Hitman with a Badass System

After deciding to target the Eden's Garden, Michael returned to Gilrut's penthouse. His decision wasn't solely due to the establishment's poor customer service; he had multiple reasons. He needed more alchemy ingredients for creating new potions and pills, he wanted to assess Elmer and his crew's efficiency in another robbery, and, of course, he required additional funds. Planning Rainar's assassination wasn't going to be cheap, and he believed it was time to teach Eden's Garden a lesson – no one was untouchable.

"Did you manage to acquire the crystals?" Gilrut inquired as Michael entered the penthouse. He glanced at Vedora, who was still peacefully asleep in the corner. Michael carefully picked them up and placed Vedora on the sofa.

Michael's attention to his familiar didn't go unnoticed by Gilrut, who appreciated the god's care for his companion.

"Yes, I got them," Michael replied.

Gilrut visibly relaxed at the confirmation. Michael continued, expressing his gratitude.

"Thank you for your assistance. I might need your expertise in runes again in the future, but that'll be the last time," Michael explained.

Curious, Gilrut questioned, "For what purpose?"

"What else? I'll require your help with runes. Here, take this," Michael handed Gilrut an earpiece.

"I'll reach out when I need you," Michael added.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to," Michael said, heading towards Gilrut's hidden chamber.

With the alchemy ingredients secured and the necessary prerequisites in place, Michael decided to initiate the body transformation process.

Gilrut nodded in understanding as he watched Michael enter the concealed room. Once inside, Michael selected a dark corner and settled down.

"System, provide me with the recipe for the potion you want me to brew," Michael requested, and a golden parchment materialized in his hand.

With the recipe in hand, Michael summoned his dark flames. One by one, he fed the ingredients into the flickering abyss.

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

A single day passed by in the blink of an eye, accompanied by an unusual radiance that enshrouded Michael's body. His skin shimmered beneath the ethereal glow, while his shoulder-length black hair danced in the gentle breeze.

Amid this spectacle, Celestial energy from the surrounding atmosphere gradually flowed towards Michael, converging at his forehead.

[The system is absorbing the experience points…] Michael heard the system's voice echoing in his mind.

The experience points he had accumulated, mainly from defeating the angels, began to transform into energy, slowly seeping into Michael's newly formed meridians.

[Congratulations to the Host for reaching the Initiate Realm.]

[Congratulations to host 'Michael' for leveling up. The current stage is Initiate Realm.]

[Experience points converted: 20,000.]

[Experience points converted: 30,000.]

[Experience points converted: 40,000.]

…

[Congratulations to host 'Michael' for leveling up. The current stage is Qi Awakening Realm.]

As Michael entered the Qi Awakening Realm, the lights in the room, including the runes, flickered with intensity. Celestial energy within the room surged towards Michael, forming a miniature whirlwind of power around him. This surging energy was promptly assimilated into his body.

Michael felt the newfound energy coursing within him, invigorating both his spells and physical capabilities. Simultaneously, the medallion adorning his neck began to quiver.

Sensing the medallion's warmth on his neck, Michael flicked his wrist, summoning a purple Celestial crystal into his palm. With a clenched fist, he reduced the crystal to a fine powder, which was promptly absorbed by the medallion.

[The Qi Awakening stage has enhanced the energy absorption rate from the Energy Devourer.] The system's voice notified Michael.

Slowly, he opened his eyes, finding Vedora perched on a nearby table, gazing at him with curious eyes.

"You're finally awake," Sarba remarked.

"And this better be the last time you leave us hanging with nothing to do," Ayag added, slightly irritated, addressing Michael.

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

Deep within a bamboo forest, an unconventional village had taken root, constructed entirely from bamboo stalks. Upon first glance, one might have expected to find rustic villagers or humble farmers inhabiting the quaint village. However, the reality was quite different. Burly orcs clad in formidable armor and wielding an array of weapons prowled through the village's pathways.

This secluded settlement was the secret lair of the Vilnius gang. Inside the central house, situated at the heart of the bamboo village, a small and cozy room served as the stage for the current drama. Elmer, the elven gang leader whom Michael had encountered during their heist at the Rideon funds, stood before an imposing orc with a long, black beard adorned with gleaming gold chains. The orc was seated across a finely crafted mahogany table.

Elmer maintained his composure while addressing the orc.

"You've seen my judgment at work, Vilnius. When's the last time I steered us wrong? You're well aware of my value; it's the reason you keep me, an elf, as a gang leader, and grant me my own crew," Elmer reasoned.

Vilnius, the notorious leader of the Vilnius gang, reclined in his throne-like chair, scrutinizing Elmer with a measured gaze.

"Yes, your value is undeniable," Vilnius admitted. "But even your worth has its boundaries, my friend. The fact that you unilaterally committed us to hand over thirty-five percent of our loot without consulting me is a misstep I cannot simply overlook."

Elmer defended his actions earnestly, explaining the circumstances.

"The runes proved to be far more powerful than we initially anticipated, Vilnius. Moreover, Gilrut was taking an agonizingly long time to do his part. Had it not been for the human's intervention, Officer Barug would have caught us. Trust me, Vilnius, he's no ordinary man. He single-handedly breached the vault using sheer brute force, and there's something about him that unsettles me."

"I am obviously docking your share in the score. Be grateful i dont fuck you up for what you did. But since you are telling me that working with this John is more profitable to us than killing him, i want to meet him," Vilnius said to Elmer.

"Fencing the artifacts and valuables you took from the Rideon funds is going to be a pain in the ass, and you know it. This is precisely why I advised against targeting the Rideon funds," Vilnius grumbled.

"I still managed to pull it off with the dumbest crew," Elmer quipped, rolling his eyes.

"Share the news with your dumb crew that they won't be receiving their cut due to their leader's generosity," Vilnius retorted coldly. Elmer harbored a glimmer of hope that his decision to partner with John would yield significant dividends in the future, as he had just relinquished a substantial portion of their haul.

"Now, set up a meeting with this John. I want to meet him face-to-face," Vilnius demanded, ending the discussion.

However, an abrupt interruption occurred when a panicked orc hastily entered the room.

"You'd better have an excellent reason for barging into my chamber," Vilnius growled at the intruding orc.

"Boss, there's a human here. He says he wants to speak with Elmer," the orc stammered, his face etched with shock.

Upon hearing the news, both Elmer and Vilnius were astounded.

"What?!" Elmer exclaimed in disbelief.

Vilnius was equally taken aback and growled his displeasure. Their secret hideout had been kept under wraps, known only to the core members of their gang. To discover that a human had somehow found their location and was requesting to see Elmer was unfathomable.

Wasting no time, Vilnius and Elmer swiftly exited the room. As they emerged, they were greeted by a group of orcs surrounding a human figure cloaked in black robes. The dark, stormy atmosphere added an ominous aura to the situation.

Despite being encircled by armed orcs and elves, the human remained composed.

"John?" Elmer inquired, recognizing him.

"That's John?" Vilnius asked with a furrowed brow.

"I swear, Vilnius, I have no idea how he found this place," Elmer hastily explained.

However, Vilnius seized Elmer by the throat, hoisting him off the ground.

"Damn it, Vilnius! I'm not foolish enough to reveal our hideout's location to him. I swear," Elmer stammered, his voice strained as Vilnius continued to exert pressure on his throat.

"Release him, Vilnius. Your hideout isn't as covert as you think," John calmly stated.

"How did you locate this place?" Vilnius demanded, all while not loosening his grip on Elmer.

"Sigh," Michael sighed audibly.

"I'm here to discuss a business proposition, not to fight. Release him," Michael requested, as small bolts of lightning began to crackle around his wrists.

In an instant, Michae unleashed an incredible burst of speed. His body blurred as he employed his Lightning Dash spell, moving so swiftly that it seemed like a mere illusion. As he approached Vilnius, he activated the Silent Spell, slowing down the passage of time within its vicinity.

The world around him seemed to lose its frenetic pace, as if time itself had been gently put on hold. Michael reached Vilnius and deftly released Elmer from the gang leader's grip. With a fluid movement, he returned to his original position, leaving Vilnius stupefied.

Vilnius, who had been holding Elmer firmly, was suddenly startled as he realized he no longer had a captive in his grasp. His gaze darted around, searching for Elmer. What had just transpired defied the laws of physics as he understood them.

To his astonishment, he found Elmer standing beside John, blinking in confusion. Elmer himself was baffled, unable to comprehend how he had gone from being captured by Vilnius to standing freely beside their unexpected guest.

"What... What just happened?" Elmer muttered, his voice tinged with bewilderment.

Vilnius, equally perplexed, could only stammer, "Shit…"

The members of the Vilnius gang remained stunned, unable to fully grasp the mysterious events that had just unfolded. With Elmer now free, Michael turned his attention back to Vilnius, his tone firm and unyielding.

"Now, if you stop wasting my time, I have a place to rob. Are you interested or not?" Michael's words left no room for further discussion.

Having witnessed the astonishing display of Michael's power, Vilnius had little choice but to heed the enigmatic John's request.

"I am listening. But first, tell me, how did you find this place?" Vilnius inquired cautiously, his gang members still on high alert.

"I'm not a spy, in case you're wondering," Michael replied, dispelling any doubts.

"Very well, come inside, and we'll talk. But should you attempt anything funny, rest assured, I have my own methods for dealing with individuals like you," Vilnius warned, his eyes fixed on Michael.

With a nod, Michael followed Vilnius into the house, Elmer trailing behind. Once inside, Vilnius settled into his chair, leaning forward.

"Now, tell me, what do you hope to gain from meeting the Vilnius gang?" Vilnius inquired.

"As I mentioned to Elmer, I'm planning my next heist," Michael replied plainly.

Vilnius leaned back, intrigued but cautious. "So, you're seeking a crew, then? Very well. What's the target?" he asked.

Michael's response was delivered with a cold smile that sent shockwaves through the room. "The Eden's Garden."