Chapter Seventy-Six: A Granted Opportunity

After that, Dam followed Sonia onto the levitating escalator, ascending all the way to the 77th floor. He kept his eyes on the surroundings as he walked behind her, his gaze filled with wonder and a trace of envy. The place was the epitome of luxury, complete with every conceivable amenity for leisure and entertainment. The cost of a single night's stay here equaled his monthly salary; it was a place he could never afford in his entire life.

As they passed through a corridor, Dam caught sight of a familiar figure clad in battle armor. Before he could call out, the figure, exuding an aura of mysterious solemnity in golden armor, had already turned to face him.

"Dam, I didn’t expect you to remember me," Harvey said, turning to look at Dam, a faint smile in his voice. Harvey never minded showing a friendly attitude toward those who approached him with goodwill. Moreover, if Dam joined the Void and the plan went smoothly, the Void could infiltrate Xandar’s military directly. Compared to the Nova Corps, the regular army stood worlds apart in status, so there was no shortage of people in the military longing for change.

"I only remembered you because of your recent fame," Dam replied, his face flushing with embarrassment.

"Honesty isn’t a flaw, but sometimes you need to tailor your words to your audience if you want to get ahead," Harvey said with a smile. "Still, I understand. When you first met me, I was a nobody—it’s only natural that you forgot. Now that you’ve remembered and come to visit, why not sit and chat for a while?"

Sonia, overhearing Mr. Kassadin’s words, was both surprised and curious. But she remembered her duties and quietly excused herself to fetch drinks and wine.

"Very well," Dam nodded in response, but his movements were slightly stiff, betraying the tension beneath his calm exterior. He couldn’t help it; their first meeting had left him under immense pressure, facing this enigmatic man who seemed every inch a big shot. Now, only a few months later, Kassadin was indeed on the verge of a resurgence, and since Dam had come to ask a favor, he couldn't suppress his nervousness.

"There’s no need to be nervous. I am a man of my word," Harvey assured him gently. "Since I promised you, that promise stands, no matter when you choose to claim it. But the opportunity comes only once, so think carefully about what you truly want."

"Whether it’s a fortune that others could only dream of, enough to let you live without ever having to work again; or to break free from your species’ natural lifespan and live for hundreds or even thousands of years; or if you wish to join the Nova Corps and need a recommendation—I can make it happen," Harvey continued in a tranquil tone, though his words brimmed with irresistible temptation.

"You can recommend me for the Nova Corps?" Dam’s eyes widened in shock, reverence creeping into his voice.

"Of course. You must have heard of my reputation by now. In the name of Kassadin, speaking with the upper echelons of the Nova Corps, recommending someone for admission is hardly a challenge. Is that why you’ve come to see me? Is it the Nova Corps you wish to join? The opportunity is yours, and if you say yes, I’ll see it done."

Harvey was not surprised that Dam’s primary interest was the Nova Corps rather than the promise of power or wealth. On Xandar, the Nova Corps was the very symbol of strength, authority, and riches. As a Xandarian, Dam’s excitement at the chance to join was only natural.

For a moment, Dam was silent. Hearing Kassadin’s ready offer and being reminded that the opportunity came only once, his initial excitement gave way to a more sober reflection. Each of the options Harvey presented—fortune, power, or longevity—was staggeringly tempting. The average Xandarian lifespan was about two hundred years, assuming good health, which only reinforced the rigid class structure of the planet. Elites and the wealthy had more time to leverage their assets and authority. The rich grew ever richer; while it wasn’t impossible for the poor to change their fate, climbing the social ladder was no easy feat.

Dam harbored no resentment toward the wealthy, but he understood that achieving success was never easy. Even with a longer life, if he failed to seize the chance to change his destiny and gain real power, he might still live an unremarkable existence. Joining the Nova Corps would give him some measure of strength, but even with the coveted Nova armor, he would have to start at the bottom. If luck favored him and he survived a century of battles, earning distinguished merit, he might one day change his and his descendants’ place in society—but only if he survived the battlefield.

At that moment, Sonia arrived, pushing a cart laden with drinks and several bottles of fine wine. She had no idea what Mr. Kassadin and Mr. Dam had discussed, but after serving Mr. Kassadin his drink, she turned to Dam.

"Mr. Dam, would you prefer something to drink, or some wine?" she asked, her melodious voice gently breaking the tension.

"Wine..." Dam answered, his gaze lingering on the labels of the three bottles—each a treasured vintage, aged for years.

"Certainly," Sonia nodded, and with practiced grace opened a bottle, pouring him a third of a glass. She set it before him with a gentle push of her slender fingers.

"Thank you..." Dam said, his attention caught by Sonia as he murmured his gratitude.

"You’re welcome," Sonia replied, her pure and lovely features lighting up with a gentle smile. She then stepped back, standing three meters behind Kassadin.

Looking at Sonia’s position and the figure across from him, Dam finally realized the significance of where he was and whom he faced. Even among the Nova Corps, not everyone could afford to frequent such an illustrious hotel. If one were to sum up a man’s life pursuits, they would be wealth, power, and strength. Possessing any one of these could bring a man everything he desired and a life others envied. As for power, it went without saying—the famed Kassadin before him possessed at least wealth and strength.

"Mr. Kassadin, could you tell me—just how great is the power you offer to change my life?" Dam asked, his mind suddenly clear and his expression serious.

"I can grant you power enough to attain anything your heart desires," Harvey replied calmly, having already noticed Dam’s earlier glances at Sonia.