Chapter Summaries

Stephen met Lex, Lacey, and Recorder Sarah at the cafeteria, where he learned Sarah was a powerful but low-key Void Cult member. Lex agreed to mentor Stephen on Monster Planet, while Sarah announced plans to catalogue Void magic and establish a Magic Temple.

• Stephen watched Lex, Lacey, and Sarah arrive and asked Banner and Kyle about Sarah’s strength and reputation.
• Sarah greeted Tony, Banner, and Steve, then met Stephen, who introduced himself as the Sorcerer Supreme and Ancient One’s disciple.
• Lacey and Lex learned Stephen could use Space Teleportation to carry groups across long distances and welcomed the ability’s potential for Void Cult support and future battles.
• Tony asked Lex to take Stephen to Monster Planet, and Lex agreed to guide him after the New Year Pilgrimage; Steve also arranged to join them.
• Sarah explained that Sonia-senpai had asked her to collect information on members’ Void magic and prepare a Magic Temple to help members develop and share their magic.
• Renoli realized Stephen was likely intended to become the Magic Temple’s instructor once he had integrated into the Void Cult.

Sonia assigned members to strengthen the Magic Temple and improve Void Cult administration, while the group discussed Star-Lord’s long wait for recognition. Stephen, troubled by his lack of knowledge as Sorcerer Supreme’s successor, asked Tony and Banner to teach him about the universe, and they agreed.

• Lex said he was tasked with encouraging Mogri’s people to spend more time with Sarah, while Lacey explained that Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly had been summoned to Void Island.
• Tony explained that Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly managed Knowhere on Lacey’s behalf, and Lacey clarified Knowhere’s importance to the Void Cult.
• Sarah reported that Star-Lord had spent more than six hundred days seeking a blessing, and Tony hoped he would eventually be rewarded for his persistence.
• After the meal, Stephen reflected on his limited understanding of the universe and asked Tony and Banner to explain the Void Cult and the universe in detail.
• Tony and Banner agreed to teach Stephen about the state of the universe.

Banner, Tony, and the others explained to Stephen how the universe’s major powers shaped civilization and why serving the Void Cult was a promotion for Nikoloff. Stephen learned that Earth’s protection made it unusually safe, while Tony prepared for Thanos’s possible arrival and vowed to kill him if he came.

• Banner and Tony explained that powerful empires such as Xandar and the Kree could overwhelm weaker civilizations, and that Xandar’s treaty had protected Earth from a full-scale Chitauri invasion.
• Stephen understood that Nikoloff’s role managing Knowhere for the Void Cult raised his standing, since Kassadin’s power placed the Cult among the universe’s major powers.
• Banner explained that Earth was technologically weak but protected by Odin and the Ancient One, making it effectively safe from ordinary outside threats.
• Stephen raised the danger of Thanos, and Tony said he hoped Thanos would come so he could kill him and settle Earth’s grudge.
• Banner said Lacey had analyzed the evidence and concluded that Thanos had directed the Chitauri invasion, while Tony praised the Void Cult’s talented members.

Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly arrived on Void Island after Lacey summoned them, where Madam Butterfly’s fear of Kyle resurfaced and Stephen discovered her seductive power. Lacey warned them to follow the island’s rules, and Madam Butterfly changed into concealing clothes before they began their stay.

• Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly entered Xandar and told the Nova Corps officer they were visiting Void Island as representatives of the Void Cult.
• As they flew to Void Island, Madam Butterfly confessed that she feared seeing Kyle again, and Nikoloff tried to reassure her.
• Stephen saw Madam Butterfly’s reaction to Kyle and asked about her ability; Kyle explained that she could create seductive illusions and influence men’s thoughts.
• Lacey welcomed Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly to observe the New Year Pilgrimage, warned Madam Butterfly to change clothes, and told both visitors to mind their conduct.
• Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly returned to their ship, and Madam Butterfly changed into concealing clothes but remained uneasy about attracting attention.

Harvey considered whether Madam Butterfly’s charm abilities could benefit the Void Cult, while Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly visited the Void Temple and discussed Nikoloff’s hidden past. There, they encountered Star-Lord, who thought their reserved manners might make them more likely to receive a blessing.

• Harvey observed Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly and weighed whether to invite Madam Butterfly into the Void Cult, considering her abilities and Knowhere’s staffing needs.
• Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly walked toward the Void Temple, reflecting on how peaceful Xandar Void Island was compared with Knowhere.
• Nikoloff told Madam Butterfly that his youthful arrogance had led him to kill Kree officers, endangering his people and forcing him to leave his civilization.
• Nikoloff hinted that he would explain his past after an unresolved matter was settled, privately hoping to witness the Void Cult destroy the Kree Empire.
• At the Void Temple, Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly greeted Star-Lord, who judged their polite, reserved behavior unusual among outsiders seeking blessings.

Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly worshipped Kassadin, made a lavish offering, and told Star-Lord why they hoped to retire from their roles as Knowhere's agents. Star-Lord remained determined to seek a blessing and gain power, then invited the pair to breakfast before the Void Cult's worship ceremony.

• Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly prayed for a peaceful retirement and offered one hundred million Universe Coins each to Kassadin's statue.
• Star-Lord learned that Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly managed Knowhere as Lady Lacey's agents and asked why they did not seek a blessing.
• Nikoloff explained the dangers and limits of life among the strong, but Star-Lord insisted he would gain power to protect everything he cared about.
• Nikoloff wished Star-Lord luck in obtaining a blessing, and Madam Butterfly agreed to join him and Nikoloff for breakfast.
• Star-Lord led them toward the cafeteria by flashing behind them, and Madam Butterfly noted how powerful people were on Void Island.

Harvey considered Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly’s histories and their applications to join the Void Cult while they accompanied Star-Lord around Void Island. After Madam Butterfly used her charm on Star-Lord, Nikoloff watched for signs that he had become fixated on her, his killing intent rising.

• Harvey reviewed Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly’s pasts and left their Void Cult applications pending.
• Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly told Star-Lord they would stay on Void Island for at most ten days or half a month.
• Star-Lord mistook their concern for each other as a sign they were married, and Madam Butterfly explained their bond was more like grasshoppers tied to the same rope.
• Madam Butterfly removed her veil and used her charm on Star-Lord, making him lose consciousness briefly.
• Nikoloff warned Madam Butterfly that drawing the attention of Void Cult members could bring trouble, so she veiled herself and dispelled the charm.
• Star-Lord admired Madam Butterfly’s beauty after recovering, and Nikoloff’s killing intent rose as he watched for signs of infatuation.

Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly spoke with Star-Lord after her beauty drew his attention, and Nikoloff came to respect Star-Lord’s perseverance in pursuing the Void blessing. The three headed to breakfast as Madam Butterfly remained curious about Nikoloff’s hidden past.

• Star-Lord agreed to eat in a private room with Madam Butterfly and said he would keep her identity and circumstances secret.
• Star-Lord explained that he had pursued the Void blessing for nearly two years, while others had succeeded after only a few months.
• Nikoloff apologized for doubting Star-Lord and praised his resolve, encouraging him to keep pursuing what he believed was right.
• Star-Lord said he would persist until he joined the Void Cult, and Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly walked with him to breakfast.
• Madam Butterfly asked about Nikoloff’s past, but he kept it secret and hinted that the day she learned the truth might not be far away.

Star-Lord explained Void Island’s rules and encouraged Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly to seek the Void Cult’s blessing, while guiding them through the island. Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly said they might have to return to Knowhere at short notice, but expected to stay long enough to watch the New Year Pilgrimage.

• Star-Lord took Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly to a private cafeteria room and explained the rules for outsiders, including the danger of provoking Void Cult members.
• Madam Butterfly asked about the training grounds and arenas, and Star-Lord offered to show them while urging her to seek a blessing.
• Star-Lord explained that the Void Cult had more than six hundred members but fewer than ten women, and said few women came to the island sincerely seeking a blessing.
• Madam Butterfly described her work and Knowhere’s ongoing problems with human trafficking, while Nikoloff explained that he handled serious incidents there.
• Star-Lord urged them to hurry and tour the island after learning they might leave early, but Nikoloff said they would likely stay to watch the New Year Pilgrimage.

Star-Lord showed Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly the Void Island training grounds, where they saw Steve Rogers pushing himself through intense training. Impressed by Steve’s growth, Nikoloff accepted his challenge to spar, and descended a staircase he had conjured from the air.

• Star-Lord left the dining area with Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly, while Tony, Kyle, Renoli, Banner, Stephen, and Lacey discussed Star-Lord’s isolation and hopes for a blessing.
• Star-Lord led Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly to the training grounds, where Steve was attacking an eight-hundred-ton piece of Vibrating Gold.
• Star-Lord explained that Steve had started as an ordinary genetically modified person and had reached his current strength through training, leading Nikoloff to consider the potential of a Void blessing.
• Steve challenged Nikoloff to spar, and Nikoloff claimed Steve was not his opponent before accepting the match.
• Star-Lord assured Nikoloff that ordinary sparring was allowed, and Nikoloff formed a staircase in the air and began walking down toward Steve.

Nikoloff, an agent of Knowhere and former ruler of the Tesma Civilization, sparred with Steve and overwhelmed him with his telekinesis. After Steve launched a stronger attack, Nikoloff safely caught him and declared the match decided.

• Madam Butterfly told Star-Lord that Nikoloff had once concealed his strength while working his way up to become a black-market merchant in Knowhere.
• Nikoloff made Steve agree not to seek revenge if he lost, then deflected Steve's punches and warned him about fighting from a disadvantage.
• Nikoloff used telekinesis to blast Steve backward and pull him close, while Star-Lord learned from Madam Butterfly that Nikoloff could destroy a large Cosmic Battleship.
• Steve learned Nikoloff was an agent of Knowhere and former ruler of the Tesma Civilization, then attacked with Void Power and a pincer assault.
• Nikoloff's telekinetic field stopped Steve's kick and exploded, blasting Steve's attack into powder before catching him in a net and declaring the victor and loser decided.

Steve accepted his defeat to Nikoloff and learned that he needed to broaden his knowledge and develop a path of strength uniquely his own. After meeting Madam Butterfly and Star-Lord on Void Island, Steve learned that Star-Lord had begun awakening his Godly Power with Kassadin’s help.

• Steve admitted Nikoloff had defeated him, and Nikoloff advised him to pursue a unique path rather than simply imitate Lady Lacey.
• Nikoloff explained that learning about the universe and its powerful fighters could help Steve discover new ways to grow.
• Steve met Madam Butterfly and spoke with Star-Lord about his life on Void Island.
• Star-Lord revealed that Kassadin had helped awaken some of his Godly Power, though he considered himself an unawakened demigod rather than a god.
• Steve realized Kassadin might be willing to help Star-Lord further, since Sonia had not expelled him for seeking Kassadin’s blessing.

Star-Lord demonstrated the strength he had gained from his initial awakening and explained that he intended to use the Void blessing to grow strong enough to kill Ego and avenge his mother and siblings. Steve spent time with Star-Lord, Nikoloff, and Madam Butterfly, learning about her information business and exchanging contact details.

• Steve affirmed that Star-Lord could still receive a Void blessing as long as he had not been barred from the island.
• Star-Lord showed off his strength by striking Vibrating Gold blocks weighing up to two hundred and fifty tons and described what he could manage at each weight.
• Star-Lord told Nikoloff that his father was an ancient cosmic powerhouse, while privately reaffirming his determination to kill Ego and avenge his family.
• Madam Butterfly encouraged Star-Lord to be more confident, and he accepted her advice.
• Steve joined the group, exchanged contact information with Madam Butterfly and Nikoloff, and learned that Madam Butterfly charged for the intelligence she sold.

Harvey and Sonia welcomed the New Year on Void Island while reflecting on the Void Cult’s growth and future plans. The chapter ended with Sonia remembering why she had trusted Harvey and chosen to work for him.

• Star-Lord showed Nikoloff and Madam Butterfly around Void Island and checked them into an expensive luxury villa.
• Harvey observed Star-Lord’s progress and considered the threat posed by Ego’s plan to consume planets.
• Odin’s family arrived on Void Island, and the Void Cult members gathered for the New Year Pilgrimage.
• Harvey and Sonia celebrated the New Year and discussed the cult’s rise, the Magic Temple, and Stephen’s trial on Monster Planet.
• Sonia assured Harvey she would ask for help if her workload became too much, then recalled why she had trusted him and accepted his job offer.

During the Void Cult’s New Year Pilgrimage, Sonia welcomed Kassadin’s manifestation of divinity, and his power transformed the sky over all of Xandar into a vast sea of stars. The people of Xandar watched in awe and prayed as the Void Cult’s members and guests witnessed the display.

• Void Cult members gathered at the Void Temple and made their New Year offerings, while Stephen worried that his five million Universe Coins were too little.
• Sonia appeared in a red dress and formally announced that Kassadin would descend, impressing Stephen and earning Odin’s praise for her leadership.
• Kassadin’s manifestation covered Xandar in a sea of purple stars, astonishing the Void Cult members and guests with the scale of his power.
• Nikoloff sensed that the starlight contained mysterious energy fused with Void Power, and Star-Lord hoped a Void blessing could help him surpass his limits.
• People across Xandar watched the changed sky, called it a miracle, and prayed for wealth, safety, and the return of loved ones.

During the New Year Pilgrimage, God of the Void Kassadin revealed his immense true form above Xandar, reassuring Irene Rael that the Xandar Empire was not facing an imminent attack while reminding everyone of his overwhelming power. On Void Island, the witnesses praised Kassadin and considered how his display would affect the wider universe.

• Irene Rael watched the New Year spectacle from Nova Corps Headquarters and felt relieved that the Void Cult had sent a friendly signal to Xandar.
• The starlight gathered into a divine bridge, and God of the Void Kassadin appeared above Xandar in a vast, radiant form.
• The World Heart observed that Kassadin's power surpassed anything it had seen and that Xandar's survival depended on his will.
• On Void Island, Lex knelt in worship, while Stephen, Sarah, and Tony reacted to Kassadin's appearance and its implications for Thanos.
• Steve asked whether the Void Cult had held back its expansion because of them, and Banner agreed that Kassadin could otherwise have conquered the universe.

Kassadin manifested on Xandar, praised the Void Cult for understanding his will, and urged its members to preserve their reason as they pursued the glory of the Void. After he gave everyone a New Year’s blessing and vanished, the gathering continued, with Sarah sharing her recording plans with the disappointed Lex.

• Odin told Steve that the Void Cult would be ready to conquer the universe when its members approached the strength of its top powerhouses, and Steve vowed to grow stronger.
• Kyle admired Kassadin’s enormous form and imagined becoming larger, but Renoli urged him to follow his planned path instead.
• Kassadin shrank as he approached Xandar, addressed the Void Cult, and urged its members to preserve their reason and make the Void’s will endure across universes.
• Sonia, Odin, and the Void Cult members swore to become the glory of the Void, and Kassadin wished everyone a happy New Year before fading away.
• Sarah celebrated that Kassadin had acknowledged her, while Lex regretted missing his chance to respond and asked her for the recording of the manifestation.
• Sarah agreed to send Lex the recording after collecting and editing the footage, promising to deliver it by the day after tomorrow.

After witnessing Kassadin’s manifestation and the sixteen-light-year Starry Sky Bridge, Odin realized that fusing Void Power with Godly Power might let him and the Void Cult break past the universe’s limits. The chapter ended with the Cult members considering their paths forward, while Sonia welcomed Kassadin back to Summit Villa.

• Odin examined the Starry Sky Bridge, learned it stretched sixteen light-years, and resolved to strengthen his body before attempting to fuse Void Power with Godly Power.
• Odin told Frigga, Thor, and Loki that Kassadin had not recovered his peak strength and that fusing Void Power with other energies could open a path to multiversal power.
• Loki, Tony, Lex, and the Precognitor expressed confidence in their evolution paths, while Steve worried about his future and Banner reassured him.
• Sarah led the Void Cult members to the cafeteria, where Nikoloff, Madam Butterfly, and Star-Lord reflected on the manifestation and their hopes of receiving a Void blessing.
• Sonia praised Kassadin when she found him back at Summit Villa, and Harvey teased her for sounding like Sarah.

Harvey and Sonia discussed the Void Cult’s growth and the search for a fair Star Wanderer. Sonia proposed Xandar’s Supreme Commander Iraani Rael as a candidate, and Harvey began reviewing her life as she neared the end of her lifespan.

• Harvey and Sonia discussed how the Void Cult’s growing membership would provide manpower and Void Energy, while noting that true faith remained rare.
• Harvey and Sonia agreed that Lex and Odin were unsuitable for the Star Wanderer position because their talents or factional loyalties made them poor fits.
• Sonia suggested Iraani Rael, Supreme Commander of the Xandar Empire, as a candidate whose character embodied fairness and balance.
• Harvey observed Iraani Rael on Xandar and saw that her life energy had become extremely weak.
• Sonia explained that Iraani had governed for 220 years because the World Heart had failed to find a suitable successor, leaving her with just over twenty years to live.
• Harvey asked Sonia to show him Iraani’s life story and information so he could assess her.

Harvey reviewed Iraani Rael’s record and decided she was qualified to become a Star Wanderer, then contacted her to discuss a Void blessing. Iraani asked him to spare the Xandar Empire, and Harvey warned that its future would depend on the character of her successors.

• Harvey read Lacey’s intelligence reports and learned that Iraani Rael had enforced the law strictly across factions while maintaining the Xandar Empire’s balance.
• Sonia explained why minor bribery was tolerated and how Iraani Rael had earned recognition from the Empire’s factions.
• Harvey asked Sonia to contact Iraani Rael, and the World Heart connected them while Iraani watched the Dreamlike Sea of Stars.
• Harvey told Iraani that he had reviewed her life and asked whether she wanted a Void blessing and immortality.
• Iraani declined to ask for immortality and pleaded for Kassadin to spare the Xandar Empire.
• Harvey said the Empire’s value after Iraani’s death would depend on her successor and warned that temptation could expose human greed.