A Regressed Villain: Heroines, Villainesses and Me?

Present day,

18 January 2031

Within Sector 14, an area predominantly recognized for its vibrant casinos, bustling bars, lively nightclubs, and high-stakes auction houses, many items that would be considered luxuries by ordinary citizens served as mere entertainment for the wealthier populace.

Each sector within the city A resembled a self-sustaining town, comprised of its own citizens and various industries, ranging from information technology firms to healthcare facilities.

However, each sector also specialized in its unique offerings.

Sector 14, in particular, garnered acclaim for its auction houses and diverse entertainment options tailored to the super-rich.

On 3rd Street, amidst the lively atmosphere of Sector 14, stood one of the few big auction houses in the entire free city.

This establishment gained renown for its auctions featuring ancient artifacts, exquisite paintings, and mementos from the rich history of the Arinphiam Empire.

While the activities within this auction house appeared normal and could easily be explained by human perception, creating the impression of a typical marketplace, a darker truth lurked beneath the surface—one that came alive when the nightcrawlers entered the scene.

Due to the high demand for auction venues, often dominated by agents and agencies, the general public remained largely unaware of the treasures—and dangers—hidden within.

Only invitees were privy to the mysterious workings of the auctions.

Outside observers never questioned that this seemingly innocuous place morphed into a site of life-and-death bidding, especially when nightcrawlers undertook assassination contracts.

There existed several other assassination groups, typically employed by powerful businessmen and influential figures.
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Yet, when the time came to eliminate someone of significant rank or influence, these clients required operatives with exceptional capabilities, even at the cost of their own lives—those powerful enough to successfully complete such perilous tasks.

This necessity led to fierce competition among these groups, battling for dominance through bids placed on lives at the auction orchestrated by the nightcrawlers.

The royal family, who maintained significant authority over the Kingdom of Thaloris and Royal kingdom, could not afford to overlook the presence of an assassination syndicate operating clandestinely within their jurisdiction.

However, it seemed the monarchy had chosen to tolerate this group's activities, using them as a means to instill fear among both the residents of the free city and the ruling government.

This understanding was mutual; both the assassination group and the royal family were acutely aware of the precarious equilibrium they maintained.

The Sertsul family was keenly aware that they were being utilized as mere barking dogs, yet they chose to overlook this reality, as it afforded them an opportunity to earn money.

Both the royal family and the Sertsul family operated under an unspoken mutual agreement, each reaping benefits from the other.

However, there was a clear boundary that the royal family had resolved never to cross.

For all these years, it seemed the royal family of the Arinphiam Empire had turned a blind eye toward the events of the outside world, as if they were preparing for something monumental—something significant enough to warrant ignoring the ascent of a new superpower or noble family

Today, at the auction house on 3rd Street, a parade of luxury cars was gliding in, creating a spectacle as they approached the entrance, flanked by several nightclubs and other venues lining 3rd Street.

Influential individuals quickly recognized the distinctive identities of some of the vehicles and began to ponder the implications of the arrival of two major families at the fabled auction site notorious for high-stakes bidding.

The auction house had become a landmark for those in the know, as it always catered to life-and-death bids.

It was widely understood that the presence of two powerful families meant that this was no ordinary auction.

As this realization began spreading among those who recognized the families, excitement surged, and eager fingers reached for their phones to dial their contacts.

The arrivals of the day were none other than the two leading influential families of City A: the William Family and the Diego Family.

However, it would take time for this news to circulate widely.

In the meantime, the tension was palpable among those seated in their vehicles.

"Lord, we managed to get the loan approved, but the interest rates are outrageous," said an assistant to the William family, casting a furtive glance at the head of the family.

He sat staring out the window of the Rolls Royce, which sped along the asphalt after entering Sector 14, clearly lost in thought.

"I see…" replied the man, his voice a gravelly yet calm whisper, maintaining his composure even amidst the urgent situation.

The assistant nodded, then turned his attention back to his tablet, desperately trying to secure additional funding.

He shared the head of the family's anxiety, acutely aware that they were already carrying a staggering total debt of 1.5 billion Imperial Crowns.

In a frantic bid to raise cash, the William family swiftly liquidated prime real estate assets, including luxury estates and commercial properties.

They also sold high-end vehicles, exquisite jewelry, and rare artworks, managing to net between 200 and 400 million Imperial Crowns.

They also divested shares or partial ownership in their family businesses, raising an additional 100 to 300 million Imperial Crowns.

Furthermore, they secured high-interest loans against their remaining assets, leveraging their influence and collateral for another 200 to 300 million crowns.

In total, they managed to accumulate approximately 500 million to 1 billion Imperial Crowns within a mere span of 1 to 2 days.

There remained other assets that could potentially be valued at half of what they currently owned, but these were not easily liquidated.

This complexity only exacerbated their situation.

Meanwhile, the Diego family, as calculated by the assistant, had amassed a staggering total of 18.5 billion Imperial Crowns after liquidating their own assets.

This entire struggle seemed to manifest as a one-sided and desperate final attempt by the William family, a fact fully recognized by the head of the family, evidenced by his clenched fists that conveyed deep contemplation.

"There are 100 million Imperial Crowns saved in my foreign accounts; send Aria out of this country," the head of the family finally declared, striving to compose himself while acutely aware of the gravity of their circumstances.

He harbored no trust in the words of Marquess Avendial Croceaus—his last flicker of hope—but felt he had no choice but to proceed cautiously with a man renowned for his business acumen, who seemed intent on turning this to his own advantage.

The head of the William family harbored a genuine fear that the Diego family might next set their sights on his daughter.

".....I understand," the assistant replied, acknowledging the considerable sum the head had managed to save.

Although he yearned to suggest that they withdraw those funds as well, he recognized that it would likely be futile.

It was far wiser for the young miss to be in a secure location, away from this perilous situation, should anything unfortunate befall the head of the family.

Right at the front of the line was a sedan, with a woman behind the wheel, her hands shaking on the steering wheel. She was super anxious, trying to juggle driving and dialing a number on her phone. Her feet were restless, and it felt like time was slipping away.

"Ugh! Come on!" Aria shouted, tossing her phone into the car in frustration. Panic and dread clouded her thoughts — she couldn't reach Professor Aven, the one person who promised to help her dad.

She felt herself sinking into despair, surrounded by nothing but the weight of her hopelessness.