Hitman with a Badass System

Rurik, with a sense of pride and accomplishment, presented the five arrows to Michael. 

"These arrows are ready for rune engravings," he announced, holding them out for Michael to see.

The arrows, carved from the centipede's bone, were sleek and perfectly balanced. Each shaft was smooth, with a natural luster that made them appear almost ethereal. The arrowheads, sharp and menacing, promised a deadly impact.

"That won't be necessary." Michael, examining the arrows, replied. 

With a simple flick of his wrist, he placed the arrows into his system storage, where they vanished from sight, safely tucked away for future use.

Rurik's curiosity and shock were evident on his face. 

"How exactly are you planning to kill Rainar? And what happens if you actually succeed in killing a god?" Asked Rurik.

Michael chuckled lightly, a twinkle in his eye. 

"We'll have to wait and see, Rurik. Some things are better left as surprises."

"I hope Rainar's death will put an end to the war between him and Kranar. Nimbosia has suffered enough under the rule of a tyrant god. Its people deserve freedom and peace." The dwarven blacksmith sighed as his expression turned somber.

Michael's smile faded as he considered Rurik's words. The weight of their actions and the potential consequences were not lost on him. The path ahead was unknown and filled with dangers, but the goal was clear – to kill a god.

Feeling the need for solitude to reflect on their next steps, Michael turned to Rurik. 

"I need some time alone. Please, take care of your business and leave me for a while," he requested gently.

Rurik sighed, a deep understanding in his eyes as he looked up at Michael. 

"You're not like the other gods, John," he said earnestly. 

"I hope you'll be one who truly gives a damn about the people." With those parting words, filled with hope and a bit of concern, Rurik left the hall, his heavy footsteps echoing slightly as he departed.

Once alone, Michael felt Vedora crawl up his arm and perch on his shoulder. The three-headed hydra seemed to sense the gravity of their mission and the burdens it carried.

 "Now all we need to do is get into the gala and kill the god," Ayag said, breaking the silence. Her tone a mixture of determination and a hint of apprehension about the daunting task ahead.

The words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the challenge they faced. Michael stood there, his thoughts focused on the upcoming gala, the weapon they had created, and the monumental task of assassinating a god.

As Michael stood in contemplation, the earpiece crackled to life, and Pink's voice came through. 

"I've got good and bad news about the gala invitation," she said. 

"Which do you want to hear first?"

Michael, always preferring to confront challenges head-on, replied, "Give me the bad news first."

"Great, let's start with the doom and gloom." Ayag, ever the sarcastic one, rolled her eyes and quipped. 

"The bad news is that the invitation is in Nimbosia, Rainar's kingdom. After your little escapade with the orc's clone and the temple guards, security is bound to be tighter than ever, " Pink said in a serious voice.

Michael's expression hardened at the mention of Nimbosia. He knew infiltrating Rainar's heavily guarded kingdom would be no small feat.

"And the good news?" he asked, bracing himself.

"The good news," Pink continued, 

"is that every year, Fortuna sends an invitation to Goddess Ava, despite her being a rogue goddess who removed herself from the pantheon. The invitation is received by Fayeth, Goddess Ava's angel, who's currently in Nimbosia."

Michael's mind raced, considering the implications of this information. 

"So, our way into the gala might be through Fayeth and Goddess Ava's invitation," he mused aloud, a plan beginning to form in his mind.

"Looks like we have a lead, a risky one, but it's something." Sarba nodded, his tone now more serious. 

Michael felt a sense of resolve settle over him. The path forward was risky, but it was the best chance they had to infiltrate the gala and complete their mission.

"I really miss my high-tech setup back on Earth. This world's limitations are really messing with my ability to help you, " Pink said, letting out a frustrated sigh through the earpiece.

"I have a feeling you'll get something much better once I take care of Rainar," Michael responded calmly. He kept to himself the knowledge that the system's quest to kill Rainar included a reward of a base of operations in the realm of gods. He suspected this base would be a game-changer, especially considering the quest's extraordinary requirement to kill a god.

"I hope so," Pink replied, her voice tinged with hope and concern. 

"Just be careful, Ghost," she said before cutting the communication.

Michael cracked his neck, gearing up for the next phase of his mission. He turned to Ayag and said, 

"Let's head to Nimbosia."

He placed the crossbow into his system storage and took out the portable portal device. With a few adjustments, he activated it, creating a swirling vortex in the middle of the forge.

"Time to set things in motion," he muttered to himself. With a determined step, he entered the vortex, his figure enveloped by the spiraling light. In an instant, he disappeared from the forge, embarking on the risky journey to infiltrate Nimbosia and execute his daring plan to infiltrate the gala of the gods.

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

Michael's portal opened up in a dark, narrow alley within the kingdom of Nimbosia. As he stepped out, he was immediately enveloped in the heavy rain that was flooding the kingdom. Looking around, he noticed more and more people perched on rooftops, seeking refuge from the relentless downpour.

The sky, unlike during his last visit, was free of the chaotic battle between Kranar and Rainar's angels. Instead, the angels were now methodically patrolling the sky, their vigilant eyes scanning the streets and alleys below.

Quickly assessing the situation, Michael blended into the darkness, activating his ability to turn invisible. He moved stealthily, keenly aware of the patrolling angels above.

One of the angels, clad in metal armor and sporting feathery wings, paused and looked directly in Michael's direction. For a moment, there was a sense of tension as the angel seemed to sense something amiss.

Another angel flew down, joining the first. 

"What is it?" he asked, following his companion's gaze.

The first angel hesitated, then shook his head slightly. 

"I thought I saw someone," he murmured, still uncertain.

The second angel glanced around the dimly lit alley and shrugged. 

"It's just a dark alley. You're seeing shadows," he said dismissively, and with a flap of their wings, the two resumed their patrol.

Michael remained motionless until they were out of sight. His ability to remain undetected in the heart of the enemy's territory was crucial. With the angels moving on, he continued his journey through the rain-soaked kingdom, his mission clear in his mind.

Ayag, perched on Michael's shoulder, advised him with a sense of urgency, 

"Unlike last time, we'll get caught if we try to use the rooftops to travel to Fayeth. The angels' patrols are too thorough."

Michael nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the drenched landscape. 

"I see that," he said, tapping the skull head medallion on his chest. Instantly, armor began to emerge from the medallion, seamlessly covering his body from head to toe. The armor was sleek and dark, blending perfectly with the shadows of the night.

With his armor now fully deployed, Michael submerged himself into the flooded streets. His skull mask, an integral part of his suit, enabled him to breathe underwater. The mask was connected to his APD built into the suit, which pumped oxygen-rich potions directly into his bloodstream, allowing him to navigate the submerged streets without the need for air.

Moving swiftly and silently beneath the water's surface, Michael made his way towards Ava's temple, where Fayeth was known to be. His approach was undetectable, the flooded streets providing the perfect cover for his stealthy advance.

The journey to the temple was a silent one, with only the muffled sounds of the city above and the occasional shadow of an angel patrolling the skies.

After a while, Michael slowly emerged from the water, his movements cautious and measured. Peeking his head just above the surface, he witnessed a scene of destruction and chaos. Several angels, their wings beating furiously in the rain, were demolishing Ava's temple. Amidst the rubble and debris, another orc's clone stood, whip in hand, lashing out at the people who had gathered there.

The cries of the people filled the air, their pleas for mercy heart-wrenching. 

"Please, no more! We've done nothing wrong!" one of them cried out, trying to shield themselves from the relentless whipping.

Another, tears streaming down their face, begged, "Spare us! We are but simple followers, we have no quarrel with Rainar!"

The orc, his face twisted in a cruel sneer, shouted over the cries, 

"Soon, I will whip Fayeth to death inside Rainar's temple and make her pay for her treacherous acts against Rainar!"

Inside Michael's armor, Sarba cooped away from the water, heard the orc's threats and felt a surge of urgency. 

"Ghost, we need to save Fayeth before those evil scumbags hurt her," he said, his voice filled with determination.

Michael's eyes narrowed as he observed the orc clone's brutality. A cold killing intent settled over him. 

"Time to end this show," he muttered to himself, his voice low and dangerous. 

"I'll save Fayeth, and anyone who stands in my way will punch their ticket straight to hell. Mercy will not be an option here,"