Hitman with a Badass System
chapter-995

As Michael and Gaya emerged from the portal onto the land of Itonys, a breathtaking panorama unfolded before them. Gaya's eyes widened in awe as she took in the enchanting sight that lay stretched out beneath her.

They stood atop a verdant mountain peak, overlooking a vast expanse of lush forests that extended as far as the eye could see. The forest itself seemed to be an artist's canvas, splashed with vibrant hues of purple and blue. It was a kaleidoscope of colors that blended seamlessly, creating an otherworldly spectacle.

Giant trees towered over the landscape, their trunks adorned with intricate patterns and ethereal glow. The forest floor was carpeted with lush, emerald-green moss, adding a softness to the terrain. Towering mushrooms, their caps adorned with mesmerizing patterns, dotted the forest floor, creating a whimsical ambiance.

As Gaya's gaze wandered further, she caught sight of trees that radiated a gentle, luminescent glow, casting a soft and enchanting light that illuminated the surroundings. These radiant trees bathed the forest in an otherworldly glow, adding an ethereal touch to the already mesmerizing landscape.

The air was filled with the gentle fluttering of giant butterflies, their wings adorned with iridescent colors that shimmered as they danced through the air. Their presence added a touch of magic to the already captivating scene.

The forest of Itonys seemed like a place plucked from a fairy tale, a realm where dreams and reality intertwined. Its beauty was captivating, an immersive experience that stirred the senses and transported one to a world of wonder and enchantment.

In that moment, as the gentle breeze caressed her cheeks and the symphony of the forest serenaded her ears, Gaya knew that Itonys was a place of refuge, a sanctuary from the turmoil that awaited them.

"Come on, we should go meet Elidyr," Michael said, surprising Gaya.

"Elidyr? But I thought he was stuck back in our world," Gaya replied, her confusion evident.

"No, in case of an attack, I gave Elidyr something to teleport into this world with," Michael explained, glancing at his wrist. Unfortunately, his battle with Rudra had broken his Olympus, leaving him without the ability to fly or use his cultivation in this world. However, Michael had a quick solution in mind.

"Do you know where to go? My Olympus is not broken," Gaya remarked, hopeful.

Before Michael could respond, a magnificent golden giant butterfly emerged from the air below the mountain cliff they stood on, accompanied by a powerful gust of wind. Gaya's eyes widened in astonishment as two elves with beautiful brown skin gracefully descended from the butterfly and immediately knelt before Michael.

"My lord, you have returned," Tazkin said, bowing his head respectfully.

"Gaya, meet Tazkin and Thilve," Michael introduced the two wood elves to Gaya, acknowledging their loyalty and courage during the events he had shared with her.

"Ah, the two warriors who fought against the Skyhall," Gaya remembered, recalling the tales Michael had shared.

"Tell me, Tazkin, has anyone else arrived here before us?" Michael inquired, his curiosity piqued. Thilve and Tazkin nodded in response.

"Yes, my lord. He claimed to have been sent by you and showed us your symbol. We left him back at the village," Tazkin reported dutifully.

"Good. Then let's make our way to your village. We have much to do," Michael declared, gesturing for Gaya to join him atop the butterfly. With a swift leap, Gaya gracefully climbed onto their ride, her torn and dirtied dress contrasting against her natural beauty.

Michael stepped onto the butterfly's wings and waited for Tazkin and Thilve to take hold of the reins. Once everyone had settled comfortably atop the giant golden butterfly, they set off toward the village.

As the majestic butterfly soared through the air, the wind rushed past them, carrying with it the scent of flowers and the distant melody of birds singing. The landscape unfolded beneath them, showcasing the enchanting beauty of Itonys.

Butterflies of all sizes and hues fluttered around, their graceful wings adding splashes of brilliance to the scenery. The air itself felt alive, carrying the invigorating aroma of blossoms and the sweet fragrance of nature's abundance.

As the golden butterfly gradually descended, it skillfully navigated through the dense canopy of the forest. Gaya marveled at the sight that unfolded before her. The wood elves' village was a marvel of engineering and natural beauty, built high above the ground, nestled among the majestic trees.

Intricate stairs, woven with ropes and sturdy wood, gracefully interconnected the village houses and each towering tree. The architecture seamlessly blended with nature, utilizing the branches as support beams and allowing the trees to continue their growth undisturbed. The elevated walkways provided a sense of enchantment as they wound their way through the lush foliage, creating an intricate web of interconnected pathways.

At the heart of the village, a spacious clearing awaited them. Gaya's eyes widened as she took in the sight of a magnificent statue depicting Michael and Vedora sitting atop his shoulder, meticulously carved from wood. The craftsmanship was impeccable, capturing the essence of their strength and unity. The statue stood tall and proud, serving as a symbol of hope and reverence for the wood elves.

Just before the statue, a grand throne had been placed, meticulously crafted from the finest wood, its intricate designs paying homage to nature's beauty. The throne awaited Michael's return, a seat of honor for the one who had brought them salvation and protection.

As the golden butterfly gracefully landed in the clearing, Gaya's gaze shifted toward the awaiting wood elves. They stood there, dressed in vibrant garments that mirrored the colors of the surrounding forest, holding baskets filled with an array of freshly picked flowers. Their eyes gleamed with anticipation and gratitude, for they had been eagerly awaiting Michael's return.

With smiles on their faces, the wood elves approached, gently placing the flowers from their baskets at Michael's feet. The air was filled with a delicate fragrance as if nature itself had released its essence in celebration of their arrival.

Gaya was moved by the genuine warmth and joy emanating from the wood elves. It was evident that Michael's presence held great significance for them, as he represented their protector, their leader, and their hope for a brighter future.

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

As Michael stood among the wood elves, his gaze fell upon Tazkin and Thilve, who were bringing Elidyr towards him. Elidyr, still wearing his once-golden robes that were now muddied and torn from his escape, looked worn and weary. He had journeyed through the portal, passing through the forge in Demon's Grave and utilizing a special teleportation scroll that Michael had provided.

The three of them, Michael, Elidyr, and Gaya, wore solemn expressions, their minds still reeling from the events that had transpired during their wedding. It was unfathomable to them that a god had appeared and attacked Michael, manipulating his hands to strike down three seal bearers.

As Michael surveyed the village, his eyes scanning for someone in particular, he finally spoke up, addressing Tazkin.

"Tazkin, where is Kirat?" Michael inquired, searching for the village elder he had encountered before. Tazkin and the others exchanged glances, a flicker of sadness briefly crossing their eyes.

"He has passed away, my lord," Thilve replied with a somber tone.

Michael sighed inwardly, acknowledging the loss of the old man, and silently wished for him to find peace.

"Now, Tazkin, Thilve, if you could leave us for a moment," Michael requested, his voice carrying a tone of seriousness. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Tazkin and Thilve bowed and discreetly gestured for the villagers to give them some privacy.

As the villagers departed, Gaya sank down onto the throne, feeling the weight of recent events. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was to come.

"What's the plan?" Gaya asked, her voice filled with determination.

In response, Michael accessed his system storage and retrieved two golden parchments.

"If we are to return to our world as soon as possible and face these gods head-on, we need everyone ready and prepared," Michael explained. However, Elidyr's brow furrowed upon hearing the mention of gods. Although he had come across brief references to the realm of gods in ancient texts, his knowledge on the matter was limited. Observing Elidyr's perplexed expression, Michael proceeded to share all the information Nithroel had disclosed, including the startling revelation that the renowned Empress of Awor was, in fact, a fallen god.

After comprehending the information shared by Michael, Elidyr found himself stunned. The revelation that Michael was entangled in a war between the pantheon and Dagon, a fallen god turned ruler of hell, was a shock in itself.

Curiosity gnawed at Elidyr as he voiced his question, seeking understanding. "Why do these fallen gods wish to fight you? Are they also under the influence of the Skyhall?" he inquired.

Gaya echoed Elidyr's sentiment, expressing her own confusion. "I'm wondering the same thing," she chimed in.

Michael pondered their inquiries, his mind analyzing the situation. "If I'm correct, these fallen gods were living among us as mortals. So if we have angered them in some way, they may seek retribution now that they have regained their graces somehow," he explained.

"That four handed monstrosity must have something to do with all of this," she growled, her thoughts consumed by the fallen god's presence. Gaya's frustration flared as she mentioned the four-handed monstrosity known as Dagon.

Michael concurred, his gaze focused on the bigger picture. "We still lack a clear understanding of these fallen gods and how to confront them. However, until I ascend to higher levels of godhood, our options will remain limited," he stated.

Gaya rose from the throne, joining Michael's side. Her concern for his safety was evident as she spoke. "But you can't face the gods alone, and we, as mortals, won't stand a fucking chance against them, even if we reach the Celestial stage," she said, emphasizing the need for assistance in the upcoming battles.

Elidyr, observing the interaction, knew that Michael always had plans in motion. Despite the unexpected appearance of a god, which caught everyone off guard, Michael had contingency plans in place. These plans facilitated the escape of his subordinates from the island and even included strategies to confront death itself.

"That's why I insist on rallying all our forces," Michael declared, lifting one of the parchments to display a map labeled with the name "Itonys." on one part.

"This parchment contains valuable insights that will aid me in advancing to higher stages of godhood," he continued. Then, he raised the second parchment, which exclusively depicted a map of the outside world.

"And this one," Michael added, "holds the knowledge of energy deposits that can expedite your path to the Celestial stage, along with the others."

Gaya and Elidyr remained unaware of the information Michael had received from the system. It provided him with instructions on how to empower his subordinates to combat the gods. Although his subordinates still had a long way to go before challenging formidable deities like the God of War, the system could enhance their abilities enough to contend with weaker gods. However, the system cautioned Michael that his subordinates were not to face the gods and should avoid direct confrontations with gods at all costs. Yet, it also assured him that once they stepped into the realm of gods, the potential for growth and strengthening through various items and tasks would be boundless.

With the mortal realm now under the dominion of fallen gods, Michael recognized the urgency of developing a formidable force to combat them. To achieve this, he and his subordinates needed to venture into the realm of gods, and more importantly, he needed to pave the way.

Gaya took the map from Michael's hand and carefully studied its contents before redirecting her attention to him.

"But what about the fallen gods? Nithroel warned us against returning to our world until we grow stronger," Gaya voiced her concerns.

"You won't be able to grow stronger while being stuck in this world," Michael replied.

Curiosity tinged Gaya's question as she sought clarification. "So, what are you suggesting we do?" she inquired.

Michael took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "You need to return to our world, maintain a low profile, and search for these energy deposits. Utilize them to enhance your own strength while evading any encounters with the fallen gods. Soon, I will acquire a means to conceal your presence from them temporarily," he explained. The system had hinted that it would reactivate once Michael located another seed of darkness. With that reactivation, he could acquire a skill or rune to shield Gaya's aura from the prying eyes of the fallen gods and safely send her back to the outside world.

"Good. I want to go on my own," Gaya stated, leaving Elidyr taken aback. It hadn't even been a day since they exchanged vows, and now she expressed a desire to part ways. Elidyr's face darkened, his emotions entwined with confusion and concern.

Gaya quickly began to explain herself, aware of the impact her decision might have on Elidyr. "After facing that tiny fraction of the god's power and getting my ass kicked, I know I'll only weigh him down," she began, her voice filled with determination.

"The places he's about to venture into will undoubtedly be filled with threats that I, unfortunately, can't handle. Sticking by his side would not only make me useless, but it could also make me a liability, even a potential hostage against him. However, if I return to the outside world, I can make a tangible difference and provide real assistance. As much as I hate leaving his side, it's our best option at this moment. Time is precious, and every minute we waste is a minute our enemies have to grow stronger," Gaya concluded, her conviction shining through her words.

Michael let out a sigh of relief, grateful that Gaya understood the situation so well. He knew that sending her off alone carried its own risks, but he also recognized the greater peril involved in obtaining the seeds of darkness. Moreover, once he stepped into the realm of gods, he would become the primary focus of the pantheon, unlike the current situation where their attention was primarily fixed on Dagon. In due time, if Gaya hadn't attained sufficient strength to battle the gods, she could be used against him, placing her life in even greater danger.