Chapter 85: Well Then, I've Run Into the Master of Overachievement

While Harvey was having his lunch, Sonia was busy selecting construction companies that met the criteria. There were plenty of reliable firms as long as the price was right, but those that could guarantee speed were much fewer. Fortunately, Mr. Kassadin had assured her that money was no object, allowing Sonia to cast a wider net in her search.

If one company wasn't enough, she could hire three, assigning different teams to work on separate sections of the island. By the time Harvey finished eating—barely ten minutes later—Sonia had already found three companies that fit the requirements.

“Mr. Kassadin, I’ve found three companies that can begin work immediately and guarantee the redevelopment of a small island within a month,” Sonia reported as she approached Harvey. “Do you have any particular requirements for the facilities?”

“There’s no need to completely remodel the entire island,” Harvey replied, having just finished his meal and sipping his drink. “The main thing is to establish a grand Void Temple—a space that impresses visitors and serves as an appropriate venue for audiences. There also needs to be a training ground for new converts to the Void, where they can learn to harness their powers. So, gravity devices and structures capable of withstanding greater impact are necessary. Additionally, I’d like villa districts of varying styles for a change of scenery now and then. As for the rest of the undeveloped areas, plan them as you see fit, and let me know once you’ve decided. As long as there are no major issues with your plan, just tell me how much funding you’ll need.”

It was crucial to provide a training ground for new adherents of the Void. Without a place to adapt to their newfound powers, they were likely to cause trouble early on. Sonia nodded, understanding that aside from these main requirements, she was free to oversee the rest of the construction as she saw fit.

Ordinarily, developing a small island into a profitable venture would cost at least several hundred million. But for Mr. Kassadin’s preliminary requirements, the expenses wouldn’t be nearly as high. The training grounds would be the most expensive; the villas, given ample land, wouldn’t cost too much to build.

This island was Kassadin’s private property. Without plans to operate it as a commercial enterprise, there was no need to pay taxes. Sonia’s mind was already buzzing with ideas for the layout. Transportation to and from the island would also have to be arranged.

Undoubtedly, Mr. Kassadin could fly—perhaps even teleport—so these arrangements were unnecessary for him. But others would need conventional means of access. Since the Void Church was to be established on Xandar, it would need to connect with the outside world and provide visitors with ways to arrive. Moreover, Kassadin had said that when he was away, Sonia would be in charge. That meant she’d have to ensure the island continued to function smoothly in his absence.

Harvey sat in a corner, sipping his delicious drink and nibbling on fruit, while Sonia, having fixed herself a meal, ate as she pored over designs. Once she tallied up the estimated costs, all Harvey had to do was provide the funds. He couldn’t help but reflect on how enjoyable it was to have a trustworthy assistant and play the role of a hands-off boss.

Sonia, meanwhile, was unconcerned. With her left hand, she traced the overall layout on her projection device, calculating costs as she went. With the land secured, and since she could draft the plans herself, the temple wouldn’t be expensive or difficult to build. The main challenge lay in designing the sculptures and inscriptions. The doctrines of the Void Church were not complex—she had already memorized them during Kassadin’s conversation with Mr. Dam. Sonia had seen some of the terrifying void creatures and could sketch them, but she needed permission first.

“Mr. Kassadin, may I sculpt the temple’s statue in your likeness?” she asked quietly, glancing at Kassadin, who was now relaxing on the soft sofa and playing a game.

“You may,” Harvey replied without taking his eyes off the projection screen. This persona of Kassadin was, after all, the image he intended to present to the world—so it was only fitting that the temple bear his statue.

“As for inscriptions, should I carve the commandments and doctrines of the Void Church?” Sonia asked, just to be sure.

“Yes. At present, there are only three commandments and one doctrine, so those four will suffice. If more are added in the future, we can always renovate,” Harvey answered, pausing his game for a moment to think.

“Understood,” Sonia replied with relief, her earlier worries dispelled. “Based on my calculations, the total construction cost will amount to one hundred and fifty-three million.”

“Only one hundred and fifty-three million in total?” Harvey turned to look at her in surprise.

He had expected that Sonia would ask for at least a hundred million for the initial phase, and as long as the total didn’t exceed five hundred million, he’d have been satisfied. But Sonia’s use of the word “total” made it sound like a bargain.

“Yes, only one hundred and fifty-three million,” Sonia confirmed. “I can draw up the designs for the temple and villas myself, though I’ll need to ask you a few questions about your preferences. That will save a significant amount on design fees. For the villas, I propose we start with four of different styles, which should suffice for now. If you want more later on, just let me know in advance—it won’t be difficult to expand. So, all you’ll need to cover are construction, decoration, and furniture costs. As for the inscriptions on the steles, if you personally carve them, Mr. Kassadin, it will inspire even greater reverence among the faithful. With your abilities, inscribing the stone tablets directly should be easy, saving us even more.”

Sonia explained her reasoning with a slight nod.

“You know how to do all this?” Harvey was even more surprised.

“The reason why the Eminence Hotel is the most renowned on Xandar isn’t just because of its impeccable accommodations and cuisine,” Sonia smiled. “It also provides a perfect venue for socializing, where prominent guests can form new partnerships. Moreover, each villa manager brings a distinct philosophy and skillset to their role. My philosophy is: if you’re going to do something, do it to the best of your ability. So I’ve studied a few things and picked up some skills over the years. I never expected they’d come in handy today.”

Harvey could only marvel at her attitude. He realized he had encountered a true overachiever.