BLACK HEART: Rise of the Vengeance god

[April 2022]

I walked into the half-dark neon light room. There was a long table with three seats on each side. The room was so dark that I couldn't even see myself, let alone the other occupants. I took the only seat available and sat down.

I knew why I was here, but they felt I was simply too immature and weak for this mission. I'm the leader of a small mercenary group. Although our number is something is to laugh at, but everyone of us is an elite amongst elites. We have taken way more dangerous mission than any mercenary group in the country.

Flanked on my sides were high ranking men and women dressed in dark suits. I had been called to handle a few problem for them.

"The Somalia militia are planning to send in reinforcements, we need you to infiltrate their ranks and incapacitate them." a voice said.

I couldn't see their faces but it didn't matter, all that mattered to me was the mission which I knew was going to change a lot of things about me.

"The Americans will provide you with all the information you need."

A female voice said.

I frowned, I didn't the idea of external help, I prefer to handle the missions alone. The reason the Wardog mercenary group has few members is due to the fact that we have secrets we don't want anyone else knowing, thus bringing the Americans with me on this mission is comparable to inviting unsolvable problems.

"Why are the Americans involve in this debacle of ours? What can the American President do except send untrained ignorant men to their doom? My team and I are enough to handle this trifle matter." I said with annoyance.

Wherever there is trouble or war, the Americans will meddle into the affair with the notion of maintaining peace in that country, but in truth they have their hidden agenda. And now the americans want to get involved again? Besides, what's so special in Nigeria that every country wants a piece of?

"Who will the Secretary of Defense send to aid me?" I asked after a moment of silent.

"Major Triston Allen and Sergeant Anderson Marshal." a male voice said.

Damn! It just had to be them, why couldn't they send normal soldiers! These two are part of an elite force known as the Apostle clan, it's more of a militia that Lucius set up for his daughter Simran, and few years ago, precisely '2019' I was told by Lucius that Simran is my soulmate and we were to be married once we come of age. Our love has bloomed and I am willing to die for her, I will do anything to please her and make her happy, I love her more than life itself. But it doesn't mean I like those arrogant pricks who serve her. I didn't like the idea of traveling with those Apostle soldiers, especially Major Triston Allen and Sergeant Anderson Marshal.

"I don't think that's necessary, I can do this by myself, I don't need a babysitter. They will only slow me down. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate their gesture of goodwill, but I don't need escorts." I tried to reason with them.

"This isn't up for discussion." another voice, a male voice said.

"I don't trust anyone apart from my teammates!" I said raising my voice a bit.

"If you can't trust others, then how can we trust you." a voice chipped in, and I recognized that voice but just can't place its owner.

"You seem to be forgetting the importance of this mission. If the Somalia troops manage to get even a piece the merchandise, then Nigeria will lose its current trump card in the black market. The Americans are aiding us because of the agreement we have with them. Understood?" a voice chipped in.

"Fine, let's get this over with." I said.

"Know this Maximus; your chances of returning alive is 0.01%." a female voice said.

"Are you still willing to proceed?" she asked as if expecting me to refuse.

I simply looked at these haughty men and women and smiled.

"Where do I sign?"

*

"TEN HUT!" Starlet shouted as soon as I got into Wardogs meeting room.

All six members of the Wardogs Mercenary group stood up to salute as soon as I entered. We were but a small mercenary group, and thus our hideout was one inconspicuous three room apartment. This mission will yield forth bountiful cash which will aid us expand.

"Take your seat guys. You all know why we're here today, right?" I said looking at the face of every one of them. We were all in our early twenties, yet due to the fact we were dishonorable discharged from the army for not obeying a direct order to destroy an entire village, we've bounded up to fight against terrorism as a mercenary group.

"Tsk! They can't handle their own mess. Bornu has become a place of war, rather than of peace." Risky said. He's of average height, lean and a skilled gunfighter.

"This reminds me of the 2018 plateau state attack. Same kind of mission, we were only ordered to retrieve the merchandise and leave the terrorists to annihilate the village." Starlet said. Being second in command, he was respected by the others because he never slacked in his training.

"We are not going to Plateau, and we are not soldiers anymore. So man up, gear up. We leave at dawn."

"SIR! YES SIR!" They echoed in unison.

*

When they had all left the room, I took out a photo from my pocket. It was a photo of a dark skinned beauty; Simran. She had been with me for so long and now this mission will get us the resources to finally get married.

"Mother will be so proud of you." a voice said but I didn't turn around, I knew who that was; my ever silent son- Erik The Hollow Reaper.

"After this mission, we shall retire and settle down as a normal family." I said and put the photo back into my pocket.

"You know I'm with you Father, till the ends of the earth."

Ratatatata!

Zip! Poof!

Gunshots rang in the air as my team and I engaged in a firefight against the Somalia militia troops. Someone must have leaked out information as it seems these guys were waiting for us, and we walked right into an ambush.

"I fucken knew this will happen! Never trust the Nigerian government! Bunch of saboteurs!" Risky cursed as he swooped down beside me to dodge a bullet. I had a hunch something like this will turn up, but I didn't expect it to reach such an extent. These Somalians actually brought a battalion to deal with just seven people... Who the hell comes with three hundred soldiers to with seven ex soldiers!

"Father! Shall we retreat!?" Erik's voice sounded via the airpod we use.

"Negative! Proceed as planned. I will draw their fire, Starlet you do the same, the rest of you plant those bombs in the places we've marked." I said and moved towards a few soldiers who were busy with setting up for the mortar attack.

"I will start by taking out that mortar! you lot better get a move on!" I said via the airpod. The sound of gunshots had made my ears numb and it felt like 2018 all over again.

"Father, target A and C have been set! What's next!?" Erik's voice sounded through the airpod. I knew if I had to take out this army and survive, I needed to do it without worrying about any of my teammates.

"Set the charges and get the hell outta here. I will join you as soon as I take out all their heavy artilleries." I shouted and then tossed out the airpod.

Creeping slowly towards the mortar artilleryman, I took out my dagger as I crept forward. He was busy setting up that heavy thing that he didn't notice my attack.

Swipe!

I slit his throat and laid him gently on the ground, then I proceeded to fix up the mortar quickly. My plan was to use the mortar against the Somalia militia troops. This will end the battle in no time.

After quickly assembling the mortar, I aimed it at the Somalian soldiers pursuing my fleeing teammates.

SWOOSH! BOOM!

The projectile was released and it blew the enemies to bits. I was just about to set another one when danger alarm ran in my brain. I turned towards the source and saw a Somalian soldier aiming an RPG at my direction.

"Fuck.. me.." then it all went white.

*

I found myself floating in the dark void. It was devoid of stars, moon and sun. It was completely lifeless. A bright light suddenly shone, I had to shield myself to avoid blindness.

«Data collection complete. Host matches the requirement of the system.» a male voice suddenly spoke from the light.

"The fuck!" I couldn't help but curse. What sort of weird stuff is happening!?

«Host's current status: Deceased. Injecting revitalization serum to Host.» the same voice spoke, and then the light faded. I opened my eyes and found out I was back on the battlefield.

"..Wh..what..what's this?" I could feel pain raking my body as I coughed again. The explosion decimated everything within 30ft around me. The bomb used must have been the latest model. I raised my hand and I felt it was strange.

"I should be dead..blown to pieces..why I'm I still whole?" the flesh showed signs of peeling but nothing else, and instead of blood, I saw red lights around my palm reattaching the flesh and healing my palm.

«Godhood system activated»

"Who said that?" I became fearful. But the voice kept mute, I thought more and realize I didn't hear this voice with my ears, rather it was as if it communicated via telepathy. This was the same voice I had heard when I was thrown into that dark void.

«Host's condition is still critical, bypassing host's authorization, reconstruction of body initialized»

Just as the voice kept said, I felt a cool sensation wash over me, I felt no pain but rather drowsy, I couldn't stop myself as my eyelids closed and darkness welcomed me.

*

«Welcome host. My name is Azazel. I am known as the godhood system. Host has been found worthy and thus awakened me. I shall assist you in your quests»

The voice woke me up. As I tried to wrap my head around the assassination attempt by my half brother, I realized again that I should be dead considering the kind of firepower that was used. I raised my hand again and saw a perfect palm with no blemish.

*shriek* I jumped from the blackened floor in shock. I checked my body and I could find no injury except the fact that I was naked.

"HOLY SHIT!!!"

[28th December 2024.]

This was the big day. Today's the day my soulmate and I become officially a couple. I couldn't be more happier. I went to the wardrobe and brought out the Italian suit which I had bought just for this day.

"Max, dress up, everyone's ready except you." My Mom shouted from the balcony.

"I'll be through soon Mom." I shoved my excitement aside and wore the suit, combed my hair, and rushed off to the balcony.

"Are the cars ready?" I asked Mom.

"Keep smiling like that and our soon to be inlaws will think you have a facial disease." my Mother berated me with a smile plastered on her face.

"My boy is finally becoming a man." she squealed as she cupped my face. Mom was dressed in a silk-satin sky blue evening gown, with a V neckline. This dress code was brought by a very good friend of mine, Queen Esther.

"You look gorgeous Mom." I said, while she blushed.

"Stop making this old lady feel young." she said while smiling.

"Hurry up y'all, we're gonna be late." Erik my son shouted from outside. I adopted two beautiful girls; Emmanuela and Maryjane, then I adopted a boy; Erik. They're in their early twenties, and I just clocked twenty five.

I rushed down the stairs, and met Starlet by the car.

"Bro, you look good." He said, and I smiled.

"Of course Bro, it's my day, I've got to look my best." I said as I opened the back door and slid into the car.

"After today, you'll officially become a family man." Starlet said as he slid to the driver's seat.

"You better get yourself a lady my friend, I won't want to miss your day." I joked.

"You are right Max, I was thinking it will be good if I get Ella pregnant, you may finally allow us to be together." he said with a mischievous smile on his face.

"Don't even think about it." I scowled at him.

He laughed as he turned on the ignition.

"Let's get you shipped off to the family lane, shall we?" he said as the car drove forward.

"Whatever man." I said unenthusiastically. Suddenly the thought of leaving my daughters alone while I go on a honeymoon with my fiancee didn't sound good anymore.

* * * *

I stood at the altar while waiting for my bride to come. I've been waiting for this day for a long time, I just can't believe it's finally happening. I was just thinking of my time in Rome when the doors opened and that's when she entered. Dressed in a silk-satin evening dress with a V neckline which left her arms and shoulders exposed, plus it emphasized her bosom. She wore a golden circlet that appeared to be made out of small camellias woven together. She walked over with the air of a Queen, and I couldn't help but think of myself a really lucky man.

"You look gorgeous." I told her as soon she got to the altar. She simply blushed while the priest cleared his throat and looked at me with the eyes that said "Wait till we're through". I had to use my willpower to stop myself from bursting to laughter, I never knew priests were also dirty minded.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to join these two souls in holy matrimony." the priest said, then turned to me.

"Maximus Perch, do you take Simran Dotch, to be your lawfully wedded wife? In sickness and health, till death do you part?"

"I do." I said with smiles on my face.

"Simran Dotch, do you take Maximus Perch, to be your lawfully wedded husband? In sickness and health, till death do you part?"

"I..."

"I DON'T" Two voices cut her off.

I turned around looking perplexed and saw two men standing at the last row. I don't think I've ever seen them before.

"Who are you? And why did you interrupt this wedding?" I questioned in anger. I failed to see that my mate's face had already gone pale.

"My name is Ronald, but you can call me Oscar, and he's my friend Emeka." his reply was accompanied with a snort from his friend.

"We interrupted this wedding because we couldn't take the fact that the whore you're getting married to dumped us just a week ago after milking us dry."

BAMM!!!

I felt like I've been struck by Zeus's thunderbolt and Thor's lightening rolled in one.

"You're lying, I don't know you, get out." my mate shouted, but when I turned around and saw her face, I only saw fear and paleness of a criminal caught in an act, and not the confusion or anger of a wrongfully accused person. That made me realize the men were right.

"Starlet, throw them out." she shouted.

"NO ONE MOVES!" I roared with rage. I faced the two men.

"How long has this been going on?" I asked.

"For two years now. And we're not the only ones." Ronald dropped another bombshell.

I clutched my chest as I felt a searing pain near my heart. I knew then it was the truth. The pain indicated that the soulmate bond had just snapped, the soulmate bond was a connection that tied me to the one I cherish most, and just now it snapped.

"M..Max, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." she tearfully pleaded. I stared at her with eyes full of hate. She's been playing me for a fool. This wrench has been toying with me. I can't believe while I was on the frontline everyday fighting her battles and making this world a better place forher, she was fucking around with several men. I've died twice for her cause and I was willing to give up my life a third time just for her... Why? Why did she have to betray me like this? And this world? While I was trying to save the world, but the world was fucking up my life.

"I am only going to ask once, so don't you dare lie to me. How many are they? And their names." I asked her. Everyone else was silent as they were all waiting to hear her answer.

She burst into tears and cried, but I was beyond merciful, I patiently waited for her answer.

"They are nine in number: Emeka, Ronald, Lawrence, Kelvin Nguyen, Emmanuel my lecturer, Stan my examiner, Diamond Precious ex, Uche Okara my ex and a customer who once came to the hotel I was working, he offered me 10k and it was only twice. I am so sorry." she bust into tears again.

I was beyond hurt. I could feel rage and hate taking over, but I didn't care anymore. Nine men? What number did I get then? The tenth? I couldn't even breathe properly, my heart felt like breaking and repairing over and over.

"Simran Dotch, don't you dare come close to me again, if I ever see you again, I'll rip your head off your shoulders." I said with a deep voice as the darkness magic of the demon wolf threatened to consume everything and everyone. I left the altar and strolled towards the door. I stopped by the row the two men were standing which was actually the last row.

"Ronald Oscar, is it? I will kill you last. That's my promise to you and a thank you for letting me know of what's going on behind my back." I opened the door and went outside. Starlet followed behind me.

"What do you plan to do now." he asked, and I could feel the killing intent he was emitting.

"Drive me to my apartment first, then gather all the killer-wolves elites (previously Wardogs)." I said as I opened the back door and stepped in.

"I will get you back your old weapons and armor." Starlet said as he started the ignition.

"Don't bother. Maximus Aurelius died today. I am Black Heart now. And I'll hunt these preys with new weapons."

I could feel the darkness slowly corroding my soul core and my heart, but I didn't care. Like I said, Maximus Aurelius is dead, I am Black Heart.