Hitman with a Badass System

Michael and Gaya, with the God Slayer now securely stored in her space ring, stepped out of the portal. They headed towards their meeting with Borgin, leaving Vedora behind with Pink in their base of operations within the Verdant Forest. Michael had made the decision not to risk bringing Vedora into an environment where hydras were bred and researched, especially considering their quest was tied to a clan known for utilizing previous Vedora's remains.

The city of Goldspire under the night sky was a breathtaking sight. The buildings, illuminated by a mix of magical and natural light, cast a warm glow against the dark backdrop. The streets, though quieter than during the day, still buzzed with the activities of night-time traders and late strollers. Upon their return to the Ironfist Beast Tamers, they found Borgin standing with a group of his fellow Beast Tamers. The group was a rugged, diverse collection of individuals, each exuding a sense of strength and experience. They were checking their weapons and gear, making last-minute adjustments. The variety of weapons and armor displayed their preparedness for any encounter, with everything from enchanted swords to reinforced bows and protective gear.

When Borgin saw Michael and Gaya, he welcomed them with a nod. "I assume you're coming with us," he said, his voice carrying a blend of expectation and respect.

When Borgin saw Michael and Gaya, he welcomed them with a nod. "I assume you're coming with us," he said, his voice carrying a blend of expectation and respect.

Michael responded with a light chuckle, the corners of his mouth turning up in amusement. "Of course, we wouldn't miss this for anything," he replied, eyes scanning the group.

Among the group, a dwarf caught their attention. He was stocky, as dwarves typically are, with a thick beard braided in intricate patterns, signifying his clan and status. His armor was heavy and robust, adorned with runes and gems that glimmered even in the dim light. His eyes, sharp and keen, quickly fixed on Michael's swords.

"Cool swords," the dwarf remarked, his voice a deep rumble. "How much for them?" His gaze was appreciative, that of a connoisseur assessing a fine piece of weaponry.

Gaya chuckled lightly, her amusement clear in her voice. "They're not for sale, shorty," she responded playfully, a twinkle in her eye.

Her comment elicited laughter from the others in the group, a moment of light-hearted camaraderie in the midst of their preparations. "You've got quite the mouth, girl." The dwarf shot back with a grin.

"Follow me," Ignoring the dwarf, Borgin gestured at them to follow him.

He then led the group through the sprawling hall of the Ironfist Beast Tamers' guild, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. They soon arrived at a large, imposing vault door. Standing before the door, Borgin produced a series of keys from his cloak, each unique in shape and size. He inserted them into several keyholes on the door, following a specific pattern. A low hum resonated in the air with each key turn, a sign of the mechanisms at work. Finally, with a definitive click, the door unlocked, slowly swinging open to reveal what lay beyond.

Inside, they were greeted by the sight of a divine portal. It was a large, round metal ring, standing upright and adorned with glowing runes that danced across its surface.

Soon, the dwarf approached the portal and began to work on a console attached to it. With a few expert taps, he activated the portal, which immediately lit up in a brilliant gold hue. A swirling vortex formed within the ring, a gateway to their destination.

Turning to Michael and Gaya, Borgin asked, "Have you ever visited Aurumvale before?"

"No," Michael shook his head in response, his expression a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

"Then you're in for a treat," he grinned with a twinkle in his eye. The dwarf, overhearing the conversation, chimed in as he walked towards the portal. "They call it the golden city. Wait till you see it with your own eyes," he said, a note of pride in his voice. He then stepped confidently into the portal, followed by the rest of the group.

One by one, they entered the swirling vortex, each disappearing into the golden light as they embarked on their journey to the renowned city of Aurumvale. When they stepped out of the portal, they found themselves on what appeared to be a rooftop. The first sight that greeted them was breathtaking - a city where the buildings themselves were made of gold. The structures shimmered brilliantly in the morning light, their golden facades reflecting a warm, radiant glow. The pavements below were lined with golden maple trees, their leaves glinting as if kissed by the sun, and occasional fountains and ponds added to the city's luxurious ambiance.

Gaya couldn't contain her astonishment. She raised her eyes, taking in the view, and exclaimed, "It's literally a golden city!"

Borgin chuckled at her reaction, a sound that carried both amusement and a hint of pride. "The first time seeing the city has this effect, hasn't it, Thoric?" he said, addressing the dwarf by his name.

Thoric, the dwarf, laughed heartily, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mirth and pride. "It's the domain of the God of Wealth, after all," he replied, gesturing broadly at the opulent cityscape.

The sight of Aurumvale was indeed a spectacle to behold, a testament to the wealth and power under the domain of the God of Wealth. Every corner of the city spoke of opulence and grandeur, a visual representation of the Luxor's influence and blessings. Among the various golden structures, Michael's gaze was drawn to a particularly imposing building. It towered over its neighbors, with its top crafted to resemble a hydra's head, a stunning piece of architectural artistry.

Noticing where Michael's attention had landed, Borgin provided some context. "That's the Kraken Clan headquarters," he pointed out. "And that's exactly where we're heading."

"Let's get down there and go to it, then." Thoric interjected. His voice carried a sense of urgency, a reminder of their purpose in this opulent city.

They turned to follow Borgin, who led them to a shimmering golden circle etched into the rooftop floor. The group cautiously positioned themselves within the circle, standing side by side.

Michael, observing the intricate design and the energy emanating from the circle, muttered to himself, "A teleporter."

No sooner had he spoken than a golden light enveloped them, a warm, tingling sensation accompanying the activation of the teleportation magic. In a blink, they were transported from the rooftop to ground level, arriving smoothly in the bustling town center.

They were immediately greeted by the sight of the majority of the townsfolk, predominantly elves, dressed in golden robes. The elegance and grace of their attire perfectly complemented the city's grandeur. The elves moved about their business with serene dignity, their robes flowing gently as they walked through the streets lined with gold.

As the group strolled toward the Kraken Clan headquarters, they moved under the shade of the golden maple trees, their path lined with the glistening foliage. The city was alive with activity, and the elves, in their golden robes, cast curious glances at the newcomers. Their remarks, while subtle, carried undertones of racial and status observations.

One elf, peering over his spectacles, remarked to another, "More outsiders. The city's charm attracts all sorts, doesn't it?"

Another, her voice laced with a hint of condescension, said, Seems like the barbaric beast tamers, humph,"

Overhearing these comments, Borgin advised the group. "Best to ignore the elves. They can be... particular about their status and heritage."

Thoric, bristling at the remarks, muttered under his breath, a low growl escaping his lips. "Pompous pointy-eared fucks," he grumbled, keeping his voice quiet but his displeasure evident.

After observing the interaction, Michael turned to Borgin and asked. "Is it safe to assume that Luxor is an elven god?"

"Hmm," Borgin nodded in response. "Luxor is indeed an elf. That's why the elves here carry themselves with such... entitlement. They believe their status is elevated by their god's domain," he explained as they walked toward their destination.

They soon arrived in front of the Kraken Clan building, an imposing structure that stood out even in the opulent city of Aurumvale. Guarding the entrance were giant, ten-foot-tall mechanical soldiers, their presence both awe-inspiring and intimidating. The soldiers, constructed of some golden alloy, were adorned with runes that glowed with a soft light, signifying the enchantments that powered them.

Standing before these mechanical giants was a silver-haired elven soldier, his posture rigid and authoritative. He wielded a long sword that seemed as much a symbol of his rank as it was a weapon.

"What business do you have here?" the elf asked, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized the group.

Borgin stepped forward, his tone respectful yet firm. "We are here in response to the summoning of beast tamers to explore the dungeon," he explained, gesturing to his companions.

In response to Borgi n, the elf soldier's expression remained unchanged as he replied. "Typical." His tone carried a hint of disdain. "Don't try anything funny." He then gestured towards the building, signaling them to enter.

A grand staircase flanked the entrance to the Kraken Clan headquarters, each step made of polished gold that reflected the light in dazzling patterns. The stairs led up to a massive golden door, intricately carved with images of hydras and other mythical beasts, a testament to the clan's legacy and prowess in beast taming.

"These mechanical soldiers…they are powered up by celestial crystals…hmm," Michael thought to himself, wondering if Pink could hack them.