Chapter 85: An Encounter with the King of Competition
Finding reliable construction firms wasn't difficult if the budget was flexible, but finding ones that were both reliable and fast was another matter.
Fortunately, Kassadin had made it clear that money wasn't an issue, which allowed Sonya more leeway in her search.
If one company wasn't sufficient, she could engage three firms, each handling different areas of the project.
In just ten minutes after Harvey finished his meal, Sonya had identified three suitable construction companies.
"Mr. Kassadin, I've found three companies that can start immediately and complete the renovation of a small island within a month," Sonya said, approaching Harvey. "Do you have any specific requirements for the construction facilities?"
"There's no need to fully renovate the entire island," Harvey replied, taking a sip of his drink. "The primary focus is to establish a grand Void Temple where people can come and make their requests."
"It's also essential to have a space where new adherents to the Void can train and adapt to their powers," he continued. "So, we need facilities with gravity devices and structures that can withstand significant impacts."
"Additionally, different styles of villa areas would be nice, so I can change things up occasionally."
"As for other undeveloped areas, you can devise a plan and notify me. As long as the plan is reasonable, you can tell me the budget needed."
Harvey had just finished his meal and was enjoying his drink when Sonya's inquiry led him to provide more detailed requirements.
New Void instructors might cause trouble if they can't adjust to their new powers initially. Therefore, having a training area is crucial.
"Understood," Sonya said, noting the additional details and confirming that she could oversee the construction.
Typically, developing an island and making it operational would require billions. However, with Kassadin's initial requirements, the costs were relatively modest. The training facilities would be the most expensive part, while the villas, given sufficient land, were less costly to build.
Since the island was Kassadin's private property, there would be no need to pay taxes unless it was used for profit.
Sonya's mind was already filled with plans, including necessary transportation routes and tools for island access.
Although Kassadin could fly and even teleport, others wouldn't have such abilities. To establish the Void Religion on Xandar, connections to the outside world were necessary.
Kassadin had mentioned that Sonya would manage the island in his absence, so she needed to ensure its smooth operation.
Harvey relaxed, sipping his drink and eating fruit, while Sonya worked on drafting architectural designs and budgeting.
The idea of having a reliable assistant and being a hands-off boss was quite satisfying for Harvey.
Sonya focused on the holographic projection of the construction designs, calculating costs, and making notes.
With the land issue resolved, designing the temple was straightforward, and the cost was reasonable. The main challenge was crafting sculptures and inscriptions.
The tenets of the Void Religion were simple, and Sonya had committed them to memory from discussions with Kassadin and Darm.
Sonya could create drawings of terrifying Void entities but needed approval for the final design.
"Mr. Kassadin, can the deity statue in the Void Temple be sculpted in your likeness?" she asked, glancing at Kassadin, who was lounging on the couch, playing a game.
"Yes," Kassadin replied without looking up from his game.
Kassadin's public persona was intentionally projected, so it was fitting for the temple to reflect his image.
"For the inscriptions, should they follow the Void Religion's commandments and doctrines?" Sonya asked, seeking clarification to avoid any mistakes.
"Yes. Currently, the Void Religion has only three commandments and one doctrine, so those four inscriptions will suffice," Kassadin responded, pausing his game to think. "If more are added later, we can always rebuild."
"Understood," Sonya said with a smile. "The estimated total cost for the construction is 153 million."
Harvey was surprised by the amount. He had expected the preliminary budget to start around 100 million, with a total not exceeding 500 million.
However, Sonya's use of "total" made it seem like a bargain.
"Is it only 153 million?" Harvey asked, glancing at Sonya.
"Yes, just 153 million," Sonya confirmed. "I can draw the designs for the temple and villas myself, which saves a significant amount of money."
"We'll start with four differently styled villas, which should be sufficient for now. If you want more in the future, just let me know, and we can add them."
"The remaining costs are for construction, decoration, and furnishings. As for the inscriptions, having you carve them will command more respect from other Void adherents."
"I believe with your skills, carving the inscriptions should be manageable, saving additional costs."
Sonya explained with a nod.
"You know about these things?" Harvey was even more surprised.
"The reason the Elite Hotel stands out on Xandar is due to its exceptional accommodation and dining, as well as its suitability for social gatherings where influential figures forge new partnerships," Sonya explained. "We also have various villa managers with different specializations and skills."
"My goal has always been to do things to the best of my ability," she added. "I've studied some relevant skills in the past, and it's surprising how useful they've become today."
Harvey was impressed, realizing he had encountered a true expert in her field.