The rest of the week proceeded uneventfully, with the only major happenings being the accelerated renovations at Arias's schools and the influx of potential students.
Quite a few billion was splurged by Arias during those few days alone, causing further articles to arise regarding his careless expenditures.
As usual, he gave no feedback and just looked forward to the big day.
Come Monday, the big day arrived, and the entire Gotham City was buzzing.
Considering the amount of power Arias held within Gotham, it wasn't odd for all his little pawns to try their best to make this big event stand out.
It all started with the mayor declaring a public holiday and having the city decorated to showcase the event.
Curious residents of Gotham were allowed to attend the preliminary hearing just outside the gates of the newly opened institutions.
Atop a large platform stood Gotham's top figures, who were there as guests, and in front of the podium stood Arias, with thousands of people in attendance looking his way and millions more watching the live broadcast.
To his left were the seats belonging to some of Gotham's biggest names—the mayor, the police commissioner, and Bruce Wayne, among others.
To his right were the seats for his people—his daughter Terra, his internship winner Barbara Gordon, and the city's most popular heroes, Princess Diana and Harley Quinn.
Mercy, being his secretary, was far too busy making sure everything was in order, so she wasn't present on stage. The same was the case for Rose, who was in charge of on-site security.
As for Slade, he stood right behind Arias as his bodyguard and right-hand man.
The focus of it all, though, remained on Arias, with all eyes and cameras on him, awaiting his speech.
Arias scanned the crowd for a moment before showing a small smile and clearing his throat.
"Let me start by saying I'm happy to see that so many of you chose to present yourselves to witness a historical moment—not just for Gotham, but for the world."
"Not long ago, people would frown and hesitate at the thought of visiting Gotham. But now, it's become one of the most marketable cities in the world—so much so that numerous investors are practically begging to be allowed to build businesses and properties here."
Following these words, the crowd cheered and clapped with great enthusiasm. Arias let them do so for a moment before raising his hand to gesture for silence.
"But we're not here to talk about predatory businessmen; we're here to welcome a new addition to this wonderful city. Formerly the Gotham Heights High School and Gotham University, I'd like to formally present to you the **Ark Academies**."
"These aren't just academies that we hope will nurture and teach meta-humans or aliens—no. These are academies open to all young minds who seek to be something extraordinary, and all older minds who seek to teach the extraordinary. These are academies that carry humanity's future."
Once again, cheers erupted from the crowd while the individuals seated on stage applauded. Some, like Diana, were genuinely moved, but others, like Bruce and the mayor, did this only out of necessity.
Barbara would occasionally glance over toward Bruce with a complex glint in her eyes but didn't linger on it.
Arias then continued, "I've never been a man of many words, preferring action instead. So, I'd like to give the honor of officiating the opening of the Ark Academy to someone who can better express what it means to them and the city. I'd like to invite Barbara Gordon to take the podium."
Hearing this, Barbara's eyes went wide with surprise, as she hadn't been expecting this. However, she had no time to absorb it because in that moment, all eyes and cameras turned to her.
"Oh, uh… I didn't prepare anything..."
Before she could declare her unreadiness, Barbara caught sight of her father applauding her while standing—the only person doing so on his side.
His eyes were teary, and a proud smile painted his face. She felt her heart soften before she smiled back and stood up.
She looked toward Arias, who gave her a subtle nod and some words of encouragement. "You once told me you wanted to make Gotham a better, safer place. Here's your chance to share that dream," he said to her as she walked past him and took the podium.
Her eyes were met with the great sight of thousands cheering for her and clapping. It was a euphoric feeling that filled her with a slight sense of pride.
She looked back at her father for a moment, who gave her a nod and a thumbs-up, before she faced the crowd again and took a deep breath.
"Uh, this is all a bit sudden, and I didn't really prepare a speech, but... Gotham is my home, and like many homes, it holds many memories—both good... and bad." She said in a softened voice, her eyes a little teary.
"From as far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to help make this city a better place, in whatever way I could. I took inspiration from my father, who worked tirelessly to keep the city safe for his daughter and the many children within it. For that, I'd like to say thank you, for being a great commissioner... and an even better father."
As Barbara said those words, Commissioner Gordon could be seen wiping a few streaks of tears from his face. Barbara, too, seemed very emotional, but she controlled herself and went on.
"I'm beyond thankful for the opportunity to join the Ark Academies, and I hope to live up to the expectations I've set for myself, so that one day, I too can make Gotham better, in the same way as my father and, of course, Arias Markovic. Thank you."
Applause followed the short speech by Barbara as she quickly rushed back to her seat. Arias said nothing to her and just walked back to the podium.
"And on that note, I'd like to formally announce that the Ark Academies are open. I look forward to seeing the new age these children will bring—not just for Gotham, but for the world... and far beyond."
Arias declared before walking away. He now left the stage to the mayor, who could give his own speech and make use of the gathered people to better his image.
Barbara was quick to rush over to her father and give him a hug before approaching Arias with him.
The commissioner approached Arias with reddened eyes and cleared his throat before taking off his hat, as if to show respect.
He looked at Arias and gave a subtle nod before extending his hand to shake. Arias didn't hesitate to meet his hand and give him a firm handshake.
"Thank you, for helping my daughter chase her dreams in a way I never could," he said with some emotion in his voice, mostly a father's happiness.
Arias shook his head, playing the role of a charming role model excellently, and replied, "No, I should be thanking you. Even on her own, Barbara is truly gifted. I have no doubt that she'll achieve great things. It's up to you and me to ensure Gotham stays safe so she and the other children can reach their potential."
The commissioner smiled and nodded, accepting the praise and thanks. Bruce observed this scene from afar with a complex gaze.
Barbara noticed he was staring, and she glanced over, but quickly returned her gaze to Arias and her father.
Arias also noticed Bruce looking and decided to exchange a few words. "You two can proceed inside for the student opening ceremony. Let me speak to Mr. Wayne for a bit."
The commissioner didn't look pleased seeing Bruce, but he said nothing and just walked away with Barbara, who couldn't help but wonder what Arias wanted to say.
He came to a stop a few inches away from Bruce and spoke. "It's amazing what a little paper and a plan can achieve in our world, isn't it?"
Bruce frowned at the obvious provocation but didn't react aggressively. Instead, he just smiled and nodded. "That it is. It's even more amazing how much you can build off lies and deceit."
Arias smiled back and just shook his head. "Your parents would know better in that regard, Bruce. Until we meet again—hopefully by then, you'll see things more clearly."
Bruce frowned, but before he could speak, Arias began to walk away.