Chapter 77: The Power Wasn't Just Empty Promises
"The power to achieve everything you desire…" It sounded too good to be true, almost like some elaborate scam. A scheme too fantastical to be real, with promises too grand to be genuine. Sonya couldn't help but wonder if she had gotten herself mixed up with the wrong crowd.
Still, despite the uneasy feeling bubbling up inside her, she remained composed. No eye rolls, no scoffs—just silent observation.
Meanwhile, Darm, having heard of Kassadin's reputation, didn't share the same doubts. "If I gain this power... could I still join the Nova Corps?" he asked, his voice betraying a sense of wonder.
"Of course," Kassadin replied with a nod.
This was exactly what Kassadin had hoped for. Darm's ambition to join the Nova Corps was perfect. Once he was aligned with the Void, Darm could infiltrate the Corps, giving Kassadin an inside man. Darm's rise within their ranks would be crucial for bringing others into the fold, increasing the Void's influence.
"And with this power, could I also amass the kind of wealth that you've obtained?" Darm asked, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Kassadin shook his head slightly. "Not immediately, but with the strength I grant you, earning what I have wouldn't take long."
In truth, Kassadin's ability to rapidly earn billions as a bounty hunter wasn't just due to his immense strength. His unique powers, drawn from the Void, allowed him to complete missions in ways that no one else could match.
Darm seemed to accept this, his excitement undiminished. "I understand, Kassadin. I'm ready. Please, grant me the power to change my life."
"Very well."
With that, Kassadin raised a single finger and a surge of purple energy shot from him directly into Darm.
In an instant, Darm's body lifted off the ground, and his entire physique began to change. His muscles swelled, becoming more defined, and his face grew younger, more vibrant. His entire form radiated newfound strength.
Sonya, witnessing the transformation, was utterly stunned. This… this isn't just talk. Kassadin wasn't making empty promises or spinning fanciful stories. He had the power to grant impossible abilities.
In a matter of seconds, Darm's eyes flew open, and the first thing he did was test his newfound strength. With a burst of energy, he leaped from the ground—straight into the ceiling. The impact was immediate, and his head slammed right through the thick plaster.
Sonya gasped, too stunned to speak. Darm had leaped over six meters in the air, and she could hardly believe what she had just seen.
Kassadin, unfazed by the damage, merely glanced at Sonya. "Sonya, check the cost to repair that," he said calmly.
"Yes, Mr. Kassadin," Sonya responded, finally pulling herself from her shock. She gave a quick nod, but her mind was racing. What… what would happen if Kassadin granted me that kind of power? Could my life change, too?
Meanwhile, Darm, now free from the ceiling, quickly scrambled to his feet. He didn't feel any pain from his reckless jump. He stood there, staring in disbelief at his own hands and legs, marveling at the power coursing through him.
In a voice trembling with awe, Darm asked, "Is… is this the power you've given me, Kassadin?"
Kassadin smiled faintly. "If this were the extent of the power, I wouldn't have made such bold promises. What you're feeling right now is only the beginning. You'll have much more power to gain."
Darm, despite his excitement, looked a little sheepish. "So… how do I get more power?"
Kassadin's expression grew serious. "To gain more power, you'll need to understand the Void and devote yourself to the faith of the Void."
"Void? Faith?" Darm was confused by the words.
Just then, his eyes seemed to glaze over, and a purplish energy swirled around him again. In the moments that followed, the energy continued to transform Darm further, heightening his senses and strengthening his body even more.
Sonya watched in silence, her thoughts swirling as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing.
Kassadin stood by patiently, waiting for Darm to finish his transformation. Once it was done, Kassadin had fulfilled his promise. Darm had been given more than just a taste of the power Kassadin controlled.
Anyone who sought out Kassadin would be given one opportunity to embrace the Void's gift. Kassadin's vision was clear—he would spread the influence of the Void across Xandar and beyond. All he needed was a small fraction of the population to embrace the faith.
Once a fifth of Xandar had sworn loyalty to the Void, Kassadin would have enough energy to achieve his true goal: obtaining the power of the Supreme Void Beast. He wasn't close yet, but he knew he was on the right path.
Two minutes passed before Darm finally opened his eyes, but when he did, there was a newfound reverence in them. He dropped to one knee before Kassadin, his voice filled with awe. "Thank you, Lord Kassadin, for granting me the chance to join the Void."
In those two minutes, Darm had experienced a vision—he had seen a figure, clad in golden armor, the size of the stars themselves. This being was Kassadin, in all his glory, embodying the true power of the Void. Darm understood now how powerful his new master was.
"Since you've embraced the Void, it's time I tell you a few things," Kassadin began. "First, there are Void-worshippers spread across the galaxy. Soon, I will establish the Void Church here on Xandar, and you will be one of its members. But there are three rules you must follow."
"The first: Once you've received the Void's gift, you can absorb energy from anything to evolve and grow stronger. But never consume living creatures."
"The second: You may use your growing strength to settle conflicts, even if it results in death. However, you are never to harm a fellow believer."
"The third: Always remain in control. If you allow your desires to consume you and turn into a mindless beast, I will personally see to it that you are destroyed."
Finally, Kassadin added, "The Void will grant its gifts to all who seek it, as long as their faith is true."
Darm's eyes sparkled with joy. These rules weren't restrictions—they were a path to more power. "I will always remember your teachings, Lord Kassadin!"
His mind was already racing with thoughts of others he could bring into the Void's embrace. This was no longer just about him—his friends, his companions, they too could change their lives forever.