Chapter Summaries

Thor and Loki learned that Lacey and the others had gone to help take over Knowhere, then met Star-Lord at the cafeteria and learned why he had come to Void Island. Star-Lord left determined to seek the Void Cult’s blessing and eventually face his father, while Sarah encouraged him and Loki affirmed his courage.

• Sarah told Thor and Loki that Sonia had appointed Lacey to take over Knowhere, with Renoli, Kyle, and Precognitor helping her.
• Thor greeted Star-Lord, who explained that he had arrived alone to seek a blessing, and Sarah reassured him when he felt out of place among the Void Cult’s powerful members.
• Thor introduced Star-Lord to Sarah and praised his potential, prompting Star-Lord to regain his confidence after Sarah encouraged him.
• Star-Lord said the Guardians of the Galaxy were still doing rescue work and planned to reunite within two years, while he would keep seeking a blessing until he succeeded or his father died.
• Star-Lord explained that he wanted to kill his father with his own hands, and Loki praised his determination and courage.

Star-Lord thanked Sarah for helping him understand how to live on the island, then left to pursue his own path toward joining the Void Cult. Thor and Loki discussed Lacey’s new role in Knowhere and their reluctance to inherit Asgard’s throne, ending with Loki trying to stop Thor from marrying and drawing their parents’ attention to him.

• Star-Lord said he would take responsibility for uncovering the truth behind his father’s killings, and Sarah accepted his thanks for helping him recognize his inferiority.
• Loki explained that Star-Lord needed to find his own way without being swayed or burdened by Thor and Loki, and Thor agreed to let him go.
• Sarah told Thor and Loki that Lacey would liaise with Sonia’s puppet in Knowhere, while Renoli, Kyle, and Precognitor helped find a candidate and stabilize the situation.
• Loki explained that Sonia chose Lacey for her knowledge of the universe’s darker side and her strength, and Loki joked that she should treat them to a meal for her appointment.
• Thor said he preferred staying on Void Island to returning to Asgard before inheriting the throne, and Loki explained that Odin wanted to abdicate so he could enjoy a carefree life.
• Loki proposed that Thor marry and have children so they could retire from governing Asgard sooner, but he panicked when Thor considered it because their parents would then urge Loki to marry.

Lacey, Renoli, Kyle, and the Precognitor arrived in Knowhere to take control of the lawless hub for the Void Cult. With the Collector’s influential associates dead, Lacey reviewed Wumaqi’s records to find a capable local agent among the surviving power players.

• Sarah warned Loki not to spread his ideas about avoiding work through the Void Cult, and Loki quickly clarified that he spoke only for himself after learning Kassadin was watching.
• Knowhere’s fugitives and Black Merchants repaired the damage from the war while worrying about whether the Void Cult would impose new rules or drive them away.
• Lacey, Renoli, Kyle, and the Precognitor arrived in Knowhere, prompting locals to fear a purge or a search for an agent.
• Lacey explained that the most influential people had likely worked for the Collector and appeared on the death list, so she asked Wumaqi for records of surviving superpowered individuals.
• Wumaqi sent Lacey detailed information on Knowhere’s survivors, and she began searching for a strong and suitable local agent.

Lacey and the Void Cult chose Nikoloff and Madam Dip as Knowhere’s acting rulers, but their extreme reluctance meant they had to be captured and intimidated first. Renoli brought them to the Collector’s residence, where Kyle prepared to interrogate them.

• The Precognitor examined futures and learned Nikoloff and Madam Dip would accept leadership only after being pushed to the brink of death and forced to use their powers.
• Lacey approved them as candidates, and Renoli flew to the repair unit where their industrial ships were located.
• Renoli battered both ships and delivered them to Lacey, Kyle, and the Precognitor without either captive using their abilities.
• Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly pleaded that they were not loyal servants of the Collector, but Kyle took them to the Collector’s interrogation cells.
• A blue-skinned man offered to help Kyle, who hinted that he might get a chance to have fun if Madam Butterfly proved cooperative.

Kyle and the others captured Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly, using threats and a staged display of cruelty to make them believe they would be tortured and killed. Lacey revealed that she wanted them to manage Knowhere and report its revenue, and they agreed; afterward, Renoli told Kyle to stay on the island and reflect on his conduct.

• Cang Yuan recognized Kyle’s intimidation act and left to inform the other Void Cult members, while Lacey departed in disgust.
• Kyle stopped Madam Butterfly from killing herself, healed her fatal wound, and warned her that he controlled whether she lived or died.
• Nikoloff begged to learn why they had been captured, but Kyle injured him and refused to answer until the Precognitor brought Lacey back.
• Lacey asked Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly to serve her by managing Knowhere and reporting its finances, and both agreed.
• Kyle healed Nikoloff, and Renoli told him to stay on the island and reflect on himself.

Lacey appointed Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly as acting managers of Knowhere after the Void Cult took control, while Kyle and the others kept them under watch. Lacey sent Nikoloff’s background to Miss Sonia for approval before finalizing the handover.

• Lacey told Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly to manage Knowhere, maintain order, and uphold its rules except for the ban on human trafficking.
• Nikoloff used his telekinesis to carry Madam Butterfly away and revealed his true appearance and strength, explaining that he had once ruled the Tesma Civilization before its defeat by the Kree Empire.
• Lacey said she would observe the new managers for five to ten years, and Kyle agreed to announce their appointments and the rule changes.
• Renoli and the Precognitor stayed behind to watch Nikoloff while Lacey contacted Miss Sonia and shared his background for review.
• Miss Sonia read that Nikoloff was a former overlord with strength, principles, and management ability, and expressed surprise that Knowhere had someone so capable.

Sonia discussed Lacey’s new role overseeing Knowhere, including her duties and compensation, then spoke with Harvey about the multiverse and the many possible futures for people in parallel universes. Sonia was glad she had met Harvey and hoped to see what her other selves became, while Harvey said she might have the chance someday.

• Sonia and Lacey discussed whether to tell Nikoloff about the Void Cult’s future plans and reviewed the handover of Knowhere’s affairs.
• Sonia outlined Lacey’s responsibilities and told her that she could keep one percent of Knowhere’s revenue as compensation, by Kassadin’s order.
• Sonia passed along Kassadin’s reminder that Lacey should preserve her friendships with Kyle, Renoli, the Precognitor, Tony, and the others.
• Harvey told Sonia that the Infinity Stones could not grant true omniscience or affect parallel universes, and explained that parallel universes existed.
• Sonia said she was glad to have met Harvey and wanted to see what she might have become in another universe, and Harvey told her there would be an opportunity someday.

Lacey learned that Kassadin had awarded her one percent of Knowhere’s annual revenue and told her friends she hoped to meet him in person to thank him. She then began arranging Knowhere’s handover to Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly, promising them fair compensation and safe departure if they did their jobs well.

• Lacey told Renoli, Kyle, and the Precognitor that she would receive one percent of Knowhere’s annual revenue as her reward.
• Lacey said she hoped to meet Kassadin’s true self and thank him face-to-face, while her friends encouraged her to keep pursuing that goal.
• Kyle reported that Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly had offered no resistance, though Madam Butterfly had privately complained to Nikoloff.
• Lacey summoned Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly to discuss the handover and their compensation as Knowhere’s new administrators.
• Lacey told the two administrators that the Void Cult would pay them fairly and let them leave Knowhere safely when their service ended, provided they did their work well.

Lacey appointed Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly as Void Cult proxies to manage Knowhere, setting their compensation and reporting duties before leaving them to restore its operations. Back on Void Island, the group discussed Nikoloff’s abilities and background, and considered why his pragmatism made him a reliable manager.

• Lacey offered Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly annual compensation of ten million each and warned them against failing or deceiving the Void Cult.
• Lacey explained the handover schedule and required them to report Knowhere’s revenue and important intelligence while managing ordinary matters themselves.
• Lacey left Knowhere with Renoli, Kyle, and the Precognitor, and Nikoloff began planning to restore the shops and other businesses.
• Lacey returned to Void Island, where she held a small dinner with the members who had gathered to congratulate her on her new position.
• Lacey showed the group Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly’s backgrounds, prompting Loki, Tony, Banner, and Thor to discuss Nikoloff’s power and his decision to avoid confronting the Kree Empire.

Lacey announced that Sonia had appointed her to manage Knowhere in exchange for one percent of its annual revenue, and the Void Cult members congratulated her. Their response reassured Sonia that official positions could encourage members to earn recognition, while Steve again asked when he could move to Void Island.

• Loki changed the subject from Sarah and Lalatina’s conversation, and Kyle explained that Lacey would receive one percent of Knowhere’s annual revenue.
• Tony advised Lacey to announce her appointment openly, arguing that her public recognition could motivate other Void Cult members; the Precognitor foresaw that they would congratulate her.
• Lacey announced her new role and compensation in the group community, where members celebrated and Lex praised her while reminding her to serve the Void Cult well.
• Steve envied Lacey’s prospective income and asked Tony when he could live on Void Island; Tony said the research was underway but gave no timeline.
• Harvey saw the group’s congratulatory messages through Sonia’s communicator, and Sonia recognized that their plan to encourage members with official positions was working.

Sonia organized the Void Cult’s finances and development plans while the cult sold the Collector’s collection. Star-Lord continued worshipping for a Void blessing, but Harvey remained wary of his extraordinary potential and decided to observe him for at least two years before considering his admission.

• Sonia arranged Lacey’s salary, planned future cultivation work, and considered buying planets through negotiations with the Nova Corps.
• Sonia sorted the Collector’s collectibles for storage or sale and considered asking Tony to study the alien specimens.
• A month later, the Void Cult had moved the Collector’s collection into categorized storage beneath the sea around Void Island.
• Star-Lord spent the month worshipping before the Void Temple and endured the strange looks of others without approaching the cult members.
• Harvey observed Star-Lord’s patience and changed demeanor but decided to watch him for at least two years because his awakening could give him immense power.
• Kyle and the Precognitor discussed Star-Lord’s potential and the danger that his desires might outgrow his restraint if he received a Void blessing.

Kyle and Renoli discussed Star-Lord’s difficult blessing trial before inviting Thor to spar, but Thor admitted he needed more training. At lunch, Sarah astonished the group by demonstrating Supple Strength and revealed that Sonia had privately trained her in combat techniques and prepared her and Lalatina to defend the island if danger arose.

• Kyle and Renoli reasoned that Star-Lord’s desire for revenge could make his blessing trial especially difficult, and Renoli said he would respect him if he remained on the island for a year.
• Kyle invited Thor to fight in the arena, but Thor declined until he had improved his skills and passed the Vibrating Gold training.
• Loki questioned Sarah’s combat knowledge, so Sarah demonstrated Supple Strength by moving water from Loki’s cup and returning it without spilling or breaking the cup.
• Sarah explained that Sonia had taught her combat techniques, evolution, and Void Power, and had told her that she and Lalatina might need to defend the island as its final trump cards.
• Thor suggested that Sarah try the Vibrating Gold trial after lunch, and Sarah agreed.

Sarah revealed to Kyle, Thor, Loki, Renoli, and the Precognitor that she had secretly grown powerful and learned many kinds of Void magic under Sonia’s guidance. The group realized she had become a valuable source of knowledge, but Sarah left further questions about Sonia’s teachings unanswered until she could ask Sonia for permission.

• Kyle questioned Sarah about her training, and she explained that she had studied Void magic during her leisurely work at the Records Temple.
• Sarah demonstrated Lord Lex’s Void Transformation Technique and Miss Claudia’s Void Freezing Art, along with Void Flames, shocking Kyle, Thor, Loki, Renoli, and the Precognitor.
• Sarah said she knew about a hundred kinds of Void magic and had recorded them, but refused to show the records because Sonia wanted members to specialize in suitable evolutionary paths.
• Thor and Loki discussed Sarah’s focus on evolving Void Power and considered Sonia’s strength, while Sarah said Sonia’s physical body was also formidable.
• Kyle, Renoli, and the Precognitor asked Sarah to share more about Sonia’s knowledge, but Sarah decided to consult Sonia before answering.

Sarah tested her newly learned Supple Strength at the training grounds, impressing the group with her power and agility. Her demonstration prompted Loki to reflect on Lacey’s advice about pursuing strength, and the chapter ended with Sarah passing the ten-minute test.

• Sarah used Void Flames and frost to attack a two-hundred-ton Vibrating Gold block while dodging its rebounding shockwaves.
• Thor admitted that Sarah’s skill made him feel pressure to improve his own technique, while Kyle praised her determination to grow stronger.
• Renoli recounted how Lacey’s words had inspired him, Kyle, and the Precognitor to pursue greater strength and join the Void Cult.
• Loki reflected on how his arrogance and neglect of magic had shaped his past, and Thor and the Precognitor encouraged him to move forward.
• Sarah passed the training ground’s ten-minute testing standard and happily announced that she could use Supple Strength.

Sarah demonstrated Sonia's advanced Supple Strength techniques to Thor, Loki, Kyle, Renoli, and the Precognitor, prompting them to reconsider their training. Thor and Loki began practicing by trying not to crush fragile dishes, and Tony became interested when he learned Sonia had devised the method.

• Sarah explained that Supple Strength began with controlling force and demonstrated Power Transduction by pulverizing the inside of a stone without cracking its surface.
• Sarah described Sonia's nine levels of technique and said she had only mastered Power Transduction, while Sonia had reached Will Manifestation.
• Thor, Renoli, and Kyle decided to test or improve their foundations, and Sarah agreed to share what she knew before returning to the Records Temple.
• Thor and Loki returned to the Laboratory Zone and repeatedly broke bowls and plates while practicing Supple Strength, drawing Tony and Banner's attention.
• Tony criticized their method until Loki said Sonia had taught it, after which Tony asked them to explain it further.

Tony and Banner learned that their Supple Strength training was only the second step and tried to practice the more precise method Sonia had taught Sarah. Harvey asked Sonia how she had developed her strength-control techniques, learning that they came from her own training and her tailored teaching plan for Sarah.

• Thor explained that Supple Strength was only the second step, prompting Tony to test his control by holding objects of different hardness.
• Loki startled Tony by tossing him a bowl, causing him to crush a porcelain plate and revealing that his foundation was still imperfect.
• Tony and Banner left to focus on their research and training, while Loki used magic to clear away the broken porcelain with Thor's urging.
• Harvey quietly tested his own strength control with bowls and plates, then asked Sonia how she had mastered Transformative Strength.
• Sonia explained that she had divided her own strength-control progression into stages to help Sarah learn, and that her advanced mastery had come naturally through training.
• Harvey realized he had already mastered the ninth step, Will Manifestation, through the constant need to control his immense power.

Thor and Loki spent a month learning Supple Strength while Lacey advanced her technique training. Tony Stark and Bruce Banner announced that they had successfully developed a sublight propulsion engine, opening the way for Cosmic Battleship production and Blue Star's journey into space.

• Kyle, Renoli, and Precognitor mastered Supple Strength quickly, while Thor and Loki struggled to learn it.
• Over the next month, Thor and Loki learned to handle objects without breaking them and could make Vibrating Gold vibrate with their attacks.
• Lacey returned and, inspired by Sonia's advanced methods, began studying Ninth level: Will Manifestation after reaching Materialization Through Force.
• Tony Stark and Bruce Banner announced in the group chat that they had successfully developed a sublight propulsion engine.
• Tony offered to sell the engine to Mogri and discussed a possible deal with Lex, while Odin asked whether Asgard could buy it.
• Tony said he would soon return to establish Blue Star's universal communication network, and Sonia thanked him and Banner for their work.

Tony Stark and Banner completed a sublight propulsion engine, opening the way for the Void Cult to sell the technology to its members’ home civilizations. As Tony planned the next steps in developing technology for Blue Star, Banner celebrated his newfound financial freedom.

• Tony told Sonia that he and Banner would work with the Void Cult to build production lines and split the profits from selling sublight propulsion engines.
• Claudia asked Tony to make the technology available to her homeland, and he agreed to speak with interested buyers.
• Thor and Loki returned to the laboratory, where Tony and Banner explained that Dam’s Xandarian theories had helped them complete the engine after years of work.
• Tony transferred one billion Universe Coin to Dam as thanks, and Dam accepted the gift and agreed to attend the banquet.
• Thor asked Loki whether Asgard could spend as freely as Tony, and Loki explained that Asgard’s expenses for its citizens made that impossible.

Tony, Banner, Thor, and Loki discussed their progress with Supple Strength and began training its foundational stages. Tony struggled with power control but vowed to improve, while Banner started practicing under Thor’s guidance.

• Thor told Tony that he and Loki had learned the basics of Supple Strength, and described the difficult third-stage Power Dissipation test that Lacey had demonstrated.
• Tony tried the test by striking a table, but shattered it, then learned from Thor that Lacey had even demonstrated the eighth stage, Materialization of Energy.
• Banner asked how to train, and Tony contacted Lalatina for a replacement table; she advised him to start by splitting firewood evenly with a palm strike.
• Tony, Banner, Thor, and Loki went to an unused house filled with broken dishes, where Tony tried handling objects of different sizes and broke several under Loki’s taunts.
• Thor explained how to train Power Control by dividing attention between both hands, moving with fragile objects, and learning to sense how much force they could withstand.
• Banner crushed a bowl and plate when he began training, while Tony realized the practice might take time and resolved to keep trying.

Tony identified the gap in his force-control training and quickly perfected the foundation of Supple Strength by using his experience and Jarvis’s data to handle objects without breaking them. He explained his information-gathering shortcut to Loki and Banner, then argued that Sonia’s training method could develop combat abilities resembling instinct through accumulated experience.

• Tony realized that he needed to consolidate his foundation in force control by judging how much force different materials could withstand.
• Tony tested more than two hundred objects without damaging any and declared that he had mastered the foundation of Supple Strength.
• Loki accused Tony of cheating with Jarvis, but Tony explained that he used information he had already collected to control his strength precisely.
• Tony advised Banner to follow Sonia’s method of gathering information in combat rather than copying his shortcut, which relied on Jarvis.
• Thor questioned whether combat instinct could be trained, and Tony said Sonia’s nine realms might cultivate it or develop a similar ability.