Hitman with a Badass System
chapter-971

As the minutes ticked away, the sun embarked on its journey toward the horizon, casting a golden glow over the land. The Hulwick island, shrouded in darkness, exuded an air of foreboding that sent shivers down the spines of the onlookers. Fear clung to them like a heavy cloak, their hearts pounding with trepidation.

Amidst the onlookers, the guardians stood tall and resolute, their unwavering loyalty to the Guardian Guild eclipsing their own fears. Those who had harbored doubts about facing the Dark Lord had fled, leaving behind a steadfast core of guardians ready to defend their cause.

As twilight descended upon the Ozer continent, the guardians on the airships sprang into action. They brought forth massive crystals infused with potent magic and activated the ancient runes etched upon them. Like radiant beacons, these crystals emitted a brilliant light that pierced through the encroaching darkness, illuminating the entire island.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, drawing thousands of cultivators to gather at a safe distance, both in the skies and on the ground. Their eyes were fixed on the Hulwick island, hearts pounding with a mixture of fear, curiosity, and a thirst for witnessing history unfold.

The scene was a tapestry of contrasting emotions—the onlookers, caught in a web of anxiety, and the guardians, standing as beacons of courage and dedication. The crystals' enchanting glow painted the island in a surreal brilliance, creating an ethereal spectacle that intensified the weight of the impending clash.

On the vast expanse of the Hulwick Island, the guardians stood in solemn formations, their silver armor gleaming under the radiant crystal light. Seven hundred brave souls, resolute and prepared for the impending battle that would soon unfold. Led by Alicia, with unwavering determination etched upon her face, they stood united as a formidable force.

At the forefront of the guardians, Alicia stood tall, her gaze fixed upon the distant horizon. The weight of responsibility rested upon her shoulders, and she felt the collective anticipation emanating from her comrades behind her. With each passing moment, the air grew heavy with a sense of impending doom, the tension palpable.

Alicia's eyes, sharp and focused, scanned the horizon. She knew that at any second, the Dark Lord and his army could descend upon them. Her heart pounded in her chest, a rhythmic reminder of the adrenaline coursing through her veins. The wind whispered through her silver armor, as if echoing the restless murmurs of the guardians around her.

Her grip tightened around the hilt of her sword, a symbol of her unwavering resolve. Alicia was determined to defend the Guardian Guild, protect her comrades, and uphold the honor entrusted to her. She had trained relentlessly, honing her skills and harnessing her inner strength for this very moment.

As the sun bid its final farewell, the once serene sky transformed into a canvas of foreboding storm clouds on the distant horizon. A sight that sent a shiver down the spines of the onlookers, as whispers of fear escaped their lips. The clouds crackled with flashes of crimson lightning, casting an eerie glow that danced across the darkened heavens.

With an alarming speed, the tempestuous clouds surged towards the Hulwick Isle, causing the very sea above to tremble in response. Powerful waves rose and crashed against the shoreline, their tumultuous roars echoing through the air. The atmosphere grew heavy with a sense of impending doom, as if nature itself recognized the arrival of a formidable force.

The onlookers, their gazes fixated upon the encroaching storm, felt a chill creep down their spines. Unspoken words carried on the wind, and the name "the Dark Lord" reverberated in hushed tones. A name that struck fear into the hearts of those who had heard tales of his power and ruthlessness.

In the face of this ominous spectacle, uncertainty and trepidation permeated the air. The storm clouds, a harbinger of the Dark Lord's imminent arrival, served as a stark reminder of the impending clash between the forces of light and darkness.

The time for talk and speculation had passed. It was now a moment to brace themselves for the storm that was about to descend upon the Hulwick Isle.

As the storm clouds drew closer, the atmosphere thickened with anxiety and fear. The onlookers huddled together, their voices trembling with uncertainty and anticipation.

"I can't believe it's really happening," whispered one rogue cultivator, his eyes wide with dread. "The Dark Lord is coming. We're about to witness a war like no other."

"Do you think there's any hope for the Guardian Guild?" a news reporter asked, her voice laced with concern. "Can they withstand the might of the Dark Lord and his forces?"

A cultivator, his face etched with worry, shook his head. "I'm not sure. The Dark Lord has conquered every obstacle in his path. It feels like nothing can stop him."

"But what about the previous Supreme Guardian? They were siblings, right?" a young cultivator inquired, his voice quivering. "Wouldn't the Dark Lord show mercy to his own flesh and blood?"

"It's hard to say," replied an elder cultivator, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and determination. "All we can do is pray for the strength and resilience of the Guardian Guild. They have trained for this moment, and they will fight with everything they have."

The guardians swiftly formed their defensive positions, organizing themselves with precision and discipline. Warships on the sea and airships in the sky adjusted their formations, ready to protect the island. Meanwhile, Alicia gracefully soared into the air, her departure leaving a powerful shockwave resonating through the ground. She positioned herself in the sky, ready to face the Dark Lord directly.

As the storm clouds dispersed, a hushed silence fell upon the scene. To the astonishment of everyone present, there stood Michael, alone and composed, suspended in the sky. Contrary to their expectations, there was no army accompanying him. He exuded an air of confidence, a calm smile playing upon his lips. His long black coat billowed in the wind, and his black sunglass concealed his true emotions, leaving onlookers guessing.

The Guardian Guild's army watched in disbelief, their gazes locked on the enigmatic figure before them. They had braced themselves for a full-scale war, expecting a vast army to oppose them. Yet, there stood the Dark Lord, seemingly unperturbed by the lack of reinforcements. It was a perplexing sight that sent a ripple of uncertainty through their ranks.

Whispers of confusion and disbelief spread among the guardians and the onlookers. They questioned the reason behind the Dark Lord's solitary appearance. Was this a calculated move? Or had something unexpected occurred? As they sought answers, tension hung heavy in the air, a palpable energy that heightened their anticipation.

Michael, unfazed by the gazes fixed upon him, continued to wear his enigmatic smile. His presence alone held a powerful aura, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the Guardian Guild.

Michael's gaze locked with Alicia's, their eyes meeting amidst the tense atmosphere. With a casual gesture, he cracked his neck and flexed his knuckles, projecting an air of nonchalance. Alicia, her voice amplified by the prevailing silence, accused him with contempt.

"What do you intend, you murderer? Where is your army?" Her words reverberated across the field, capturing the attention of all present. Yet, Michael's response was a mere chuckle, unfazed by her accusations.

"An army is unnecessary to deal with your puny guild. I have a personal debt to settle with your organization, and I intend to do so with my own hands," he retorted, casting a fleeting glance at the amassed Guardian Guild forces. In the face of seven hundred guardians, numerous warships dotting the sea, and a myriad of airships in the sky, accompanied by formidable cultivators and weapons, Michael exhibited no signs of trepidation. Instead, it was the guardians themselves who began to quiver at the sight of his Half Celestial stage cultivation. Their loyalty and bravery wavered as they came face to face with the notorious Dark Lord.

"What did you do with Noah? Where is he?" Alicia's unexpected question caught Michael off guard. It was evident that she believed he held some responsibility for Noah's disappearance following the Nagaland war. Yet, as always, Alicia's assumptions were misguided. While it was true that Michael had dispatched his minions to search for Noah, he had no involvement in the Guardian Guild leader's vanishing act. In truth, Michael himself wondered about Noah's whereabouts. However, now was not the time for discussions about Noah. His purpose here was to eradicate the Guardian Guild from existence, to leave no trace of their presence in this world.

"I couldn't care less about your husband," Michael scoffed, his voice laced with disdain. He took pleasure in taunting Alicia, knowing it would provoke a reaction.

"But perhaps you should feel grateful. If he's still alive, he might attempt to rescue his beloved Guild," Michael sneered, a wicked smirk playing on his lips. The mention of Alicia's husband struck a nerve, causing her to clench her fists tightly.

"And if your husband didn't hold such an unwavering devotion to his Guild, I have no doubt he would come running to protect you, his cherished wife," Michael added, his words dripping with sarcasm.

"Normally, I wouldn't even consider this, but since you appear so weak and feeble, I'll offer you a chance to flee," Michael taunted, gesturing for Alicia to escape. He knew deep down that she would never take him up on his offer.

Alicia let out a mocking snicker in response to Michael's offer.

"I am Alicia Winston, and Winstons don't run," she retorted, her voice filled with determination. Michael couldn't help but chuckle at her response.

"Yes, Winstons are stupid," Michael laughed, his amusement evident. However, Alicia quickly found a retort that struck a nerve.

"And you, by birth, are also a Winston," Alicia snickered, her words laced with a hint of satisfaction.

A momentary flicker of anger flashed in Michael's eyes, hidden behind his dark sunglasses. Yet, he swiftly regained his composure. He was the master of control, never allowing his emotions to get the best of him.

"Fortunately for me, I was abandoned," Michael calmly replied. "Otherwise, I might have become a mindless puppet under the control of Skyhall and the Guardian Guild."

He spoke with a touch of bitterness, revealing a glimpse into his past and the complex dynamics that shaped his journey.

Alicia's voice trembled with anger as she retorted, "At least we didn't become deranged, mass-murdering psychopaths like you." The memories of what Michael had done to her brother and the countless lives he had mercilessly taken in Thusia and Nagaland fueled Alicia's intense hatred toward him. Despite the fact that Michael was Noah's brother, there was not an ounce of love or compassion for him in Alicia's heart.

"Ah, the typical facade of righteousness," Michael responded, his tone laced with sarcasm. He saw through Alicia's motives clearly. "You may deceive others with your leadership in this war, but you can't fool me. Your true intention is to avenge your brother. The lives I've taken mean nothing to you. You're simply using these people in the hope of getting your revenge against me. If you truly cared about their lives, you would have urged them to abandon the guild and flee."

Michael gestured toward the army of guardians standing before him, emphasizing Alicia's true intentions. "But no, you want to cling to a small glimmer of hope that you can defeat me with their help. Well, here's an offer for you. Since you despise me so much and claim to value lives, I'll reduce my cultivation to match your Fusion stage. I'll even fight you with my eyes closed and one hand behind my back. If you manage to make me bleed even a single drop of blood, I will spare the Guardian Guild and everyone here."

The onlookers were taken aback by Michael's unexpected proposition, their astonishment evident on their faces. He continued to shock them with his unconventional offer, challenging Alicia directly.

Michael noticed the flicker of temptation in Alicia's eyes as he presented his offer. He locked his gaze with hers, urging her to consider the gravity of the situation.

"Come now, Lady Winston. Cast aside your pride for a moment and truly see the lives at stake here," Michael implored, his voice filled with a hint of persuasion. He gestured towards the surrounding people, emphasizing their youth and the potential they held. "They have dreams to fulfill, futures ahead of them. Are you willing to let your stubbornness cloud your judgment and let them perish? Deep down, we both know that this is your sole opportunity to save all these lives."

His words hung in the air, carrying a weight of truth. The onlookers watched in anticipation, fully aware that this moment held the fate of many. Alicia's eyes flickered with a mix of determination and conflict as she contemplated Michael's offer, the choice before her growing increasingly clear.

"If you're still unsure about my offer, allow me to give you a glimpse of the force you'll be facing," Michael stated, his smile fading from his face. As he spoke, a sense of darkness pervaded the surroundings, casting an eerie shadow over the area. Suddenly, one of the massive crystals, previously used to illuminate the island, shattered into pieces without any visible cause. The guardians and onlookers stood frozen in shock, witnessing the display of Michael's power.

With a slight adjustment of his sunglasses, Michael unleashed two menacing beams from his eyes. The dark beams pierced through the floating warship in the distance, effortlessly slicing it in half. Even the powerful shield generated by intricate arrays failed to protect the vessel. The severed halves tumbled from the sky, crashing into the sea below and erupting in a fiery explosion.

The onlookers gasped in disbelief at the sheer destructive force unleashed by Michael. The realization of his immense power settled upon them like a heavyweight. It was a clear demonstration that challenging him would be a formidable task.

"I accept," Alicia quickly responded, determined to prevent further loss of life. Michael smiled and removed his sunglasses, placing them around his neck. With a raised hand, he caused a momentary jolt among the army of guardians, causing them to tense, thinking he was about to unleash an attack. However, Michael's amusement was evident as a piece of cloth gracefully flew into his grasp from the island.

Deliberately, he tied the cloth securely over his eyes, obscuring his vision. With a swift motion of his wrist, he summoned his legendary weapon, the Doombringer, from his spatial ring. The imposing war hammer possessed a unique design, featuring one blunt head and one pointed head. Engraved with ancient runes and infused with an ice core of immense power, the Doombringer granted Michael the ability to summon intense frost at will. Its black surface gleamed ominously under the moonlight.

As he positioned his hand behind his back, Michael's cultivation gradually diminished from the Half Celestial stage to the Fusion stage. However, this decision was not an act of recklessness or foolishness on his part. With a thorough scan of his surroundings, he ensured there were no unexpected surprises awaiting him during the impending duel. Moreover, his loyal minions stood watch from a safe distance, ensuring no interference would disrupt the battle he was about to engage in.

Michael carried out these actions not out of arrogance but to demonstrate the stark contrast between his power and Alicia's perceived strength. By covering his eyes and restricting his dominant hand, he aimed to highlight how feeble Alicia's hopes of seeking revenge truly were. It was a calculated move to expose her vulnerability and emphasize the vast power differential between them. This display was intended to make Alicia realize the futility of her efforts and the impossibility of overcoming Michael's might.

"Let's begin," Michael declared. His voice resonated with a calm confidence that sent shivers down the spines of the onlookers. With those simple words, the air crackled with anticipation, and the stage was set for an intense showdown between the Dark Lord and Alicia, who longed to avenge her brother and end Michael's life for years. The atmosphere grew heavy with suspense as everyone held their breath, knowing that the clash between these two formidable warriors would decide the fate of countless lives.