Chapter 1177 Time for reaction
As the shadows around the Celestial Valley parted, Michael stepped forward, emerging like a specter of vengeance. His appearance instantly ignited a spark of joy in Gaya's heart, her voice echoing across the battlefield with a triumphant shout at the sight of her husband after a long, harrowing year apart.
"Now, Pink," Michael commanded through the com link, signaling her to initiate the overload of the crystals, effectively disrupting Seraphene's spy hub's monitoring spell.
Without a moment's hesitation, Michael ascended skyward, his presence commanding the attention of every beast in the vicinity. With a swift, powerful motion, he unleashed the Ring of Flames. Waves of dark fire erupted from him in a scorching circle, roaring across the battlefield. The flames seared the porcupines and revealed the previously invisible panthers, their fur singed and smoking, stripping them of their stealth advantage.
In the midst of this fiery onslaught, Michael effortlessly cast his dark swords into the air. He then withdrew the formidable Doomsbringer, a war hammer with an icy cold head, from his arsenal. Gripping it tightly, he activated the ancient ice core embedded within it, summoning a wave of deep freeze that swept across the battlefield.
"Kick their asses!"Gaya, witnessing the raw power of her husband, couldn't help but shout in exhilaration.
With a ground-shaking impact, Michael brought the Doomsbringer down upon the ground. A blast of intense cold radiated outward, instantly freezing everything in its vicinity except for Gaya. The beasts, caught in the frigid explosion, were immobilized, their movements halted by the sudden, extreme cold.
Michael's dark swords, having fulfilled their aerial dance of death, descended with precision, slotting effortlessly into the sheathes on his back. In a fluid motion, he reached out and pulled Gaya closer, her slender waist fitting perfectly into the curve of his armored hand.
For a brief moment, Gaya found herself speechless, her eyes locking with Michael's beneath his dark helm. Without a word, Michael activated his portable portal, creating a swirling vortex of energy that promised escape and safety. He gave Gaya a reassuring nod, the unspoken promise of safety evident in his gesture.
Together, they dashed into the portal, leaving the frozen battlefield and the stunned beasts of the Celestial Valley behind. As they disappeared into the vortex, the portal closed behind them, erasing their presence from the realm and leaving behind a battlefield.
As Michael and Gaya materialized in the lush expanse of Flora's domain, the Verdant Forest, Michael released his hold on Gaya's waist. He reached for the skull-shaped medallion at his chest, tapping it lightly. In response, his formidable armor retracted into the medallion, unveiling his true face beneath the helm.
The air of the Verdant Forest seemed to hum with life, its vibrant energy a stark contrast to the battleground they had just left. Birds chirped melodiously in the background, and the scent of the forest was fresh and invigorating.
Gaya, her face alight with a mixture of relief and joy, looked up at Michael. The corners of her lips curled into a playful yet affectionate smile. "Took you long enough, human." She said, with her typical spirited demeanor.
"You've got some explaining to do—" Michael started, but before he could finish, Gaya rushed towards him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sealed his lips with a deep kiss, leaving them both breathless.
"Damn, I've missed this... and us," Gaya expressed, her eyes shining with love and affection. It was clear that the danger and isolation had made her acutely aware of how much she valued Michael's presence and protection. The realization that he had always faced overwhelming odds with such ease had struck her only when she faced formidable foes herself.
"I've missed you too, Snakey," Michael replied, a nickname that brought a tear of joy to Gaya's eyes. It had been almost a year since he last called her that.
"Now, where are we? And what was that place with all those beasts?" Gaya inquired after regaining her composure.
"We're in Verdant Forest, the domain of Goddess Flora," Michael explained, casually draping an arm around her as they started walking toward his base of operation. "As for where you were, that was Celestial Valley. The creatures you encountered were its inhabitants. You were fortunate not to come across the ancient beasts or the swarm." said Michael.
"But tell me, why and how did you get here? I had told you not to do anything rash, hadn't I?" Michael asked, concern evident in his voice as Gaya let out a sigh.
Gaya let out a heavy sigh, her eyes reflecting the weight of the events she was about to recount. "After you left, things went south in the mortal realm," she began, her voice tinged with regret. "Cindy was bitten by an undead, and it wasn't just any bite. It had something to do with dark energy." She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "We took her to Elidyr's workshop. He used some kind of magical orb linked to Fourcrux, the God of Necromancy. That's when everything turned upside down. Cindy... she got possessed by Zariel, a Reaper of Fourcrux."
Michael's expression hardened as he listened intently.
"Zariel demanded his release from the Nether Realm in exchange for Cindy's life," Gaya added, her frustration evident.
"Olivia, Nithroel, and others were there too. We debated what to do. Nithroel was against freeing Zariel because of the disastrous consequences it could bring. But I was desperate to save Cindy, no matter the cost."
Gaya's hands clenched into fists. "Then, out of nowhere, Rin appeared. I didn't know her then. She gave me a chilling ultimatum – to kill specific people she named, or she'd let Zariel devour Cindy's soul and slaughter everyone in your army."
"So you… and Cindy…" Michael's jaw tightened. "I had no choice," Gaya interjected, her voice laced with pain. "I did what she asked. But those people... they were the Seal Bearers. Killing them tore open a rift, and Zariel escaped through it. I followed him, and that's how I ended up here, in the realm of gods."
Michael remained silent for a moment, processing the gravity of her words. "You've been through a lot," he finally said, his tone softening. "But now, we need to be careful. Rin's involvement complicates things further."
Gaya nodded in agreement. "I know. But first, we must ensure Cindy's safety and the others back in the mortal realm."
Looking into Gaya's eyes, his expression was calm yet filled with coldness. "Now that Zariel is no longer possessing Cindy, she should be fine," he reassured her, masking the turmoil of worry and anger brewing within him. He understood the importance of keeping Gaya calm in this chaotic situation.
Gaya, still trying to piece everything together, furrowed her brow. "But who exactly is Rin?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Michael took a moment to gather his thoughts before explaining. "Rin is known as the Princess of Murder, chosen by Xyloth, the God of Murder. She's dangerous, unpredictable," he began, his tone somber. As they walked, he recounted Rin's involvement in Gilrut's death, though he simplified the connection for Gaya, referring to Gilrut as a friend of a friend and a potential ally they had lost.
Gaya listened intently, her eyes reflecting a mix of shock and anger. The gravity of Rin's actions and the threat she posed became increasingly clear to her. Michael's revelations only added to the complexity of their situation, intertwining their fates with those of powerful and ruthless beings.
Then, sensing the turmoil swirling within Gaya, he gently pulled her into an embrace, his hands tenderly brushing through her hair. "I'll find a way to contact Elidyr in the mortal realm and get an update," he reassured her, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves.
As they stood there, locked in the embrace, Michael could feel the weight of worry and desperation that Gaya had been carrying in his absence. "I'll take care of everything. I'm so grateful for you holding everything together back home." He whispered, holding her a little tighter.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Gaya managed a sarcastic remark in her characteristically haughty tone. "Yeah, right. I just fucked it all up," she said.
Michael couldn't help but chuckle softly at her comment. "No, you didn't," he responded warmly, his chuckle conveying both affection and assurance. "You did what you had to do. And you did it well." But as Michael held Gaya, his expression subtly shifted. While his embrace remained warm and comforting, a coldness crept into his features, unseen by Gaya. His eyes turned pitch black as a surge of killing intent skyrocketed within him.
In his mind, thoughts of Rin and Zariel tormented him, their actions against Cindy and Gaya igniting a fierce rage. Clenching his jaw, he silently vowed retribution. "You have shown the action," he thought to himself, his inner voice laced with a promise of vengeance, "now I will show you the reaction."
In that moment, Michael was not just the loving husband comforting his wife but also the God of Darkness, ready to unleash his wrath upon Rin and Zariel.
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