even Sonia found it hard to swallow.

Regardless of her inner skepticism, Sonia kept her composure and didn’t so much as roll her eyes, standing quietly to the side.

“If I obtain it, will I also be able to join the Nova Corps?” Darm asked, visibly moved. He knew Kassadin’s current reputation and harbored no doubts.

“If you wish it, of course you can,” Harvey replied with a nod.

Harvey was pleased by Darm’s ambition. According to his original plan, once Darm joined the Void, he would help Darm rise in prominence and infiltrate the Nova Corps, recruiting more followers devoted to the Void. Now, Darm had set his sights on this goal all on his own, which was even better.

“And with this power, can I amass great wealth, just as you have?” Darm’s eyes shone with excitement.

“In the short term, it may be difficult,” Harvey admitted with a slight shake of his head, “but with the power you’ll gain, it won’t take long to earn what I have now.”

His ability to make over three billion as a bounty hunter in three months was due in part to his exceptional strength. More importantly, he possessed the unique abilities of the Void Walker, Kassadin—his efficiency and methods were simply beyond what others could duplicate.

“So it can’t be done overnight... I understand, Mr. Kassadin. I want the power to change my life. Please, give me this chance.” Darm’s conviction did not waver; if anything, it grew stronger.

“You may have it,” Harvey responded with a nod. He extended a finger, and a stream of violet energy shot forth, surging directly into Darm’s body.

Immediately, Darm was lifted off the ground. His features grew younger, his muscles swelled with explosive power, and he radiated strength.

Sonia watched in utter disbelief. So Mr. Kassadin wasn’t just spinning tales or running a scam—he truly possessed abilities beyond comprehension.

In barely more than ten seconds, Darm opened his eyes, his senses heightened. With a sudden kick, he leapt up—soaring six meters—and crashed straight through the ceiling with a resounding bang.

Sonia was stunned by the raw power of Darm’s leap.

“Sonia, please estimate the repair costs for this damage,” Harvey said, unconcerned by Darm’s lack of control and the resulting destruction.

“Yes, Mr. Kassadin.” Sonia snapped out of her daze and nodded. Still, a tempest raged inside her. If Kassadin could bestow such power on others, could he do the same for her? Would her life change as well?

“Ah!” Darm, having broken through the ceiling, braced himself with his hands and pulled his head free. Looking down, he instinctively cried out but landed deftly, absorbing the impact with ease. There was no pain in his legs at all.

Astonished, Darm stared at his hands and patted his thigh in disbelief. He had always trained diligently—his combat skills and physical strength rivaled many Nova Corps members out of armor—but he had never been able to leap six meters or land from such a height without feeling a thing.

“This is the power you gave me, Mr. Kassadin?” he asked, incredulous.

“If this was all there is, how could I promise you the power to achieve anything?” Harvey replied calmly. “This is just the beginning. You can gain much more.”

“How do I obtain more power?” Darm asked, a bit embarrassed that his current strength was called meager, but eager for more.

“To grow stronger, you must learn of the Void and place your faith in the Church of the Void. That will grant you powers countless times greater than what you possess now,” Harvey said, revealing the condition now that Darm’s interest was piqued.

“Learn of the Void? Church of the Void?” Darm repeated, bewildered.

Suddenly, his eyes went blank. For several seconds, violet energy poured from the air and surged into his body, further transforming his physique.

Sonia watched, her eyes flickering with thoughts she dared not voice. Harvey waited patiently for Darm to awaken. He had made Darm a promise, so he granted him an additional measure of life energy to strengthen his body—fulfilling his word.

So long as someone wished it, Harvey could give anyone a chance to join the Void. If even a fifth of the inhabitants of Damsar joined, the resulting Void energy would be incalculable. One hundred million Void energy to trade for the Dominator Xenomorph’s power was no longer a distant dream—it was already within reach.

Once he possessed the abilities of the Dominator Xenomorph, his strength would ascend yet another level in this universe dominated by technology.

“Thank you, great Lord Kassadin, for granting me the chance to join the Void!” After two minutes, Darm’s eyes regained their focus. Looking at Kassadin, his gaze brimmed with awe and reverence, and he knelt on one knee in deep respect.

He had seen a vision—a figure clad in golden armor, vast as a galaxy, whose likeness matched that of Lord Kassadin before him. He understood then the grandeur of the Void and the true measure of Kassadin’s might. It seemed likely Lord Kassadin was currently regaining his strength.

“Now that you believe in the Void, there are things you must know,” Harvey intoned. “Throughout the universe, there are countless beings who worship the Void. Soon, I will found the Church of the Void on Xandar, and you will be one of its first members. The Church has only three commandments—remember them well.

First: Once blessed by the Void, you may devour anything imbued with energy to evolve and grow stronger, but you must never consume living beings.

Second: With your increasing power, you may incite conflict or even cause deaths—I will not interfere. But under no circumstance may you prey upon your own kind.

Third: Always keep your reason; do not be ruled by desire or become a mindless monster. Should you lose yourself, I will come in person to deliver judgment.

There is one more doctrine—the great Void offers every creature the chance to find faith, and to those who are truly devout, the Void will answer.”

Harvey observed Darm’s reverence and explained the rules.

“I shall always remember your teachings, Lord Kassadin!” Darm was overjoyed by the final doctrine, a smile breaking uncontrollably across his face. This meant his companions, too, might join the Void and gain the power to change their lives.