Chapter 130: Approaching the New Year
During this time, Tony had Sonya help him purchase some rare minerals and special materials only found in outer space.
One day, Tony paid a visit to Harvey.
"Harvey, I'm heading back tomorrow," Tony announced.
"I checked the wormholes on the route, and the journey back will take about three days."
"I'm planning to return early to surprise Pepper and spend Christmas with her."
Tony, clad in his Iron Man armor, spoke as he arrived at Harvey's villa.
"Didn't you tell Pepper you're coming back?" Harvey asked, surprised.
"If I told her, it wouldn't be a surprise. Besides, I told her I'd be staying away a bit longer," Tony replied with a grin.
Although he had mentioned extending his time away, Pepper would be thrilled to see him return early.
"Have you said goodbye to the others on the island?"
"You might not be back for a while," Harvey pointed out.
Despite Tony's significant power upgrade, he wouldn't be able to return easily after 2011.
"...?"
Tony was puzzled by Harvey's comment about not returning soon. He had planned to return to Pepper for Christmas and spend some time with her before coming back in about six months. It didn't seem necessary to bid a formal farewell for just a six-month absence.
However, knowing Harvey's perceptive abilities, Tony understood that if Harvey said so, there might be some pressing matters that would keep him tied up.
"Alright, I'll go say my goodbyes before I leave," Tony said after considering Harvey's advice.
"Mr. Kassadin, how long do you plan to stay on Blue Star C53?" Sonya couldn't contain her curiosity and asked.
"It depends on the situation. I'll probably stay for a while to watch the events unfold and then return," Harvey answered.
"Watch the events unfold?" Sonya asked, puzzled.
"Yes, in a few years, a guy called Star-Lord will come to Xandar," Harvey explained.
"When you hear about him, let me know," he added.
"Star-Lord? I haven't heard of him," Sonya said, looking intrigued.
"In a few years... does that mean you still have some form of foresight?" Sonya wondered, scanning her memory for any information on this name, but finding none.
Her feelings were mixed. If Mr. Kassadin really could foresee the future, then their meeting might have been part of his foresight. What would happen between them in the future—was it all already known to him?
"No," Harvey shook his head.
Once he acquired the Void Prophet's abilities, he would gain foresight. For now, he only knew about general events and couldn't predict individual futures.
Even if a new hero template appeared, he wouldn't choose the Void Prophet. Instead, he'd opt for the Void Hunger (Cho'Gath) template. Having already strengthened his physical body through the Void Predator's powers, he preferred focusing on physical enhancement over magical abilities.
As long as his physical form was resilient, he could recover quickly even if he faced danger.
"I see," Sonya said, visibly relieved.
If someone could see the future, a positive future would be reassuring, while an unfavorable one would be daunting. Sonya was most worried that Mr. Kassadin might have foreseen their future and had no interest in her as a result.
But since Mr. Kassadin said he didn't, her worries seemed unfounded.
"I remember Xandar's New Year is around December 20th?" Harvey asked, glancing out the window at the snow-covered, white world.
"Yes, that's right. Why do you ask?" Sonya replied, a bit curious.
"The island should be quite lively," Harvey said thoughtfully.
Even though it was a snowy winter on Xandar and many people were reluctant to venture out, the island was still bustling.
"The Void Church now has a total of 427 members," Sonya explained.
"Excluding me, there are 314 members on the island. They plan to celebrate the first year of joining the Void Church."
"Many members intend to go home to spend the New Year with their families and then return to the island for the celebration. Some also plan to visit the temple to pay homage to your statue and thank you for their new lives."
"So it will be lively," she added with a smile.
"In that case, I'll stay and celebrate the New Year before heading out," Harvey decided with a smile.
"Really?" Sonya was surprised and delighted, unable to hide her joy.
"Of course. Since they're planning to collectively pay homage to my statue, it wouldn't make sense for me to be absent," Harvey confirmed.
"Great! I'll start preparing," Sonya said, beaming with happiness as she rushed downstairs to get New Year's decorations.
Seeing Sonya's excitement, Harvey said nothing more. Celebrating the New Year on the island would be more festive compared to spending it alone on Earth.
Although Harvey didn't know much about Sonya's past and she had never mentioned it, he recalled that her resume, when she signed on as his proxy, listed her relatives as "none."
Whether due to unfortunate events, abandonment, or other reasons, Sonya likely spent the New Year alone. Though both he and Sonya might have been used to celebrating alone, having company made the occasion much more enjoyable.