244 Chapter 239: A Necessary Evil Part 5

As word spread about multiple attacks happening on some of the most densely populated cities, the government had no choice but to initiate a state of emergency. Ever since the emergence of metahumans, what qualified as domestic terrorism had changed.

 After all, certain supervillains could level small towns if they ever went on rampages, with instances having occurred with villains like Giganta, Gorilla Grodd, Solomon Grundy, and many more. 

But for multiple cities to be attacked at roughly the same time, this was something the government couldn't leave to the heroes to handle.

Minutes after the state of emergency was declared, military personnel started to flood and rush toward cities near their bases or barracks, equipped with gear that protected them from the spores. 

They entered the cities to help those in need while asking those who were unaffected to stay in their homes and keep their windows closed. The government was already in quick work to launch drones that would fly through cities and filter air while also asking local mask distributors and manufacturers nearby to aid them in ensuring as many citizens as possible were protected from the spores.

This was a frighteningly quick response for a country that was currently suffering from problems in its administration, but Arias expected this much from the world's biggest military powerhouse. 

But due to something he got from Lex's memories, Arias came to collect something in Star City. As soldiers were rushing closer to the city and police officers were commanding civilians to go into their homes, Arias could be seen draped in black casual attire with a small scarf covering part of his face.

This wasn't at all strange to see someone do given the circumstances. With no eyes on him, Arias casually walked into an alleyway. 

It was cold and decrepit, with the only sound that could be heard being the distant sirens from police vehicles and ambulances. Arias walked in this quiet alleyway until he reached midway where he came to an abrupt halt. He kept his gaze forward with his hands resting in both pockets, as if waiting for something or someone.

Then out of nowhere, the winds in said alleyway began to pick up, with nearby wrappers and papers flying in the air in a circular manner. Immediately this happened, a small, tiny hole appeared on the ground just a few feet away from Arias. 

It was pitch black and began to expand ominously until it was roughly the size of a small car. Almost immediately, Raven and Chesire's figures hovered out of the dark circle and onto the ground before the circle vanished.

The atmosphere returned to normal, with the wrappers falling back around, revealing Arias in front of them. Cheshire smirked mischievously and put her hand on her hip while tilting her head slightly in a flirtatious manner before saying, "I could get used to this type of transportation if you're always the destination, boss." 

Arias replied, "flattering." 

Cheshire then pouted, and was about to say something, but Arias cut her off. "Were there any problems?"

Raven simply shook her head slightly, whereas Cheshire answered provocatively, "Oh~ nothing me and my new friend couldn't handle." 

Arias didn't bother asking more on the subject because despite all her playfulness and rather eccentric character, Cheshire was professional and knew better than to slip up. With that covered Arias immediately got down to business. 

"Good, let's hope you can handle this next part."

Cheshire puffed out her chest confidently while keeping her hand on her hip, arching her back slightly as she replied, "I can take anything you give me, boss." 

Arias didn't reply and began walking, gesturing with his hands that they move out of his way. 

As he passed between them and began walking toward the other exit of alley, Cheshire immediately began walking by his right-hand side while scanning the alleyway for any unseen eyes. 

Raven, on the other hand, was more casual as she hovered to his left, following this slow but steady pace while keeping her gaze forward, wondering just what it was Arias was planning.

Ignoring whatever thoughts were running through the minds of the two ladies behind him, Arias began explain. 

"Initially, the plan would've been over after Gotham, Star City, and Metropolis had each been attacked. However, due to the emergence of a new factor, I had Ivy and Enchantress target two more cities. So as to scatter the personnel of the military." 

After Arias finished speaking, Raven felt she had a piece in the puzzle, but she still couldn't think of what it connected to. Cheshire felt the same, but rather than remaining silent, she asked outrightly, "Do we have to kill someone important?"

Arias chuckled at this and shook his head, replying, "No, we have to collect someone important." 

As Arias said this, he reached into the long trench coat he was wearing, and took out a small folder before handing it Cheshire. 

The folder was stained with some blood, and it was marked "classified" at the front. Cheshire raised an eyebrow at this, before turning it over. She then showed a perplexed look as she saw the words written on the back; 

"Project Galatea."