"Not because of him. You lost everything because of your own actions. I generally don't get affected by such stuff so easily, but after seeing what you have done to the boy and other human experimental subjects, even I was disturbed by your actions," Ayn said as she pulled the chair back and sat on it.

"You really should be glad that Xander is controlling himself and trying to protect you here. Because you might have been dead by now if not for him," she added after sitting down.

"I really do have a question, though. I hope you can answer me," she said. "Did you really not feel any sense of pity when you killed all those kids? Your own actions are returning to not only haunt you but others as well."

"I killed no one. I only did experiments that were essential for the growth of science. As for their death, that just happened to be the unfortunate aftermath," Doctor Rao answered without a bit of emotion on his face. 

"Sigh, Xander is right. It would have been so much easier for us if you were a Variant instead of a human," Ayn replied as she closed her eyes. "You're really a disgrace to humanity."

"You are entitled to your own opinions. I won't comment on that," Doctor Rao replied. "Anyway, why did you come to meet this waste of a human?"

"We didn't come to meet you. We came to capture Lucifer, who might show up here," Xander answered. 

"Lucifer? Wait a minute, are you saying that it wasn't a lie that you spread, making others believe that Lucifer was alive so that this facility would be put under a thorough investigation?" Doctor Rao exclaimed in disbelief. "Is he actually alive?"

A stunned expression was covering the entirety of his face as he stood up. Even Doctor Layman was shocked. 

The two of them had managed to convince themselves that Lucifer was dead and that the rumors spread by the APF about him being alive were just a scheme of theirs to get permission to investigate the facility. 

If they were still saying the same thing even after everything was out, didn't it mean that it wasn't a lie? They had already won. Why would they still keep up with the lie?

"You're not the sharpest, are you?" Xander asked sarcastically. 

"You're right. He is alive, and rightfully so. The only thing which is unfortunate is that his hatred for you has made him the enemy of the whole world. All because of you, we have lost such a bright warlock," Ayn chimed. 

"Wait... So he survived even after the pain index reached a hundred percent? He came back to life as a Warlock even after his heartbeat stopped? This has massive implications! If we are allowed to research and experiment on him, we can help humanity so much!"

Even though Doctor Rao was being criticized, he had a shine in his eyes as he thought of all the possibilities. 

Revival from death? The implications were great! It could be the key to the evolution of humanity and eternal life! He could already see himself experimenting on Lucifer to find out the secrets. 

Both Ayn and Xander were disappointed and disgusted at what they saw. Even after all that, this guy didn't have any regrets. Instead, he wanted to put the boy in more experiments? Despite everything he did to the boy, he still wanted to use him again! Just how dark was the heart of this guy?

"Rao, you shouldn't think about experimenting on Lucifer. Instead, you should pray that he never appears before you. Because if he did, you wouldn't be the one experimenting on him. It would be the opposite," Xander answered, understanding how powerful Lucifer was. 

With the strength he possessed and the healing, he could easily handle an army.

The helicopter of Variant Uprising was flying non-stop as it advanced towards the facility of Dilion, which was going to become the battleground of the strongest. 

The battle of Dillion was just about to begin, but there was another place where destruction had already begun. 

The city of Elantra was facing the wrath of the Dark Variants that were causing widespread destruction everywhere. 

Only three minutes had passed since the first attack was made on one of the buildings; already seventeen skyscrapers were destroyed. Their rubble could be seen lying all around. Massive clouds of dust had filled the air, which could be seen from a distance as well.

Everyone was taking part in wreaking havoc and destroying everything as if it was a celebration which they were enjoying. Amongst the Dark Variants, only one was standing behind, not taking part. 

It was Raia who stood calmly with folded arms as he watched the chaotic state of the city while hearing the loud screams which reverberated all around him.

He was still standing on top of a tall building where their helicopter landed a while ago. Most of the buildings in the area were destroyed except for the one which he was standing on. 

He couldn't help but gaze at the sky as if getting bored, wondering when his guest was going to arrive. 

"By now, they should have received the information. At best, it'll take them an hour to get here. It would take my team the same amount of time to reach the facility...." 

...

While Raia was having a conclusion of his own, the Alpha Squad of APF was sitting on the helicopter that was still advancing towards the Dilion Research Facility. 

It was at that point when Varant's phone started ringing. He picked up the call and placed the phone near his ear, realizing that it was a call from their base. 

"Yeah?" 

"Are you sure?' 

"Alright. I'll go there."

Saying three short lines, he disconnected the call. 

"Where are you going?" Riali asked Varant, curious. 

"We need to go to Elantra. Tell the pilot to change the destination," Varant told Riali as he gazed out the window, lost in thoughts. 

Riali walked over to the pilot without asking twice and told him to change direction before he came back to Varant. 

"Did something happen in Elantra?" Finally, he asked the question which was in his mind.