ã€ŠGod Of The Omniverseã€‹


 Chapter 1: Prologue Part 1

    It was late at night in the crime capital of the world, Gotham, yet the city remained loud and bustling as if it were still day. Numerous bars, nightclubs, and other late-night establishments were becoming increasingly crowded with all kinds of people searching for a break after yet another exhausting workweek.

    One such establishment was Club Caesar, a posh bar where some of Gotham''s wealthier residents went to spend money on cocktails and attractive women. The club was only open to people who appeared wealthy and carried themselves accordingly. Men dressed in their most dapper designer suits, while women dressed seductively, hoping to make themselves look beautiful enough to get inside. However, the bouncer stationed at the club''s door was highly selective about who he let inside. If someone wasn¡¯t on the list, their fate rested solely on his opinion of them.

    A young man, who appeared to be in his early twenties, walked ahead, completely disregarding the line as the crowd patiently waited for their turn in a queue that didn¡¯t seem to be moving. He was dressed in an opulent black suit with a matching white shirt. His left hand was adorned with an exquisite silver watch as he walked, adjusting the sleeves of his suit. His stern demeanor exuded a threatening yet confident air, heightened by his icy gray eyes. As he walked, the chilly night breeze caused his medium-length dark hair to wave slightly. He was as good-looking as some of the gentlemen who had been arriving in pricey foreign cars, if not better.

    The enormous bouncer, who stood around seven feet tall, gazed down at the young man as he arrived at the entrance. The young man himself was an impressive six feet and eight inches tall.

    "Name?" the bouncer asked, frowning and crossing his arms as though assessing the individual.

    "Arias Markovic," the young man responded in a quiet, deep voice that radiated confidence.

    The bouncer gave him a long look, giving the bystanders the impression that he was about to be bounced. But the bouncer smiled and laughed the next second.

    "Oh, you''re Dmitri''s friend! I''ve heard good things about you. Nice of you to finally stop by. Enjoy your night."

    The bouncer''s demeanor changed to one of friendliness, and he made way for Arias to enter. Arias smiled and nodded in response.

    "You know how Dmitri can get; he wouldn''t stop urging me to visit him here¡­" he added, his speech carrying a small yet noticeable Western European accent.

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    "That I do. Try not to let him get you wasted. Haha."

    Before starting his shift again, the bouncer observed him enter, still laughing at Arias''s remarks.

    As soon as Arias walked into the club, he was greeted by a brilliant display of flashing lights and upbeat electronic music.

    "Welcome to Club Caesar. Here''s a compliment¡ª"

    He was greeted by a woman in a provocative costume holding a tray of beverages at the entryway, but she was interrupted by a loud voice before she could finish.

    "Are my eyes fooling me? Arias! You son of a bitch, is that you?"

    A young man with blonde hair and an accent resembling Arias''s entered the room, dressed in an all-black suit and gold aviators. He promptly removed the spectacles and walked over to Arias with his arms spread wide.

    ''As energetic as ever, I see¡­''

    As Arias raised his arms to embrace the hug, he sighed yet cracked a little smile. Before abruptly breaking their embrace, the two men gave each other firm pats on the back.

    "Good to see you too, Dmitri."

    "Is that all you have to say after disappearing for over four years? I was shocked when I got your call; I couldn''t believe it. You have a lot of explaining to do," Dmitri urged, sporting an ecstatic grin.

    On the outside, Arias could only grin back, but his thoughts were totally different.

    ''Unfortunately, I couldn''t do this job without gaining entry into this club¡­ well, good thing I left things on good terms with him.''

    "I see you haven''t changed your nosy nature and terrible sense of fashion, at least," Arias quipped, reaching for the woman''s tray to fetch a drink as his mouth curved into a grin.

    Dmitri, however, intervened and stopped him.

    "Smh, whatever. Anyway, leave those free drinks. My dad owns this place; we''re partying in the VIP section tonight. Let''s go." The girl manning the bar was perplexed as Dmitri wrapped his arm around Arias''s shoulder and dragged him to the second-floor VIP area.

    When they reached the second floor, which was much airier and had more relaxed and mellow music, Arias focused on the bar and the people seated there.

    "Well, welcome to the¡ªhuh? What''s wrong, see someone you know?" Dmitri caught on to where Arias was directing his gaze and questioned him, but Arias shook his head.

    "I was just looking at the beauties here. Am I not supposed to?" Arias handled it well, and his demeanor changed significantly.

    Dmitri chuckled, gave him a pat on the back, and shook his head. "You used to be so stiff. Are you really Arias? Anyway, you can have any girl you want since you''re with me, except that girl over there at the bar, seated next to the huge hairy dude."

    Arias played it off and continued to ask questions, even though Dmitri was referring to the same pair he had his sights on. "Oh? How come, are they mafia or something?"

    Dmitri flinched as he heard those words and gave him the shush sign while leaning in to whisper.

    "Don''t say that out loud; they really are mafia. Both of those two have fathers who are major players on the Gotham scene, like the dirty scene. Even my dad doesn''t get involved carelessly, so just stay out of their way. Now, come this way."

    Arias and Dmitri separated, and Dmitri motioned for Arias to follow. Arias pulled out his phone, read his messages, and then started typing before he continued.

    "I''m in. Be ready."

 Chapter 2: Prologue Part 2

    Arias and Dmitri entered the V.I.P. section and partied for about thirty minutes. Arias mimicked drinking, never taking more than a few sips at a time, while Dmitri drank without restraint, quickly becoming tipsy. The two were now seated in an open area, surrounded by gorgeous women serving them beverages.

    "I don''t think I''ve ever seen you this happy, Dmitri. This Arias must be quite important to you," a tall woman sitting on Dmitri''s lap teased while feeding him fruit.

    He quickly nodded, chuckling at her remark. "Important is an understatement. That''s my brother from another mother right there. I knew him before my dad became a big shot. We got separated when my dad had me change schools for high school, but we still hung out every week¡­ but six years ago, right before his fifteenth birthday, he vanished."

    Dmitri drank from his cup, then set it down and sighed.

    "Ohh~ Then where did you go, mister Arias? Leaving our poor Dmitri without his best friend?" the woman asked Arias with a raised brow, but Dmitri intervened before Arias could respond.

    "Hey, Natasha, don''t go asking him those things. I know he wouldn''t leave without a good reason, and I won''t press him on it. I''m just glad he''s back. We all have our secrets, right?" Dmitri raised a glass in a toast to Arias while grinning at him.

    "Right, thanks. I''m still not forgetting that bet you lost to shave your head, though," Arias added slyly, causing Dmitri to scowl in response.

    "Oh, c''mon, man. I take it back. I didn''t miss this petty smartass." Dmitri laughed even more loudly.

    Arias could tell that Dmitri sincerely missed him, whatever the cause. Perhaps Dmitri''s life had not been easy either, as evidenced by the amount of alcohol he consumed regularly.

    Dmitri fell asleep on the seats a little while later, but Arias stayed awake. When he turned to gaze at the bar, he noticed that the couple he had been observing earlier was still there.

    Natasha smirked and said, "He always blacks out for a bit after one too many drinks. We can keep you busy till then," but Arias shook his head.

    "It''s fine, I think I''ll just walk around here a bit." After saying so, he stood and moved toward the bar.

    As he was moving, his phone rang from his right pocket, so he swiftly snatched it up.

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    "Craig, you''re not supposed to call me," Arias reacted sharply.

    "[Well, you''re not supposed to take damn ages. Hurry up, man. Remember, I need to say I was just patrolling by, but at this rate, I''ll seem suspicious.]"

    "Fine, I got it. Just be ready."

    Arias promptly ended the call and moved to the bar, where he sat down a short distance from the hairy man sitting next to the attractive woman. He pretended to be carefree and even placed his own drink order while keeping an eagle eye on the couple.

    It was only when he saw the large hairy man order a drink that he decided to take out his phone again below the counter and dial something.

    *Ba!*

    Soon after, all of the club''s lights went out, causing guests to groan irritably in frustration.

    "Dammit, are you kidding me?" a big, hulking voice expressed displeasure with the situation.

    The lights quickly came back on after the brief blackout. When they did, Arias hastily tucked a tiny white sachet inside his coat before getting up from his seat.

    ''That was cutting it close¡­'' he thought, but he still smiled and took out his phone before typing¡­

    "It''s done. I''ll linger here for a bit so that I don''t draw suspicion, then leave before the substance kicks in."

    "[Finally. Another successful job, a high-class one at that. Moving up in the underworld, are we?]"

    "What other option is there?" He responded by typing, then put his phone away and went back to where he and Dmitri had been sitting.

    "Oh, there you are. I was just about to come look for you. Sorry about that, booze makes me sleepy after long days, haha." When Arias returned, he found Dmitri awake and only slightly sober.

    "I just wanted to see if there were any ladies to my liking around." Arias nodded in response and took a seat across from Dmitri to observe the activity at the bar.

    Arias never really relaxed during the lighthearted chat; instead, he occasionally glanced toward the bar as if he were waiting for something. When the big man in a suit at the bar glanced his way with a sneer while on the phone, Arias suddenly appeared surprised.

    This gave him a horrible sensation, and he got to his feet right away. Before he could do anything, though, he noticed a group of big guys in suits enter the V.I.P. lounge and head over to his table, accompanied by the big man who was now grinning.

    "Huh, what''s going on? Eric, is there something you want?" Dmitri scowled and cast a wary glance in the direction of the bulky man in a suit who was approaching them.

    "Me? Nothing, I just want to share a drink with this new face over here." The man, identified as Eric, grinned and set a glass down while glancing at Arias, who was clearly frowning.

    "Thanks, but I''ll have to decline." Arias quickly rejected the drink as his demeanor grew icy.

    Dmitri exhibited confusion as Eric chuckled in response.

    "Eric, seriously, he''s not interested in whatever games you''re trying to play. Just go enjoy your time at the bar." When Dmitri tried to intervene, the big man smacked him on the back.

    "Be quiet! Your friend here had the balls to lace my drink. I just want him to have a taste of whatever he poured into it. Well? Drink it¡­ or do you need a little motivation?"

    In addition to frowning, Eric pulled a gun from his jacket and pointed it directly at Arias.

 Chapter 3: The Abyss Part 1

    Before Arias could even comprehend what was happening, the situation had gotten far worse. With a rifle pointed directly at him, there wasn''t much he could do. So he carefully picked up the glass and started moving it closer to his mouth.

    "That''s it, be quick about it, will you? I still have to thank Craig for warning me about this attempt on my life. To think a bottom feeder would actually get so close¡ªI¡¯ll hand it to you, you''re far more capable than others at your level¡­ a shame you decided to bite off more than you could chew," Eric mockingly said, pointing the gun at Arias.

    However, something unexpected happened as Arias prepared to raise the glass to his lips.

    *Crack!*

    Dmitri suddenly grabbed a bottle off the table and slammed it into Eric''s face.

    "Argh!"

    Eric screamed in agony as pieces of broken glass sliced across his eyes and face.

    "Run!" Dmitri urged Arias as he stood up and kicked one of the two big men blocking their way.

    Arias also grabbed a bottle and hurled it at one of the big men before using the commotion to flee.

    "Dammit, we need to leave!" Dmitri urged them to hurry down the stairs leading to the V.I.P. lounge because their pursuers were already close behind.

    "Kill them! Catch them! I''ll make you both pay for this!!" Eric''s loud shouting echoed in their ears as they went down the steps.

    Thankfully, the loud music on the first floor drowned out the chaos on the second floor. Without even turning around, the two dashed through the crowd and boldly left the club.

    Once outside, Arias noticed a police car with a smiling officer enjoying a cigarette across the road. When the officer turned to face them, he expressed surprise at seeing Arias. This only lasted for a moment before he reached for the pistol slung across his hip.

    "Dammit, this way!" Dmitri noticed this and quickly pulled Arias, who appeared bewildered by what had just happened.

    *Ba!~*

    *Ba!~*

    They fled along the pavement outside the club, dodging bullets behind parked cars as they heard gunshots.

    "Get in now!"

    Dmitri halted when he reached a white Porsche parked at the club''s corner. Arias didn''t hesitate, and the two sped off, leaving the sounds of gunfire in their wake.

    "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! Arias, what the hell is going on? You''re a hitman? And of all people, Eric Valentine? Shit! I''m fucked, you''re fucked, we''re all fucked!" Dmitri spoke in a frantic and agitated tone while driving. The madness of the situation seemed to have fully sobered him up.

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    "It''s a long story. I had few options open to me," Arias said through clenched teeth, the fury on his face obvious, but Dmitri wouldn''t have it.

    "Then summarize it! You were an A+ student, great at sports¡ªwhat few options? My family was always open to helping you with money. You know my dad liked you as a son too. I''m not buying that bullshit, Arias. Be real with me because we might both die after today," Dmitri demanded, occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror to check for oncoming traffic, his eyes beginning to redden.

    "Your father is the one who paid me to disappear!"

    Dmitri had to stop the car after Arias yelled out in rage.

    "What?"

    Dmitri questioned blankly as his hands started to shake.

    "It was that day when I came over so we could make plans for my birthday. Remember when I went downstairs to get us some drinks? Well, when I passed by your father''s room, I saw him getting intimate with your aunt. I fled as the door creaked, assuming he hadn''t noticed me."

    Dmitri gritted his teeth and dipped his head.

    "I remember that day. You said you needed to leave right after bringing up the snacks because you didn''t feel well¡­"

    Arias nodded and sighed.

    "Your father took me into his office and made me an offer as I was leaving. He placed a stack of money in front of me and told me to disappear, then placed a gun next to the money and said, ''or else.'' The look in his eyes showed me he was dead serious. It didn¡¯t help that he was drunk and not in the right state of mind. So, without thinking, I took the money and ran."

    "With no parents or close relatives, I didn''t have many options of where to go, so I just ran away. He probably wanted it to appear as though I had just left on my own. The orphanage wasn¡¯t going to press a rising big name like him over my disappearance after visiting his home. After all, Gotham is a dangerous place where people go missing frequently."

    Arias gave Dmitri a stern look as he turned to face him again; nothing about him suggested that he was exaggerating what he had just said.

    Dmitri was too stunned to respond right away, but his phone rang before he had a chance. Dmitri hesitated before picking up the phone, but when he did, it was clear that he was angry by the look on his face.

    "Dad¡­"

    "[Dmitri, thank goodness you''re safe. Where are you? This situation can be talked over. Just come home; no one can touch my son.]"

    "Did you cheat on Mom six years ago?" Dmitri inquired, breathing heavily and displaying a frustrated look.

    "[Dmitri, this isn''t the time for something so pointless. We''re already divorced, and you''re a grown man. Don''t act like you don''t sleep with women left and right. This has nothing to do with the current situation.]"

    "It has everything to do with this! How dare you send away my closest friend! You wanted to kill him because you couldn''t keep it in your pants!? Fuck!"

    "[Watch your tongue, Dmitri. I understand your rage. I wasn''t okay that day, and I took things too far. Why do you think I spent so much money looking for him? It''s okay to be angry, but you still need to respect me as your father. I gave you a life that many in Gotham would kill for. Don''t throw that away for some childhood playground buddy.]"

    "A little too late for that, Dad. You made your choice. I''ve made mine. I hope you burn in hell."

    Dmitri hung up the phone, hurled it out the window, and screamed into the steering wheel.

    "Fuck! I''m so sorry, Mom and Arias. I''ve been holding the wrong people responsible for the depressing direction my life has taken all this time, not knowing it must''ve been harder for you all."

    After giving Dmitri one last chilly look, Arias sighed and shook his head.

    "If it makes you feel any better, you were too dumb to know any better back then. In any case, my life was miserable even before your father sent me away. More importantly, we need to¡ª"

    The sound of distant sirens was heard by Dmitri and Arias before Arias could finish speaking.

    "We have to get out of Gotham."

 Chapter 4: The Abyss Part 2

    Dmitri collected himself and pressed on the throttle, driving as quickly as he could without the slightest hesitation.

    "Fuck, they''ve likely got every corrupt cop in Gotham on our tail. The Valentines are a big family; they won''t want us getting away." Dmitri started to perspire heavily while driving, and the stress on his face made it clear that he had little faith in their ability to escape this predicament.

    Arias grimaced as he cast a quick glance in the rearview mirror at the flickering lights.

    "They won''t give us a quick death either if they catch us," he said casually before reclining into his seat.

    ''Every single time, each time I strive to get myself a better life, the world comes crashing down. But I didn''t give up then, and I won''t now.'' Arias paused to think before pulling out a gun, readying himself.

    ...

    The two drove for a good eight minutes before arriving at the hills outside of Gotham.

    "It looks like we might actually make it! I don''t know where we''ll go, but at least they haven''t chased us this far out." Dmitri appeared to be in a more upbeat mood as he grinned at Arias.

    Arias sighed with relief and was about to respond when a vibrant, almost blinding light suddenly appeared in front of them.

    "Be careful! There''s another¡ª"

    *Bam!*

    Everything happened so quickly. One moment, it looked like they would make it out, but the next, their car was flipped off the road and airborne. Arias looked at Dmitri, who was equally shocked, his eyes widening, but he remained silent. Both of them understood that the struggle was over and that continuing it would be futile.

    The Porsche flipped in the air and sped down the hill in a rage, stopping only when it hit a big tree.

    Two people clad in all black emerged from the car that had struck them as it came to a stop on the side of the road. One pulled out a phone, dialed, and made a call.

    "Mr. Valentine, it''s done. We just pushed their car off the road¡ªit''s amazing it didn''t explode. The hill is pretty steep, so it will take some time to go down and check on the bodies, but¡ª"

    "[Never mind that. Gotham is now buzzing over this fiasco. I hear it''s caught the Bat''s attention too, so just get out of there.]"

    "Roger, Boss." Quickly ending the call, the man turned to face his partner.

    "The boss says the Bat might be coming, so we better leave."

    "Shit, that guy is a real pain in the ass for anyone trying to make a living in Gotham. Joker better axe him soon."

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    The two men quickly drove away in their large 4x4, fleeing the location.

    ...

    Meanwhile, at the crash site of the Porsche, both Arias and Dmitri were in terrible shape, with death creeping up on them. Arias had numerous sharp objects piercing his vital organs, while Dmitri had already lost consciousness and was losing blood at an alarming rate.

    Arias lost all sense of his body, and his vision was bloody and fuzzy.

    ''So this is what death feels like? It''s oddly¡­ relaxing.''

    Arias struggled mightily to keep his eyes open, but eventually, everything went black.

    ...

    "Am I still alive? I can''t see, feel, or hear anything¡­ I can''t even open my mouth. What is this? A coma? Or maybe a stage after death?"

    Arias posed these questions to himself without expecting a response. He had the impression that he was alone in the endless stillness.

    To his amazement, though, that wasn''t the case.

    "You are in the abyss."

    !!

    Arias became alert, his mind racing as he heard a voice that was difficult to identify as male or female due to its inconsistent tonality.

    ''Who''s that? What abyss?''

    Arias questioned, but he couldn''t bring himself to panic¡ªnot because he was composed, but more because he lacked the necessary feelings of fear in that state.

    "A place you cannot begin to comprehend. I am infinity, the one who called your existential energy here."

    Despite the introduction and brief explanation, Arias was unable to fully grasp the situation.

    "I don''t get it. Am I dead or not? What do you mean, ''called my energy''? For what?"

    Arias fired off question after question, but he discovered that he was unable to exhibit any emotion, no matter how much he tried. His speech was dull throughout.

    "Energy can never be destroyed. Death is simply the deterioration of one vessel, allowing you to take on a different form. This cycle is without bounds and runs endlessly. As for why I called you here, well, that is because I have chosen you to be my physical vessel."

    Arias found it difficult to understand the voice, which could alternate between sounding like an old man and a young child, but he was forced to accept what was being said. In a world where superhumans existed alongside aliens and even demons, he didn''t doubt the validity to a great degree.

    "Why me? What qualifications do I hold?"

    Before responding, the voice¡ªor rather, voices¡ªremained silent for a considerable amount of time.

    "The only requirement was a being nearing deterioration. Many such existences were present for me to choose, but after watching your last moments¡­ I was¡­ intrigued."

    "As the consciousness of the abyss, I can never truly leave it. However, with a vessel, I may experience the physical world through another. Your will and freedom shall remain your own, but I will merely exist to observe the world through your eyes."

    Arias paused to consider, but what was there to consider? All he wanted was to live. He wouldn''t allow all of his hardships to lead to an early demise.

    "So by becoming your vessel, I will forever have you in my head? Communicating the way we are like this, always?" he sought affirmation.

    "With the power you gain from me, you may even construct a secondary vessel for me if you dislike having me within your consciousness. Our existential link, however, cannot be severed."

    Arias tried to laugh at his unfortunate circumstance, but he was unable to.

    "What choice do I have? I want to live, even if that means I stop being human. So, I agree to be your vessel."

    He made his decision, but because there was only death to consider, it was an easy one to make. He felt as though he had nothing to lose at that point.

    "Then you will now become the physical aspect of the abyss. All begins from us, and all ends with us¡ªthis is your new reality. A warning, however: should you die, then you will merge with me and become a single consciousness, returning to the abyss once more with no recollection of your former vessel."

    Arias said nothing in response to the warning, and infinity continued.

    "So be it, then."

 Chapter 5: New Beginnings

    "Argh¡­"

    Arias, still lying in the debris of the car, slowly opened his eyes and realized that everything that had happened was real. He felt heavy all over, yet his wounds were healing at a startlingly rapid rate. All of his dislocated joints and damaged muscles were being restored as if nothing had happened.

    The unfixed voice echoed in his head as he assessed himself.

    "[It was a success¡­ our existential energies are one.]"

    Arias held his head for a moment, but he didn''t appear surprised. After the unusual healing he was experiencing, it only made sense that the so-called infinity would now be present in his consciousness.

    "I feel like multiple individuals are screaming in my mind. Do you not have a fixed voice? Locked to one gender?" Arias questioned in his conscience, unable to conceal his annoyance whenever the infinity within him spoke.

    "[I spoke only by borrowing the voices of the countless energies that had been in the abyss before. As for a gender, I have none. If you have a preference that will make our coexistence more appealing, then feel free to state so.]"

    It responded in the same way as before, which led Arias to hold his tongue in frustration.

    "Argh, something soft and low. If it''s a gender, then female. Also¡­" Arias was exiting the wreckage of the car and surveying his surroundings as he spoke. He observed Dmitri''s body, noticing that it was intact with only a few superficial scrapes and cuts. "Did you heal him as well?" Arias asked, not expressing satisfaction or dismay over the situation.

    Dmitri had indeed been a good friend to Arias in his younger days, but time had all but erased that bond. At the moment, Dmitri was nothing more than a tolerable individual. However, given their shared past, he was possibly the only person Arias could call a friend.

    "[No, I did not. This region was in a space where all living things acquired reparations down to the molecular level during the collision of our existential energies. This is because your body was being restructured so you could support calling forth the powers and laws of the abyss. Had the process lasted longer, you wouldn''t even have those scratches on your body.]"

    Arias looked over himself again and then at the landscape around him. He noticed that some parts were exceedingly lush and vegetative, in contrast to the rest of the surrounding woodland, just as the infinity described in a now tranquil feminine voice.

    "How can I control this? What is the extent of my power?" Arias inquired with a gleam in his eyes, seeing a chance that had never been available to him before. Sadly, he didn''t get the response he had been hoping for.

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    "[If I had a vessel prior to you, I have no recollection of it. But your ability to manifest and manipulate the energies of the world should become more accessible as you grow accustomed to being a vessel. You are currently a tangible representation of the abyss; hence, you don''t need to worry about dying right now, unless it happens instantaneously.]"

    Arias started to look around, noticing the changes in his senses. He felt greatly enhanced, to the point where he could selectively hear everything happening within the woods where they had fallen. The tree their car had smashed through caught his attention, and he moved over to lift it as if it were weightless.

    "I see. It almost feels like it weighs nothing, but upon matching my strength to something that exists, its weight varies to different levels. I think I understand, but for now¡­" Arias hesitated, then turned to look in what appeared to be a random direction. "I hear sirens; this place will become a scene of investigation soon. We need to leave." Before turning to face Dmitri''s body, Arias paused to consider.

    He approached and, by concentrating his hearing on Dmitri''s heartbeat, could tell he was still alive.

    "[Where will you go?]" The tone of the question was one of audible curiosity.

    "Away from here for the time being." Arias quickly picked Dmitri off the ground and fled the area, giving no thought to the clues he had left for anyone who might come to investigate. He was currently too preoccupied to worry about such things. He felt very fortunate just to be alive.

    ...

    A car pulled up at the location where their vehicle had been knocked off the road and forced down the hill, just as Arias''s senses had warned him. However, the car that showed up was not a Gotham police vehicle; it was the iconic car driven by Gotham''s Dark Knight, Batman.

    Two figures¡ªBatman and his prot¨¦g¨¦, Robin¡ªemerged from the strange armored vehicle as it rolled open its door. Batman approached the cliff and pressed a button on his mask, activating the investigative function in his lenses. These allowed him to focus on minute details and have the supercomputer back at his hideout analyze them in real time, producing prompt and nearly accurate results in most situations.

    This time, he simply needed to look at the tire prints to identify the makes of the two passing vehicles and estimate the velocity at which they collided. The Bat-computer quickly constructed a simulation to identify every potential spot where the car could have crashed. He silently carried out these actions as the Boy Wonder crossed his arms, appearing bored.

    "Do we really need to investigate a shooting between mafia families? I thought you''d be busy solidifying this whole Justice League thing you started," Robin asked, peering over the edge and conducting his own investigation of the situation.

    "It''s rare for a shooting to receive this much attention. I want to know why. As for the League, I didn''t start it; the people did through rumors. Flash''s big mouth didn''t help in drowning them out either. We all just worked together to stop Darkseid from invading¡­ however, it made me realize the good we could do as a unit."

    Robin cast a skeptical glance at Batman. "It''s also the best way for you to monitor all the other big heroes and make countermeasures, right? That''s the reason you want me to join the team made up of the other sidekicks, right?" The implication of Batman''s words was immediately apparent to Robin, who spoke in a casual manner.

    "You are prot¨¦g¨¦s, not sidekicks. One day you''ll be on your own, protecting Gotham and even the world, but for now, you''re not ready." He didn''t confirm or refute the implications Robin had made, just lectured in a stern manner.

    When Robin heard the last portion of his statements, he was not amused.

    "Then when will I be ready?" he impatiently asked, only to be met by the Bat''s icy look.

    "When I say so. Let''s go; I found the crash site."

 Chapter 6: Ambition

    "Argh, my head¡­ Where am I? The hospital?"

    Dmitri''s eyes slowly started to open, but he kept them squinted when a brilliant light suddenly shone upon him, making him wonder where he was. As he thought back on his final moments, he reasoned that the hospital was the only logical location. He remained confused until something very significant during this recollection widened his eyes.

    "Arias!!"

    He suddenly sat up, eyes wide, scanning the area feverishly as though all his tiredness had left him. He discovered that he was actually in an enclosed apartment and not a hospital. He questioned his whereabouts and the whereabouts of his friend because the apartment wasn''t overly luxurious nor too low class.

    "You''re finally awake. Good. We couldn''t afford to linger around much longer."

    Dmitri was searching the area for answers when Arias emerged from the bathroom door, wrapped in a towel, his exposed upper body still covered in water droplets, indicating that he had just taken a shower.

    "Arias¡­ you''re okay. But how? That fall¡ªwe should be dead or in critical condition, at the very least. What happened?"

    Dmitri, whose mind was always working, wanted to know everything that had transpired before this point. He was still perplexed by numerous issues. One moment they were being chased down by the mafia and police alike, about to meet their fates, and the next he wakes up in a modest apartment with his friend casually walking out of the shower as if everything was nice and peachy.

    "Wait¡­ why am I on the floor, and what happened to the bed?" Dmitri was even more perplexed when he saw what appeared to be a bed-like structure that was partially charred and melted.

    Arias didn''t respond right away; instead, he started to clean himself up while he spoke.

    "We''re in my apartment. The bed would be your handiwork, Dmitri. It seems you and I had powers awaken during our accident. Whether this happened before or after, I''m unsure, but it''s the only possible explanation for why we aren''t completely dead."

    Arias fabricated the lie clearly and freely, and because of the way he spoke and behaved, it was challenging to discern the truth from the lies. Dmitri was an ally, but there was no guarantee that he would always remain one. After almost dying due to betrayal, Arias considered it unwise to place blind faith in anyone. He wasn''t about to reveal the details of his encounter with the so-called infinity to anyone.

    "[What you said should sound believable to this life form. Having been caught up in the space during our merging, he also experienced a reconstruction. Although inferior to you, his physiology is definitely superior to others of the same race. His ability merely stemmed from the ''gene,'' as you call it, that your entire race possesses. A reconstruction of the body must activate it from its dormant nature, making your lie even more plausible.]"

    While Arias wiped his hair, a soft voice in his head made a remark.

    ''You need not break down my thought process; I thought you said you''d only observe?'' Arias wondered in his head. Although he felt relieved to have a new life, he found it extremely difficult to adjust to the voice that constantly appeared in his thoughts at odd times.

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    His interactions with the infinity had so far revealed that it was intrigued by the physical world and was picking things up at a startling rate, understanding concepts almost instantly. It was undoubtedly his greatest asset, but it was also his greatest weakness, as he believed he had nothing to hide.

    "[If it makes our coexistence more favorable, then I will isolate my thoughts to myself and keep away from yours. I''ll only inquire should it be truly necessary. You may ask me for something at any time, Arias¡ªsimply call our true name.]"

    When Arias discovered that it had responded in a saddened tone rather than the monotone one it had been utilizing up to that point, he furrowed his brows.

    ''It''s developing emotions? Well, at least my mind suddenly feels like my own again. What does it mean by ''our name''? Abyss?''

    "[Yes, Arias? Is there something wrong?]"

    ''No, just... never mind. Feel free to call me as well if anything comes up.''

    "[I will do so... thank you.]"

    In its feminine voice, the infinity reacted with relief and joy. Arias needed it to be content with him as a vessel, despite how unnerving he found it to be. For all he knew, he could be replaced. Being accommodating was required until he had more information about his present self.

    Within a little period of time, Arias finished talking and returned to the inquiring Dmitri.

    "So, what are our abilities?" Dmitri asked while inspecting his own body in confusion.

    "Well, as far as I can tell, we both have superhuman bodies. Greater fortitude, improved senses, accelerated healing, and so on. As for unique abilities, you melted this bed simply by coming into contact with it. The strange thing is that your clothes didn''t melt as well, so I''m not sure¡­ a form of pyrokinesis, I think."

    Arias gazed at the bed with a doubtful expression; he wasn''t lying when he said that he didn''t truly know what Dmitri''s awakened abilities were.

    When Dmitri stared at his own hand and extended it, a fist-sized flame appeared in his palm.

    "So warm. How about you? What''s your unique power?" Dmitri excitedly inquired, but Arias simply shrugged.

    "Either it has yet to manifest, or I don''t have one. Also, could you not experiment in here before you burn anything else?" Arias sighed as Dmitri got to his feet and started getting dressed.

    "This is great! We not only survived, but we have superpowers! Do you know what this means, Arias?" Arias responded to Dmitri''s fervent question with a raised eyebrow that seemed to ask, "What, Dmitri?"

    "It means you and I can survive on our own. We don''t have to run away from my father, the Valentines, or the police. We can''t be pushed around anymore. Just like we wished when we were kids, we could be free to do whatever we like!" Dmitri exclaimed, intoxicated by the meager exhibition of strength he witnessed.

    However, Arias quickly shook his head, puncturing Dmitri''s delusion.

    "Don''t be stupid. If it were that easy to become successful with superpowers, then Gotham would be an even bigger hellhole than it already is. If you act carelessly now, then you''re just going to end up in Arkham."

    Dmitri bowed his head, realizing that superheroes existed and that many villains with abilities similar to his had not been able to live as freely as he had claimed.

    "There''s no shortcut to freedom, Dmitri. Just to get where we are, how much have you and I lost? How much have we suffered? I''m not sure what freedom you seek, but personally, I''m tired of being at the bottom. I''m aiming for the very top."

    Arias finished dressing and remarked gravely, tossing his towel aside. At Arias''s remarks, Dmitri''s glum expression changed into a smile.

    "And you call me unrealistic¡­ But what the hell, if today has taught me anything, it''s that anything is possible. I don''t know how you plan on reaching the top, and I don''t really care, but as your best friend, it''s my job to help you do it. So count me in."

    Arias returned Dmitri''s smile with a nod of approval.

    "Your ability to dive headfirst into preposterous ideas never ceases to amaze me. I look forward to what you and I will accomplish."

 Chapter 7: A Foundation

    A day had passed since the incidents that almost resulted in Arias''s demise. Unsure whether they were being searched for, Arias decided it would be best to remain hidden in his apartment. Despite the shooting at the club being covered by the media, there was no news about the accident. Dmitri''s role wasn''t mentioned at all¡ªhe was completely left out of the conversation. Only Arias''s name was mentioned, labeled as the shooter and attempted murderer. He was reported missing after being last seen leaving Gotham in a stolen Porsche.

    Dmitri couldn''t help but seem furious as they watched the news.

    "They changed the entire story. Why am I not surprised? With my dad''s ties to politics, I guess he can''t have a criminal son. What a bastard." The more he heard, the more Dmitri cursed and expressed his utter anger.

    "That, and he can win the voters'' pity by relating to them, having been a victim of Gotham''s so-called rampant crime. He really took our supposed deaths as a stepping stone," Arias continued, his remarks rational and true, even though he didn''t appear to be bothered in the least.

    When Dmitri saw this, he questioned why Arias wasn''t more furious than he was.

    "Doesn''t that piss you off? Not only that, they''re pinning everything on you."

    As Dmitri picked up the remote control and turned off the television completely, Arias turned his head away from the screen.

    "It annoys me far more than you can imagine, but I can work around this. It''s not my first time being wanted, so this only affects my freedom of moving openly for now. My funds are crypto-based, and this entire building houses criminals, so I''m not worried about money or a home for the time being."

    Arias approached a drawer and started digging through his personal belongings. He only stopped when he found a little flip phone tucked under the board.

    "Then what are you worried about?" Dmitri asked, curious.

    Arias responded, "How to make even more money. Even criminals don''t like hiring or working with individuals who have a lot of heat on them. And with the Valentine family as our enemy, we can assume the other big families won''t want to get involved. That leaves very few operations that offer good pay open to us. But¡­" Arias flicked open the phone and swiftly entered a number without saying anything else.

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    "Hello, Clause? Yes, I''d like to be on the list. What do I want? Blueprints to the Valentine mansion. Approving the transfer now."

    Arias pulled out a smartphone while on the call and verified a pop-up notification before entering a pin and thumbprint. He ended the call on the flip phone once a sizable green check appeared.

    "You bought blueprints to the Valentine home? So you want revenge too?" Dmitri asked, his brows furrowed, appearing to agree with Arias''s plan. But Arias shrugged it off.

    "No. Since they''ve cut off our means of making money, our only option is an operation by which we can earn large amounts of money without exposing our identities or tying ourselves to anyone¡ªrobbery."

    When Dmitri heard what Arias said, his eyes lit up.

    "If that''s the case, then we should start with my place. I know it well enough, plus I know the password to the family vault. He keeps not only valuables but information that we could sell or even use to blackmail him for more money anonymously."

    Dmitri''s suggestion caused Arias to arch his brow, then sigh and shake his head slightly.

    "So you can be smart at times. Good, that plan works better and carries less risk. Here''s some cash. There''s a dark-haired kid by the stairs; tell him to go to the tailor and order some black clothes for us. Give him the room number and your measurements¡ªhe already knows mine."

    After reaching a compromise, Arias pulled out a large sum of cash and tossed it to Dmitri before giving him those instructions.

    "You really are a hitman, huh? This sort of feels like a movie. Do you also have a sexy doctor who patches you up after jobs?" Dmitri grinned as he approached the door, ridiculing, but Arias responded directly.

    "She only works after 10 p.m. Now hurry up."

    Dmitri turned to stare at Arias, not sure if he was kidding or not. All he could do was scowl and follow instructions.

    After Dmitri left, Arias began to hear a now-familiar voice in his head.

    "[Arias?]"

    "Yes?" Arias responded in a casual and uncomplaining manner, given that it had been some time since he had last heard from the infinity.

    "[As it stands, you''re more than capable of accomplishing tasks to attain wealth quickly without the assistance of another. Do you simply enjoy that being''s company?]"

    Arias chuckled a little at the query before responding.

    "Not at all. Until I understand my own limitations and powers, I prefer using the longer route. As for Dmitri, it''s always better to work with allies, even if they aren''t necessary. It lessens the danger directed at oneself, as I can simply employ my plans through them. This is how the wealthy and powerful do their dirty work while keeping their own hands clean."

    "[So you do not plan to dirty your hands?]"

    "That is unavoidable, but done right, I could do so without incurring the consequences upon myself¡­ but another. Tonight will prove to be one such example."

 Chapter 8: Severing Ties

    It was a little past 10 p.m. that night in Gotham City. Even though it was Monday and late, Gotham''s streets were as wild and noisy as usual. Police sirens and the occasional sound of gunfire were the norm in the more lawless neighborhoods.

    Arias''s flat was located in Crime Alley, the epicenter of these neighborhoods. A bright yellow cab was parked carelessly on the roadway near the pavement leading to his apartment. Its driver, an older man wearing casual clothing, was holding a cigarette. He inhaled a few puffs before turning to look at the alleyway on his right side, where he spotted two men walking toward him in fancy clothes. He arched an eyebrow at them; it was odd to see any well-dressed people in that area of the city, especially so late at night.

    When Dmitri, the blonde-haired man standing between them, lifted his hand to hail the cab, the driver¡¯s uncertainty only grew. But he set aside his bewilderment and decided not to inquire, instead remaining vigilant, as he usually did while dealing with clients in that part of the city. The two men entered the back of the vehicle shortly after the doors clicked open.

    Arias gave his instructions before the driver had a chance to speak.

    "Crest Hill, Gotham Heights."

    The address Arias gave was for the western end of Gotham''s Northern Island, opposite where Crime Alley, or Park Row, was situated in the East End. Crest Hill was a neighborhood of middle and upper-class manors. The driver could only accept the man''s actions, considering how he appeared, given that it would normally be uncommon for someone coming from a place like Crime Alley to head there. In his opinion, such well-dressed people had to be members of criminal families, which would account for their carefree presence in such a risky area of Gotham.

    "Of course, there''s not much traffic at this time, so it won''t take long, sirs." The elderly man attempted to speak in a polite manner, but it was obvious he lacked a broad vocabulary from the way he tried.

    "Oie."

    The sudden call from Dmitri made the man a little uneasy.

    "Yes, sir?" he asked, fearing he had said something wrong. After all, Gotham''s criminal families had a bad reputation for using violence to settle even the most minor disputes.

    "Play some music, Taylor Swift," Dmitri said with a straight face, trying to maintain a threatening expression.

    ¡­

    The journey, which lasted about an hour, was largely silent, with Dmitri listening to foreign pop music that even the driver thought was too¡­ feminine. The driver exhaled with relief as they arrived at their destination and saw that they were still intact. However, his ears, which had to endure a full pop artist¡¯s record, were not as fortunate.

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    The cab quickly sped away after leaving them in the vicinity of a relatively tidy and peaceful area.

    "We should be careful. Both the Falcone and Giordano families have some properties here, so their goons might recognize us. Walk fast and don''t make eye contact." Before they started heading down the side road, Arias gave his advice.

    Fortunately, despite a few interactions with people, no issues emerged, and they soon reached the exterior wall of a modest manor. When they arrived, Arias asked Dmitri, "Cameras?"

    Dmitri shook his head. "No, Dad constantly talked about how secure this property is and how security wasn''t needed. Aside from the dogs and a few patrolling guards, there''s not much protection."

    "Good. Then you scale up first and distract the dogs. After a few minutes, meet me by the balcony of your room." Arias swiftly outlined a strategy, and Dmitri accepted it without objection.

    Without wasting any time, Dmitri leaped up the 10-foot-high wall with ease, thanks to his newfound strength. After a brief pause, Arias followed, leaping onto the wall to survey the interior. Seeing no sign of Dmitri, the dogs, or the guards, he swiftly descended and dashed toward the main house, then sprinted to the balcony of Dmitri''s room on the second floor of the mansion.

    He knelt down and patiently waited. Soon after, Dmitri appeared, some of his face covered in drool.

    "?" Arias did not speak, but he did cast him an odd gaze.

    "What can I say? Bitches love me." Dmitri grinned and wiped his face before unlocking the balcony door to his room.

    The duo entered simultaneously as Arias stood up from his crouch, although they found the room quite uninteresting. Arias questioned whether he had forgotten and climbed the wrong balcony, as the room looked more like a yoga studio than a bedroom.

    "I''ve been gone less than a week, and that trophy wife of his has already turned my room into a place to practice sex poses. What the fuck?" Dmitri looked around the room, his brows furrowed in rage.

    Arias simply moved toward the room''s exit, satisfied he hadn''t made a mistake.

    "She really grasped the opportunity by the neck. With enough money, you''ll be able to replace whatever you lost in this room, so no sense in worrying about it." Dmitri, however, did not heed Arias''s advice. For him, the circumstances were even more dire.

    "You don''t understand. Some of the porn I had on my computer isn''t even available anymore. I''ve been growing my collection for seven years. I can''t just rebuy that."

    Dmitri appeared to be reflecting on the good old days as he glanced at the spot where his PC had once been.

    "I don''t know what to tell you. Maybe they just stored it somewhere. For now, remember the reason we''re here."

    The simplicity of Dmitri''s desires was difficult for Arias to accept. He was, in fact, the same young guy he knew from before, except with a larger body.

    "Right, I''m gonna choke a bitch."

    Arias didn''t respond to Dmitri''s remark and simply left the room.

    They had just stepped into the hallway when a loud bang rang in both of their ears.

    "Mmm~"

    "Yesss~"

    "Pound me, Daddy~!"

    "I want everything inside of me!"

    "Heh, you''re lucky. A spot just opened up for a new child!"

    "Come on, Daddy! I''ll give you a big, strong, manly son! ~"

    As soon as Arias and Dmitri entered the hallway, they heard the unmistakable sounds of a man and a woman engaged in loud, unrestrained sex.

    "¡­" Arias had no words to comment on the matter, while Dmitri looked even more furious than before.

    "Oh, I''m really going to choke a bitch."

 Chapter 9: One-Sided Deal

    As they approached the main bedroom in the second-floor hallway, Dmitri and Arias moved stealthily. The loud moaning masked any nearby sounds, so they didn¡¯t really need to be cautious. Dmitri heard his father and stepmother shouting obscenities at each other throughout the short walk, which to him seemed like a lifetime.

    When they arrived at the entrance, Arias and Dmitri positioned themselves with their backs against the wall on either side of the door. At that moment, Arias reached behind him and pulled out a handgun, holding it in his right hand. Dmitri mimicked the action, but his awkward posture and slight trembling made it clear that he wasn¡¯t comfortable handling a firearm. Naturally, Arias noticed this, but he remained silent and simply motioned for them to enter.

    *Bam!*

    The couple¡¯s sexual activity came to an abrupt stop when the door was loudly flung open.

    ¡°What the hell! Who¡ª?" The man became enraged and was ready to confront whoever had interrupted his good time, but he stopped when he noticed a gun pointing in his direction.

    ¡°Dmitri¡­ Arias¡­¡±

    The father immediately recognized his son, even though the room was dimly lit, and Arias, who was now older, was also recognized.

    ¡°Nice to see you again, Mr. Ivanov.¡± Arias¡¯s bland response made the man even more uneasy.

    ¡°Gregor¡­¡± Fearful that her life was in danger, the woman who was close to the man huddled behind his back and spoke softly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Cynthia, it¡¯s all under control.¡± Gregor Ivanov tried to comfort her, but he too was already sweating profusely.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make promises you can¡¯t keep; this situation is far from your control. Off the bed, now.¡± Arias gave instructions in a tone that made Gregor feel even more anxious.

    Dmitri had remained quiet, struggling to keep up with the pace of events. When Gregor observed this, he assumed that his son was being forced into doing something he didn¡¯t want to do.

    ¡°Dmitri, don¡¯t do this. I understand your anger, but it¡¯s not too late for us to be a family again.¡± He made an offer, but the young man merely shot him a furious glance.

    ¡°Oh? If you¡¯re that quick to use your family for benefits and replace them, then I¡¯d rather not be a part of it. As of now, you¡¯re not my father anymore¡ªjust a guy about to get robbed.¡± Dmitri made a stronger motion with his gun. Although his posture still indicated that he lacked expertise, his mindset remained firm. He was no longer bound by the rules he had learned as a child or by the authority of his father. He felt both heavy and light at that moment but was unable to put his feelings into words.

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    ¡°You¡­¡± Gregor scowled as he got out of bed, but he was wise enough to restrain himself from ranting. Cynthia stood there with a worried look on her face, raising the blanket to cover her body. Gregor hurriedly put on a robe that was lying on the floor, then turned to face Arias, raising his hands in the air.

    ¡°Come along, you and I are going for a walk.¡±

    While Cynthia grimaced at those remarks, Gregor scowled. He wanted to protest, but there was nothing he could do.

    ¡°I get it, just don¡¯t hurt her. Dmitri, she took care of you like her own son. Be angry with me, not her.¡± Gregor pleaded with Dmitri as he made his way to the door.

    Dmitri, however, shook his head and frowned. ¡°If by ¡®take care¡¯ you mean drove away my mother and even tried seducing me because I was your heir, then yes, she took very good care of me.¡±

    Gregor scowled as he fixed his gaze on the still-trembling woman on the bed.

    ¡°You don¡¯t really have the luxury to worry about others right now.¡± Arias advised before dragging Gregor outside by the collar of his robe. With Arias¡¯s newfound strength, even a small nudge was enough to violently propel him against the corridor wall.

    *Bam!*

    Before Gregor hit the ground, he struck the wall hard. Arias strolled out, letting his tie fall even further, and crouched down next to the man.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to see your vault. Lead the way.¡± He gave the command as he watched the man struggle to stand. Did Arias find it amusing to see the mighty cower beneath him, powerless to resist? Yes. The feeling he got from doing so, even if only for a moment, was exquisite after years of having the powerful towering above him. He didn¡¯t do anything more to humiliate Gregor, knowing there would be other times in the future when he could feel that way again. For now, he focused on the primary purpose of their visit.

    Gregor didn¡¯t say anything; instead, he simply got to his feet and scowled before directing Arias to a locked pair of doors on that particular floor. He entered a short, six-digit pin into the electronic device on the door¡¯s side to unlock it.

    ¡°In here¡­¡±

    Gregor led Arias inside after carefully opening the door. The space was a well-kept modern office, as one would expect in a mansion of that size. Without further comment, Gregor moved over to a painting affixed to the wall and pulled it out to reveal a medium-sized vault built into the wall.

    ¡°I don¡¯t keep any money inside. If you want money, just give me an account and I¡¯ll send it right away.¡± Gregor proposed, sweating more as he believed that Dmitri and Arias were only interested in making money. But Arias persisted.

    ¡°Just open it.¡± He gave the order while slightly elevating his weapon.

    Gregor could only follow instructions and entered the necessary combinations for the vault. The moment the vault clicked open, Arias stepped forward and shoved Gregor aside, holding the gun in one hand while rifling through the contents of the vault with the other.

    ¡°So many hidden documents. It seems you¡¯ve been quite busy lately, Mr. Ivanov. I wonder what would happen if these documents were leaked.¡±

    Gregor scowled upon hearing those remarks.

    ¡°Name a price¡ªany price. If you leak those documents, you¡¯ll become enemies with a lot of leaders in Gotham. They won¡¯t stop until you¡¯re dead.¡± He counseled, a tiny frown on his face.

    ¡°Provided they aren¡¯t too busy dealing with the aftermath this will cause. But you¡¯re right; I don¡¯t need that level of attention. Which is why you¡¯ll send me $5 million right away and refrain from speaking about this entire fiasco. What do you say? Pretty simple choice, really.¡± Arias asked, his gaze coldly fixed on Gregor.

    The man gritted his teeth in rage, bowed his head, and finally nodded. ¡°Fine.¡±

 Chapter 10: Pursuers

    After the transaction was completed using the computer in Gregor''s office and Arias''s encrypted account, the two started heading back to the master bedroom. But as they got closer, they heard crying, which made Gregor''s eyes widen as he rushed toward the door. He halted when he got there, though, as he saw Arias pointing the gun at him.

    "Why the rush?" Arias asked directly, not seeming surprised by what the groaning indicated.

    Gregor waited for Arias to approach him at the door before he finally opened it. When he did, he discovered Cynthia on her knees with Dmitri sitting on the edge of the bed, an imploring expression on her face. Dmitri continued to hold the gun firmly in one hand while holding a phone in the other to record everything.

    "Dmitri!!"

    Gregor, enraged, wanted to rush Dmitri, but Arias only needed to give him a backhand slap to send him flying across the room. Cynthia paused out of fear, but Dmitri encouraged her to keep going by tapping the gun on her head.

    "What caused this?" Arias asked Dmitri as Gregor struggled to rise after taking the hard hit.

    "She was worried we''d kill her, so I asked her to list all the reasons she deserves to live. As for the video, I don''t know, leverage, I guess."

    Dmitri spoke casually, but it was clear from his expression that he was still upset about what had transpired.

    "I suppose there''s no harm in having greater leverage. Be quick, though; we still have a lot to do." Arias understood Dmitri''s reasoning, though he had initially thought she was being sexually assaulted rather than just crying and pleading for her life on camera. He was more amazed that Dmitri had gone to such an extent, but given how much he despised the woman, it made sense as his own form of retaliation short of killing her.

    Dmitri quickly grew weary of her pitiful wailing as she even offered her body in exchange for her life, capturing the entire moment in high definition. He gave her a repulsive glance, centered the camera on Gregor, and panned it over to show the helpless man who could do nothing as his wife faced certain death. Dmitri didn''t stop recording until he handed the phone to Arias.

    "I made sure our faces weren''t seen. We can just edit out the part where he yelled my name, making it leverage that can''t be traced back to us even if we leaked it." Dmitri continued, causing Gregor to scowl even harder.

    Arias put the phone away after acknowledging that Dmitri was spot-on with his approach.

    "Nice job. Now grab him; we need to leave." Arias ordered, gesturing toward the frail-looking Gregor.

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    "He''s coming with us?" Dmitri was perplexed, questioning whether they might indeed be planning to kill him.

    "He''s going to drive us out of here; otherwise, he''ll just have his goons chase after us once we leave."

    Dmitri nodded and approached his father with his gun ready after realizing what Arias was thinking.

    ¡­

    Meanwhile, in Batman''s lair, the Batcave, four individuals stood in front of multiple large monitors. Batman naturally took the lead, approaching the sole seat available and starting to enter some information. Alfred, his personal butler, stood beside him, watching with his hands behind his back. Behind the two stood Batgirl, who appeared to be paying close attention to what was going on, and Robin, who continued to look bored.

    "I don''t see how these two could have possibly disappeared. All traces point to them returning to Gotham, but then it all goes silent from there." A profile was displayed on two different monitors as Batman spoke in a grave, stone-like tone.

    [Dmitri Ivanov, 22 years old, son of mayoral candidate and businessman Gregor Ivanov and Maria Deschamps.

    Born and raised in Russia until the age of 10, when they migrated to Gotham.

    Attended Gotham Heights Middle School and High School, where he received average grades but performed exceptionally well in sports.

    Has no criminal record aside from a few speeding tickets and unconfirmed fights during his school years.]

    [Arias Vladimir Markovic, 21 years old, son of Gunther Rosenzenky and Anastasia Markovic, both deceased.

    Born in Serbia before relocating to the country at the age of 6. Lost his mother at the age of 10 to a domestic homicide committed by his father, whom he then went on to kill in an effort to protect her.

    Received a scholarship to attend Gotham Heights at the junior and senior levels, where he thrived with high marks after being placed in the Miller Orphanage.

    Reported missing six years ago after failing to return to the orphanage on March 6th. Last seen at the Ivanov residence, according to official police documents, before going missing.

    No criminal history until this year. Currently wanted on numerous counts, including kidnapping, theft, and attempted murder.]

    "Your summary is there," Batman said, turning to face both Robin and Batgirl as he displayed the condensed facts on the screen.

    "Not exactly the profile of a deadly criminal duo, if I must say." After skimming over the information, Alfred made a comment.

    "Exactly. We already know one side of the story, but we don''t know theirs. If they''re wanted dead that badly, then there''s a good chance they have some detrimental information on Gotham''s crime families." In response to Alfred''s remarks, Batman nodded and offered his opinion. He knew not to trust the witnesses who had thus far given testimonies to the police about what occurred¡ªthey could have easily been bought. It was clear there was corruption at play, but the specifics eluded him.

    "So you want us to search the entire Gotham City for where they might be hiding?" Robin asked with a pronounced frown.

    "Yes. The risks are low, but the importance is high depending on how much they know. If you can''t even find two missing criminals, then maybe you are really far from being ready." Batman stated bluntly, and Robin responded by averting his eyes in displeasure.

    "Oh yeah? In that case, we''ll find them in just a day. Come on, Barbara." Robin said fiercely before pulling away with a bewildered Batgirl in tow.

    Alfred questioned Batman after the two had left. "Master Bruce, was it really necessary to agitate the boy?"

    "It''ll act as motivation. Provide them with as much support as they''ll need. I need to go to Washington for the official public announcement concerning the formation of the Justice League."

 Chapter 11: Consequences

    A few minutes had passed since Arias and Dmitri drove away from the Ivanov estate in a posh Rolls Royce, holding Gregor captive.

    "You can stop over there, Dmitri."

    Dmitri, who had been driving, complied with Arias¡¯s instructions and pulled over near a seemingly vacant alleyway. It wasn¡¯t unusual for some of the safer districts to be empty at that hour.

    "Take off your clothes and get out of the car," Arias commanded Gregor, who had been sitting quietly in the backseat with him the entire journey. He frowned deeply, not wanting the humiliation to continue any longer. But having no other choice, he followed orders, swiftly stripped, and got out of the vehicle.

    "You two are making a mistake," Gregor muttered in a low voice, his bloodshot eyes filled with anger.

    Dmitri appeared worried about this, but Arias only grinned.

    "Your notion of a mistake is making five million in a single day? If that¡¯s the case, I look forward to many more such instances," Arias said mockingly, rolling up the window.

    Dmitri pressed the gas and sped off without needing to say anything.

    "Fuck!! Fuck!!"

    Gregor let out his anger once the vehicle had left, screaming at the top of his lungs and not caring who could hear him. Even as they drove away, the echoes of his cries could be heard inside the car, but Arias just smirked.

    "What comes next?" Dmitri asked.

    "East End, close to the Bowery. There¡¯s someone I need to see there," Arias said, his eyes cold.

    Dmitri wanted to ask more, but he decided to focus on another question that had been bothering him.

    "Hey, as a hitman¡­ how many people did you kill?" Dmitri¡¯s eyes held a cautious expression as he spoke. Even though Arias was never particularly cheerful, the icy demeanor and harsh mindset he had displayed so far were quite alien to Dmitri. He felt as though he was staring at an unpredictable stranger rather than his childhood best friend.

    "I wish to forget the events leading up to our near-death experience. As far as I¡¯m concerned, this is a new life that I¡¯m living."

    "Right¡­ I get it." Dmitri sighed and concentrated only on his driving. No matter how furious he felt toward his father and that woman, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to cause them serious physical harm at that moment. Because of this, he had been practically motionless for most of the altercation. He was aware that he would have failed if Arias had asked him to fire the gun. Maybe he could do the same if he knew how many people Arias had killed to become so heartless.

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    The rest of the drive was silent until the pair arrived at a street away from the Bowery.

    "Here¡¯s good. We can go the rest of the way on foot. It¡¯ll be a while longer before your father makes it home and starts looking for his car, but let¡¯s hurry still, just in case."

    Arias got out of the car and surveyed the eerily quiet area. As midnight drew closer, very few people could be seen moving, likely due to the inherent dangers of the neighborhood.

    Dmitri quickly got out of the car as well, locking it before waiting for Arias to decide which direction to go. Unexpectedly, Arias turned and began to move in the opposite direction of the Bowery. Dmitri had assumed that because they had come here, they might be dealing with criminals of some sort, but that didn¡¯t seem to be the case.

    Dmitri considered asking but restrained himself. As he realized this wasn¡¯t the same guy he knew back then, he started to feel more and more afraid the longer he stayed with Arias.

    They traveled through a maze of alleyways before stopping at the rear of a row of apartment complexes.

    "There, the window to the right on the third floor." After pausing to consider the situation, Arias moved toward the building''s metal backstairs. They reached the window without difficulty and in less than a minute.

    After failing to open the window because it was locked, Arias turned to Dmitri for assistance.

    "Melt the latch. It should be about here. Just do it carefully so we don¡¯t cause a commotion."

    Dmitri didn¡¯t understand what was happening. Were they robbing a regular person? Considering how much money they had received from his father, it made no sense. But he kept quiet about his concerns and followed Arias¡¯s advice, even though he was far from perfect because he had never used the talent that came from his meta-gene.

    *Ssh~*

    The now-melted metallic latch emitted smoke, and they had little trouble getting the window open. Both then entered the building, which led them to a small, poorly lit room.

    The room''s crib was in the middle, and the walls were adorned with ornaments and cartoon decorations for children.

    "Is this the right place?" Dmitri asked in a low-pitched voice, but Arias didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he simply walked over to the crib and carefully lifted a child out.

    "It is. Follow me and take out your gun." Arias gently rocked the infant in one arm and touched its sleeping cheek before heading for the door.

    Dmitri continued to be perplexed but soon pulled out his gun and followed, all the while breaking out in a cold sweat. The whole situation was extremely unsettling.

    They emerged from the room and entered a narrow hallway. They could see a corridor leading to a living room on one side, and a door with the word "restroom" on it on the other. However, Arias was focused on the last door at the end of the hallway, and he started to move toward it without saying anything.

    When he arrived at the door, he concentrated his ears and heard two faint heartbeats on the other side, indicating that his targets were asleep. He opened the door and motioned for Dmitri to enter as there was no longer a reason to wait.

    Dmitri did so cautiously and entered to discover a medium-sized bedroom with two people sleeping peacefully on a double bed.

    "Restrain the woman on my signal," Arias whispered while Dmitri occupied one side of the bed. The signal was given once they were both close to their respective targets.

    "Now."

    They both quickly reached out to the people on the bed. A normal person couldn¡¯t handle Dmitri¡¯s newfound strength, so he simply grabbed the woman and pinned her to the bed by slamming his hands down on her back.

    "Ah!" The woman screamed and opened her eyes to a perplexing scene. While the woman was being forced down, Arias picked up the man by the scruff of his neck and threw him off the bed, causing him to crash against the dresser and television opposite the bed.

 Chapter 12: Farewell

    "¡­Arias?"

    Craig, the man, stumbled to his feet, suffering minor wounds from his violent collision with the furniture.

    "Arias?! How?! Craig, what''s going on?!" The woman reacted with tremendous horror when her husband mentioned the name. She couldn''t see what was happening on the other side since she was trapped on one side.

    *Waah~*

    The child in Arias''s arms was soon awakened by the loud noises, which made Craig, who had just stood up, display an ashen appearance.

    "Johnny! No, please, not my baby!" The woman wriggled and worried even more, bursting into tears.

    "Be silent or¡­" Dmitri instantly brought his gun close to the writhing woman after Arias threw a sidelong glance at her. As the cold metal brushed past her hair and made contact with her skin, she gasped.

    "Arias, stop! My family has nothing to do with this¡ªyou want me! Please, I beg you." Craig fell to his knees, powerless to change the situation. He was in a position where his child and the woman he loved were both in danger of dying at any moment, and there was nothing he could do to intervene.

    "Dmitri, let her go and use the cuffs over there on him."

    It wasn¡¯t until the pieces started to fall into place that Dmitri realized the man in front of them was the same cop who had fired at them earlier at the club. At the time, he assumed it was simply one of the corrupt officers working for Eric, but now he realized that the man before him had actually betrayed Arias, nearly killing them both.

    *He''s not really going to kill this guy''s kid, is he?* Dmitri thought while putting Craig''s arms behind his back in cuffs.

    "Arias, please, I don''t know what''s happening, but you''re like family¡­ if you need money or anything, just say so. I beg of you, please don''t hurt my son," the woman, who seemed to know Arias, pleaded in a quiet, tearful voice, her gaze fixed on the infant in Arias''s arms.

    "I hold no malice towards you, Savanna, but I simply can''t ignore the fact that your husband attempted to kill me."

    At those words, Craig squirmed more nervously.

    "They are not involved in this at all! Take me instead!" Craig cried out in agony, but Arias seemed unmoved.

    "Well, since you''ve also been working as the little dog to the crime families, you must hold a decent amount of information they wouldn''t want going public. Give me that, and all is forgiven." Arias didn''t speak with hostility, and his voice had softened, giving the impression that he was more at ease.

    "If they find out I gave you that information, they''ll kill me and my family! You know this!" Craig grimaced helplessly, realizing he was completely out of alternatives.

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    Arias simply grinned in response. "That sounds like a personal issue. Either live today and worry about the future, or you and your family can die right now. The choice is yours, Craig."

    While waiting for his reply, Arias pulled his gun and pointed it at the woman.

    Craig nodded slowly as his eyes started to water. "Fine, I''ll give you everything. In the lower drawer, there''s a small box with a couple of flash drives¡ªthat''s all the information I have on the crime families as well as all the dirty cops within the Gotham PD and their parts in certain operations."

    When Dmitri followed Craig''s instructions, he did indeed find a tiny jewelry box full of flash drives. He checked them on a nearby computer to see whether they had any encryptions, verifying they were genuine.

    "They look real," Dmitri murmured.

    Arias nodded in response.

    "Then we''re done here." Just as Savanna started to think it was all over, he murmured before pressing the trigger and shooting her straight through the head.

    "No!!"

    *Bang~*

    A bullet to the leg stopped Craig in his tracks as he tried to stand up.

    Dmitri was horrified as he stared at the woman''s motionless body and watched as blood trickled from the hole in her brain. He was at a loss for words.

    "You promised you wouldn''t hurt them!" Craig screamed, but Arias''s gaze remained icy as he placed the child on the bed.

    "Did I? A shame then." Arias made no further comment before pulling the gun a second time and shooting Craig in the head. Craig collapsed to the ground, his face still etched with horror.

    "Let''s go. Those gunshots were bound to have caused someone to call the police." After taking the jewelry box, Arias lowered his gun.

    "What about the baby?" Dmitri asked in a low, uncertain voice just as Arias was ready to leave the room.

    "Killing a baby serves no purpose because it can''t be a witness."

    Dmitri continued to listen to the infant''s cries for a short while before leaving the area with Arias. They quickly made their way back to their car through the back passageways as police sirens could be heard in the distance.

    ¡­

    Instead of taking them back to his apartment after they fled the scene, Arias drove them to the closest harbor. He put a large brick on the accelerator and started the car when the two got out. The two witnessed the million-dollar car being instantly thrown into the ocean.

    "Let''s go, we''re done for today." Once the vehicle had fully sunk, Arias sighed and turned to leave.

    Dmitri watched Arias walk away while remaining silent for a little while before speaking.

    "I can''t. Arias, I can''t live like this. It''s just too much."

    Hearing this caused Arias to halt before turning to look at Dmitri, keeping his hands idly in his pockets.

    "Then what will you do?"

    When Dmitri heard the inquiry, he shook his head and bowed it.

    "I''m not sure, but making others miserable is basically doing what was done to us. No matter how furious I feel, I can''t bring myself to kill anyone, so for the time being, I''ll just leave Gotham and look for my mother. Maybe help people like us along the way¡­ who knows. I''m sorry."

    After giving Dmitri one last look, Arias smiled and shook his head.

    "No, I''m the one who should apologize. I was mistaken to believe that this way of life would work for you. I wish you all the best."

    Dmitri nodded and returned the smile.

    "Thanks, I wish you¡ª"

    *Bang~*

    Dmitri''s words were cut short by blurred vision and blood dripping from his brow. He was perplexed as he shifted to look at Arias and saw that his childhood best friend was pointing a gun in his direction. Before even knowing why¡­ his heart stopped, and he closed his eyes.

    Arias kept his gun pointed directly ahead, smoke still coming from the barrel, and watched as Dmitri''s body plummeted to the ground.

    "In the end, leaving you alive is too risky."

    Arias murmured and then scanned the harbor for another heavy object. He eventually found thick anchor chains, which he used to bind Dmitri''s body before throwing it farther into the harbor.

    *It should be a while before they think to start looking here. That''s more than enough time to send Gotham spiraling.*

 Chapter 13: Focus On Yourself

    It was early in the morning, and the bulk of Gotham''s residents were still asleep. Many of the city''s streets were desolate, making it odd to see a well-dressed young man wandering through alleyways alone at such an hour on a weekday, especially when even crime was quiet.

    The young man was none other than Arias, who had just returned from the harbor and was heading toward his apartment. His once-clean suit was now heavily soiled, and the white collar of his inner shirt showed evidence of blood. He was forced to stick to the alleyways, wary of being stopped by a police car on patrol.

    It took nearly twenty minutes to walk from the port to Crime Alley, where his apartment was located. Once there, he exhaled a sigh of relief and settled down on the single sofa in the room. He untied his tie, removed it, and threw it to the floor. It had been a physically and mentally taxing day.

    As he reclined and closed his eyes, preparing to drift off to sleep, a familiar voice echoed in his thoughts.

    "[Arias?]"

    "Yes?" Arias opened his eyes but leaned back in a calm manner as the Infinity spoke.

    "[You took your ally''s life. Wasn''t he supposed to act as your extension? Carrying out risky tasks in your stead so you could avoid unnecessary consequences? Or did I misinterpret that?]"

    "No, you''re right. But it was impossible to ignore his change of heart, especially since he possessed knowledge that others didn''t about me and had undergone a reconstruction similar to mine. Despite claims of friendship or allegiance, words are hollow and emotions are unstable. There''s nothing stopping me from believing there was a chance he would turn against me in the future."

    No trace of sorrow could be seen on Arias''s face as he spoke, a cold glint in his eyes. In his opinion, he had simply eliminated a potential threat without suffering any significant consequences.

    "[I see. It is true that human beings frequently betray one another.]"

    "If politicians and brands can lie to millions strategically and still hold support, then what should stop me from doing the same? An honest politician or brand never gets very far and often has many opponents, even among allies, because they reject immoral or unlawful tactics to achieve personal advantage."

    "In contrast, a person or group that is blatantly provocative may have even more adversaries and very few allies since even those who engage in inappropriate behavior fear having their reputations tarnished by association. The only way to truly succeed is to maintain a good reputation while operating discreetly. By the time the world realizes what you are, you''d already hold far too much influence or be self-sufficient."

    "[You have a good grasp of how people work. A mere city is far too modest an objective for you, given your potential. As your abilities develop, I believe you will realize this for yourself and set even higher standards. I''m excited to witness such a significant transformation take place in front of me. Arias, I appreciate you satisfying my curiosity; it was enlightening to learn how you felt.]"

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    "You are the only being I can open up to in that way; you exist in my consciousness." Arias responded directly, though it was possible that his meaning was unclear. He felt he couldn''t lie to the entity inside of him, or at least he didn''t want to take the chance right now. For this reason, he was honest.

    "[I see. I am glad. Thank you.]"

    The Infinity seemed to withdraw from the conversation, abruptly disappearing. Arias softly closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, too fatigued to dwell on it.

    ¡­

    Meanwhile, Batman''s two prot¨¦g¨¦s had already begun their investigation, searching for Arias and Dmitri. The two were currently standing on the roof of an apartment building in the Bowery, surveying the nearby scene. Across the street, a group of police cars and an ambulance were parked outside another apartment complex.

    Robin stood up and observed the scene before turning to face Batgirl, who was crouched and holding a small holographic device.

    "Don''t tell me it''s our potential witness?" Robin asked, frowning.

    Batgirl sighed and nodded as she folded her device. "It is. Officer Craig Dawson and his wife, Savanna Dawson, were found dead in their apartment''s master bedroom. A direct headshot from a gun was the cause of death. Their baby, who is four months old, is the lone survivor."

    "That''s all I could hear on their private line. They''re still investigating who might have committed the crime. Do you think it''s the two guys we''re looking for?" She explained before asking for Robin''s opinion.

    "I don''t think so. Given what we know, Craig was a corrupt officer who served the main cartels. He exposed himself in this incident by openly helping the Valentine family, so maybe they wanted to get rid of a possible loose end. However, we can''t rule out the possibility that it was those two either, even though I can''t think of a reason for them to do it or even if they are capable of it."

    Robin sighed as he tried to piece things together.

    "Why do you think it might not be them?" Batgirl inquired, curious about his reasoning.

    "Because if you track the route they traveled to flee, you''ll notice that the only shots fired were from the direction of the pursuer. According to some eyewitness accounts from people outside the club, Craig and a few others immediately started firing and pursued, despite the fact that police officers aren''t permitted to shoot without first spotting a firearm or determining if the person is dangerous."

    "Which can only mean that the charges are likely false as well because even in the wreckage, we found no signs of firearms. It''s a stretch, but I''m going to trust logic here over what the media claims happened. The only problem is, now we have no clue where to start looking."

    They were certainly stuck, and Batgirl frowned at his inference.

    "Well, this isn''t how I imagined spending my school night. Should we give up for now? I have a chemistry lab first thing in the morning tomorrow, ugh." Batgirl''s expression changed to one of disappointment, causing Robin to laugh.

    "Why does everyone hate Mr. Morris? Anyway, we should give up for now. We''ll pick this up tomorrow right after school."

    Batgirl continued to grumble as Robin spoke.

    "My social life is really suffering because of this superhero business. I badly want to beat up some evil guys to vent." As the two started to leave, Batgirl raised her fists in a joking manner.

    Robin, though, simply shrugged off her concerns. "You get used to it. Give it time; it''s only been a month since you started."

 Chapter 14: Gothaméˆ¥æªš Big Story Part 1

    The following day, Arias had already begun organizing the paperwork and data he had obtained from Craig and Gregor. He was adding a few files and documents to an empty flash drive while sitting at the lone workstation in his flat, also modifying some of the contents. When he finished, he sighed and stretched his arms, but as he did so, the coffee cup sitting on the edge of the bed began to float.

    Startled by this unexpected occurrence, he rapidly stood up, causing the cup to fall and shatter on the floor.

    "[It appears that your innate power is now activated,]" Infinity''s low, sweet voice echoed in his mind, reminding Arias of who he was.

    He sighed and turned to face the broken mug. With just a thought, the broken pieces began to come together, and the mug once again floated into the air before falling into the trash bin in the corner. Satisfied with the success, he reached out his palm toward the coffee stain on the floor. The droplets started to rise gently but couldn''t travel very high before they began to fall again.

    "I guess that''s the limit for now. A form of telekinetic power, or is that just the ability from my meta-gene?" Arias paused before removing the flash drive from the laptop and snapping it shut.

    "[The process of becoming a true vessel will be slow, given the sheer amount of power your body has to hold. Your body will undergo another rebuild each time you approach a milestone, making it a stronger and more capable vessel. Since no such thing occurred here, it is correct to say this is your own ability.]"

    "I see. Well, any edge helps. I don''t plan on making myself anyone''s open enemy at this time, so I should be okay with just this amount of power."

    "[A wise choice, Arias. But with your ally gone, who will bear the consequences of your coming actions?]"

    "That title will belong to a bright and upcoming journalist. From what I''ve seen, she''s not afraid to criticize even Batman and the deadly criminals he fights. She won''t be able to resist the information I have. She''s got a hunger to succeed as well."

    Arias grinned as he changed out of his business-casual attire into some matching sweatpants, a hoodie, and trainers. A simple face mask was the finishing touch. It was far from the perfect disguise, but it would help him avoid immediate recognition by police officers as he moved around during the day.

    Realizing it was almost noon, he left his apartment and caught a cab to one of Gotham City''s busiest business districts. The Gotham Gazette, the largest and most well-known journalistic organization in Gotham, was located on the street he visited. Arias was dropped off by the cab not too far away, at a quiet caf¨¦ right around the corner.

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    Casually entering the caf¨¦, Arias chose a booth for himself. The caf¨¦ was mostly vacant and hadn''t yet experienced the influx of lunchtime customers. After taking a seat, Arias pulled out his smartphone and connected to the free local Wi-Fi they provided¡ªone of his main motivations was to avoid being identified.

    He wasn''t going to become blind to the dangers he was taking to achieve his objectives just because he had gained some power. On the same smartphone, he typed a message that read:

    *[I''ve read a few of your articles, and I think you''re the best person suited to bringing to light the real happenings of Gotham. Don¡¯t you think the people should know the many wrongs the politicians they adore have committed or the dealings of the biggest families in Gotham? Come to the Pickett Caf¨¦ right around the block if you¡¯re interested; if not, I''ll just have to find another columnist. I''ll only be here until 2 p.m.]*

    He finished the email and sent it using a disposable email address that was untraceable. The recipient''s name read:

    *[Vicki Vale, columnist for the Gotham Gazette].*

    Arias relaxed and appreciated the setup he had made after the message was sent. In actuality, he was aware of the risks he was undertaking. In case of emergency, even his booth was close to the caf¨¦''s back entrance.

    ¡­

    A woman with brilliant ginger hair, appearing to be in her early to mid-twenties, sat at a desk on the 30th floor of the Gotham Gazette tower. She was dressed in a tight office suit that highlighted her slim, curvy form. She typed into her computer with a dejected expression on her face, occasionally sighing and erasing everything she had written.

    "Argh, dammit, no!" she exclaimed.

    A young man with a cap, the only other person in the office with her, observed her frustration and asked, "What''s wrong, Miss Vale? Trouble writing a story?" He questioned as he connected a camera to his computer, editing pictures.

    Vicki sighed even louder at his query. "I wish it was trouble, but there is no story! Dammit, all the other newspapers are reporting on the formation of the Justice League. It''s too late for us to jump on that train. Other companies know this as well, so they''re focusing on their city''s local heroes. But ours¡­"

    She objected, and the young man, Joey, smiled. "Not a fan of Batman? I heard he was a big help stopping that alien invasion, even if it was minor and secluded to one city."

    Vicki stood up and put her hands on her hips, causing her breasts to slightly jiggle before speaking. "Metropolis has Superman, Washington has Wonder Woman, Coast City has Green Lantern, Central City? The Flash, Amnesty Bay has Aquaman, even Denver and Detroit have that damn Martian Manhunter. And what do we have? The flying rodent, Batman. How am I supposed to compete with other publications like this?"

    Joey laughed nervously, unsure how to respond to her outburst. Her rant continued before he could finish his sentence.

    "I mean, come on! These other guys can fly, lift buildings, run faster than jets, and have interesting characters or backgrounds that make people want to know more. This Friday is the official formation of the Justice League, and our company has been invited. If we don''t get a huge story, we''ll be a laughingstock. I can already hear that damn Lois boasting about her city''s hero. Ugh!"

    *Bing!*

    A ring from her computer caught her attention just as she was about to scream in frustration. She quickly checked it and grinned widely.

    "Joey, tell the boss I went to have my lunch early."

    The young man was confused as she abruptly corrected her makeup and hurried out of the office.

    "Uh, okay?"

 Chapter 15: Gothaméˆ¥æªš Big Story Part 2

    Vicki had rushed from her office to the caf¨¦ in less than ten minutes. She took a moment to collect herself once she was outside before stepping boldly into the caf¨¦. There weren¡¯t many people there because it wasn¡¯t quite lunchtime yet. Vicki quickly spotted the man sitting alone, wearing a mask and a hoodie. Confident that this was the person she was meeting, she moved over and sat down on the chair across from him in the booth.

    Arias, who had been idly peering out the window, turned to face her. Despite the mask covering his lower face, his eyes and brows hinted at the devilishly attractive visage hidden beneath.

    "That was quick. You must either be eager or desperate, Miss Vale," he said, his tone reflecting her initial impression of him.

    She was taken aback by the sophisticated yet imposing foreign accent, but she kept her composure and simply grinned. "Why the disguise? Considering what you claim to have, I thought you¡¯d at least be a little brave." She made fun of him, but Arias only grinned in response.

    "Don¡¯t be mistaken, Miss Vale. I want you to do this, but I don¡¯t need you. Remember that difference. Here."

    Arias placed an envelope on the table without saying anything more.

    Vicki felt a twinge of annoyance but, due to her need for the story, she didn¡¯t say anything in response and simply collected the envelope. He didn¡¯t object when she opened it right away, finding a single flash drive inside.

    "It¡¯s all here?" she asked, seeking confirmation.

    Arias stood up without responding. Now that he was standing, Vicki could see his fit and tall figure, which gave him a more commanding presence. As he looked down at her, he added, "Along with the documents are some instructions for you to follow. You can, of course, ignore them, but that will be the end of our¡­ partnership, if you will. If you follow them correctly, I¡¯ll be sure to provide you with more newsworthy details later on. You can leave after 10 minutes."

    Arias uttered those words before casually walking out of the caf¨¦. Vicki was tempted to ask many more questions, but she held herself back, wanting to verify whether the material was really as important and scoop-worthy as he claimed. She waited nervously for the ten minutes to pass, and as soon as they did, she hurried out of the caf¨¦.

    When she got back to work, she noticed her coworker preparing to go for lunch.

    "Hey, how¡¯d it g¡ª"

    Vicki rushed inside the room, ignored the young man, sat down at her desk, and quickly connected the flash drive. "Can¡¯t talk right now, Joey."

    He was even more perplexed by her mumbled remark. He could only shrug it off, assuming she was just stressed before quickly walking away.

    *Now, let¡¯s see here¡­*

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    She opened the drive as soon as the computer recognized it, eager to see what it contained. After five minutes, she was so amazed by what she was seeing that she couldn¡¯t control herself.

    "This is huge!!"

    She screamed out, her voice echoing slightly since most of her coworkers had left for their lunch breaks. Vicki didn¡¯t care and continued to scan through the documents until she came across the PDF of the instructions. She quickly read through it and thought to herself.

    *Well, his instructions aren¡¯t really deal-breaking, and if he¡¯s able to gather more information like this, then I may have just found myself the perfect data boy.*

    Excited by the thought, Vicki began writing a story right away. Her coworkers returned from lunch, but she was still glued to her computer, typing nonstop. As the hours passed and it was nearly time for closing, she printed the story and its supporting documents before quickly leaving the room to visit the editor-in-chief.

    She flung the door open without knocking and waltzed inside, placing a thick stack of papers on the sizable desk occupied by an older-looking man.

    "Vicki? Dammit, you startled me. Have you finally figured out what our story is going to be? The executives are chewing me out for not having a story yet. All the major publishers are riding these Justice heroes so hard you¡¯d think they¡¯d get tired. If this goes on, we¡¯ll be a joke come Friday."

    The man rubbed his temples and sighed, as if slowly losing years off his life. But then Vicki grinned and crossed her arms confidently.

    "Well, lucky for you, through blood, sweat, and tears, your best columnist has a story that will not only shake and change Gotham but the entire country." She pushed the bundle of papers toward him, announcing confidently and shamelessly.

    The man began reading while rubbing his thin mustache, his eyes growing ever-narrower.

    "This¡­ this is big, Vicki, but is all this true? We could all get fired if it¡¯s false," the man hesitated, his eyes narrowing further.

    "I¡¯ve already emailed some of the contents to Commissioner Gordon. I told him if he wants the rest, then he should allow us to expose the story first thing in the morning. It shouldn¡¯t be¡ª"

    Before Vicki could finish speaking, the chief¡¯s phone rang, and he picked it up with a raised brow.

    "Yes? Oh, Commissioner Gordon! Yes, we have a lot more information. Uh, our informant?" Vicki shook her head as the chief looked at her, so he cleared his throat and continued. "Sorry, I can¡¯t expose the identity, but you¡¯ve seen for yourself that it¡¯s all real, yes? We¡¯ll provide you with all the details we plan to include in the story, and once you¡¯ve verified them, we¡¯ll air them on the news tonight. This is our opportunity to fix up Gotham and... Oh, really? Haha, pleasure doing business."

    *Clack~*

    The boss slammed the phone down, beaming broadly.

    "Well?" Vicki placed her hand on her hip and raised a brow, waiting for his response.

    Before answering, the chief composed himself and cleared his throat. "He says it won¡¯t be a problem and that he will personally vouch for the accuracy of the information and give an exclusive interview later today as he prepares a raid. This is going to be a massive night in Gotham, and he sounds really angry about having so many dishonest cops. Tell everyone there¡¯s a meeting¡ªwe¡¯re gonna be equally busy tonight."

    Vicki was grinning beautifully while the enthusiastic editor-in-chief couldn¡¯t help but speak with great excitement.

    "You got it, boss. Oh, and I¡¯ll be heading home to change since, you know, I¡¯ll be reporting live at the scene, and the article publishing tomorrow will be written by me as well." She continued grinning.

    The chief sighed but eventually nodded. "Okay, you deserve it. Those execs will undoubtedly invest more money after this; hehe, Hawaii, here I come."

    Vicki confidently left the room after getting the assurance she was looking for, while the editor-in-chief started to hula dance with his arms flailing in the air.

    "Hakuna Matata~ It means no worries~ I¡¯m going to Hawaii~ And my wife will ride me~ Tututulu~"

 Chapter 16: A New Age

    Arias was unconcerned with the specific events involving the Gotham Gazette as he simply sat back on his couch and watched the news about the commotion surrounding the creation of the Justice League. *If Vicki pulls through, the story might even be bigger than this,* he pondered as he listened to the numerous rants, opinions, and differing viewpoints on the Justice League members.

    While perusing the various news programs, he came across a particularly interesting news station, GBS, which was airing the G. Gordon Godfrey show.

    "I don''t know about you, America, but I don''t trust this so-called ''Justice League'' that everyone is so happy about. I mean, come on people, these are grown men and women running around in skin-tight bodysuits that leave little to the imagination, fighting other crazy people."

    Arias watched the blonde-haired Caucasian man on the screen strut around his stage, shrugging and making air quotes.

    "I mean, take Wonder Woman, for example. America''s hero? I dunno about you, America, but I wouldn''t want my daughter growing up thinking this is how heroic American women dress."

    "You shouldn''t place your trust in aliens either¡ªSuperman? The Martian? I mean, c''mon, we were literally invaded by aliens who likely came here because of them. I mean, we all saw the clip of Superman conversing with what looked like the boss of those invading aliens. Coincidence? I think not, people¡­ I think not."

    Arias turned off the television, chuckling at the absurdity of the show.

    "I''ll give him credit; he''s good at changing the subject and slanting the evidence. Oh right, today is Monday, so that means the mayoral elections should be reaching their final stride this week."

    Arias rubbed his chin in contemplation for a bit, then picked up his phone and went for a walk. To avoid being tracked to a specific spot, he strolled for around thirty minutes before stopping in a random area of East End. He took out his phone and made a call.

    The phone rang only briefly before the voice on the other end picked up.

    "[Yes? Who is this?]"

    "Have you forgotten me already, Gregor? I did say I would be reaching out to you in the future. Well, this is it."

    "[Arias¡­ what do you want?]"

    Arias grinned as he continued to speak as if he were chatting with an old friend, despite sensing Gregor''s resentment.

    "I looked at the recent polls and saw you have no chance of winning the elections this time around. What if I told you I could change that?"

    "[Don''t toy with me, Arias. Just tell me what you want. More money?]"

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "Careful how you use my name, Gregor. If I''m found, so are your past ''business transactions.'' Moving on, what I want is simple: for you to become the mayor of Gotham." He revealed this casually, as if discussing something mundane.

    "[Well, I''m sorry to break it to you, but even if I give it my all, I''ll probably only place third or fourth in the polls.]"

    "The majority of your competitors won''t get the chance to finish the race, Gregor. You''re a smart man, so I expect you to use the advantage you''ll be given to the fullest. Once you''re in office, I''ll contact you again. For now, stop fucking that trophy wife of yours and prepare."

    *Clack~*

    Arias ended the call without waiting for a reply and started to head back home.

    ¡­

    Gregor, who had indeed been engaged with his wife, scowled as he looked around the room. *How did he know? Did he wire my room? My whole house? Fuck!* He began to worry, but then he felt a gentle touch on his back.

    "Come on, darling, let me relieve your stress. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll win the next election." Gregor declined Cynthia''s offer, swiftly getting up and putting on a robe.

    "No, I have a lot of work to get done."

    ¡­

    Arias smiled as he saw many helicopters flying overhead into the city on his way home. "Looks like it¡¯s begun." He looked only briefly, then hurried back to his apartment.

    It was almost like clockwork when a breaking news announcement was made at precisely 9 o''clock that night.

    ---

    **[Breaking News]**

    *Good evening, Gotham. Vicki Vale here to bring you the most shocking development in recent Gotham history. The Gotham Police Department informed us late this evening that they had finally discovered solid proof against the city''s major crime lords. As I''m speaking to you, the Gotham Police Department, with the assistance of soldiers from the Don Grato military base outside of Gotham, have started a city-wide raid to seek out individuals responsible for the numerous crimes committed in our once-beautiful city.*

    *Some of these prominent figures include eight of the twelve contenders for mayor, the Falcone, Cobblepot, Valentine, and Giordano families, as well as a small number of Gotham PD officers who had been using their positions to aid these criminals in carrying out their operations. Police Commissioner Gordon, who is beside me, can provide us with further information about this historic takedown. Commissioner?*

    ---

    The camera panned and zoomed in on James Gordon, the well-known Police Commissioner of Gotham. He cleared his throat and looked at the camera with a serious expression as Vicki brought the mic close to his face.

    *Late this evening, I received an automated email from one of our own, which was delivered to me. Craig Dawson, a deceased Gotham police officer who was killed mercilessly the day before, obtained this information. He expressed regret for withholding the information in a letter that was included with the documents but said that he was unable to trust anyone¡ªincluding myself¡ªand was preparing to leave the city. He promised to release the material he had obtained after he had left. Sadly, that never happened, and for that, I sincerely apologize to his family and friends. He was able to make a difference in the lives of the people of Gotham because of his courage and selflessness.*

    *The material we received gave us hard evidence about a number of Gotham''s prominent figures, including the late Thomas and Martha Wayne. The number of crimes committed is just too great to enumerate here, therefore I strongly advise Gotham residents to read Miss Vale''s in-depth article in the Gotham Gazette. That is all.*

    ---

    Vicki grinned, and although the camera panned too quickly to capture most of it, Commissioner Gordon could be seen groaning and frowning in response to his own words. Vicki, the only reporter present, smiled back into the camera and decided to wrap things up.

    *Well, there you have it, Gotham. A new age is upon us¡ªone free from crime and corrupt leaders. This has been Vicki Vale of the Gotham Gazette, reporting live. Good evening.*

 Chapter 17: Expanding On Business

    Early the next morning, Gotham and the nation as a whole woke up to or witnessed the shocking news that had broken the day before. Many people bought newspapers or stayed in their living rooms to watch the in-depth report about the raids on many of Gotham''s elites, as more information was available only in the printed press and early morning news.

    The revelation that the late Thomas Wayne had a connection to the Falcone family and had dabbled in crime was perhaps the most astonishing. The elites in question reacted swiftly, going on the defensive and denying the information, but since all evidence indicated that it was accurate, arrest was inevitable.

    Even before seven in the morning, legal disputes had already begun, with some of the best attorneys using every effort to secure the release of their wealthy clients. Some defendants had bail posted for them, but for the dangerous crime lords facing serious charges, release was denied because they posed a risk to the public and potential witnesses.

    A trial date hadn''t been established yet because the data was still undergoing in-depth analysis at major firms to prevent a biased determination of its authenticity.

    Arias woke up that morning in a good mood as all of Gotham buzzed with the results of his work. He watched the news while savoring a steaming cup of coffee, content with the way things were progressing.

    "[It seems you''ve succeeded,]" the Infinity abruptly commented, but Arias shook his head.

    "No, this only works to get rid of the crime families that were after my life. If Gregor uses this opportunity well, then by becoming the mayor, the confiscated assets would go to the city and be under his control. At that time, I''ll have him transfer a good amount of money again to a secure account and purchase some, if not all, of the assets. He can deal with the backlash of stealing public funds and selling assets carelessly."

    Arias sipped casually from his cup and grinned, unafraid to use another man''s life and reputation to boost his own assets and worth.

    "[I see. Wealth and resources are of great importance in the physical world. Though I doubt this is enough to fund your ambitions,]" the Infinity added just as Arias was putting the coffee cup away after finishing his drink.

    "You''re right. At most, the combined assets should be worth a hundred million, and that''s only if I''m lucky. It will all depend on whether I can increase the value or if diluting crime in Gotham attracts investors. I can''t predict the outcome, so I just have to wait. By next week, the assets will be under my name. After that, another challenge awaits me."

    Arias sighed, but he wasn''t in a rush¡ªmaking nearly a hundred million dollars in a month was truly remarkable. He was obviously not one of the wealthiest people in the nation, but given the value of his own funds a week before, it was an impressive increase.

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Because of this, he wasn''t in a hurry to significantly expand his net worth; after all, showing excessive greed might draw unwanted attention. This plan alone was bound to make him one of Gotham''s elites, provided he could handle the controversy regarding his rise. This was another part he had yet to fully lay out.

    Gotham''s underworld was ready for use and exploitation because the city''s criminal elite was now preoccupied with legal disputes that would likely last months.

    "[You didn''t include yourself and instead used a deceased individual to take credit. Doesn''t that imply a loss on your part? I cannot understand this train of thought.]"

    "The only thing I would''ve gotten by revealing myself as the informant would''ve been a target on my back. Also, the authenticity of the information would have been in question, but by excluding myself, they''ll eventually link events and drop the false charges pinned against me or lack evidence to charge me even if I''m caught. This will play a major role in my official rise to wealth."

    "[One really needs to be cunning or powerful to thrive in the physical world. I''m learning a lot from you. Thank you for entertaining my questions, Arias.]"

    The voice of the Infinity vanished as soon as it had appeared, leaving Arias once again on his own. As he surveyed his room, a faint light emanated from his grey eyes, and several objects began to lift off the floor before quickly falling back to their original positions as if nothing had happened.

    "I''m getting the hang of this," Arias grinned to himself before completing the remainder of his morning routine. Major crackdowns would be necessary in Gotham''s current situation, and he had no doubt that some of the building''s residents¡ªpossibly even the owner¡ªhad connections to the criminal families.

    Arias concluded that it was risky to be out and about in Gotham City in its current state since he ran the chance of being discovered before his case could be dismissed. After further consideration and a bath, he came to a decision and began removing signs of his presence from the apartment, with a new grand scheme in mind.

    After finishing, he exited the flat carrying only a suitcase and a sizable black bag while wearing yet another hoodie and mask. Once outside, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

    "Yes, Landlord? This is tenant 20. I''ll be checking out today, so please terminate my history. Hm? Yes, I am aware of the no-refunds policy. Just get it done. I''ve already vacated the room."

    Arias abruptly ended the call and put the phone away before leaving the room through an alleyway and going down a flight of stairs. Then he took a 500 ml bottle out of his pocket and poured the colorless liquid inside all over the enormous black bag, placing it into a nearby garbage container.

    After completing this, he pulled out a lighter and set the garbage container ablaze, which immediately started a big fire. Fortunately, such a scene was not unusual in the streets of Crime Alley, and it was far too early for anyone to be out and about.

    After determining that the bag had sufficiently burned, he left the area and continued walking until he came across a cab.

    "Where to, sir?" The excessively enthusiastic driver asked once inside and then looked back.

    "Burnside Bus Terminal."

    The cabbie gave Arias a curious look when he told him where he was headed.

    "Oh? Traveling somewhere? That''s mighty far."

    Simply settling into his seat, Arias nodded to the man. "Yes, work-related."

 Chapter 18: Patience

    Due to the heavy daytime traffic in the city, the trip took close to two hours. But Arias eventually arrived at Burnside before 10 o''clock in the morning. However, before the driver began heading towards the bus terminal, Arias added some instructions.

    "Oh, I need to pick up something from a friend not far from here. Could you make a detour? Just near the apartments by the abandoned park."

    The driver nodded cheerfully, casting a quick glance at the meter; all it meant was that his fare would go up.

    "No problem, you''re the boss."

    He quickly followed Arias''s instructions and drove close to the deserted recreational park.

    "Is it okay if I park he¡ª"

    *Crack!*

    Before he could finish his sentence, a pair of hands from behind him quickly snapped his neck, instantly killing him.

    "Nothing personal, but I can''t have anyone knowing I was in Gotham at this time or my alibi won''t stick." Arias withdrew his hands and sighed before adjusting the black gloves he was wearing and getting out of the vehicle.

    Even though he doubted anyone was nearby in such a remote location, he kept his head bowed and concealed under his hoodie. He took a shortcut across the deserted park and was able to reach the other side in a short amount of time before continuing to the bus stop.

    There wasn''t much going on in Burnside since it wasn''t one of the three Gotham Islands but on the other side of the Gotham River. Once he arrived at the bus terminal, he paid someone to buy a ticket on his behalf so that he wouldn''t be seen on camera. After finishing that, he boarded a bus for what would be a lengthy journey.

    ¡­

    Since he couldn''t utilize an airline due to the required documents, Arias had to connect with multiple buses to reach his destination in Nevada. The same would apply to buying or even stealing a car because those actions would make the crime much easier to prove.

    All of this was done with caution, but in order for his new plan to succeed without a hitch, Arias had to ensure that nobody, at the very least, could tell he was leaving Gotham. It took him nearly three days to travel to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, but to him, this was more than sufficient and necessary.

    He flagged down a taxi at one of the city''s bus stops and had it drive him to one of the few hotels he knew how to get to. Of course, the location was a modestly priced motel with one of the worst reviews in the city.

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    When he arrived, he went straight to a room instead of checking in because he already had a key.

    "[Was this your home away from Gotham?]" Infinity inquired curiously. The two had casually chatted throughout the previous days of travel, as there wasn''t much else to do. As a result, their interactions flowed more naturally, rather than the stiff and uncomfortable setting they had been in previously.

    "On paper, yes. In the event I ever got caught, I had to have this place serve as an alibi. No security cameras, and the landlord doesn''t check in on tenants as long as the fees are paid. I''ve always paid for a year in advance, sometimes never spending more than a few days a month here. Yet, if you were to ask the owner, they''d say on paper this has been my place of residence for quite some time, and my documents and tenant testimonies would prove it. As long as they think Dmitri and I actually left Gotham the day of the accident, the plan will work."

    "[So before coming here, it was imperative that no one see you leaving Gotham because of that? Quite tricky, but I can now see how you plan to link events. And if in the future your information is proven inaccurate, it would be too late. Marvelous.]" Infinity congratulated him in a proud tone as Arias simply grinned and opened the door to the room.

    The room was nothing impressive and looked filled to the brim with cockroaches, but Arias entered casually regardless and changed out of his casual attire into a designer suit. Once done, he picked up his suitcase again and left the room.

    As he was leaving, he deliberately moved over to the room next door and knocked.

    "What?! I''m not buying¡ªOh, Arias?"

    A woman in her thirties, dressed in musty clothing and with a stern expression, emerged, but as soon as she saw Arias, her demeanor immediately softened.

    "Hey, Melissa. I''ll be traveling away for quite some time, so I thought I should let you know in case the landlord comes around. If I''m not back by the next payment, he can just rent out my room. Here''s the key, as usual."

    "Oh¡­ you''re always going and coming, but this time might be permanent, huh? I guess it makes sense. A young, dashing guy like you has a bright future. We didn''t talk much, but I''ll miss having you as a neighbor." She spoke quietly, avoiding eye contact.

    Arias grinned at her and handed her the key. "Well, an opportunity came by that I can''t let go, so here''s hoping it succeeds."

    "Oh, I''m sure it will. Once it does, I''ll be sure to brag at work that I was your neighbor."

    The two said their last goodbyes, and as swiftly as it had appeared, Arias''s smile vanished, and his icy features reappeared.

    "[Was it not tiresome repeating the process of checking in here every now and then?]" Infinity asked, but Arias laughed helplessly.

    "It was, but I reminded myself each day that if I got caught just once, it would be over. Murder isn''t something one can easily get away with, so in case I did get caught, I needed a solid alibi. That''s why, despite operating mostly in Gotham, my residence was miles away."

    "I had to cut off every single individual I knew. Even when I felt like I could just go see Dmitri for a bit and it would be fine¡­ I stopped myself. I was worried that if I got caught, he could be used as the one witness to put me away for life. I doubted it, but that wasn''t enough to quell the fear in my adolescent heart."

    "[Arias, you''ve been leading a lonely existence.]"

    "After the fourth year, I started to accept it. When you''re a bottom feeder playing in the den of predators, you have no choice but to operate without making your presence known. I don''t know how I could''ve survived otherwise."

    Arias flagged down a taxi that was heading farther into the city while carrying his small suitcase over his shoulder. Once inside, he let out an exhausted sigh and spoke.

    "King''s Street."

 Chapter 19: Careful Winning

    King''s Street, one of the many hotspots for gamblers within the city of Las Vegas. Lavish gentlemen''s clubs, luxurious restaurants, lodgings, and, of course, casinos were all present. The heart of the location was where Arias was headed.

    After getting out of the cab, he inhaled deeply to clear his head and prepare for the next step in his plan. He looked across the street at a casino where people of all kinds were arriving in opulent vehicles. Before crossing the road to head there, he took a detour, tossing his suitcase into one of the bins in the back alleys of the restaurant building he was in front of.

    After that, he doused himself in cologne before tossing the bottle as well, and then he was ready. Despite not arriving in a car like many of the others, the fact that he was seen crossing the road, coming from the direction of a luxurious restaurant, simply made one think that he parked elsewhere, thus he had no trouble gaining entry.

    Inside, he converted two million dollars from the five million he had into chips and began looking for a table to bet, focusing only on two games: blackjack and poker.

    Many casinos had improved detection methods in a world where superhumans existed to prevent losing money by falling prey to their powers. Of course, it was easier said than done because magic also existed alongside them, making the casino industry much less popular because it was so risky. The few large casinos that were still open, however, had safeguards in place for all of these scenarios, including purchasing magical artifacts to reveal magic''s uses, hiring meta and other individuals with special abilities as employees, and so on.

    Arias was able to enter without being stopped by a member of the staff, proving that they had not noticed anything unusual about him.

    *''Infinity? Others can''t detect or sense that I''m not normal?''*

    When Arias finally found a seat at a poker table and no staff members had approached him, he began to wonder aloud in his head.

    *''No, three-dimensional creatures cannot see through the abyss. Only your physical form exists to them. Even if they were to witness you openly manifesting power, your physical form would still show you as nothing more than what you were when you became one with the abyss.''*

    *''Only a tenth-dimensional entity can hope to peer into the abyss because beyond the tenth lies nothing yet everything. However, the highest plane of existence in this multiverse is the sixth; above that, no energies have yet formed consciousness.''*

    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    *''But what if something exists beyond you¡­ rather beyond us?''* Arias asked.

    *''The infinite is everything, Arias. Although¡­ the reason three-dimensional beings and the like cannot perceive us is that they exist in a plane that cannot see, comprehend, or imagine the reality of another dimension. If another dimension does exist, then in theory, we cannot hope to comprehend it.''*

    Arias was going to ask more about the fascinating subject when the dealer showed up and started dealing cards. And so the phase of gambling began¡­

    ¡­

    Days went by during which Arias consistently visited the same casino, where he lost and won money. He took this approach because, in the end, he intended to leave with a profit and didn''t want to raise any questions about himself.

    He lost all two million on the first day, then came back and lost an additional two million on the second. On the third, he made five million from one million. He lost two million on the fourth day. He gambled everything on the fifth day and won $10 million. He won $6 million on the sixth day and kept betting until he lost $7 million and decided to stop.

    His profit came to a total of $8 million after deducting the initial $5 million he had. Of course, he had the opportunity to earn significantly more money than others that week. But since his strategy only called for him to secure an additional $5 million, he just needed a modest amount to blend in.

    In the end, no special attention was given to him, despite being a wanted man still in Gotham. This was due to the casino''s strict client privacy policies; after all, it wouldn''t care if the revenues were from a law-abiding citizen or a criminal. In the end, they could just claim that they had no knowledge that the person was a criminal in the first place. Such occurrences were common in numerous institutions, including hotels and banks.

    Because of this, he did something peculiar at the end of the sixth day, right after collecting his winnings. He had paid one of the girls who would frequently be at his side during games to call Gotham police and report him the next day at 9 in the morning, claiming that she realized the man she was escorting around was wanted for attempted murder, among other things.

    She thought this was strange and initially refused, insisting she loved him and didn''t want him to go to jail. This was an obvious ploy from her because she saw that Arias was, at the very least, a multimillionaire.

    Many of these women were unconcerned with a man''s goodness, badness, or attractiveness, though favorable traits were preferred. Women like that would want to be Arias''s mistress or woman even if he was a criminal if it meant leading a wealthy and exciting life. After all, women could always leave the said man if things became bad or, if they were lucky, become wealthy widows.

    Even after eventually getting her to agree, his last thoughts about her were only negative.

    *"She''ll need to face an unpleasant accident once the plan is over."*

    The last thing he wanted was mouthy loose ends, after all.

 Chapter 20: A Potential Asset

    Arias''s sixth day didn''t just end with him paying the cockroach of a woman to phone the police and give them his name, address, and room number the following morning. At around 11 p.m., just a few minutes after leaving the casino, Arias moved toward another, less elegant and riskier neighborhood while carrying a duffel bag containing $1 million in cash.

    The street was shady, but it was nothing like Gotham''s. Even from a visual standpoint, everything was very busy, with lots of flashing lights and signs. The kind of dangers it held were pickpocketing, scamming, sex workers who drugged clients, mugging, carjacking, and so on. Due to the low cost of goods compared to more wealthy streets, many tourists fell victim to it because, at first glance, one would not even realize such a dazzling area had such dangers.

    As Arias walked with a duffel bag over his shoulder, many eyed him greedily. His impeccable appearance, genuine designer suit, and sparkling watch were dead giveaways. People would approach him as he walked, offering to carry his bag, give him a place to stay, or invite him to a gentleman''s club or casino, but he ignored them all. Many of the more seasoned ones avoided him due to his intimidating appearance and enormous stature. The only other reason someone who resembled him might be there was to do serious crimes that they didn''t want to get involved with.

    He soon stopped outside a glitzy pub and entered right away. When he did, everyone turned to look at him. Despite being handsome guys or well-dressed ladies, the majority of those present were simply con artists and whores passing the time between jobs. Arias glanced around, and his gaze alone was enough to make a good number of the people looking his way shift their heads away. They were merely straightforward con artists out to assess the newcomer. They didn''t dare to look any further after they caught a glimpse of someone who appeared capable of killing them without even thinking twice.

    He moved over to the bar counter rather than one of the seats after determining that none of them appeared to be a threat and sat down, setting his luggage on top of it. When Arias did so, a burly-looking bartender, who was cleaning some of the glasses, soon approached and casually asked:

    "What can I get you?"

    Arias looked at the man and responded, "Entry into The House."

    He observed a little change in the man''s expression when he said those words, but it barely persisted for a split second before the bartender shook his head.

    "We don''t sell those. Anything else?" the big man replied nonchalantly.

    While carrying his backpack, Arias stood up and shook his head, displaying obvious annoyance. "Then I suppose I''ll spend this million dollars elsewhere," he stated casually as he made his way to the door.

    As he was finishing, a tall, lanky man in an inexpensive suit got up, tipped his old hat, and grinned toothily at Arias. "There''s no need to rush, sir."

    *Pa!~*

    Arias smacked the man with the back of his hand without even shifting his body and sent him flying across the room. He broke one of the tables as he landed on it after his body had rotated twice. The other customers stared at the injured man, who was still breathing shallowly, indicating that he was still alive, but he showed no signs of standing.

    No one dared to approach Arias as he walked towards the door and lowered his hand as if he had swatted an insect.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    "Now hold on there, you mentioned you wanted a ticket to my casino?"

    A voluptuous woman with neat dark hair pulled back into a bun and dull blue eyes emerged from the back room through a door behind the bar counter. She was wearing a scarlet red skin-tight dress with a slit that ran up to her abdomen. Her left leg was virtually completely exposed; any less and her lower intimate area would have been in plain view. The same leg was covered in a lengthy green snake tattoo that extended from her lower left leg, up her thigh, up her back, and all the way to her right shoulder.

    Before concentrating on her face and responding, Arias gave her a brief second glance. "Not ''The House,'' per se; I''m looking for someone who goes by the name Roulette."

    The woman with dark hair grinned at Arias and put her hand on her bare hip. "Mind if I ask why you''re looking for them? And how you knew where to find them?"

    Judging from her actions, Arias knew he was either speaking to the person he was looking for or someone close, like the right hand.

    "I''d like to hire them. An information broker that goes by Santa Clause, or Clause for short, recommended them to me¡­ among others."

    When she heard those remarks, the woman grinned a little and spun her finger around. Everyone started to leave the room almost immediately, leaving only the two of them.

    "Excuse the caution; it''s rare for me to get visits related to business. Most times, it''s just really irritating people and bothersome characters. Why don''t you sit down, have a drink, and explain what exactly you want to hire me for?"

    Arias raised a brow in her direction and asked, "Is it that you offer a lot of services, or¡­?"

    When he asked, the woman, who identified herself as Roulette, laughed and extended her hip more seductively. "Oh honey, I''m the type of woman that believes everything has a price. If someone ever walked up to me and offered the right price, I wouldn''t hesitate to sell even myself." She examined Arias up and down, dropping her already slack-hanging black glasses as if to make a suggestion before adding, "A 10% discount if the man suits my tastes." Although she laughed magnificently, Arias saw that her remarks weren''t just jokes.

    "Interesting philosophy you have there. However, the service I''m looking for encompasses accounting, networking, business management, and general financial literacy. Concerning the prerequisites, I''m looking for someone who won''t be deterred by criminal activity, who isn''t a criminal who is publicly wanted, and who is, last but not least, desperate."

    "When I asked for information about such people, you were one of the top candidates."

    When Roulette heard that she was in a desperate situation, she scowled. She quickly crossed her arms under her medium-sized breasts and grinned with assurance once more. "Is that so? Well, one million would net you a few months'' worth of those services you mentioned, and them alone. Negotiable, of course."

    She responded confidently, and Arias smirked because he could tell she thought the fee she gave would be too much for him to pay for just a few months. After all, getting a personal financial advisor with many years of experience wouldn''t cost nearly as much. Right off the bat, she was trying to cheat him out of his money¡ªexactly what he was looking for in the asset he currently wanted.

    "That''s cheaper than I thought. Here, this one million is simply to reserve you. In truth, you don''t stand out much, and I''m not impressed by what I''m currently seeing¡­"

    Arias paused and looked around the run-down bar, which served as the entrance to "The House," her so-called casino for criminals. She scowled at his remarks but said nothing as he casually threw her a bag containing a million dollars.

    "I''ll make the decision of whether to hire you or not next week. I only need your contact."

    Roulette scowled even more, but she then proceeded to kindly provide her contact information, including phone number and email. She believed he was foolish to put his faith in her to honor her word.

    "You must be really trusting of people if you''re just going around leaving them a million," she teased a little mockingly, but Arias scoffed for the first time, which alarmed her.

    "It has nothing to do with trust. If you love money and power, then you love me. No matter how you feel about it, you''ll be captivated by my brilliance. Simply choosing not to would imply that you weren''t as intelligent as I had previously believed. Wait for my call in the coming days¡­ if you''re lucky."

    Arias departed after saying those final remarks.

 Chapter 21: A Fixed Outcome

    After leaving the pub, Arias went back to the hotel he had been staying at on King''s Street, but he still wasn''t ready to put the finishing touches on his strategy. Given the caliber of the hotel, his suite, which was on the 20th story of the structure, was rather lavish.

    Once inside, he simply took a bath before picking up his phone to make a call right away, even before getting dressed. After a brief delay, the line finally connected, and a familiar voice could be heard on the other side.

    "Hello?"

    "Hello, Gregor. Why do you sound so timid? I thought you''d be happier with your new position," Arias inquired casually of the man who was now Gotham City''s mayor.

    During those days Arias was gambling, he kept track of the happenings in Gotham. The fact that several leading candidates were corrupt politicians caused quite a commotion in the election that was intended to end the week before he left. Normally, a re-election would have been held, but given the situation in Gotham, someone had to take the leadership role. As a result, Gregor Ivanov, who received the highest number of votes among the contenders who weren''t detained, was declared the winner and quickly sworn in as mayor the next day.

    "By winning the way I have while some of my associates got arrested has made them think I leaked some of the information. My life is now in danger," Gregor spoke angrily, but Arias on the other end could only chuckle.

    "What politician''s life isn''t? Grow a backbone and stop whining. If you hate it so much, I can always have you join your associates, Gregor." Arias''s laughter stopped, and Gregor became very concerned because of his irritated tone.

    "I get it. You didn''t call me for just a pep talk, though, so what is it you need?"

    "Of course, I didn''t. Tomorrow, there''ll be a leak regarding my location, and I want you to appeal to the mayor here to have me arrested and flown over to Gotham, where I''ll be tried for the charges laid against me."

    "Haha, so you need my help to clear your name? That''s why you made me mayor? In the end, your position is just as bad as mine," Gregor mocked him, but Arias burst out laughing loudly and sinisterly, which alarmed him.

    "You really are amusing, Gregor. With or without you, I''ll be a free man. You''re simply acting as a catalyst to make this happen quicker and more grand. Whereas if I reveal the information you held, the crime families would most definitely want you dead, and you''d go to prison with no one to protect you. Tell me, Gregor, does that idea sound appealing to you?"

    "What do you want me to do?" Gregor sighed, realizing he had no upper hand. There was no way for Gregor to gain the upper hand without endangering his own life in the process, so he decided against upsetting Arias any further. He had to come up with something completely different, but for the time being, he could only comply.

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    "I want you to act like a worried father who wants to know the truth about his son. You will make my capture televised, but that very day, the charges will be dropped due to lack of evidence and a testimony from Eric Valentine himself, admitting that it was he who wanted to silence us after we saw something we shouldn''t have."

    "How will I get the Valentines to admit? They are strongly fighting for their defense."

    "Let me worry about that. All you need to know is that after my release, an auction will be held the next day to sell the confiscated property and assets of the many crime lords and politicians. However, you will limit this auction to people from Gotham with no criminal record, stating you don''t want them falling into the hands of the wrong people. By doing this, Bruce Wayne, whose wealth is also being investigated, cannot participate, and I can acquire them all in a legal manner."

    "You''ve been planning this from the start¡­ but what if they question the source of your wealth? If it can''t be verified, then you''ll also be flagged."

    "Don''t worry. In the past years, many casinos have records of me gambling and winning big on some occasions. Add that to my most recent winnings here in Las Vegas, and my source of wealth can''t be questioned¡ªsimple gambling."

    "¡­"

    Arias had a remedy for every issue he could think of that might occur, leaving Gregor speechless.

    "Still¡­ you know the total value of all the confiscated assets may reach nearly 200 million dollars? And since it''s an auction, it may very well pass 300 million."

    "That''s only if the others bid against me. Come on now, you didn¡¯t think you were the only person whose information I didn¡¯t leak so that I could use them, did you? The majority of Gotham¡¯s remaining elite, including police officers, allying politicians, and corporate executives, are at my mercy. Even those currently in legal battles have quite a lot more information missing. Because of that, they¡¯ll all be willing to pay to keep it that way, lest they lose their freedom for good. If all goes as planned, I¡¯ll call you tomorrow, Gregor."

    When Arias stopped the conversation, the screen said, "Secure line ended." He then walked over to his dresser and opened a notepad with a list of names and phone numbers.

    "Time to hand out the supporting roles, just in case Gregor tries to act too smart for his own good."

    For the remainder of the evening, Arias called a number of people on secure lines and threatened and blackmailed them into doing as he said. This was possibly the riskiest element of his strategy, but he had thoroughly investigated each person and found that quite a few did, in fact, pose a threat to his life.

    But he had no choice but to do this since he now needed to build a reputation as a multimillionaire who not only had assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars but was also the owner of the majority of properties in Gotham. With a reputation, he could now concentrate on gaining public support on the outside while also developing his operations underground in what was suddenly free space because many of Gotham''s leading names were powerless to intervene.

    Some of them did, of course, have friends in high places, but the extent of the charges and the undeniable proof made it hard for even these big-shot friends to act or provide support, which was exactly what Arias wanted. He wanted everything done swiftly because using blackmail alone would make it impossible to maintain a solid grip on everyone for an extended period of time. If Bruce Wayne, for example, got cleared of charges, then Arias had no chance of competing with his 80+ billion dollar net worth for the auctioned properties, among other things.

    Arias struggled to finish until early the following morning and was unable to even sleep. But now that everything had been put in place, it was time to execute the plan.

 Chapter 22: A Free Man (Part 1)

    Arias left his room to dispose of his notebook and cell phone in the garbage, knowing there was nothing else to do but wait. After that, he returned to his suite and awaited the appointed hour.

    His wait ended just after ten in the morning when a loud banging echoed through the door. Before he could even open it, several officers barged in, the door unlocked with a master key by a hotel employee. Arias, already dressed and appearing ready to leave, was met with several guns pointed at him as one of the officers shouted.

    "Arias Markovic, you are under arrest for alleged kidnapping, theft, and attempted murder. Put your hands where I can see them and do not resist."

    Arias complied with the request, but as he raised his hands, his eyes caught sight of one of the officers whose finger was inching dangerously close to the trigger. As the trigger was pulled, a ready Arias dove under his bed, narrowly avoiding the shot. Instead of fear, a smile played on his lips.

    ''So this is Gregor''s attempt to get rid of me? Claim I resisted and got shot.'' Arias grinned before starting to speak.

    "The cameras in this room deliver a feed to a private drive account! If I don''t stop the automated release manually, this tape will be leaked to numerous video sites! I hope whatever they''re paying you is worth spending your lives in jail."

    The officer who fired the gun and the others turned to look in the corner, and there, indeed, was a camera with a tiny red dot indicating it was filming. Their faces darkened as the realization set in.

    As Arias stood up and patted down his suit, he made his threat clear. "Why don''t you escort me to the airport like you were supposed to and tell me exactly who sent you, and we can forget any of this happened."

    The officers exchanged wary glances, knowing they had no other option. Given the age of those present, Arias could tell they had families. Police officers imprisoned for unjust killings always died young. Once accused, how would society treat their families?

    They lowered their guns and explained that they had been informed by higher-ups that he was a brutal killer who would just be let loose on the streets. Arias found this amusing but didn¡¯t comment further. He couldn¡¯t afford for his plan to fail now; Gregor¡¯s betrayal would have to be dealt with later.

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    ¡­

    Aside from the attempted murder, Arias arrived at the airport without incident and was taken by flight back to Gotham. When he arrived, he saw some excited reporters outside, bombarding him with questions as the police led him to their vehicles.

    "Did you really kidnap your childhood friend, the new mayor''s son?"

    "Did you try to kill Eric Valentine? If so, why?"

    "Reports say you made millions from gambling, but some claim it''s from dirty money. What do you have to say about this?"

    Arias maintained a neutral expression, refusing to respond as they escorted him to a car. The case was drawing attention because it involved several well-known individuals, including the current mayor, Gregor. Arias had no doubt that more attempts on his life would be made, but he knew that once he was back in Gotham, he was untouchable.

    Once in the car, the officer removed his handcuffs.

    "Sorry about that extra-large crowd. The mayor has been on edge and has been making calls since morning, trying to delay your case. The deputy told me to tell you that," an older-looking officer revealed as Arias rubbed his wrists and smiled.

    "He''s becoming very desperate. Regardless, he has no direct control over criminal procedure, especially not when the commissioner himself takes an interest in my case."

    Arias said nothing more and relaxed for the rest of the trip from Archie Goodwin International Airport to the GCPD headquarters. Upon arrival, they were met by another throng of reporters eager for the juicy story on the alleged abduction of the mayor''s son.

    The officer seated with Arias in the back placed the cuffs back on him as they exited the car. Flashes from cameras captured his every move as he walked towards the building, while the police officers kept the reporters at bay with barricades.

    Waiting at the bottom of the stairs leading to the main building was Police Commissioner James Gordon. The straight-faced man with red hair and a stubbly jaw, sporting a brown trench coat, watched as they brought a handcuffed Arias toward the entrance.

    They came to a complete stop in front of him, and he immediately gave the officer accompanying Arias an appreciative glance.

    "Remove the cuffs," Gordon ordered, and the officer complied. Commissioner Gordon then looked up at Arias before muttering, "We have a lot to talk about. This way."

    The commissioner motioned for him to follow, so the two entered the building and walked to the commissioner¡¯s office. Once there, they even offered Arias a cup of coffee.

    "I hope black coffee is alright with you? It¡¯s all that¡¯s left," the commissioner inquired as he walked around his desk and sat down across from Arias. The commissioner sent the two officers, who were posted at the door, away before he sighed and started to talk.

    "Let¡¯s get right to the point."

 Chapter 23: A Free Man (Part 2)

    Inside the police commissioner¡¯s office, James Gordon began his investigation into Arias.

    ¡°As you know, the Gotham PD is in the midst of building an extremely detrimental case, and any piece of information could be of help. In exchange for a plea deal, Eric Valentine admitted that the charges he laid against you were false. Videos from the club also showed that you and Dmitri were quite friendly, and so does your history. Along with the wealth you made from gambling, the kidnapping charges that the mayor is pressing also seem bland. Finally, the car you drove away in belonged to Dmitri, and multiple witnesses saw that he was the one driving, so the theft charges are also inapplicable. You¡¯re basically a free man.¡±

    The commissioner revealed this while sighing, but Arias didn¡¯t look the least bit happy about it. His body language suggested he was upset, which the commissioner undoubtedly noticed.

    ¡°Did you find Craig and Savanna¡¯s killer?¡± Arias questioned bitterly, casting a vengeful glare at Commissioner Gordon.

    The commissioner shook his head, grumbled, and massaged his temples. ¡°I¡¯m ashamed to say it, but no. Right now, no one has admitted to their murder. During our inspection of his home, we found a photo album that contained pictures in which you featured, at times with him and Savanna, so I can tell you were close. I know this isn¡¯t what you want to hear right now, but if you have more information, it could be the key to putting away these people for good and ensuring his work wasn¡¯t for nothing.¡±

    Arias briefly laughed in jest. ¡°What makes you so sure I was his friend? He shot at me the day I had to flee Gotham, remember?¡±

    The commissioner met Arias¡¯s gaze with a glare of his own. ¡°That¡¯s true, but my theory is, you worked with him. Him being there was just too much of a coincidence. You, who had disappeared and had been living in Nevada, suddenly came back to Gotham to see your childhood friend while Eric Valentine was present? I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    ¡°Something went wrong that night while you two were investigating. Craig went after you to keep up appearances and missed on purpose because, under normal circumstances, an officer wouldn¡¯t fire¡ªthat wasn¡¯t protocol. He must¡¯ve been trying to maintain his cover.¡±

    ¡°Finally, when Craig, who was the sole breadwinner for his family, died, his grandmother received a lot of money. The bank tried to claim it was always in his account, but an investigation revealed that the money was deposited that same day from a bank in Las Vegas, where you were at the time.¡±

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    Arias smiled inwardly as the commissioner pieced together the puzzle. Gordon believed he was closing in on Arias, but in reality, it only solidified Arias¡¯s freedom. None of the connections were immediately apparent; they required careful digging to uncover.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t even able to attend their burial,¡± Arias murmured, his voice tinged with bitterness.

    The commissioner, an honorable man, felt a pang of shame. ¡°I take responsibility for allowing corrupt officers in my department to falsely accuse you. But please, I cannot give Craig the justice he deserves without more information. If not for me, do it for the son he left behind, so he can grow up knowing his father died making the city a better place. I¡¯ve looked at your history extensively, Arias. You¡¯re not a bad man. I know this, Craig knew this, Savanna knew this, and Dmitri obviously knew this. But it¡¯s time Gotham knew as well, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Arias fell silent, dropping his head as if seriously considering the commissioner¡¯s plea. His performance was flawless, even displaying signs of emotional turmoil.

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak about Dmitri like it¡¯s confirmed he¡¯s dead. But fine, I¡¯ll tell you what I know. In exchange, I want all the credit to go to Craig. I don¡¯t want little Jamie growing up thinking his father was just the unfortunate one between us.¡±

    Arias made his offer, referring to the child Craig and Savanna had left behind.

    ¡°I apologize. We¡¯re doing our best to track him down, so any information you have regarding him could be useful as well. As for your terms, I agree, and I understand,¡± Gordon said, his voice steady.

    Arias sighed and took a sip of his coffee after receiving confirmation. Then, he began filling in some of the gaps he had intentionally left in the information he initially provided to Vicki. He didn¡¯t want to make it too obvious, so he delivered the information as a story, leaving Gordon to piece it together himself.

    The conversation went on for more than two hours, with Gordon paying close attention and taking notes on anything he thought would be useful. Even so, Arias withheld certain details about a few key players, maintaining his leverage over them through blackmail. If they had nothing to lose, they might expose him as well.

    After reviewing the material provided to him, Commissioner Gordon nodded. ¡°Is that it?¡± he asked, noting that some things were still missing.

    ¡°No, I can¡¯t reveal everything I know. At least not yet. I won¡¯t change my stance on this,¡± Arias replied firmly.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. I understand, and thank you. I¡¯ll arrange for a flight to return you to Las Vegas first thing tomorrow,¡± the commissioner offered as he stood up.

    Arias immediately declined. ¡°I won¡¯t be going back there, so that won¡¯t be necessary. Craig did his part for Gotham; it¡¯s high time I did mine. I only need a lift to a hotel¡ªI can handle myself from there.¡±

    ¡­

    As soon as they finished talking, the commissioner led Arias out of the building, where a mob of media had been waiting like vultures.

    ¡°Commissioner? Over here? Vicki Vale here.¡±

    Commissioner Gordon sighed, recognizing the familiar face he couldn¡¯t ignore. ¡°Just a moment, it¡¯ll be over soon,¡± he said to Arias, who simply shook his head and followed along.

    ¡°I have some words for the public as well.¡±

 Chapter 24: Official Debut

    The commissioner was a little taken aback when Arias expressed his desire to speak to the press. He was concerned that Arias might discuss his unfair treatment, which could undermine public confidence in Gotham¡¯s police. The commissioner gave Arias a dubious look, but Arias tapped the man on the shoulder, reassuring him.

    "Don''t worry, it''s nothing negative. In fact, it''s the total opposite."

    Commissioner Gordon hesitated for a moment but realized that stopping Arias now wouldn¡¯t prevent the media from reaching him later. With a sigh, he allowed Arias to proceed as he pleased.

    When they approached the barricade of reporters, Vicki Vale stood at the front, a triumphant grin on her face. Arias could only assume she had struck a deal for privileged coverage and interviews in exchange for the information she had provided to the police.

    "Yes, Miss Vale?" The commissioner acknowledged her presence, though he didn¡¯t seem particularly pleased to see her. He appeared ready to answer whatever questions she had.

    Vicki immediately began firing off her questions, her excitement palpable. "Gotham as a whole is curious about the man standing next to you. Are the charges against him as true as the mayor claims?"

    The commissioner cleared his throat and stepped closer to the microphone as cameras flashed around them.

    "All allegations made against Mr. Markovic are untrue. A detailed statement regarding this will be released by our spokesperson later today, but I can assure you now that this young man standing before me is innocent and was the victim of foul play. That is all."

    With those words, the commissioner stepped aside, drawing attention to Arias, who was standing next to him. The reporters erupted in a frenzy, each trying to get their questions answered.

    "Over here, Mr. Markovic!"

    "Here! Please answer a few questions!"

    Arias calmly stepped into the spot where the commissioner had stood, just a few inches away from Vicki. Some reporters pushed forward, eager to get the official statement from him before she could.

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    Vicki, however, was not to be outdone. Raising her hand as high as she could, given the height difference, she asked with a triumphant grin, "Is this all true, Mr. Markovic? If so, what are your thoughts on the changes happening in Gotham? It¡¯s also been said you grew up here¡ªwill you be staying to invest the supposed millions you made from gambling in Las Vegas, or do you feel you aren¡¯t safe in the city?"

    Arias looked down at her before clearing his throat and focusing on the cameras. His cold and collected demeanor was apparent to everyone watching.

    "Whether it¡¯s true or not eludes even me. What started as a journey to see my friend turned into a battle for my life. I¡¯m unsure of the exact reasons that led to that situation, but I¡¯m content with it being over. I only hope Dmitri is well wherever he is and that he will see this and know we no longer need to flee for our lives."

    "Regarding the changes, they¡¯re a start, but that¡¯s far from enough to overturn the image Gotham has to the world. Having grown up here, I understand that fact all too well. And that¡¯s why I¡¯ll be staying. I plan on creating an organization that aims to create not only a better future for Gotham but humanity as a whole."

    Arias spoke with unrestrained confidence, his formal speech patterns and foreign accent captivating anyone who heard him, whether in their homes or in the press crowd.

    Vicki pressed on, savoring the juicy information. "Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a big undertaking? You¡¯re only 21 and don¡¯t even have a formal tertiary education, not to mention your wealth was attained from gambling. Aren¡¯t you afraid you will face a lot of criticism?"

    Arias smiled pleasantly at her question, his expression softening for a moment before returning to its usual coldness. "Whether they criticize me or not, my success will still be assured. Too much was lost to create this opportunity for Gotham and its people, myself included¡­ so I refuse to lose anything else."

    With that, Arias turned and walked away, ignoring Vicki¡¯s attempts to ask more questions. The commissioner escorted him to a police vehicle, where they exchanged a public handshake, captured from multiple angles by the eager press.

    "Are you serious about staying to change Gotham?" Commissioner Gordon asked quietly as they shook hands. "It¡¯s still dangerous, even without the big fish. You have the supervillains and other unsavory individuals to watch out for. I can¡¯t promise I¡¯ll be able to protect you, given all that is happening."

    Arias nodded without hesitation. "Like I said before, I don¡¯t plan on wasting this opportunity. As for the risks? Nothing I haven¡¯t already considered."

    The commissioner sighed, seeing the determination in the young man¡¯s eyes, and then broke the handshake. "Thank you again for cooperating. It may not seem like it, but this whole situation has given many residents hope, myself included."

    Arias gave the commissioner an appreciative nod before getting into the car. As the vehicle pulled away, Arias leaned back in his seat and exhaled, a satisfied smile on his face.

    ''Now I can truly start building my organization.''

 Chapter 25: Knowing Your Place

    Arias arrived at a hotel just as the sun began to set, signaling the end of a long, successful day. The weight of his carefully executed plans lifted from his shoulders as he stepped out of the police car. He gazed at the hotel, a small smile playing on his lips, before heading inside to check in. With no belongings to carry, it seemed as though he was already a returning client, familiar with the establishment.

    After securing a standard room for the night, he decided to call it a day and retire early. Inside his room, Arias took out a small flip phone, its contact list empty, and dialed one of the many numbers he had memorized. The number rang for a short moment before someone on the other end picked up.

    The line was silent, so Arias loosened his collar and smiled. "Not going to congratulate me on my freedom, Gregor?"

    "Congratulations," Gregor replied, his voice devoid of emotion. "What can I do for you?"

    "I''ll admit, I didn''t think you had it in you. We must have a nice, long chat on the auction day. I''ll assume I''m on the list of invited guests, but if you forgot, think of this as a reminder. Oh, and congratulations on becoming mayor. Have a good night."

    Arias spoke mockingly, teasing Gregor about his failed attempt on his life without directly mentioning it. He ended the call before Gregor could reply.

    Immediately after, the Infinity resounded in his consciousness.

    "When will you take that insolent fool''s life?"

    "Gregor? Unfortunately, he still has quite a lot of uses. It would be far too troublesome to employ another pawn in the mayor''s position. Even then, there''s no guarantee I won''t face hostility."

    "You must remember that you''re still at a stage where it''s not difficult to kill you instantly. If that were to happen, then¡­ I''d lose you for good."

    The Infinity''s tone carried a sadness that struck Arias as odd.

    "For good? You say that like you''ve lost me before."

    "I''m only trying to highlight that I don''t wish to lose you, Ari, as a vessel and a being I hold dear."

    Arias was surprised by this confession, but he knew better than to dwell on it. Honesty was crucial in his relationship with the Infinity, even if phrasing was essential.

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    "You and I are forever bound together. It was odd at first, but I''ve come to accept this situation over the past days. In the end, you''re the only being that truly understands me and supports my ambitions fully. That makes you the most important being in my life. You''re invaluable to me."

    The Infinity fell silent, leaving Arias alone with his thoughts.

    "Infinity?"

    When no answer came, Arias could only shrug, offering a brief smile before settling onto the bed with his phone still in hand. He lifted it close to his face and dialed another number, pressing the call button.

    The phone rang only for a moment before a sultry, seductive voice answered in a whispery tone.

    "Hello? Who might this be?"

    "Your boss, calling to tell you that you''ve been chosen for the position, Miss Roulette."

    "Oh? So it''s my ''potential'' boss," she replied playfully. "Interesting. I just saw your interview on the news. Quite the bold, ambitious man you are. A shame, though¡ªI thought you were a billionaire, but from what I could dig up, you''re worth less than thirty million. Not all that impressive."

    Arias remained unfazed by her attempt to trigger his pride. "You overestimate your value. Whether you reject the position or not, the one million is yours; money is something I can make on a whim. Just give me a direct answer. My time is valuable."

    Roulette''s playful tone wavered as she realized he wasn''t like the other men she had dealt with. Most wealthy men had fragile egos, easily swayed by flattery or insults. But Arias was different, uninterested in proving his worth to her or anyone else.

    "A no-nonsense kind of man, huh? Well, I won''t lie that I''m curious to see your so-called brilliance in action, so I guess I''ll be calling you ''boss'' from now on. But what is my position exactly? Managing director? Financial department head?"

    "Secretary."

    Silence hung on the line, the weight of the title sinking in. Arias knew he had bruised her ego, demoting her to a role she considered beneath her skills. But her love of money won out, and she swallowed her pride.

    "Not at all, boss. When do I start?"

    "Tomorrow. I''m about to send you another million. Book a flight, come to the Rollington Hotel, and do some shopping while you''re at it. I can''t have my secretary wearing cheap clothes and makeup now, can I?"

    The jab at her appearance was deliberate, another calculated move to keep her in check. Though anger simmered beneath the surface, Roulette kept her tone sweet.

    "What a generous boss. Is there something specific you want your secretary to wear? After all, I''m dressing to please you."

    Her attempt to lure him into spending more on her failed. Arias wasn¡¯t a man easily manipulated.

    "You''re dressing not to embarrass me. I''ll trust you can manage that much. I''ll call you again tomorrow evening, so be sure to have settled in by then."

    He cut the call before she could respond, laying back on his bed with a satisfied smile. "Different people really do need different approaches. I need to break her ego due to the many men who have likely drooled over her. Anyway, that''s one asset gained¡­ but I need many more."

    Arias knew his path to power required more than just money and influence. It required people¡ªcapable, loyal people who would serve his interests without question. And Roulette was just the beginning.

 Chapter 26: Start Small

    A week passed since Arias was announced a free man, and in that time, he had become quite busy. After Roulette arrived the next day, the pair began planning how best to capitalize on the now free market in Gotham. Initially, Roulette had her doubts, but given how he splurged money on her, she felt lingering around wasn''t a problem.

    However, her interest grew when Arias attained all the auctioned properties using only the $8 million he had. In reality, Arias didn''t spend a single cent. Gregor had again tried to get in his way by not inviting him to the auction. Unfortunately for Gregor, Arias had information concerning over 90% of the attendees. So when the auction ended with Gregor thinking he had delayed Arias significantly, news arose of the newly purchased properties being sold to Arias in what they described as "private deals."

    Since the deals were private, the money spent wasn''t officially disclosed. This meant the public and media could only speculate. While this harmed the image he was trying to establish as an honest businessman, it was a necessary compromise. By the following Monday, Arias was the single largest property owner in Gotham, with his new net worth estimated at a staggering $378 million.

    Everyone, except Arias, was shocked by this stunning turn of events.

    ¡­

    Among the newly attained properties, a tower housing some of Gotham''s finest penthouses was one of them. This was the place Arias had chosen as his residence, reserving the best penthouse at the building''s top for himself. The penthouse spanned two stories and had all the amenities needed, along with plenty of luxurious features. The value of that penthouse alone was a staggering $50 million on paper, yet Arias had gotten the entire building for free. To those he had blackmailed, Arias was indeed the devil.

    Arias awoke to yet another day of making headlines. He couldn''t help but smile as he watched the early morning news in his living room while having a light breakfast.

    "The saintly prince of Gotham, Arias Markovic, has once again left residents stunned. Following his acquisition of the abandoned park in Old Gotham, Mr. Markovic has already begun renovations and plans to rename it Craig Dawson Park in respect of the hero officer who died while pursuing the truth of Gotham''s underbelly. This move has been welcomed by residents who feel Gotham has lost many recreational attractions where children could relax."

    Arias grew tired of hearing his name repeatedly with little to no criticism and his public image growing at an astounding rate. The fact that many could relate to him, having grown up in poorer conditions, meant it was easier for them to support him in even the simplest of actions. More often than not, the mayor''s office focused on increasing Gotham''s value, but with their hands in crime, they couldn''t go far. Those who tried to fight and curb crime were either killed or lost their positions before the elections ended.

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    Gotham was experiencing such changes for the first time in a while, and they thanked Arias for it. He only did this with his properties, so he was essentially increasing the value of his assets.

    Of course, such a rise to fame and power attracted attention from more than just Gotham''s residents. Arias switched the image on the television to that of Batgirl and Robin, who were sneaking into one of his warehouses.

    "I guess I''ve caught the attention of Gotham''s vigilante crime fighters," he mused.

    "Will they pose a problem?" The Infinity''s voice resounded in Arias''s mind.

    "No. In fact, this is a good opportunity. I don''t know who those people are, but the Boy Wonder has been with Batman for quite a few years now, while Batgirl appeared not too long ago. That suggests she hasn''t yet established a strong bond with the duo."

    "And what do you intend to do if she hasn''t?"

    "Lure her to my side, though that''s quite an undertaking. For now, it''ll be much easier to start recruiting some of the more criminal talents Gotham offers. I''m sure an opportunity will arise soon enough. I''ve already had Roulette use her networking skills to scout out what¡¯s present in Gotham. Though ever since the massive takedown, most villains have fled."

    "That means you have fewer unruly individuals to deal with. But given your current level of strength, I can''t imagine you getting potentially dangerous individuals under you."

    "Correct, I''m starting small, hence my interest in the likes of Batgirl. The only potential recruits with superior powers on the villain''s spectrum are Shade, Giganta, and Harley Quinn."

    Arias''s conversation with the Infinity was cut short when his doorbell rang. He quickly went to open it and found Roulette, sporting a tight crimson-red business suit.

    "Good morning, boss," she said with a smirk.

    Since Arias displayed how easy it was for him to gain wealth, she stuck to him like a leech, carrying out her secretarial duties to the fullest.

    "What is it? We''re not scheduled to leave until noon," Arias asked, raising a brow.

    "Well, your world-class and underpaid secretary has managed to arrange some interviews with potential recruits later tonight at the Iceberg Lounge. And by interviews, I mean I¡¯ve found some useful people desperate for money."

    Arias frowned at her and furrowed his brows. "Calling yourself underpaid is bold when you¡¯ve earned $2 million from me in less than a month."

    Roulette adjusted her glasses and laughed seductively. "Aw~ But boss, $2 million is far from enough to satisfy a lady''s needs. I mean, look at how well I dressed for my generous boss. I¡¯ve spent so much money all for you to be pleased."

    Arias eyed her up and down before shaking his head. "From appearances alone, I do not see where my investment went. Perhaps you should show me in numbers. Maybe then you''ll see just how generous I can be."

    He extended his hand, holding the tip of her chin while looking down at her coldly. Roulette wasn¡¯t fazed and smirked in reply before licking her lips.

    "Mmm, yes, Sir~ It just so happens numbers are my specialty¡­ among other talents," she added before taking his thumb into her mouth, twirling her tongue around it slowly.

    Arias quickly withdrew his hand. "I¡¯ll explore all those talents thoroughly when I have the time to indulge in distractions. You can leave for now. We¡¯ll meet at noon."

    "My poor heart, my boss thinks I¡¯m a distraction," Roulette teased in a playful voice as she turned to leave.

    Arias grinned. "I find anything that doesn¡¯t increase my worth a distraction. Don¡¯t you?"

    Roulette smiled seductively as she walked away.

 Chapter 27: Arrival

    Noon passed, and evening soon came. Arias had spent the day cementing his reputation and attending to business-related matters with Roulette. He was currently seated in a luxurious limousine, just one of the many assets he had supposedly "bought" during the auction. Opposite him sat Roulette, a digital tablet in hand as she continued to carry out various tasks for Arias. Normally, one wouldn''t trust their secretary to such an extent, but Arias wasn''t worried about his assets or wealth being stolen. He still had the final say before anything was implemented, and given her intelligence, Roulette saw the benefits of staying with him¡ªat least for a while longer.

    The two were on their way to the Iceberg Lounge, an infamous hotspot for criminals, formerly owned by The Penguin. On paper, the Iceberg Lounge was considered by some as the hottest spot in Gotham. Before the raids, The Penguin had used the posh nightclub as a front to run his illegal activities, secretly trading stolen goods and information. The two-story, 12,800-square-foot restaurant and lounge included a large pool for pet seals and penguins in the center dining area, an iceberg-like sculpture in the pool, a casino, a ship-themed dance floor, and polar decor. A tuxedoed jazz band on the sculpture was often seen playing tunes.

    It also held some more private rooms, such as an office, armory, and hidden back rooms, which served various criminal purposes and still do. Arias kept the lounge''s theme as it was since it generated a considerable amount of income. He went as far as to make it a place the general public could visit during the day, only becoming adult-themed past 10 PM. This made it quite the hotspot for regular families who could afford the daytime prices. Kids loved the decor and seeing exotic pets as they ate, while adults enjoyed experiencing a form of luxury at an affordable price.

    Whenever Roulette wasn''t handling direct business for Arias, she would be at the lounge, ensuring it was running perfectly. Although it was empty after the raids, it had since been revitalized by Arias, with many of Gotham''s elite promoting it, mostly to gain favor from him.

    ¡­

    The duo arrived at the lounge just a little past 8 PM, before adult time began. Because of that, a long line of patrons could be seen outside, waiting for a chance to enter. They, of course, didn''t have to stand in line, as it was an equally luxurious outdoor area. Furthermore, the fact that it was built on a single artificial island, connected to the rest of Gotham by a single bridge, meant it had its own independent harbor.

    On that harbor were many yachts, a few belonging to Arias. This was where some adults would wait or even have dinner under the starry deck. It was truly a top-class place like no other.

    ¡­

    Arias''s arrival was met with applause and camera flashes, which wasn''t surprising considering he was now more or less a big celebrity in Gotham. He smiled and waved as he made his way inside, where even more people applauded and took pictures as he interacted with other patrons and even their children like every other clich¨¦ public figure. After spending thirty minutes of his time doing this, he left for the private back rooms, which were initially used to store stolen or illegal goods.

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    There, seated on crates below a flight of stairs, were a few familiar faces from Gotham''s criminal scene. The most noticeable ones were the ones Roulette had mentioned beforehand to Arias: Giganta, Harley Quinn, and Shade.

    Giganta, who they had the least information on, was new to the criminal scene. No background, no family, or traces of identity could be found when Roulette attempted a background check. The only clear thing was that she wasn''t wanted, which was strange because rumors reported her clashing with Batman months prior. Although she already looked like a giant at first glance, she had the ability to drastically increase her size even further. Her reason for crime was simple¡ªwithout an identity and given her appearance, she had no choice. She resembled a wild primal woman and wore ripped leopard hides for a top and skirt.

    Shade was more clear-cut. He was simply a common thief with the power to manipulate shadows and even teleport. Despite this, Shade''s background showed that he had been caught numerous times and had served many sentences in prison, yet he hadn''t aged a single day. Rumors suggested he was immortal due to a track record dating back to England''s 1700s, though he had never confirmed it. His reasons for remaining a petty criminal were that he found joy and excitement in stealing, calling it thrilling and lively. His attire was classic, sporting a dark suit and matching top hat with a cane in hand.

    Lastly was Harley Quinn, perhaps the most infamous among the three. She was well-known as the Joker''s adoring sidekick. Though their last encounter with Batman showed he held her in little regard, as it became general knowledge that he attempted to save his own life using hers without hesitation. Unsurprisingly, this shocked no one except her. Regardless, the Joker was captured and sentenced, but Harley was acquitted on all counts. This was because her former colleagues during her time as a psychiatric doctor pleaded that she had been pushed to insanity and was a victim herself. This was proven due to another incident where Gotham saw firsthand what Joker gas could do, driving many victims to uncontrollable hysteria. Although freed, she was put in a treatment center, where she escaped and now roamed Gotham. No one really knew what she wanted or what her goal was, though her usual bubbly personality didn''t seem changed by her circumstances. She wore tiny red and blue shorts with ripped leggings underneath and a ripped white top with a red and white jacket above.

    The rest of the criminals present were mostly just former henchmen without a boss or source of income anymore.

    Arias descended the stairs with Roulette at his side while looking at the many faces present without any particular emotion. The back rooms were glum and rather empty, so it was a sorry sight seeing so many people present just sitting on crates or the floor. When the majority noticed Arias descending, they quickly got attentive and stood upright, clearly disciplined by their former sadistic bosses.

    Giganta stood confidently, puffing her enormous chest out. Shade simply tipped his hat and stood straight with both hands on his cane. Harley put the bat she had brought under her armpit and proceeded to stand at attention, saluting while still blowing gum.

    Arias showed a brief smirk and came to a stop about five meters away from them.

    "This should be interesting," he thought.

 Chapter 28: Youéˆ¥æª™e Hired

    Arias and the crowd of criminals spent a few moments just observing each other in silence. When Roulette came to his side, she handed him her tablet, and he finally spoke.

    "Right, let''s begin. Can all those without any special abilities, tertiary education, or less than ten years of professional criminal experience step back ten meters."

    Arias''s first instruction left many worried and puzzled at the same time, but they did as asked. Unsurprisingly, the majority of people present stepped back, leaving only three individuals standing at the front: Harley, Giganta, and Shade.

    Arias passed this instruction simply as a form of rank, to separate the average criminals and petty henchmen from the more experienced and intelligent criminals. Seeing that only three remained upfront, Arias couldn¡¯t help but frown and shake his head. Roulette noticed this and laughed awkwardly.

    "Well, they''re more for labor than anything. Not many talented individuals are left in Gotham after all the takedowns, you know," she defended without even being asked.

    She could clearly see the disappointment on Arias''s face at the quality of individuals present. The whole point of having people under him was to expand his influence and hold. For that, he needed not only capable people who could carry out orders but also those who were powerful. At his current level of strength, he didn''t expect much, but this was still far less than he anticipated. The majority of criminals present were petty criminals without a high school education.

    Before Arias could speak, Shade raised his hand.

    "Yes?" Arias asked with less interest than before, but Shade maintained a smile and gave a small bow.

    "Shade, a pleasure. I was told you''re looking to hire an individual with capabilities such as mine, but I wasn''t told for what purpose. Is it okay if I ask? I''m just curious about the dangers."

    Arias turned his attention to Shade and stepped closer slightly before providing an answer.

    "Of course, there will be dangers. If that phases you, then you''d better leave now. Being involved with me may lead you to becoming an international criminal," Arias replied confidently, as if trying to induce fear.

    From the profiles he read, he already knew that Shade was someone who enjoyed both public attention, wealth, and adventure. Arias''s words were simply meant to give him less doubt on the matter.

    However, before Shade could answer, Harley raised her hand excitedly and spoke before even being granted permission.

    "Ooh, me, me! Danger is my middle name. Plus, I''ll do almost anything for money! Well, y''know, except work as a whore¡ªI¡¯m still a classy lady."

    She spoke proudly, her chest puffed out, while gaining doubtful stares from practically every criminal present.

    "If she''s classy, then I''m the Queen of England!" a criminal loudly joked.

    "Bro, do you even know where that is?" his friend asked with some doubt.

    "Smh, of course. It''s in Ohio."

    "¡­"

    While Arias stood amazed at the level of intelligence present, Harley frowned at the people who passed those comments and pointed her bat angrily toward them.

    "Howz about I bust your crown jewels, Your Majesty? Also, everyone knows England isn''t real, what an idiot."

    "¡­"

    Arias glanced at Roulette as if asking what he was looking at. Roulette rubbed her temples and sighed, but still showed a confident smirk.

    "She''s a combat expert, is immune to toxins, and has even fought Batman. Her skill speaks for itself. It¡¯s just that she''s a little¡­ special."

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    Arias could only shake his head at Roulette''s attempts to convince him.

    "Special is an understatement. Anyway, here''s what''s going to happen. You''re all going to be hired. The majority of you don''t have anywhere to go now that your bosses are facing jail time, and I just so happen to need cheap labor. I''m sure Roulette will put you to good use. As for you three¡­"

    Arias spoke quickly and then looked at Shade, Giganta, and Harley.

    "Shade, you''re perhaps the only competent person here, so I''d like to hire you as my butler¡ªas a public image, of course. We''ll discuss your more important tasks in private."

    "Giganta, for now, you can work publicly as Roulette''s personal guard. Just like Shade, this will be your public image so that my hiring you is validated. When a proper task arises, you''ll be informed."

    "Lastly, Harley, although you''ve been acquitted of your crimes, you''re still wanted after escaping the psychiatric hospital you were placed in. I''ll have my lawyers work something out for you, so for now, stay with Roulette as well."

    Arias delivered adequate instructions and positions based on their characteristics for the purpose of a public image. For now, he couldn''t risk hiring wanted criminals due to not only Batman but the newly formed Justice League. Although he doubted he''d be considered a major threat, it wasn''t worth risking for now. He needed to hire these people while trying to maintain or even increase the quality of his public image.

    "Roulette, contact Miss Vale and tell her I want to give an exclusive interview regarding a new project of mine tonight."

    Roulette didn''t know what he was planning, but she proceeded to do as she was asked. About an hour later, the Gotham Gazette sent Vicki Vale and her crew to the lounge, where they waited outside for Arias. They didn''t have to wait long as he soon came out with none other than Shade, leaving the other criminals hidden for now as they received instructions from Roulette.

    "He''s here, quick, turn on the camera," Vicki hurriedly instructed her cameraman before adjusting her clothing and quickly checking her makeup.

    [Good evening, Gotham. Vicki Vale here to bring you the latest news regarding who many are calling Gotham''s prince. I''m currently at the popular Iceberg Lounge, which has been completely turned over since Arias Markovic took over. Here he is now with¡­ hmm. If my memory serves correct, that''s the criminal thief Shade. What is going on, and why is he with Mr. Arias Markovic? Let''s find out.]

    Vicki wasn''t live, but she spoke as if she were, in a manner that would catch the attention of her targeted audience. After saying the intro, she gestured to her cameraman to cut so she could speak with Arias before starting the interview.

    "Mr. Markovic, thank you for giving the Gazette this exclusive interview. Does it happen to involve the known criminal by your side? Seems rather controversial and headline-worthy." Vicki sported a grin as she sensed a big story coming her way. She took out a recorder and brought it close to Arias''s face.

    Arias smiled and gave a light nod.

    "You could say that, Miss Vale. Having grown up in the slums of Gotham, I know better than anyone else how tough life can be and what it can lead people to."

    "Most people with criminal backgrounds are just released after serving their sentences but are unable to gain employment because of their former actions, even if they regret it or have changed for the better."

    "This leads them to have no choice but to return to their criminal ways, thus repeating the cycle over and over again. The recent takedown has left many such individuals out in the public with no form of income. I want to change this by providing employment to such individuals, giving them a chance to provide for their families and themselves without harming or stealing from others."

    Vicki''s eyes beamed the more he spoke; the story was indeed controversial and headline-worthy.

    "But these are former criminals. Aren''t you afraid they might steal from your organization or cause harm?"

    Vicki asked in an attempt to draw doubt from Arias, but this much he was prepared for.

    "The possibility exists, but it''s less in comparison to leaving them in public without employment. This doesn''t just go to criminals but to the people of Gotham as well. My organization will be providing opportunities even for the uneducated and inexperienced. Labor jobs, waitresses, cleaners¡ªor if they are skilled in other forms of work, then we can find a job fit for them."

    "I may make a substantial loss by doing this, money-wise, and even harm my reputation by working with criminals, but knowing that Gotham will be both safer and happier is worth it."

    Vicki quickly cut the recording and spoke while beaming a smile.

    "This is a rather bold move, Mr. Markovic. It could either be taken very well or very badly."

    Arias smiled at her opinion.

    "Well, I contacted you because I know the chances of it being taken well will increase when you''re involved. I trust I''m right?"

    Vicki stroked her chin for a moment as if pondering the situation. Arias had yet to reveal that he was her informant, but she was smart enough to link the signs. His accent, height, and emergence were all far too fitting to be a coincidence. But since her career was benefiting largely because of this, she played along and didn''t bring it up.

    "Hmm, how about a private interview in the coming week? An exclusive on you as a person and your private life. We can talk casually without a camera or recorder, just you and I having dinner." She offered slyly, but Arias agreed with little hesitation.

    "I''ll arrange a date."

 Chapter 29: A Brutal Lesson Part 1

    Early the next day, Arias was once again the subject of headlines, as had been the case in the past few days. His interview with Vicki Vale regarding his hiring of criminals was the hottest news in Gotham, receiving both positive and negative reviews from the public. Arias expected this, so he wasn''t at all surprised. It would have been more amazing if he wasn¡¯t criticized. Only those Arias had dirt on chose to stay neutral or be positive on the matter. Mayor Gregor, however, had chosen to be negative.

    Despite multiple attempts on Arias, Gregor had yet to receive any open threats or visits from him. This made the prideful man think that Arias needed him in office, giving him a sense of advantage. However, as Arias watched the news that morning, his eyes showed a look of great displeasure.

    "I ignored him because he wasn''t worth the effort, but he''s really starting to become unruly," he spoke aloud.

    In the next moment, the Infinity''s voice resounded in his mind, sharing its opinion.

    *[I still feel the fool is better off leaving this world,]* the soft voice commented in a cold manner.

    This made Arias show a small smile.

    "Don''t worry, some fates are far worse than death. This will be a good opportunity to see what those recruits Roulette brought can do."

    After saying those words, Arias took out his phone and made a call to Roulette using a secure line. The phone only rang for a brief moment before she picked up.

    *[Miss me already, Boss? Or are you feeling generous?]* Roulette asked in a sultry manner immediately after the call connected.

    Arias wasn''t moved by her attempts and just got to the point.

    "Neither. When you''re done formally registering everyone and finished with the legal side of things, tell Shade I have a mission for him. Here''s what I want him to do¡­"

    Arias provided detailed instructions on what he wanted Shade to accomplish, and Roulette took mental note of every little detail.

    *[Simple enough, even I could do it. Don¡¯t underestimate your new employees, Boss; they¡¯re more useful than you think. Anyway, I¡¯ll get it done.]*

    "That''s what I like to hear."

    Without saying another word, Arias ended the call.

    ¡­

    Later that night at the mayor''s residence, inside a lovely and dimly lit bedroom¡­

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    "Gregor¡­ should you really be saying all those things? What if he comes back?" Cynthia, the mayor''s lover, asked with a worried expression on her face as she sat on the edge of the bed.

    Gregor stood in front of a large wardrobe, currently taking off his suit after a long day at the office, feeling quite proud and confident.

    "His threats were nothing but empty; he''s just scared of the criminal families. That¡¯s why in these past few days, I¡¯ve been delivering information to them, saying he¡¯s the sole reason they got caught. A bunch of the other people he¡¯s blackmailing supported my claims, so it¡¯s all but certain he¡¯ll die a dog¡¯s death."

    Gregor smiled brilliantly and tossed his tie to the side while stripping off the rest of his clothes.

    "Are you sure, Gregor?" Cynthia asked once more, but Gregor remained confident.

    In his eyes, Arias was just a normal man who happened to get a little lucky. But with so many enemies after his life, he had no chance, especially since he lacked connections.

    "Very much. He messed with the wrong people. The only way he got to us last time was because of that ungrateful son of mine. Now, with this level of security and 24/7 surveillance all around, he can¡¯t simply sneak in like last time. I¡¯m untouchable! He¡¯ll regret putting me in this position."

    Gregor grinned at his own brilliance and quickly grabbed a towel to go bathe.

    "Okay, love, I¡¯m not feeling too well, so I¡¯ll get some rest," Cynthia, who hadn¡¯t been sleeping well the past few days, felt some relief at Gregor¡¯s words and thought she could finally rest.

    "Go ahead. I¡¯m just going to shower and make some important calls. Goodnight, baby."

    With a winning smile and a proud look, Gregor left the bedroom and went into the bathroom. Inside, he was happily humming to himself when suddenly a dark circle appeared right in front of him. Gregor was stunned, but before he could even register his confusion, a pair of hands in fine black gloves reached out and pulled him in.

    "Whaa-!!"

    His shout didn¡¯t even register as he soon vanished, and so did the circle, along with him.

    "Ooof!"

    Gregor suddenly felt himself land against a cold, hard surface, confusion filling his eyes.

    "What the!?"

    He looked around in a panicked manner, but it was far too dark to see anything.

    "Who¡¯s there? Show yourself!" he yelled out, but no answer came. Just as he was beginning to panic more¡­

    Bah~

    A bunch of lights lit up above him, revealing that he was in a large storage place of sorts, like a warehouse. There were only a plethora of crates around him, but no one aside from him.

    ¡®What the hell is going on here? Where am I? Shit!¡¯

    Gregor was still confused, but every fiber of his body told him to get away from there. So in an attempt to do just that, he stood up but soon felt a sharp pain on the back of his leg.

    "Now where might you be going? The boss asked that I deliver you. Though I must say, it¡¯s not every day one gets to kidnap the mayor."

    Gregor hurriedly turned and saw Shade, who had been hidden in the shadows behind him. The sharp pain he felt was from being struck by Shade¡¯s cane on the ankle.

    "Boss? What¡­ Arias."

    It took a moment for Gregor to remember that Shade was present in the interview Arias had done with Vicki, immediately linking the two.

    "Do you think you¡¯ll get away with this? Your boss will be a dead man come next week. Whatever he¡¯s paying you, I¡¯ll double it¡ªno, triple it. In fact, with so many people wanting him dead, if you did it yourself, we¡¯d pay you a huge sum of money. Plus, a connection to the mayor will do you some good."

    Gregor didn¡¯t lose his confidence, still feeling the only thing Arias had going for him was money and blackmail material, which he couldn¡¯t use forever.

    Shade just smiled and pointed to the top of the stairs leading down to the storage room. There, Arias could be seen with Harley and Roulette, slowly descending the steps.

 Chapter 30: Gregoréˆ¥æªš Warning

    As Arias descended the steps and made his way to the lowest level of the Iceberg Lounge, Gregor frowned and began cursing at him immediately.

    "Don''t think for one second you''ll get away with this! Cynthia should have already noticed I¡¯m gone and called the authorities. You may have some evidence against me, but I also know who the real you is, and I''m not afraid to take you down with me."

    Arias remained stoic as Gregor rambled on like a mad dog, not giving him the pleasure of a reaction. His cold, nonchalant stare made it clear that he was handling a casual matter, not a threat. Seeing this made Gregor worry, so he attempted to speak more, but Arias gave no reply. He chose to speak only after reaching the front of Gregor.

    "One day, it¡¯ll all probably surface; that¡¯s only natural since I¡¯m no mastermind. It was your ego and pride that left you vulnerable to anyone daring enough to make a move. However, you seem to misunderstand something¡­"

    Arias reached forward, grabbed Gregor by the top of his hair with one hand, and then slammed his face into the cold metallic floor.

    **Bang!~**

    The impact caused a mild echo and brought smiles to the faces of the spectators: Roulette, Harley, and Shade.

    ¡®At the very least, he¡¯s not afraid to get his hands dirty. This might be one of the more interesting jobs I¡¯ve done,¡¯ Shade thought while casually twirling his cane. Just like all the other criminals, Shade was only in it for the money, with some underlying reasons. Because of this, he more or less had a neutral opinion about his current employer.

    The same was true for Roulette and Harley, although the former had seen Arias display some form of combat.

    ¡®The lower the scale of morality, the more money ventures open to us,¡¯ Roulette smirked slyly, hoping Arias didn¡¯t have a bottom line that would someday make her miss out on a good opportunity.

    While Shade and Roulette kept their thoughts to themselves, Harley was more vocal about how she felt.

    "Bust his kneecaps, boss! For the sake of taxpayers everywhere!" she cheered with a wide smile.

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    Arias ignored her and proceeded to kick the fallen Gregor in the gut. There was no power behind his kick, so Gregor wasn''t sent flying. Instead, he felt a sharp pain and gripped his abdomen while fidgeting.

    "Fuck! Stop, stop. Just say what you want already?!" Gregor pleaded angrily, but was only answered with a stomp to his crotch.

    **!!**

    Gregor felt all the air leave his lungs and failed to even scream. He instead let out a pained gasp and covered his crotch, his entire body shivering.

    Shade showed a pained expression by reflex, as if he too was hit in the crotch. He simply found it hard to watch, especially since Arias looked like he put power into it. Roulette maintained her smile and passed no comment, while Harley cheered even more.

    "Ooo~ That¡¯s the stuff! Look on the bright side, mister mayor, at least we know you have balls now." She added with a straight face, as if what she was saying was a valid point.

    "Pllsj¡­" Gregor grumbled inaudible words while squirming in pain.

    Arias stood over his curled body and looked down at him with his hands crossed.

    "You already know what I want, Gregor. I gave you a simple task: do what you¡¯re told and enjoy your position as mayor. But no, you chose to be ambitious, thinking no one is as smart as you. I¡¯m just reminding you of how wrong that train of thought is."

    ¡­

    As Arias was dealing with Gregor, a feminine figure could be seen standing on the Iceberg Lounge''s roof¡ªit was none other than Batgirl. Given the time, she blended well with the shadows and had no chance of being spotted by the people below. She crouched down and brought her hand to her ear before speaking in a low voice.

    "Robin, I¡¯m near the vent I can use to sneak in. How¡¯s it on your end?"

    **[Same, I¡¯m at the loading bay of the harbor. It looks like he¡¯s already getting shipments of something. I just hope it¡¯s legal.]**

    Robin¡¯s voice replied through an earpiece installed into the mask Batgirl was wearing. Batgirl listened carefully but then showed a nervous look.

    "Hey, I¡¯m not sure I should be acting alone yet," she voiced in a worried manner.

    **[Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s no different from when you were beating down criminals in a cheap suit all by yourself a month ago. Plus, Batman thinks this Markovic guy isn¡¯t running any operations¡ªhe just wants us to scout. If we see anything worth reporting, we leave. If anything happens, Alfred is monitoring our suits'' bio-readings and will immediately know, so relax.]** Robin reassured her.

    Batgirl only sighed and took a deep breath.

    "Right, nothing new¡ªjust crime fighting on a slightly bigger scale. I can do this. Thanks, Robin, I¡¯ll contact you again later. Going radio silent," she hyped herself before cutting the connection.

    ¡­

    Back in the lower levels, Gregor remained looking like he was in great pain, despite no visible injuries on his face and hands. Arias made sure to only strike positions that would be covered up if Gregor wore a standard suit. Before Arias could do anything else, he sensed a presence far above him. He didn¡¯t make this obvious and just continued to speak toward Gregor.

    "I hope you take everything I¡¯ve said to heart because there won¡¯t be a next time. Just one more mistake from you, and your life is forfeit. Shade, take him back. Something just came up."