Chapter Ninety-Nine: The Purpose of Founding the Sect

Darm saw only a dark shadow flash by and instinctively raised his hand to block it.

Barnett, Primo, and Philip, upon seeing Darm suddenly raise his hand, also halted abruptly in their tracks.

“What do you intend to do?”

Standing protectively before his three brothers, Darm eyed the silver-haired man before them, his gaze filled with wariness.

Judging by the speed the other had just displayed, Darm knew that if things came to blows, they would be no match for this man. Thus, he could only attempt to negotiate, hoping to avoid a fight.

Reynold noticed that the leader of the four ahead had actually detected a trace of his movements. Although the man might not be especially powerful, he was very likely a superhuman.

“Don’t be nervous. I mean no harm,” Reynold said, his tone gentle. “My name is Reynold, a level-two bounty hunter. My companions and I have come here to seek an audience with Kassadin, the God of the Void.”

“Did you also come because you heard the message spread by Kassadin, seeking strength?”

“If so, perhaps we can talk. Who knows, we might even become companions in the future.”

So Reynold adopted a very friendly demeanor, spreading his hands open and taking two steps back.

When Darm heard Reynold say he had come seeking strength, a spark flashed in his eyes. He had half a mind to say he had already received the blessing of the great Void.

“My name is Darm, from the City Guard of Sandar City.”

“We did indeed come here to seek power as well.”

But then he recalled Kassadin’s earlier warning to him, and so he chose his words carefully. Darm remembered every word Kassadin had spoken, knowing that one must tailor their words to their audience to survive in this world.

Moreover, having had to conceal his power for over a month, Darm had grown more cunning.

Barnett, Primo, and Philip all regarded Darm as their leader, and so, upon hearing his words, remained silent and obedient.

“Then that settles it. We arrived this morning and are about to catch some fish for a meal,” Reynold said. “Why don’t you wait for us, and later we can exchange some insights?”

“Perhaps in the future we’ll have much to discuss.”

Although these men claimed to be from the City Guard of Sandar City, Reynold knew that did not guarantee their identities were genuine. The temple currently had only Lacey inside, and he was concerned that if these men went there, something unfortunate might befall her.

Even those with weak superhuman abilities were vastly different from ordinary people. It was not that Reynold was naturally suspicious, but on this remote, vast, and primitive island, many things could occur without ever being discovered by the outside world.

“All right, we can exchange some insights later,” Darm agreed. Since Reynold was going fishing and he himself was off duty with time to spare, there was no reason to refuse.

Though wary of Reynold, Darm was not truly fearful, believing that Kassadin was surely watching over them.

“What’s going on, Reynold?” Kael approached Reynold and asked.

“Lacey is alone at the temple. I’d rather not have them go there just yet,” Reynold replied quietly.

“You worry too much. This island is under Kassadin’s control after all,” Kael remarked. “As visitors hoping to join the Void Cult, even if we fail, Kassadin wouldn’t simply allow a mortal like Lacey to come to harm at his temple, would he? This is his domain.”

Kael didn’t seem concerned by the possibility.

“And what if Kassadin doesn’t care? It’s always better to be cautious,” Reynold whispered.

Though Lacey was infamous at the Bounty Bar for selling her body, there was a world of difference between acting of one’s own accord and being forced. Since she had come with them, Reynold felt obliged to ensure her safety, at least until they left this place.

Darm, whose hearing now allowed him to pick up even the faintest sounds within a hundred meters, easily caught Reynold’s deliberately hushed words. After hearing this, he relaxed his guard for the moment.

“Let’s fish together then. How about we see who can catch more?” Darm said with a grin.

“Agreed. The loser buys the winner a drink, how about that?” Reynold’s competitive spirit was sparked by the challenge.

“Deal,” Darm replied.

If Reynold hoped to join the Void Cult, then in time, they would have plenty of opportunities to interact. Even if Reynold failed to join, Darm believed that as Reynold grew stronger, differences in power and status would eventually cease to matter for their friendship.

And so, the group agreed, stripped off their shirts, donned only their trousers, and waded into the sea to fish.

※※※※※※

Inside the villa, Harvey was dining and observing everything as it unfolded.

Although Reynold, Kael, and the Seer had not yet received his blessing, they did not seem particularly anxious. Instead, they appeared content to wait him out.

Harvey had no intention of accepting them into the Void immediately; he planned to let them wait a while longer. If they were still there in a few days, he would grant them the chance to join.

He could offer anyone the opportunity to join the Void, but opportunity favored those who were prepared and truly yearned for strength.

As for Darm and his companions, Harvey had no need to concern himself with them for now.

“Mr. Kassadin, the gravity devices you requested will be delivered tomorrow morning,” Sonia reported from beside him. “May I ask what you intend to use them for?”

Even the hundredfold gravity chamber, far more useful than standard gravity devices, could not restrict Mr. Kassadin’s movements. If these regular devices were not meant for the new recruits of the Void Cult, she could not fathom his purpose.

“Just put them somewhere convenient and let me know where. I’ll have use for them in a few days,” Harvey replied.

He had not returned to Blue Star for months, and after the busiest period following the spreading of his message was over, it would be time to go back.

His establishment of the Void Cult on Sandar was not solely because of its similarities to Blue Star or its dense population, which made it ideal for spreading the faith. More importantly, Harvey had no need to actively seek out the Infinity Stones.

In a few years, Star-Lord would deliver the Power Stone to the Nova Corps on Sandar. When the time came, all Harvey needed was for Sonia to inform him once Ronan arrived on Sandar, and he could obtain the Power Stone directly.

Given a few more years to grow, even the nascent Thanos, just beginning his quest to gather the Infinity Stones, would find it impossible to seize the Power Stone from him.

“Understood. Once the devices arrive, I will place them in Storage Room One in the basement,” Sonia replied immediately.