Chapter 241: Misdirection Part 1

As Cheshire gave the signal that it was clear, Arias began to walk over, with Raven quietly hovering behind while looking around at the scene. As they approached the van, she hovered closer to Arias. She then spoke in a low-voice, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Arias kept a distinct expression and replied, "That depends on you. What do you think you could help with at this current juncture? What do you feel could be improved upon on what's already been done? Don't be afraid to test where your ability stands."

Raven couldn't help but ask, "But what if I fail and ruin everything?"

To this, Arias smiled and replied, "Since I've taken it upon myself to bring you in my care, you're allowed to make mistakes without fearing the consequences. Because as long as I'm here, nothing can nor will go wrong."

Raven began to have subtle confidence in this rare opportunity and said, "I'll make the most of it the... I guess"

With Arias's final words, they reached the van while Raven continued to hover behind, now contemplating the words he just shared with her. Upon reaching the van, Arias found that Cheshire was going over to make sure the other officers in the two other vehicles were also dead. 

Arias glanced at her for a moment before turning his gaze on the scene at the back of the van. There, he could see two people, both obviously scientists. Looking at the woman, Arias noticed the fear in her eyes as she trembled close to the van's open doors, looking at Arias as if he were a monster. 

On the other hand, the man, despite looking visibly nervous, stood firmly near the pod centered at the van's back, glancing around as if expecting someone to save him.

Arias noticed this and decided to start by saying, "Whoever you think is coming for you, they aren't. And even if they did, they wouldn't be able to stop me."

As Arias said this, the man focused on him and immediately recognized him. The man showed surprise; how could he not, given Arias's meteoric rise to fame and power? It was almost impossible to find people in the country who didn't know who he was or how he looked. 

The man now looked more visibly fearful. He was clearly a smart man who knew that the circumstances surrounding Arias had more than met the eye. As for what exactly that was, he didn't know, and that's what scared him most.

Seeing the obvious change in expression, Arias decided to lead the conversation. This was often the key when talking with very intelligent people. Intelligent or smart people, more times than not, rarely talked and mostly listened, as they were disciplined. 

They were even more careful never to say anything without giving it at least a second thought. One would think such people were immune to manipulation with words, but just like people who talk a lot, people who didn't talk a lot could also be led on. 

Arias knew this came from when their demeanor looked shaken, even if very little. So long as one knew the fear they had, it could be utilized. In this case, Arias did so by stating, "I'm sure you know why I'm here, Dr. Hamilton."

Hearing his name from a man whom he had never met in person, Dr. Hamilton couldn't help but look more concerned as he turned his gaze away from Arias and onto the pod. He leaned in close to it, with his hands resting on the top as if trying to protect it. 

This now revealed another point of attack Arias could go with. Like the woman, huddled in the corner, worried for her safety, it was clear that Dr. Hamilton had a close bond with whatever lay in the pod to the point that he wouldn't mind risking his life for it.

 For such people, people with the mentality of putting others above themselves, one had to be very careful with how you approached them.

Arias chose not to be too overbearing and showed Dr. Hamilton a smile as he spoke, "We're here to prevent the government from creating another disaster by weaponizing superhumans and powerful alien life." 

Dr. Hamilton, was very cautious of Arias, and immediately doubted the words said by arguing, "Whose to say alien life forms won't attack humanity again? If we don't have measures set against this, we will one day fall. Government or not, we need to protect our planet. By creating and educating superhumans from a young age, we can do what needs to be done to protect the good people of our planet."

Hearing Dr. Hamilton's argument, Arius couldn't help but laugh. "Even you don't believe those words Doctor. Do you know what I see when I look at you, Dr. Hamilton?"

Dr. Hamilton nervously replied, "What do you see?"

"I see desire. Desire for what? I do not know, but I know it is a very dangerous desire, one that even your logical mind seems unable to shake. But you see, I also have a desire. To reach this desire, I have done and am still willing to do things some may find unthinkable. So Dr. Hamilton, tell me. Me who stands in the way of your desire now, Will you choose to let it go, or will you continue to pursue it and stand in the way of my desire?"

Dr. Hamilton's heart began to thump hard as he could see Arias's eyes take on a frightening intensity. 

The atmosphere around them began to grow darker, and the wind began to pick up, making it feel extremely tense. Under Arias's gaze, Dr. Hamilton's eyes didn't leave him.

"Well, what will it be, Dr. Hamilton?"