207 Chapter 207: Unknown Part 1

Following the broadcast of Arias's interview, social media lit up in discussions surrounding Arias's decision.

And as predicted, sides were divided. A good majority showed sadness at the news, expressing a desire for him to stay. On the other side was people glad he left, expressing happiness and mocking those who showed support for him.

This was a calculated reaction from the general public. As for those in the upper classes who were knowledgeable enough to understand, they showed concern and confusion.

They felt the general public was stupid to think Arias's choice had no deeper meaning behind it, but what could it be?

The common upper class money was greedy and although well informed, had a short sighted view of the world.

To them, money made the world go round and was the greatest thing they could possess. The more they had the better. So why would someone simply leave behind all that wealth? It just didn't add up.

On the political front, Arias's decision to separate from Leviathan and the Task Force also equally left the community confused as to why someone would give up the amount of power Arias held.

Of course many of these people didn't truly believe that Arias actually did this and felt it was a cover for something. What exactly is what they were unaware of, and the unknown was always a scary thing.

So unbeknownst to general public, many powers were already in the process of tracking down Arias.

But with his digital footprints masked via the Leviathan network and his physical location being international waters, he was practically a ghost.

Arias knew without a doubt that he couldn't suddenly leave his position without being the center of attention, with many people in power showing wariness toward his activities.

So the first step of his departure required that he not appear for sometime… or at least be identified.

For this, Arias had Mercy prepare him a high-tech semi-armored form fitting suit, similar to what Batman and even Slade at times employed. Using the many resources Lex had left behind, it was an easy task to accomplish.

He was currently in the ship's armory, getting himself into said suit and getting a feel for it. It's design although simple was incredibly complex, featuring many elements that put it in a class of its own.

It's color was equally lackluster, composed of dim colors such a grey and black, with its brightest piece being the helm which had an amber composition by default.

The only drawback he was told it possessed was its weight, but this wasn't a factor Arias need worry about, so to him, it perfectly met his demands.

After he finished wearing the base, the helm automatically enclosed over his head, and on the inside, lit up slightly, presenting its final feature.

[ Suit integrity at 100%, link to Leviathan network successfully established. ]

The suit housed an incredibly advanced virtual assistant, a beta for an ongoing project Ark Academy scientists were performing to create the worlds most advanced A.I.

Although the V.I Arias possessed couldn't be said to be the best, it once again met the requirements he had given Mercy.

Arias showed a smile under the helm and nodded in satisfaction. "If only I had something like this during my time as a gun for hire."

He couldn't help but reminisce while looking over himself one final time. Before he could proceed further, Cheshire walked into the armory and immediately whistled provocatively, "well, and here I was thinking you couldn't get any more… succulent."

Following Cheshire's words, a frowning Ivy appeared from behind her, also looking to enter the armory. "Gee, you'd think the ocean would be the most wet thing out here."

What was intended to be insult didn't bother Cheshire in the least as she walked into the armory and began preparing herself too, "I know right? Just goes to show what the boss can do."

Her slow, cheeky and sensual way of talking was really something Poison Ivy was beginning to hate.

But Ivy chose to just ignore her and turn her attention to Arias, not caring for his new appearance in the least.

"It's the middle of the night at see, why the hell are you two gearing up? If you think I'm of any help out here you're in for disappointment." She warned.

Cheshire looked at her oddly while placing throwing knives in her leggings. "Would it kill you to stop complaining? For a carpet muncher you sure do talk a lot."

Arias also finished dressing and began browsing through weaponry, intending to use guns to support his hidden identity.

"It's in her nature, I read her profile from Arkham asylum, she tends to get agitated and irritable in the dark, especially during winter." Arias pointed, his voice now sounding different due to the suits influence, making it deeper and somewhat menacing.

"Oh really, the wittle plan is scared of the dark? Life in Gotham must've been hard huh?" Cheshire took any chance she had to push Ivy's buttons.

But Arias decided to bring it to an end as he settled on his weapons, two pistols, an assault rifle and high-tech extendable sniper rifle.

"She's technically a plant, it only makes sense for her to love sunlight. Anyway, to answer your question of where we are going, the answer is Metropolis." Arias revealed whilst walking out of the armory, Cheshire soon following behind.

The trio were lead to the deck where Raven was already there sitting cross legged and immersed in meditation.

Unlike the other three, she wasn't wearing any suitable gear, because for now, Arias had no reason to bring her out.

To him, she had potential, but it was still a bit early to make her take an active role in what he was doing.

Hearing their footsteps, she came out of meditation and looked toward them, saying nothing and following their gazes, all of which were directed forward at the distant harbor of Metropolis.

"Why Metropolis? I hear it's become a hell-hole now. Pretty much the entire criminal population rushed on over here the second they heard Superman was out of the picture." Poison Ivy crossed her arms and lightly frowned.

Arias didn't share Ivy's outlook and Metropolis and seemed more interested. "Well I have business there, that and we also need to pick up the fourth member of this little group."

"Then what is she?" Cheshire immediately pointed toward Raven who just looked as inexpressive as always, unsure of what to contribute to the matter.

Arias also moved his gaze to Raven and answered, "hopefully, our fourth member's new protege."

A/N: Whose that Pokémon… I mean member.