Chapter 174: Bonus Chapter

Following Arias's decision to surrender, he and Harley were both restrained with high tech cuffs, with Arias's being specifically made to prevent meta-humans from using their powers, it did so by delivering an incredibly strong shock or sedative the moment it dedicated an anomaly near or from the person wearing it.

Technology to fully counter meta-humans didn't exist or at least was beyond what most corporations and research institutions knew. What made it so difficult was the simple fact that powers varied from individual to individual.

The only ever solidly suggested way was to forcefully inhibit their meta-gene, however due to the high fatality risk this posed, it was rejected.

With Harley and Arias restrained, many of the league members returned their focus to ensuring all the children were out.

As for Arias and Harley, they were escorted up to the compound by Batman, Dr. Fate and Superman.

Shortly after making it to the compound, the sound of a helicopter approaching resounded on the scene, causing Arias to casually look up and indeed see one.

His attention was focused on the very familiar Airforce emblem it carried, causing him to snicker inwardly.

The helicopter landed not too far away and immediately it did so, a squad of armed soldiers stepped out and pointed their guns towards Arias and Harley.

"Packages are present, preparing to confirm identity." One of the leading soldiers spoke into his earpiece before approaching Arias and Harley.

He raised a scanner of sorts towards Arias's face and then Harley's. After a brief moment, the device flashed green and the soldier raised his hand to provide a gesture to the others.

Following the gesture, the other soldiers approached, "Come this way," one instructed Arias while pointing his gun towards the helicopter.

Arias gave a fleeting glance towards this person but didn't say anything, instead looking over toward Harley, "Come along Harley."

His tone and expression didn't reveal the least bit of fear, whereas Harley remained vocal about her displeasure over the situation. "Just you wait till we gets our lawyer! I'm moving, I'm moving, not need to be so pushy, sheesh."

Her protests were only met with stronger force in getting her into the chopper. And once boarded, Batman exchanged some words with the soldier in charge before he and Dr. Fate left, leaving Superman to act as an escort in case of anything.

Thankfully for them, the trip was uneventful and chopper landed safely at an unknown military base.

Arias and Harley were forcefully broad out of the chopper and met with a smirking figure in formal military attire. "Well, well, quite the catch we've got ourselves. You and I have a lot to discuss Mr. Markovic."

Arias looked at the man without showing much emotion, knowing fully well that he was just trying to intimidate him. So Arias countered, "Where are my lawyers?"

The man laughed at this and shook his head, "Lawyers? You really think a traitor like you is getting a trail? You were wanted dead or alive, and as far as the U.S is concerned, you, never, arrived."

Arias's composure remained the same despite this piece of news, he instead glanced over toward Superman who said nothing hearing this. This made Arias smile inwardly, but nothing was said on the surface.

"Going for the quiet approach huh? We'll get you to talk eventually." The officer in charge declared with a voice carrying disdain before he approached Superman and saluted, "thank you for your service."

Superman said nothing, showing a complex expression before taking off into the air. Once his figure was gone, the officer in charge turned his attention back to Arias and Harley before muttering, "let's get started shall we?"

The man raised his hand to gesture the soldiers to follow and bring Arias and Harley along but before they could do so, Arias spoke up and asked, "So, is this decision yours out of hate for me, or should I assume your orders came from the top?"

The officer in charge stopped and looked at Arias with a smile, "I couldn't launch such an operation myself even if I hated you to death, my orders are from up to, but trust me when I say I'm going to enjoy getting information from you, but hey, if you corporate and save us both some time, I can at least guarantee a traitor like you a quick death, which is more than what you deserve."

Arias contemplated for a moment and just shook his head, "A shame, even I didn't expect things to turn out like this. Sadly for you all though, this route has served its purpose, I can work with what I have."

His words confused not only the man in charge but also the surrounding soldiers. In the next, before they could question anything, Arias's eyes turned cold as everyone present suddenly felt suffocated.

He was directly exerting telekinetic force on their lungs, a painful feeling then emerged as they tried to breath but found they couldn't.

The abruptness of it all meant they didn't have the time to take in dip breaths or even prepare themselves, hence within a short time, many collapsed to the ground, struggling still, as Arias made sure to do it slowly.

Some tried to resist by reaching for their guns but the sensation in their chest grow more sharp after that.

The officer in charge looked at Arias with what could only be described as a pleading and fearful gaze, he and everyone else obviously didn't want to die.

But what did Arias care?

"Argh!" One by one, each person felt the pain grow increasingly stronger alongside the feeling of breathlessness.

It didn't take long for the struggling to come to an end. Harley quickly retrieved a remote from the officer in charge and disengaged their cuffs, a wide smile on her face as she happily skipped over the bodies.

Despite their quick and visually inexplainable deaths, Harley didn't ask Arias on it. This was something he appreciated in her, she wasn't nosy and knew her place.

Her only question was, "What now?"

To this, Arias smiled. "I was hoping they'd have wanted to put me on trail but it seems I've become a much bigger threat in their eyes. No matter, we've got enough information to soil their reputation, now we just need to wait for the next phase to start on its own."

A confused Harley who didn't even know they were phases couldn't help but ask, "What's that?" In case she just wasn't listening when explained to.

Arias didn't provide a full answer but did give one nonetheless.

"Just keep an eye out for the news in the coming days."

A/N: Another short rushed chappy so I'm just gonna call it bonus. Im tired and lacking sleep so chapters may continue to be around 1.2 to 1.3k words. Or if you prefer, I could properly write them but I won't be able to post daily for the duration of my exams, up to you guys, I'm going to drink some water and study. It's tuff being a genius.