Chapter 80: The Busybodies Delight in Drama

After leaving the Grand Hotel, Dam felt lighter than he ever had before. An inexhaustible stream of energy surged within him, making his steps ever swifter. Dam longed to share this good news with his friends, to urge them to believe in the Void as he did. That way, they could all change their lifelong destiny of being mere doormen. Yet Dam decided to wait a few days longer. He was not a man to forget his roots, but he wanted first to understand the power now coursing through him. Only then, once he could demonstrate it to his companions, would he invite them to join him in worshiping the great Void.

Though Lord Kassadin had not given him direct instructions, the doctrine of the Void Cult was that the Void grants everyone a single chance. This meant he could persuade others to believe. The thought alone made Dam rejoice, grateful he had not wasted his one opportunity by joining the Nova Legion. Lord Kassadin had not deceived him; as his power grew, he would obtain everything he wished for.

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Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Sonia noticed that Mr. Kassadin had not left his villa these past few days. Her duty, aside from delivering meals at designated times, was light, allowing her ample rest. Sonia sampled some food herself and discovered that what once merely satisfied hunger now brimmed with energy. Eating filled her body, slowly transforming it; the more she ate, the more energy she gained.

Still, Sonia restrained herself, for she continued to work at the Grand Hotel. In a place full of familiar faces, sudden gluttony would easily expose her as different, drawing unwanted attention. Though the urge was difficult to suppress, Sonia was determined to treat it as a test of will, and so she ate only as much as usual each day.

Today was the day of the auction on Sandal Star. Sonia wore a finely patterned strapless gown, her golden hair softly curled. The evening dress accentuated her tall, graceful figure and elegant curves.

“How much did that dress cost?” Harvey asked, surprised to see Sonia in such attire. Her aura had shifted from pure and gentle to alluring and seductive, a pleasant fragrance wafting from her.

“If you intend to purchase land in my name, appearances must be kept up,” Sonia replied with a charming smile. “As for the price, it’s trivial—so long as Mr. Kassadin finds it pleasing.”

The Grand Hotel catered exclusively to successful individuals, so those responsible for the villas served as its public face. Every year, villa managers were judged on age, appearance, physique, education, manners, and etiquette. Sonia had served for ten years and was naturally confident in her looks.

Harvey wanted to say that there was no need for such grandeur just to attend an auction. Yet, seeing Sonia had dressed specifically for the occasion and explained the need for appearances, he refrained from dampening the mood. “It looks good. You can submit it for reimbursement later.”

“Thank you, Mr. Kassadin,” Sonia replied with a slight smile. “The auction begins in an hour. The car is ready downstairs.”

She had already asked Mr. Kassadin about transportation. Since he had not acquired any vehicle on Sandal Star, it fell to her to arrange one.

Harvey nodded and followed Sonia downstairs. As they entered the lobby, Sonia’s change of attire and demeanor caught everyone’s attention. Her transformation from sweet to captivating was so striking that even her long-time colleagues were surprised, never having seen this side of her before.

Yet, seeing Sonia walk beside the guest from Villa 7777, Kassadin, their curiosity was immediately piqued. They had heard of Kassadin, who had been staying for months, but none had seen him leave Villa 7777, nor heard of any parties or female guests. There were rumors that Kassadin was indifferent to women, but now it seemed Sonia had won him over.

Harvey ignored the stares and walked outside, where a luxury car already awaited. The driver, an elderly man in a suit, stood tall and poised, opening the rear door for Kassadin and Sonia.

They got in and departed.

“So many tried to win Sonia over for years, yet only Kassadin succeeded—how did he manage it?”

“Haven’t you heard of Kassadin?”

“News of him is spreading like wildfire on planets beyond Sandal Star.”

“I’ve been too busy to keep up with Sandal Star’s news, let alone other planets. Tell me what you know.”

“He’s the most renowned Level Three bounty hunter, known as the Void God Kassadin for his near-divine powers.”

“His legend is famous across the galaxy.”

“Is it really that impressive? Is he more formidable than some high-ranking officers of the Nova Legion?”

“I can’t say for sure, but if you don’t believe it, check off-world news about Kassadin yourself.”

A group of beautiful women in the hotel lobby chatted excitedly, gossiping away. Even amidst their speculation, they guarded their words, never saying anything that might bring trouble upon themselves. At the Grand Hotel, they were colleagues but also competitors, always striving to outperform one another.

Some quickly looked up information and found that Kassadin was little known on Sandal Star, but his reputation beyond was staggering.

“Honestly, it’s the first time I’ve seen Sonia wearing anything but her uniform, going out with a guest in an evening gown.”

“This is unprecedented.”

“She’s been here ten years. If she saved her earnings, she could retire any time now.”

“Is it possible she’ll be deceived in the end?”

“Who knows if Sonia will suffer a loss after all this?”

“Let’s wait and see how it turns out.”

The women gathered together, marveling at the spectacle.