Chapter 126: Constraints of Identity

Kael, Lacey, and the Seer walked over, intending to pick up a few tips from Tony. The group headed towards the dining area together.

"Lacey, Kael, who won earlier?" Tony asked casually as they strolled.

"It was 2-2, we couldn't decide," Lacey responded with a grin. "But Kael lost focus during the fight, so I won. Our record is now six wins for me and five for Kael."

Lacey made a playful victory sign as she spoke, smiling broadly.

"Kael, you lost that many times?" Tony glanced at Kael in disbelief.

"It wasn't just volleyball. Other sports too," Kael explained, looking a bit frustrated. "A lot of competitions have power limits. They restrict me, making it hard to use my full strength. I had a good shot at winning today, but your Void powers distracted me."

Kael's tone carried a note of resignation as he looked back at Tony. In sports where strength and speed were measured without limits, Lacey couldn't compete with him. But in events where power had to be controlled, or where skill was paramount, Kael often found himself at a disadvantage. He tended to get too caught up in the moment, and before he knew it, he would break the equipment involved in the game.

"Don't forget," the Seer interjected, glancing at Kael, "the goal of these competitions isn't just winning or losing. It's about improving control over your power. Our abilities grow stronger by the day. If we don't practice managing them, it'll lead to disaster."

"By the way, Tony, you've evolved many times—it's clear your body's gone through quite a few changes. But it also seems like you haven't fully mastered controlling your strength," Lacey remarked thoughtfully. "Research is great, but I'd suggest you join some of the activities the Void Sect holds, and also spend more time in the gravity room."

"Hmm, I realized that today. I'll have to make time to get involved more," Tony nodded. "Though, I've already visited the gravity room. That's how I got the idea for my gravity device."

"I'm not suggesting you visit it, but rather that you train in it," Lacey clarified. "Reno couldn't always move at incredible speeds within a fifteen-meter radius while maintaining perfect control, but he trained hard to get there. We're all part of the Void Sect, and the world we're stepping into won't just pit us against ordinary people. There will be enemies and strange environments of every kind. Training in diverse conditions now will make us adaptable in the future."

As Lacey spoke, it became clear that training in the gravity room was a regular part of their routine. Currently, she could withstand 20 times normal gravity while using equipment. The Seer could handle up to 10 times gravity with her usual gear. For someone with the Seer's previous capabilities—who had risen to the rank of a Level 2 bounty hunter before joining the Void Sect—this was a significant achievement. Just how powerful she had become since then was known only to her.

Kael, on the other hand, could withstand 40 times gravity while training with equipment. Reno had taken a different approach, increasing gravity one step at a time while using his usual insights. After months of effort, he had managed to break through to supersonic speeds while under five times gravity.

Most of the other members of the Void Sect followed similar routines, constantly sharpening both their strength and skills.

"Got it," Tony mused. "Looks like I'll have to make time to train there."

Reno's earlier burst of speed, leaving behind dozens of afterimages, had been dazzling. At the time, Tony had only noticed how impressive it looked, without realizing the incredible control needed to achieve such a feat. He could chase after Harvey's footsteps, but the other members of the Void Sect were progressing rapidly. If he only focused on his research without mastering his powers, he risked being left behind. The group continued chatting and laughing as they headed to the dining area.

Meanwhile, back at Harvey's villa...

"Kassadin, are you interested in joining those competitions?" Sonya asked, noticing Kassadin standing on the balcony, gazing out towards the beach.

"I'd like to, but I don't think it's appropriate," Harvey replied honestly, not hiding his desire to join in. According to Sonya, the members of the Void Sect practically worshipped him. He needed to maintain his dignity around them. If he showed up, it would make the others feel uncomfortable. So even though he wanted to participate, he simply couldn't.

"I feel the same way," Sonya said, moving to stand beside him on the balcony, her eyes on the beach. "I can only watch from the sidelines because I represent you, Kassadin. If I join and win, that's fine, but if I lose, they might think I'm unworthy of being your steward."

As Harvey's steward, Sonya often had to oversee the island and its activities. She was well aware of how lively the competitions became, with Void Sect members who were on the island always coming to watch, even if they didn't participate. She wanted to join, but her status only allowed her to observe.

"I have no choice but to stay out of it, but you shouldn't be so worried," Harvey reassured her. "Being my steward doesn't mean you have to be the strongest. You're free to join in if you want."

Harvey could tell that Sonya wanted to take part in the fun. As the Void Sect's spiritual leader, there were things he simply couldn't do. Back on Earth, he could use his regular Harvey identity without worrying about such things. But when he assumed the role of Kassadin, certain self-imposed constraints came with it.

"It's enough to know that you'd allow me to participate," Sonya smiled. "But the others don't see it that way. Their first impression is that I, as your steward, must be incredibly strong and knowledgeable about the Void. But the truth is, I know very little about it. If I get too close to them and they start asking questions, I might not be able to provide answers."

Her smile faded a bit as she acknowledged the limitations her position placed on her.