Chapter 102: Observation and Joining
"The great Kassadin has established a Void Cult on Xandar?" he mused.
"It seems I should start spreading the teachings as well."
There was reverence in the eyes of Lix as he thought about it. It had been five months since Lord Kassadin had blessed him. In that time, not only had his appearance reverted to his younger self, but his power had grown several times stronger than in his prime. Because of this, Lix held an unwavering faith in the great Void God, Kassadin.
King Obu of Mogri had initially said he would observe for a year before allowing large-scale promotion of the Void teachings. Lix had agreed that there was no need to rush. But now, with Kassadin personally establishing the Void Temple and broadcasting the news across the galaxy, it was clear that the time for action had come.
As a devout follower of the Void, Lix knew he had to respond. Otherwise, how could he face Lord Kassadin? He also didn't want to be in a situation where, when Kassadin eventually gathered the scattered Void followers from across the universe, his recruits would be too weak due to joining too late.
"Great Void God Kassadin, your servant Lix will not disappoint you," he vowed.
Lix knelt before a statue in the temple, his voice filled with devotion. Rising to his feet, he contacted the King, requesting permission to start spreading the teachings of the Void. His goal: was to grant the people of Mogri the blessings of the Void and lead his entire race into the glory of evolution.
※※※※※※
Across the galaxy, anyone who had access to interstellar communications had likely heard the news. While many admired Kassadin's strength, most were skeptical. They believed that joining the Void Cult must come at a price, so they decided to wait and see.
The fact that Kassadin had openly declared the location of his base was a bold move, one that showed supreme confidence in his power. But admiration alone wasn't enough to motivate action. Let others make the first move, they thought.
※※※※※※
Several days passed.
The first group to step forward consisted of Reno, Kael, The Seer, and Lacy. They knelt before the statue of Kassadin, their hearts filled with gratitude, awe, and a touch of fear.
"You have all received the blessing of the great Void God, Kassadin," Sonya, standing five meters away, addressed them in a soft voice. "As such, I am here to explain what you can expect now that you have joined the Void Cult and received its blessings."
Her words were soothing, but to Reno and the others, they felt like thunder, shaking them to their core. They had hoped to gain strength by joining the Void, but they never imagined that their very lifespans would change.
"In this moment, each of you has gained the potential to live for hundreds, if not thousands of years," Sonya continued. "You have broken free from some of the chains of mortality and become long-lived beings."
The impact of her words was profound. In highly advanced civilizations across the galaxy, extended lifespans were common, but even in a place like Xandar, the longest-lived individuals rarely surpassed 300 years. Most people barely lived to 200.
The idea that simply joining the Void Cult could extend one's life was mind-blowing. If news of this benefit spread, even the most powerful figures on Xandar would likely scramble to join.
"Now, you may feel as though your power hasn't increased much," Sonya added, "but do not worry. By receiving the Void's blessing, you have begun your journey of glorious evolution. From now on, you will be able to absorb different materials and use them to further evolve, gaining unimaginable strength."
"I hope you now understand the importance of the commandments," Sonya said, her expression softening. "I advise you not to break them, or you may find yourselves facing judgment. The great Kassadin is always watching."
Her smile was gentle, but her warning was clear.
Sonya wasn't sure why Kassadin was willing to grant Void powers to so many. However, she knew that while joining the Void seemed to come at no cost, the real challenge was resisting the growing hunger for more power. Only those who could maintain their sanity and control their desires would live long enough to truly grow strong. Those who lost control and became mindless, ravenous creatures would face swift judgment.
"Thank you, Lady Sonya," Reno, Kael, The Seer, and Lacy responded in unison, bowing their heads in respect. "We will uphold the Void's commandments."
Sonya nodded. "The great Kassadin does not wish to restrict your freedom. However, in his kindness, he has prepared a gravity chamber for you. You may stay on the island for some time to practice and learn how to control your newfound strength and desires."
"As for food," she added with a small smile, "you can pay the chefs on the island or catch your meals in the ocean. I've already secured the necessary permits for fishing. Feel free to help yourselves."
"As members of the Void Cult, the great Kassadin looks forward to seeing you all maintain your sanity and clarity in the days ahead," she said before leaving.
Although the first group had arrived quickly, there had been no second wave of visitors. Sonya suspected that many were still observing the Void Cult from the outside. But once Reno and the others returned home safely, proving that faith in the Void truly brought power, she was sure more would follow.
She smiled to herself. It wouldn't be long before she had her hands full, but compared to her old job at the Elite Hotel, this was a much easier life.
After Sonya left, Reno, Kael, The Seer, and Lacy stood from their kneeling positions, exchanging glances filled with amazement.