Struggling as a Villain

"So this is the technology for which the Asian Alliance is supporting you," Lena said as she stepped inside the laboratory and looked at the giant ring attached to the podium.

"Indeed, this is the tech that I and a few of my trusted developers invented a few years ago," Jin responded, as he gestured towards the nearby researchers to begin the machine.

Lilia unfurled her senses and used 'Detection' to assess her surroundings.

Experience more on empire

The first thing she noticed was the vast source of Aembr arriving from beneath her feet, which was as large as Bella's. No, maybe stronger.

'It must be Miss Rena...' Considering she is the Apostle of the strongest General, it was no wonder Rena had such a profound presence.

The next thing Lilia did was to pinpoint the soldiers hidden in the shadows so that in case they decided to attack Lena or Jennifer, she could be ready.

'Now let's hope Madam Duchess arrives here on time...' Lilia muttered under her breath when suddenly the ground began to shake.

"Please step away a little, " The vice-commander asked politely as he initiated the machine, which began humming and energy from a source deep within the ground and started to pour inside the portal.

Lilia clenched her fist in disgust at how they were utilizing a person for their selfish greed without a speck of remorse.

The activation sequence of the portal began, and intricate symbols lit up one by one across the glowing magic circle etched into the stage. The air crackled with energy as a low hum filled the room, growing louder with every passing second.

*BRRRR*

A deep vibration rippled through the ground, resonating in their bones. All eyes were fixed on the stage, their gazes a mixture of anticipation and unease. Slowly, the portal sprang to life, its edges shimmering with a bright, otherworldly glow.

Within the arched frame, a swirling darkness began to take shape, like ink spilling through water. The cloud churned violently, expanding into the hemisphere at the center of the portal. Sparks of energy danced across its surface, illuminating the room in flickering light.

Jin turned towards the Leader of the other faction before saying, "This is the infamous Teleportation portal of the Crimson Claw. Now, if you want we can go for a little excursion, if you want to verify I-"

Suddenly, the man paused, a chill zipping down his spine as he lost control over his mind and body for a moment.

The...immense bloodlust all of them felt at the same time had several soldiers drop to their knees, puking foam and losing consciousness. Andrew as well, who was an A-rank felt his gut-wrenching and his mind failing to register things happening around him

Jennifer was supported by her superior as she also felt her eyes wavering and her skill being activated on instincts.

"Collect yourself!" Lena shouted as she glanced at Lilia, and instantly, the brunette chanted a barrier around her fellow soldiers, Lena and Jennifer.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Jin barely held himself from falling as he supported himself while holding the nearby desk and barked, "Turn off the fucking device!"

The scientist moved his hand barely to press the red button when suddenly a flame ball was shot toward him.

"Guh!" The scientist was thrown away because of the blast, and instantly, everyone turned towards the woman who appeared from behind the portal, followed by hundreds upon hundreds of soldiers.

The huge room suddenly seemed small as more than two hundred soldiers stood in rows and looked battle-ready.

"Madame Duchess .." Lilia muttered under her breath.

Lilia's breath hitched as her gaze landed on the red-haired woman at the forefront, her scarlet locks seeming to burn like flames. A chilling aura clung to her like a shroud, her sharp eyes filled with contempt and aggression, piercing through everyone in the room.

Her very presence was suffocating as Lilia remembered those times when Bellarine used to be her Commander.

"Bennet, I can feel a strong presence from outside. Apprehend these people, I will go look for him." Bellarine spoke, and without waiting, she levitated in the air before darting away.

Bennet stepped forward, his posture straight and authoritative. His silver armor gleamed under the flickering lights of the damaged laboratory, reflecting his unwavering confidence. His piercing gaze settled on Jin, and his voice carried the weight of command as he spoke.

"By the decree of Her Grace, the Duchess Bellarine, and in the name of the Sovereign Council, this facility and all its assets are now under our control. Your unauthorized activities and evil deeds come to an end here."

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The moment Richard sensed his mother's presence, he allowed his aura to unfurl, making every other soldier step away from him, and Jin's army approached him.

"Don't move or I will shoot!" The soldiers warned. Richard's aura created a crater under his feet yet the man didn't move a single muscle.

"You....!" Suddenly one of the soldiers spotted Bellarine advancing and was about to open first, but all he ended up doing was to invite his demise

Bellarine didn't even turn towards the soldier before sending a dart of flame that pierced the soldier's head and turned his body into a burning furnace.

"AHHHHHHHH!!" The howls of the soldier's cries made others gasp as they backed away from the woman who casually stepped before Richard.

Bellarine frowned as she gazed at the face hidden by the big helmet.

His golden eyes locked with her crimson ones as Bellarine heard him saying, "It's been long....Mom."

Bellarine's eyes widened for a moment as she finally verified that, indeed, it was her baby who was releasing this presence.

However, she suddenly whispered something that took Richard off guard,

"Baby...forgive me but you need to fight me."

"What-" Richard was not allowed to finish asking the question as he had to cast a barrier around him to dodge the incoming fireball.

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A/N:- Well, it took an unexpected turn. Bellarine had her reason and it isn't what you think it is. I hope you all enjoyed reading the chapter. If you did then drop a comment and let me know.