Chapter 78 The Deciding Factor

"I hope to see your vibrant performance in the near future," Harvey said, his tone tinged with anticipation as he watched Darm's excited expression.

"Lord Kassadin, you have given me the opportunity to change my life. I will not let you down," Darm replied, nodding deeply. "I am willing to go through fire and water for you, Lord Kassadin, without hesitation."

Harvey observed Darm's fervent devotion and found himself curious about what Darm had seen. Yet, asking would reveal his own ignorance, so he refrained from inquiring further.

"Go and experience your power," Harvey said with a slight nod, his voice carrying a hint of approval.

"Yes!" Darm stood, bowed deeply to Harvey, and strode away with determined steps.

Now only Harvey and Sonia remained in the villa.

"If you want to ask something, just ask," Harvey said, noticing Sonia's hesitation.

"Mr. Kassadin, what is the Void you mentioned earlier?" Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Sonia asked immediately.

"You may think of it as a place, or the embodiment of a certain will," Harvey replied, glancing at Sonia. "If you believe in the Void and are answered by it, you can acquire a power that transforms and sustains you, as well as a long life. You break free from the constraints of common sense and glimpse deeper truths of the world."

"Is it really possible to gain power simply by believing in the Void? Surely there must be a price," Sonia asked, her heart stirred by the prospect of transcendent strength.

"The Void offers everyone an opportunity to join," Harvey explained. "But to say there is no price at all is impossible. First, your appearance will gradually become younger, eventually settling near adulthood. This change makes it easy for others to notice you are different. Also, your appetite will grow immensely, requiring you to eat large quantities every day."

"But these are not the real costs," Harvey continued. "The most important price is the need to vigilantly guard against your ever-growing power. Otherwise, you risk losing yourself and becoming a creature driven only by hunger and evolution. You must possess a strong mind to resist the temptation of power."

"In the future, your duties will be as before—managing my daily affairs. Additionally, when I am absent, you will observe these individuals for me. If they show signs of cannibalism or lose their reason, simply record it and report it to me," Harvey clarified, leaving nothing concealed.

Sonia was different from the others. Harvey intended for her to act as his steward, handling daily matters and monitoring the members of the Void Cult. He wanted her to understand the situation more thoroughly to facilitate her future work.

"With great power and more choices, one can more easily obtain what one desires, live more comfortably—why would they lose their reason?" Sonia wondered aloud, now understanding why Mr. Kassadin ate so much at every meal, though she remained puzzled.

"Sonia, aside from a few honest and wise beings, most intelligent creatures have endless desires," Harvey said. "What once seemed unattainable becomes easily grasped with power, and upon obtaining it, new desires arise. Things they once dared not do, they now find the courage to pursue. As their power grows, their knowledge expands, and inevitably, their behavior and character will change. Whether they can maintain their reason and moral boundaries during this process is crucial."

Harvey rose, gazing out at Darm, who was striding from the hotel below, and spoke.

"Then why are you willing to grant them power?" Sonia pondered aloud, her confusion evident. Yet as she looked at Kassadin, realization dawned on her, and she smiled with sudden understanding.

"Exactly, I am just like the majority," Harvey noticed her change in expression and replied.

To live freely in the Marvel world, one must possess power that fears nothing. He had no desire to spend centuries only to suddenly encounter a foe beyond his own strength.

"So, may I also believe in the Void and join it?" Sonia asked, her heart stirred.

"Have you thought it through?" Harvey's eyes flickered as he posed a final, probing question. Only if Sonia's answer satisfied him would he feel safe entrusting her with certain matters.

"I've thought it through. The chance to change my life is right before me. If I don't seize it, I may regret it forever. Moreover, if I want to help you watch over those people, I may not even have the courage with my current self. And since you've explained all this so clearly, you're hoping I'll decide now whether to join the Void, aren't you? If I agree, I'll officially become your steward, managing your affairs. If I hesitate, you might still let me join the Void, but choose someone else to handle more responsibilities," Sonia said, looking at Mr. Kassadin with a radiant smile.

"Intelligence is a virtue, but being too clever can be a flaw," Harvey replied, answering in a roundabout way.

"I'll remember that," Sonia nodded, hearing both admonition and approval in his words.

Harvey recalled that the system had prompted him two months ago to consider letting Sonia learn about the Void. Now, he finally confirmed his decision.

As Harvey gave his confirmation, Sonia closed her eyes, sensing the world around her undergo a dramatic transformation.

Harvey watched Sonia with her eyes closed, knowing she had long harbored curiosity about him—about his identity and the Void itself. Yet she had never acted out of turn or asked prematurely, which was one of the key reasons Harvey decided to appoint Sonia as his steward on Xandar.