Hitman with a Badass System
chapter-957

(New AHSS chapters are out. Please read them and let me know your thoughts in the comments)

Nightmare's soul appeared to possess a sense of sentience as it floated alongside the trio, following them toward the portal that had been opened by the previous Dark Lord. As Michael and Gaya approached the portal, Gaya turned towards the radiant orb of light, her voice filled with affection.

"Goodbye for now, little lizard," Gaya said softly, her tone carrying a mixture of reassurance and longing. "I promise you. We will return soon to bring you out of this wretched place. Hang in there!"

Buzz, unable to resist the opportunity for another witty comment, interjected with a mischievous grin on his mosquito face. "And don't worry, soul buddy! While they're gone, I'll be here protecting you from all the fiendish hell walkers in hell! They won't dare lay a hand on you!"

Michael rolled his eyes, accustomed to Buzz's humorous remarks, but couldn't help but chuckle. "Buzz, I assure you, Nightmare's soul will be safe in your capable... well, your hands," he replied, adding a touch of sarcasm to his words.

Buzz, always the opportunist when it came to matters of beauty, couldn't help but bring up the subject again. "By the way, Michael, when I come to your world, are there any other handsome mosquitoes that I should be worried about? I wouldn't want any competition when it comes to attracting all those lovely ladies!"

Michael couldn't help but shake his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "Buzz, my dear friend, you will be the epitome of mosquito handsomeness in my world. There won't be any rivals for your charm and wit, I can assure you."

Buzz's compound eyes lit up with excitement, and he straightened his giant frame, puffing out his chest. "Ah, excellent! Just as I suspected. No mosquito can compare to my dazzling allure! Brace yourselves, ladies, for the legendary Buzz, the suavest mosquito warrior in all the realms!"

Gaya and Michael exchanged amused glances, realizing that Buzz's sense of self-confidence was as exaggerated as ever. But at that moment, they couldn't help but appreciate the camaraderie and lightheartedness Buzz brought to their mission.

As the trio prepared to part ways, Michael and Gaya entered the portal while Buzz remained behind in the realm of hell, Buzz waved them off with a comical flourish of his wings. "Farewell, my courageous companions! I'll keep Nightmare's soul safe and sound. And when you return, be prepared to hear tales of my heroic escapades and conquests!"

With that, they bid their temporary goodbyes, each filled with their own hopes and fears for the journey ahead. Little did they know that the road they were embarking on would be fraught with danger, surprises, and the undeniable charm of a mosquito who pretended to be a fearless warrior.

**************************************

A year had passed in the outside world since Michael and Gaya had ventured into the realm of hell. The passage of time within the infernal realm was distorted, with every hour spent there equivalent to a month in the world beyond. Thus, although Michael's actual presence in hell lasted only 12 hours, a significant year had elapsed in the realm of mortals.

The floating mountain, Michael's majestic abode, stood as a breathtaking spectacle amidst the tumultuous dark ocean. It defied gravity, hovering with an air of both mystique and grandeur. Shaped like an enormous sword, the mountain seemed to pierce the very heavens, its towering form commanding attention and awe.

From afar, one could witness the castle that adorned the floating mountain, an ambitious construction project undertaken by diligent dwarves. However, the castle's completion had been halted prematurely, leaving it only a third finished. The architectural marvel appeared as a blend of craftsmanship and exposed scaffolding, showcasing the aspirations and work-in-progress nature of its creation.

The floating mountain remained suspended above the dark ocean, a tumultuous expanse where tempestuous forces reigned supreme. Endless storm clouds cast an eerie ambiance, shrouding the sky in perpetual darkness. Lightning crackled across the firmament, illuminating the churning waves below. Tornadoes spun wildly, their spiraling fury whipping up powerful winds that howled through the expanse.

The dark ocean, in all its tumult, was a sight to behold. The waters roiled with ferocity, churning with monstrous waves that crashed against each other in a tumultuous dance. Foam and mist sprayed into the air, caught in the relentless assault of the raging storm. It was a place where chaos and power intermingled, reflecting the nature of the Dark Lord who resided within the floating mountain.

As one gazed upon the scene, the imposing presence of the floating mountain and the dark ocean invoked a sense of both dread and fascination. It was a testament to the might and dominion of the God of Darkness, an embodiment of the formidable forces that lay under his control.

The vampires, members of the Dark Lord's formidable army, swirled through the air around the floating mountain in an intricate dance. Clad in flowing black robes that trailed behind them, they seemed to meld seamlessly with the shadows, their presence both stealthy and foreboding.

As they patrolled the mountain, the vampires moved with an ethereal grace, their movements fluid and precise. Their pale complexions stood out against the dark backdrop, giving them an otherworldly appearance. The absence of wings did not hinder their aerial maneuvers; instead, they seemed to glide effortlessly through the air, defying gravity with an unearthly prowess.

Their vigilant eyes scanned the surroundings, their gaze piercing through the shrouds of darkness. Each vampire possessed heightened senses, ever alert to any potential threats. Their allegiance to the Dark Lord bound them together, their loyalty unwavering as they carried out their duties.

Unbeknownst to the vampires, a change was on the horizon. They continued their patrol, unaware that the Dark Lord was on the precipice of returning from the depths of hell. The imminent arrival of their leader would soon bring upheaval and renewed purpose to their ranks, altering the very fabric of their existence.

Elidyr diligently labored over a device adorned with intricate runes within the portal room. Unbeknownst to him, his task was on the verge of being rendered obsolete, for the Dark Lord, Michael, was on the brink of returning to their world. As Elidyr immersed himself in the delicate intricacies of the runes, a sudden surge of energy rippled through the portal and set the silver outline ablaze with an ethereal glow.

Startled, Elidyr staggered backward as the portal radiated an intense brilliance, casting a cascade of shimmering lights across the room. A swirling vortex, dark as the abyss itself, materialized within the portal's confines. Powerful winds gushed forth, ruffling Elidyr's golden robes and tousling his brown hair. He could scarcely believe his eyes as two figures emerged from the tumultuous vortex—it was none other than his esteemed lord, the Dark Lord, and his queen, the enigmatic Dark Queen Gaya.

Gasping in astonishment, Elidyr stood transfixed, his heart pounding within his chest. The sight of their return was a revelation, their imposing presence casting an aura of both power and authority upon the room. The Dark Lord cloaked in darkness, exuded an aura of commanding strength, while the Dark Queen, a vision of ethereal beauty, radiated an air of mysterious allure. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the long-awaited reunion between master and loyal servant unfolded within the portal room.

Elidyr stood frozen in stunned disbelief, his mind struggling to process the sight before him. It took him several heartbeats to comprehend that the Dark Lord, his master and dear friend, had returned. Overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, Elidyr's astonishment gave way to overwhelming joy and relief. With a surge of determination, he rushed toward Michael, his loyal heart brimming with love and respect.

"My Lord, my lady! You have returned," Elidyr exclaimed, his voice laced with a mixture of astonishment and reverence. To the outside world, Michael was the fearsome Dark Lord, a figure of terror and power. But to Elidyr, he was more than that—he was like a son and a student. The bond they shared was one of mentorship and kinship, making Michael's sudden reappearance a flood of conflicting emotions for Elidyr.

Unaware of the passage of time, Michael was taken aback by Elidyr's state. Confusion flickered in his eyes as he absorbed the sight of his devoted mentor kneeling before him. Only then did he realize the magnitude of his absence and its impact on those who cared for him. Overwhelmed by a sense of both gratitude and guilt, Michael extended a hand to Elidyr, urging him to rise.

Observing Elidyr's reaction, a furrow formed on Michael's brow as he realized the potential implications of their time apart. With a sinking feeling in his gut, he braced himself for the shocking revelation that was about to unfold.

"How long was I gone?" Michael's voice carried a mix of trepidation and anticipation as he turned to Elidyr, his trusted mentor.

Elidyr's reply hung heavily in the air, stunning both Gaya and Michael with its weight. "A year, my lord," he answered, his voice filled with a mix of respect and concern.

"Fuck," Gaya's exclamation punctuated the room, her frustration and disbelief echoing in the air. The impact of the news hit Michael like a bolt of lightning, his mind racing to comprehend the implications of an entire year lost to the realms beyond.

A swirl of thoughts and emotions coursed through Michael's mind. He couldn't help but wonder what had transpired in their absence, what changes had taken place, and what challenges awaited them. The weight of the unknown loomed heavy upon his shoulders, and a sense of urgency ignited within him.

As the presence of his master engulfed the room, Azazel, the loyal demon butler, materialized before Michael, his eyes filled with reverence. With a graceful genuflection, he knelt down, recognizing the return of his esteemed lord.

"My lord," Azazel's voice resonated with deference and dedication.

Michael's expression turned serious, his focus shifting to the pressing matters at hand. He acknowledged Azazel's presence but wasted no time with pleasantries. His voice carried an authoritative tone as he issued his command.

"Summon everyone to the meeting hall immediately," Michael declared, his words brooking no opposition. "I want to know everything that happened while we were gone,"

Elidyr and Azazel, both aware of the urgency in Michael's voice, nodded in unison, understanding the gravity of the situation. They swiftly rose to their feet, their unwavering loyalty shining through their determined gazes. Without a word, they departed from the room, each tasked with the responsibility of gathering the necessary individuals and relaying Michael's order.

After Azazel and Elidyr left the room, another figure entered, and to Michael's pleasant surprise, it was Eve, his dearest friend. The sight of her warmed his heart, and a genuine smile spread across his face. When Eve saw Michael and Gaya alive and well, her emotions overcame her, and she hurriedly made her way toward them.

Eve's eyes shimmered with tears of relief, mirroring the overwhelming joy that radiated from her. With each step, her pace quickened, driven by a deep longing to hold them both tightly in her embrace. Finally reaching them, she enveloped Michael and Gaya in a heartfelt hug, her grip conveying the depth of her emotions.

Tears streamed down Eve's face as she clung to them, her voice quivering with a mixture of happiness, worry, and affection. "I knew it. I just knew it! You didn't leave me. You bastards. Promise me you won't scare me like that again!"

Her words were infused with a playful scolding, a testament to their unbreakable bond and the relief she felt at their safe return.

As Eve tightly embraced Michael, another presence entered the room, but this time it was not a human. In a flurry of excitement, Vedora, the three-headed hydra, made their entrance.

"You fucking bastards,"

The sudden exclamation from Ayag's head interrupted Eve's embrace, drawing everyone's attention. Gazing at Vedora, Gaya couldn't help but smile, knowing the affectionate nature of the hydra. With a burst of energy, Vedora soared through the air, flapping their tiny wings, until they crashed into Gaya, showering her with wet kisses. Each head nuzzled Gaya, expressing their deep longing and how much they had missed her during the past year.

Gaya reciprocated their love, her laughter filling the room as she was playfully smothered with affection. Vedora's heads then turned their attention to Michael, leaping from Gaya to him, eager to bestow upon him the same treatment of kisses and hugs. Even Ayag, known for their usual quick temper and sharp tongue, joined in, expressing her fondness for Michael through their unexpected displays of affection.

The room was filled with a joyous reunion, where the bond between Gaya, Michael, and Vedora was reaffirmed. The hydra's presence brought an undeniable warmth to the atmosphere, reminding them all of the love and companionship they shared, regardless of their different forms.

"We have found Nightmare," Gaya's words pierced through the joyous atmosphere, and Vedora's shower of kisses came to an abrupt halt. As Gaya announced the discovery of Nightmare, Vedora's three heads froze in place, their eyes locked on Gaya with unwavering intensity.

"What?" Ayag's voice trembled with disbelief, mirroring the surge of emotions that welled up within Vedora's heart. Though Vedora was a hydra and Nightmare a dragon, the bond they shared was akin to that of siblings. It was only after Nightmare's untimely demise that Vedora realized the depth of their love for him. Now, upon hearing Gaya's revelation, a whirlwind of emotions swept through their being.

At that moment, Sarba, Ayag, and Cain, each head of Vedora, experienced a surge of conflicting feelings. Hope intermingled with lingering grief, and the bittersweet taste of longing permeated their thoughts. They had missed Nightmare dearly, and the mere possibility of his return ignited a flicker of hope within their hearts.

Vedora's heads, usually lively and animated, now remained motionless, their expressions filled with a mix of anticipation, disbelief, and a longing for the reunion they had never thought possible. Their eyes, reflecting a complex tapestry of emotions, conveyed a silent plea for confirmation, yearning to be assured that Nightmare's soul had indeed been found.

As the room filled with anticipation and Vedora's emotions swirled in the wake of Gaya's announcement, Eve stood frozen in place, her eyes widening with a mixture of shock and disbelief. The words echoed in her mind, and her heart skipped a beat as the weight of the news sank in.

A torrent of emotions washed over Eve, leaving her momentarily speechless. She had thought Nightmare was lost forever, never to be seen again. The thought of his return, even if only his soul, was nothing short of miraculous. Eve's hands instinctively clutched at her chest as her breathing grew shallow, struggling to comprehend the enormity of the revelation.

With trembling hands, Eve reached out for Gaya's arm, her voice barely a whisper. "You... you found him? Nightmare? He's... he's really coming back?"

Gaya nodded solemnly, her eyes filled with understanding. She grasped Eve's hand in a reassuring gesture, offering her a silent comfort amidst the overwhelming emotions. Though Gaya couldn't reveal the full extent of their journey to hell and their challenges just yet, she knew that the news carried a weight that couldn't be taken lightly.

"Later, I will share the full story with you. But right now, I need to catch up on everything that happened while I was away," Michael stated, his voice filled with determination as he led the way out of the room. By his side, Eve, his loyal and trusted best friend, and Gaya, his beloved partner, walked alongside him. Perched atop his shoulder, Vedora, the three-headed hydra, remained vigilant and attentive.

As they made their way through the corridors, a sense of urgency filled the air. Michael's absence had left a void, and now he sought to fill it with the knowledge of what transpired during his time away.