Harvey strolled across the sky bridge, and as he entered the garden, the surrounding lights flickered on. Under the night sky, the garden's beauty was magnified, the fresh scent of flowers relaxing his mind effortlessly.
Standing at the edge of the garden's path, he gazed out at the multi-colored lights that dotted the horizon. The technological advancements of Xandar were undeniably leaps and bounds ahead of Earth. Back home, Earth didn't even have space-faring ships, let alone battle cruisers.
Yet, despite the technological marvels, the lifestyle here on Xandar felt eerily similar to his days in New York. The biggest difference, though, was the presence of the Nova Corps, which made Xandar's security much better than what New York had to offer.
However, Harvey noticed that while the Nova Corps members commanded respect, their life energy didn't match that of the Mogrians he had previously encountered. The Corps relied on their specialized Nova armor to give them extraordinary abilities, which garnered them admiration and deference wherever they went.
The soldiers in standard uniforms, like the guards Harvey had encountered at the city gates earlier, didn't receive the same level of respect. This disparity in treatment within their ranks gave Harvey an idea.
He had no interest in conquering or ruling Xandar. His goal was more subtle—he aimed to draw more people toward the Void. But before he could extend an invitation, he needed to establish himself.
Once he had a reputation, rumors would spread, and those curious or eager for power would seek him out. On Earth, Harvey had to tread carefully, wary of figures like the Ancient One or Odin bringing trouble. But here, in the vastness of space, he had fewer concerns. Even the Nova Corps, with all its might, wasn't a real threat to him.
As for what would happen once he empowered Xandar's residents through the Void—whether the balance of power would shift or wars would break out—Harvey didn't care. He wasn't here to protect the weak or maintain any sort of peace. He was clear on one thing: power dictates your stance. He wasn't yet strong enough to reshape the universe's order, so why bind himself with unnecessary restrictions?
His goal in the universe was simple. The vastness of space would accelerate his evolution, making him stronger and free of fear. True freedom wasn't a mere phrase; it was about having the strength to live as you pleased, free from external compulsion.
He also intended to spread the Void's influence throughout the galaxy, giving any intelligent being a chance to join. What they did with that power after joining wasn't his concern—not for now, anyway.
"Xandar... It's quite the place," Harvey muttered, admiring the busy city below. Various species hustled about their lives, and seeing them made Harvey smile.
At that moment, Sonya wheeled a large cart of food into the villa.
"Mr. Kassadin, I've brought a variety of dishes from our gourmet section. This is enough to feed fifty people. Please enjoy these, and when you're ready, I'll fetch more," Sonya's voice echoed across the floating garden.
Harvey, hearing this, didn't mind her request to finish what was prepared first. With a swift movement, he crossed the sky bridge and joined Sonya at the dining area, where she was setting the table.
"You're certainly not an ordinary person, Mr. Kassadin," Sonya commented, maintaining a professional smile as she continued placing dishes.
"You don't seem all that surprised," Harvey noted, catching the subtle shift in her eyes.
"I've been working here since I was fourteen, Mr. Kassadin—ten years now," she began with a small smile. "I've met all sorts of guests, though someone with your aura of authority is rare. But as for people with unique abilities? That's quite common. Many members of the Nova Corps possess extraordinary powers, so nothing shocks me much anymore."
Sonya explained as she set the table. Staying at the prestigious
Elite Hotel wasn't something just anyone could afford. Guests were typically wealthy elites or individuals with impressive abilities."So, are you saying that during the hotel's monthly gala, I'm likely to meet a lot of powerful people?" Harvey mused aloud, intrigued.
"Based on the fact that you didn't have a reservation before you checked in, it seems you're unfamiliar with how our hotel works," Sonya smiled, pouring a glass of wine for him. "While it's a place to relax and enjoy, many guests come here to network. Once someone pays for a month-long stay, they're granted access to the gala."
She continued, "The gala is a masquerade ball. Everyone uses special devices to hide their identities. Only if you hit it off with someone do you learn who they are. In short, you're not wrong. Many strong individuals attend. You happened to pay for a full month in advance, so you've secured yourself a ticket. The next gala is in two weeks. Let me know if you'd like to attend."
"Thirty thousand credits for a ticket to the ball, huh?" Harvey chuckled, his golden mask fading away to reveal his face, though a faint glow still obscured his true features. "I'll consider it."
Then, without further ado, he began to eat.
Sonya had seen many strange things in her ten years working at the hotel, but Harvey's disappearing mask and glowing face still startled her, momentarily breaking her composed exterior.