Chapter 246: The Great Lix

"Are many people coming back?"

"That means everyone on the list Sonia gave me will return, right?"

Sara asked curiously as she listened to Kael.

"I'm not sure who's on Sonia's list," Kael replied. "But I do know most of the people I recognize will be back. Even those from Mogli Star, who we hardly see all year, will come for the New Year's pilgrimage."

He gestured toward a spaceship gliding gracefully above them. "Look, that spaceship up there belongs to Mogli Star."

"Mogli Star has members in the Void Church?" Sara exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Of course! There are over fifty Void compatriots from Mogli Star." Kael smiled. "Their leader, Lix, is a top-tier powerhouse."

"Lix? That name sounds rather intimidating," Sara admitted, feeling a bit apprehensive.

"Don't worry. Even if Lix hasn't met you yet, he'll be eager to talk to you once he learns you're a recorder," Kael reassured her.

"Why is that?" Sara inquired, puzzled.

"Seeing is believing. You'll understand once you meet him," Kael responded with a grin.

Anyone who had encountered the compatriots from Mogli Star knew they were a fervent bunch. While recorders may not have special powers, their position was established by Kassadin himself. Thus, even if Sara had minimal abilities, Lix would surely be inclined to learn more about her.

As they conversed, Sara drove toward the expansive landing area, where multiple spaceships were neatly parked. At that moment, four new starfighters from the Nova Corps descended from the sky.

"The Nova Corps has members of the Void Church?" Lalatina remarked, surprised to see the familiar Nova ships.

"According to Darm, they've been advised by Sonia to stay away from the island as much as possible," Kael explained. "So it makes sense you haven't seen them in months."

"Why would Sonia want them to come back less often?" Sara pondered, trying to grasp Sonia's reasoning.

"Considering that even a one-star officer in the Nova Corps holds significant power on Sandar Star, they could apply for special privileges for the Void Island," she noted.

"I don't know," Kael shrugged, expressing his uncertainty.

"If you don't know, then why do they agree to follow her?" Sara asked, intrigued.

"Even if we don't know the reason, Sonia wouldn't make such a statement without justification," Kael said confidently.

"They weren't officers in the Nova Corps at first, right?" Lalatina interjected, curious.

"Yeah, Darm and his group have been with the Void Church for a few years," Kael affirmed. "But they only joined the Nova Corps this past year."

"Mr. Kael, the Void Church, and the Nova Corps shouldn't be considered allies, right?" Lalatina asked thoughtfully.

"I haven't heard of any cooperation between them," Kael replied. "And honestly, I'd rather not be under someone else's command for a measly salary; I'd prefer my independence."

"Now I understand why Sonia urged Darm and the others to limit their visits to the island," Lalatina concluded. "It's probably to avoid putting them in a difficult position within the Nova Corps."

"What kind of difficult situation?" Kael asked, his curiosity piqued. "Do you think the Nova Corps would dare to bully our Void Church members?"

Sara responded, "Darm's connection to the Void Church ensures the Nova Corps will treat him with respect."

Kael's eyes widened. "You don't need to get so upset about it," he said, realizing the implications of her words.

"Darm has the backing of the Void Church. The Nova Corps needs to consider their stance carefully."

Sara reflected on her previous experiences with Nova Corps officers, recalling many instances of them venting their frustrations after drinking. Though the Nova Corps functioned as a coalition, they still had internal factions to navigate.

While Darm and his friends were now four members of the Nova Corps, their close ties to the Void Church meant they might be viewed as pawns within the organization. As long as the Void Church didn't interfere too much, things would likely remain stable. But if those ties became too overt, it could spark conflict.

"Still, it's not my place to worry about them," Kael said, shaking off the thought. "Darm can always retire back to the Void Island if things get tough. There are plenty of ways to make money beyond being a Nova Corps officer."

As they were conversing, Darm, Barnett, Primo, and Philip emerged from their starfighters, exuding confidence in their new Nova uniforms. However, the imposing figure of a three-meter-tall man with red skin and fiery hair approaching from a massive spaceship instantly shifted the atmosphere.

"Lix, it's been a year. Looks like you've grown stronger," Darm greeted with a smile.

Lix, radiating an aura of immense power, replied, "I've dedicated myself to the great Void God, Kassadin. My strength has indeed progressed."

"Lix? What are you doing here?" Lix's expression shifted to one of displeasure as he noticed Darm and his friends' attire.

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