As the voice echoed through the air, everyone turned to see Sonia, clad in a flowing black gown with an angelic visage, emerging from the temple.
Normally, the members would have eagerly admired Sonia and offered heartfelt praise.
However, at this moment, all their attention was focused on her announcement.
The Great Kassadin was about to appear. They were about to have the honor of meeting him.
Thinking this, everyone fell silent, their eyes fixed intently on Sonia.
Tony, relieved by this distraction, silently edged toward the back, feeling immensely grateful to Harvey for the timely intervention.
As everyone wondered where the great Kassadin would manifest, a colossal purple-black hole appeared above Void Island. The dark, deep purple void energy emanated from it, a sight that would usually be terrifying.
Yet, as the black hole reflected the starlit sky, it inspired awe among all the followers of the Void Faith.
From this cosmic portal emerged a towering figure, over two hundred meters tall, wrapped in a robe of white and adorned in golden armor. His face was obscured by a golden mask, but his eyes shone like radiant golden wheels.
In his right hand, he wielded a gleaming void blade that sparkled like a star. Stepping out from the purple void, it was as if he descended from the distant stars.
The moment the figure appeared, everyone held their breath.
Even Sonia, accustomed to the relaxed demeanor of Kassadin from previous encounters, was breathless in the presence of this mysterious, awe-inspiring figure.
Tony, though aware this was merely Harvey's avatar, looked on with astonishment.
"The great Void God has arrived!"
As the divine figure descended, the purple void energy enveloped the entire island in a mesmerizing starlight display, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
On Xandar, many miles away, the astonishing phenomenon was visible.
Hundreds of New Nova Corps soldiers in Xandar City stared in shock at the surging purple light from the southeast.
The legion's senior officers wore expressions of grave concern.
"Norman, did you word the request properly when you asked for a meeting?"
A dignified woman, regal in her manner, questioned Norman Halls.
"Following your instructions, I ensured we showed ample friendliness, even offering ten billion just to speak with him," Norman replied, his tone serious.
"But Kassadin was unwilling to meet."
Norman, a burly man with blonde hair, continued, "I anticipated some difficulty, but not to this extent."
"Such a vast amount of energy, if it exploded at this distance, would directly impact Xandar City."
"The shield is activated. Let's see how they proceed," another officer said.
"If they intend to fight, they would have appeared directly in Xandar City, not just their island."
The captains, all elite officers in three-star New Star battle suits capable of rapid space travel, had faced many formidable foes.
Yet, they had never encountered a presence like Kassadin.
Kassadin was not to be described as human but as a monster, demon, or deity, symbolizing a colossal threat.
Uncertain of Kassadin's intentions and with no hostility shown, the New Nova Corps hoped to communicate and understand his plans.
However, their previous requests for a meeting were met with no opportunity.
If perceived as an attempt to force compliance, it could lead to widespread casualties in Xandar.
Thus, they had waited, maintaining heightened surveillance of Void Island, even during the New Year festivities.
An alert was issued to all captains and soldiers, convening an immediate meeting to determine the response.
"Let's hope they have some decency and don't initiate conflict during New Year's celebrations," the highest commander of Xandar, Irani Rael, instructed from the command room.
"My apologies for disrupting your holiday, but please be ready to deploy at any moment."
"Understood!" the captains replied in unison.
Back on Void Island, after the grand arrival of the Void God,
"Welcome, Great Void God," the crowd chanted in unison. Hundreds knelt, heads bowed, their voices resonating with profound respect and admiration.
Tony, feeling the infectious atmosphere, sensed it was appropriate to join in and descended from the sky to blend with the crowd.
"Aside from our doctrines and three prohibitions, the Void Faith has few rules," the Great Kassadin's voice echoed.
"I have seen and heard your heartfelt prayers, devout faith, and growth."
"So, lift your heads."
"Today is the New Year of Xandar, a time for reunion and celebration."
"Regardless of your origins, follow the local customs and celebrate to your heart's content."
Harvey, in his true form as Kassadin, spoke from the sky, looking down on the hundreds below with words of approval.
"Yes!"
The crowd responded in unison.
The absence of stringent rules meant most adhered to the three prohibitions by default.
Even those who had never seen Kassadin before remained devout in their faith.
The arrival of the Great Void God confirmed their beliefs, deepening their awe and reverence.
As everyone raised their heads, Kassadin took a step and vanished, as if he had merged with the void, leaving no trace behind.
The sight left the followers with an even more fervent devotion.
The cosmic vision that once covered Void Island slowly faded, leaving behind a scene of enigmatic beauty.