Chapter 96: The First Batch of Visitors
"Are you sure this is the right island, according to Kassadin's coordinates?"
"We've walked seven or eight miles, but we haven't seen a soul," Reno said, scanning the surroundings with a hint of concern.
He was aware that as long as they didn't make any reckless moves, they'd likely be able to retreat safely, so he wasn't overly nervous.
"The coordinates are correct," Kael confirmed, checking the location on his communicator once more.
"I've inquired, and this morning, they saw Kassadin and a woman named Sonya setting out to sea," Kael continued.
"There's no doubt that the island owned by Sonya is the same one mentioned in Kassadin's announcement."
"And the true owner of that island should be Kassadin," the Seer added, offering a sense of calm reassurance.
This helped the group relax and continue forward.
Lacey, whose physical abilities were merely average, didn't know how much farther they had to go, but she was determined to see this through.
When Kassadin had said they would meet again, she hadn't seen him since.
Kassadin had become a legend in the bounty hunting world in just a few months, and Lacey was eager to find him and seek some protection.
Though rumors had long suggested Kassadin was somewhere on Xandar, no one knew his exact location, making it impossible to find him.
Now, with Kassadin personally sending out messages and offering opportunities, Lacey felt she had to try her luck.
"I'll go ahead and scout the road," Reno said, deciding to take a closer look.
"Other areas might be off-limits, but following the road should be safe enough."
Kael, who had worked with Reno before and knew his capabilities, advised him to be careful.
"Remember, we're just visitors. We need to maintain the proper guest demeanor," Kael added. "Even if nothing comes of this, we should be able to leave safely."
Reno nodded and quickly transformed into a shadow, darting down the road with impressive speed.
Within ten minutes, Reno returned with definitive news.
"I've seen a temple and a statue of Kassadin from a hundred miles away."
"There's no doubt this island is the one mentioned," Reno confirmed.
Until Reno was sure of the island's owner, he hadn't dared to move too freely. Now that it was confirmed, he was even more cautious. Any reckless action could lead to disaster.
"Ha! I knew it. Kassadin is forming a faction," Kael exclaimed, seizing on the information. "This might be the early stages of the Void God Cult's formation. If we join now, we could get substantial benefits."
"Was there anyone else besides the temple and the statue?" the Seer asked, noting Kael's enthusiasm but remaining cautious.
"I went alone, so I didn't see anyone else," Reno replied loudly.
Kael looked at Reno's expression with a mix of frustration and amusement. "Why are you so proud of being scared?"
Reno shrugged, admitting his apprehension. "I'm the scaredy-cat; you're the brave one. You should be the first to go up."
"Why should I be the first?" Kael retorted, clearly displeased.
"You're the tough guy, so it makes sense for you to lead the way. Are you getting cold feet?" Reno shot back with a strange look.
As they debated, a voice spoke from above.
"I'll go first," Lacey said with a serious expression.
Unlike the superpowered individuals, Lacey was primarily concerned with the distance they had to cover. Walking without transport would take a long time.
But knowing that this was indeed Kassadin's temple gave her the courage. Despite having met Kassadin only twice, her impressions of him were positive—he was approachable, generous, and not overly arrogant.
Thus, even if things didn't work out, she believed she could leave the island safely.
"Alright! You take the lead," Kael agreed, offering to help Lacey. "A hundred miles is no easy trek. I'll escort you partway."
"Thank you," Lacey said gratefully.
"I'll take the Seer then," Kael said, looking toward the Seer, who had been silently following.
"Alright, we'll meet at the temple," Reno said, as he swiftly picked up Lacey and sped off, vanishing in the distance.
"Hold on tight," Kael said, grabbing the Seer and carrying him on his back as he leaped forward, becoming a blur.
Ten minutes later, the group arrived a hundred meters from the temple.
"This temple does have the feel of a major stronghold," Kael observed.
"With this location and the size of the island, it must be worth four or five billion," Kael said.
"In Xandar City, a mansion only costs a few million. This undeveloped island worth four or five billion?" Kael argued.
"It's not impossible. The island is 327 square kilometers, and it's not too far from Xandar City," the Seer explained.
The high-tech level of Xandar made space travel common, and the purchasing power in the universe was high. Truly valuable items were large space battleships, which cost billions.
A space battleship would be a better investment than developing this island.
As the group debated, a voice came from above.
"Welcome, everyone. I'm Sonya, Mr. Kassadin's steward. Please come up, and I will introduce you to the Void God Cult."
Looking up, they saw a charming, innocent-looking woman with a warm smile.
Reno, the Seer, and Kael exchanged glances, wondering what to do next.
But Lacey, undeterred, stepped forward and began ascending the stairs.