Hitman with a Badass System

With the Queen's task completed, Michael returned to Nithroel's manor, where Gaya eagerly awaited him. She knew Michael was about to embark on his journey to the realm of gods and wanted to bid her husband farewell. The hall was empty, with only a cozy sofa set in the middle and windows overlooking the serene canyon and the shimmering lake.

"Everything went well?" Gaya asked Michael, her eyes filled with concern and love.

Michael nodded and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm hug. They shared a passionate kiss, cherishing each other's presence before parting.

"Nithroel will be here in a few moments," Gaya informed him.

Michael settled on the sofa, and Gaya joined him, their eyes locked in a loving gaze.

"I am only going there next week," Michael calmly revealed, surprising Gaya.

"Why? What's the reason?" she asked in shock.

"Because I promised you I would take you on a honeymoon when everything is over, and I intend to keep my promise," said Michael, holding Gaya close. He kissed her on the side of her head, showing his affection for her.

"When did you become so romantic?" Gaya asked, her voice filled with joy. It had been months since they spent quality time together without any worries. She thought Michael had forgotten about their promise, but she understood the immense responsibilities he carried. As his wife, she wanted to support him rather than add to his burdens.

"When I married the most beautiful snake in the entire world," Michael chuckled, planting another sweet kiss on her lips.

"Where do we go?" Gaya asked, her excitement bubbling over.

"Anywhere you want," Michael replied, his heart brimming with love for his wife.

Gaya's eyes sparkled with excitement as she reached into her space ring and pulled out a parchment filled with her neatly written notes. "Oh, Michael, you won't believe the places I've been dreaming of! First, there's the Celestial Gardens, a realm of floating islands adorned with vibrant flowers that glow in the moonlight,"

Michael couldn't help but tease her lovingly, "Taking notes on honeymoon destinations, are we? You really are something else,"

Gaya playfully swatted his arm. "Of course! I want this to be a honeymoon we'll cherish forever. And there's more!" She continued, "Next, we have the Starfall Meadows, where stars descend every night, dancing across the sky in a breathtaking spectacle. It's as if the heavens themselves are celebrating love!"

Michael raised an amused eyebrow. "Starfall Meadows, huh? You sure know how to find the most magical places,"

But Gaya's excitement was infectious, and she couldn't contain herself. "And then, there's the Enchanted Forest, where the trees are said to sing melodies and the flowers change colors with every step you take! It's like walking in a living painting."

Michael chuckled, "You really have put a lot of thought into this, haven't you? It sounds like you've planned our honeymoon better than any war strategy!"

Gaya giggled and leaned closer to him. "Well, my dear Dark Lord, I just want this to be perfect for us. After all, we deserve a moment of magic and joy amidst all the chaos."

"You're right," Michael said, his tone softening. "I couldn't think of anyone better to share this with than you."

As they bantered and laughed, Michael and Gaya planned their dream honeymoon, choosing one enchanting location after another.

As Michael and Gaya continued planning their dream honeymoon, the door to the hall swung open, and Eve hurriedly entered, her face flushed with exertion from training.

"Hey, the empress is here," Eve announced, catching her breath. It was evident that she had been pushing herself to prepare for the battles ahead, determined to fight alongside Gaya when the Dark Lord departed for the realm of gods.

Before Michael could reply, Nithroel gracefully entered the hall, unaccompanied by any bodyguards. Her decision to forego protection was a wise one, given the need to keep her association with the Dark Lord a secret from the world that believed him to be deceased.

Nithroel gracefully entered the hall, her presence exuding the regal aura of an empress combined with the power of a goddess of hunt. Michael and Gaya warmly greeted her with smiles as she took her seat before them.

"I'll take my leave," Eve nodded at Michael and departed from the hall.

"Are you ready to depart?" Nithroel inquired, her gaze briefly turning to Gaya. However, Gaya remained silent, giving no indication of any resentment towards Nithroel. The empress wanted to ensure that everything was settled between them since she had ordered Michael's assassins to find and kill Gaya's biological father, Ingram. But as Gaya stayed quiet, Nithroel decided not to delve further into the matter.

"Elidyr is still working on the teleporter. It should be ready by the end of next week," Michael replied.

"Hmm," Nithroel leaned back, crossing her legs gracefully.

"What are your plans in the meantime?" the empress inquired.

"Just some personal matters to attend to, nothing major. But I'll be out of reach," Michael responded.

"Me neither. Tomorrow, I plan to venture into the treacherous ocean. But before I depart, I thought to give you a brief introduction to the realm of gods," Nithroel surprised both Michael and Gaya with her announcement. The treacherous ocean was a perilous place, and they couldn't help but wonder what a goddess and empress like Nithroel intended to do there.

"Are you planning to go alone? Don't you have your war gods for such matters?" Michael inquired.

"The times are changing, Dark Lord. Now that the world believes you are dead, every kingdom seeks a new villain to target. I understand mortals well. They need someone to hate, fight, and fear to survive, just like they need food, air, and water," Nithroel calmly explained.

"And what's your point?" Michael asked, his brows furrowing.

"The dwarves and the beast kingdom are amassing a large number of soldiers, preparing for war. I've been hearing about the plans of almost every king and queen to expand their kingdoms. The beast king is even plotting to send his forces to the southern continent and invade them," Nithroel revealed.

Gaya chuckled devilishly at the revelation. "Let's see how he invades the southern continent," she snickered. Gaya and Michael had dispatched Lenora and Trista, two of the most powerful elder vampires, to regain control of the southern continent.

"Don't underestimate the beast king, Dark Queen. He may not be a god like me and your husband, but he is just as capable as any god," Nithroel warned Gaya.

Curious, Michael inquired, "So, what's the connection between expanding and your venture into the treacherous ocean?"

"Power, what else? Whoever controls the untapped potential in the treacherous ocean controls the outcome of any war. And I want that power for the Gondolin empire," Nithroel declared with cold determination.

Gaya couldn't hold back her anger and frustration any longer and decided to confront Nithroel about her ambitions. "Since I am not refusing your request to have my father killed by my husband's assassins, let me ask you, Empress, why are you so keen on ruling the Awor continent and expanding Gondolin? You are a goddess, why not plan on returning to your own world?" Gaya questioned.

Nithroel understood Gaya's inner turmoil and realized that Michael had informed her about the request to find and kill Ingram. However, Nithroel didn't harbor any ill intentions toward Gaya. If anything, she empathized with her.

"When your husband returns from the realm of gods, he will tell you why. The short answer I can give you at this point is that the realm of gods is far worse than this world. Which brings me to why I am here," Nithroel paused for a moment and leaned forward.

"If everything goes according to your plan, you will land in the Forest of Elrian, the domain of the goddess Marli. Seek her help, but be careful not to get too close to her," Nithroel warned.

"Why?" asked Michael, intrigued.

"Because she is a lustful predator," Nithroel revealed.

Gaya was taken aback by the unexpected revelation as Nithroel continued, "Once you find the divine portals, I'd recommend starting your journey in the realm of gods from Kingdom Nimbosia, ruled by the god of rain, Rainar. It will be a good starting point for you to learn the dynamics of the realm and witness firsthand how cruel a god can be."

As Nithroel spoke, she gracefully flicked her wrist, summoning a silver chain with a golden arrow attached to it. With a confident gesture, she tossed the chain to Michael.

"This is my medallion. It will conceal your godly aura and keep you hidden from the pantheon. Remember to wear it at all times while in the realm of gods, unless you want the entire pantheon's army at your doorstep. Dark Lord, you are venturing deep into the den of countless hungry lions," Nithroel warned Michael.

Her concern for his success was evident, as she knew that if he failed, the pantheon would break the barrier between the mortal realm and the realm of gods. This would lead to a chaotic invasion, with each god seeking to claim a piece of the mortal realm for worshippers and power. Such a catastrophe would shatter her dream of ruling the entire mortal realm, leaving behind the mysterious reason for her ambitious desire.

"Is there any chance Rainar would want to make a deal or ally with me?" Michael inquired, his curiosity piqued. Nithroel couldn't help but chuckle at the question.

"Oh, my Dark Lord, you have much to learn about the gods. High gods like Rainar, who hold titles such as 'God of Rain,' are devoted solely to the pantheon. They wield immense power and influence over the mortal realm, even with the barrier in place. For instance, if Rainar were to be killed, the mortal realm would not receive any rainfall until another god of rain was born in the realm of gods," Nithroel explained.

Michael found himself increasingly intrigued by the realm of gods and the intricate dynamics at play. However, getting more information was a challenge, especially since meeting Nithroel in person was nearly impossible due to their need to maintain the facade of his death.

"Perhaps gods without titles or kingdoms to rule might consider allying with you. But to make that happen, you must become truly formidable. Otherwise, no sane god would dare go against the pantheon. I suggest two potential approaches: either find a way to join the pantheon and work with them until you can seize an opportunity to double-cross them, or quietly grow your worshippers within the realm of gods," Nithroel advised.

"How do I do that?" Michael inquired.

"Select a messenger and send them to spread word about your power. As desperate people begin to pray to you, use your abilities to fulfill their wishes. They will see it as miracles, and your worshippers will grow. However, this approach is dangerous, as no god likes their worshippers being poached. As I said, once you enter the realm of gods, you'll find that things are similar to the mortal realm, only much worse and more cruel," Nithroel cautioned.