Hitman with a Badass System

As the four illustrious figures descended onto the stage, Lysandra's dragon, with a powerful beat of its wings, soared away into the clouds, leaving her standing gracefully on the platform. The sight of the majestic creature retreating into the sky added an extra layer of drama and spectacle to the scene.

The elder, Derelius Kraken, stood on the stage, his eyes reflecting a deep respect for the individuals before him.

"The Kraken Clan is in your debt for answering our summons, esteemed heroes," Derelius said respectfully.

Despite Jin and Shar's reputation, the elder did not dare show any discourtesy. Instead, he afforded them the same respect he showed Lysandra and Elrion.

However, Elrion, a worshipper of Valorius, openly displayed his discontent toward Shar.

"How is causing chaos and spreading plagues treating you, Shar?" asked Elrion, not bothering to hide his disgust for her and the god she served.

"Better than being a lapdog of a god who thinks the world circles around him, Elrion," Shar retorted with a snicker.

Meanwhile, Lysandra and Jin remained silent. On the other hand, the others, including Michael and Gaya, watched the interaction between these four, uttering no words, just like the rest.

"It still beats worshipping a god with no domain or loyal worshippers. Valorius doesn't need to force people into worshipping him. And he certainly doesn't order his evil minions to spread plagues and kill innocent people," Elrion said, hinting at Shar's recent atrocity.

"This is not the place for our debate, Elrion, Shar," Lysandra finally spoke calmly.

The way she talked and conducted herself reminded Michael of Seshat. The more he looked at her, the more it felt like Lysandra worshipped Seshat. But it was surprising for Michael to see a worshipper of Seshat riding a dragon, which symbolizes combat and violence.

"You are right. There is no point in talking to an evil bag of bones," Elrion snickered before turning his cold gaze away from Shar.

In response to Elrion's comment, Shar just remained silent. This showed everyone the stark contrast between Elrion's youthful thirst for justice and Shar's wisdom of being silent that came with old age.

On the other hand, Jin just stood there in the corner where the shadows were, and he almost became unnoticeable.

"Please tell us and the others more about this dungeon, Elder Derelius," said Lysandra.

"We also have reasons to believe that the dungeon contains separate entrances, each leading to paths akin to mazes," the elder paused, allowing the information to sink in among the crowd. "Our runemasters believe that navigating these mazes will require as much intellect as strength. So, it's wise to use your brains just as much as your brawn," he advised.

Derelius took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. "Once inside, I'd recommend either following these esteemed heroes or at least working with them. Let them lead you to the treasures within. It's prudent to align with those who have proven themselves in battle and in navigating dungeons of this nature," he suggested, gesturing towards the four figures on the stage. His advice highlighted the importance of strategy and alliance in the challenges they were about to face.

Around Michael and Gaya, various voices from the crowd began to express their thoughts on the elder's advice.

One seasoned warrior, his armor battle-scarred, nodded in agreement. "Following them seems like a solid plan. They've got the experience we could use," he said, his voice carrying a tone of pragmatism.

A younger adventurer, her eyes filled with ambition, disagreed. "I don't need to tail behind anyone. I can find my own way, and I won't have to share the treasures," she retorted, her confidence evident in her stance.

A group of mercenaries huddled together, discussing among themselves. "Teaming up might not be such a bad idea. There's strength in numbers," one suggested, trying to weigh the options.

However, an arrogant nobleman, adorned with ornate, decorative armor, scoffed at the idea. "Follow them? I think not. My skills are more than enough. I don't intend to share the glory or the loot with anyone," he declared, his voice dripping with disdain.

Another voice, older and more experienced, chimed in with a tone of caution. "Don't underestimate this dungeon. It's not just about fighting; it's about surviving. Arrogance could be your downfall."

"What's our plan?" Gaya asked Michael, turning to him for guidance.

Before Michael could respond, Borgin interjected, "If it's up to me, I'd say you follow them." His tone suggested a strategy, but his next words hinted at a preference for independence. "But we beast tamers look after our own and do not mingle well with others on a mission," he added, subtly suggesting that Michael and Gaya should not follow them.

"We'll decide when we get inside," Michael replied calmly. In truth, he preferred not to be entangled with the beast tamers.

However, he was aware of Gaya's feelings. She felt compelled to act as the Goddess of Monsters, especially since Borgin had admitted to killing beasts and monsters. This ignited a determination in her to protect her worshippers and avenge those who had fallen at the hands of the beast tamers.

"Now, use the three days you have wisely and prepare yourselves," Elder Derelius said, concluding his speech. "We shall meet again on the fourth day, outside the city in the Emerald Mountains. Our clan guards will show you the way to the dungeon entrance. May the Great Luxor grace you with his blessings." With a final gesture, he signaled for the gathered crowd to disperse.

After the crowd began to disperse, Michael and Gaya quietly walked away from the hall, finding a secluded corner where they could talk privately. Gaya's gaze lingered on Borgin and the other beast tamers, who were still in the hall. She also observed the four esteemed figures on the stage, who were now engaged in a discussion with Elder Derelius.

Gaya turned to Michael, a hint of concern in her voice. "Are they stronger than us?" she asked, seeking his assessment of their potential adversaries.

Michael activated his Eyes of Darkness, a unique ability that allowed him to gauge the strength of others. Through his darkened vision, he saw green auras surrounding the four figures on the stage. This indicated that, if he tapped into his god powers, they could be easily defeated. However, when he adjusted his Eyes of Darkness to assess their strength based on his cultivation power alone, without relying on his godly abilities, the auras turned red. This signified that their cultivation stages were higher than his own.

"If I use my full powers, they're no match for me. But on cultivation alone, they're stronger," he admitted. The information gleaned from his Eyes of Darkness was crucial. It gave them an understanding of where they stood in relation to the others and what they might be up against in the dungeon. "Let's go explore the city and learn more about these four, as well as the dungeon," Michael suggested, his voice reflecting a strategic mindset. He understood that knowledge would be as valuable as physical strength in the challenges ahead.

"I want to learn more about my godhood and about Vedora and their kind," she said, expressing her desire to delve deeper into her powers and the nature of the creatures she felt a connection to.

Michael and Gaya stepped out of the Kraken Clan building, immersing themselves in the bustling streets of Aurumvale, the wealthiest golden city. As they roamed, they passed extravagant taverns, restaurants, blacksmith stores, and jewelry shops. Each establishment was more lavish than the last, showcasing the immense wealth and prosperity of the city.

Eventually, their exploration brought them to the center of the city, where they came upon a magnificent structure that immediately captured their attention. It was a temple, grander and more opulent than any other building they had seen.

"This must be the temple of Luxor," Gaya remarked, her eyes wide with awe.

The temple was a marvel of architecture, built with walls of pure gold that gleamed under the sun. Precious gems and diamonds were embedded into the intricate designs that adorned its surface, each sparkling brilliantly. The temple's majestic spires reached towards the sky, and statues of divine figures, meticulously carved and gilded, stood guard at its entrance.

Every detail of the temple's design spoke of the reverence and devotion of its builders to Luxor, the God of Wealth.

As Michael and Gaya admired the temple, a sudden shadow fell over the ground, momentarily dimming the brilliant golden light. Instinctively, they, along with the other onlookers, looked up to the sky.

The shadow belonged to Lysandra's dragon, its crimson red scales a stark contrast against the bright blue sky. The dragon's powerful wings flapped gracefully, casting an awe-inspiring silhouette above them.

"Look up there! It's the dragon from earlier!" exclaimed one of the onlookers, their voice filled with excitement and surprise.

"Such a magnificent creature! I've never seen anything like it," another person remarked, their eyes fixed on the dragon as it soared overhead.

Unexpectedly, the dragon turned its head in the sky, its piercing blue eyes locking onto Gaya below. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, a mix of awe and curiosity rising among them.

Then, in a swift and elegant motion, the dragon began to dive down, its wings cutting through the air as it flew directly toward Gaya. The onlookers stepped back, giving space as the dragon descended with controlled precision, landing gracefully before her.