Following the broadcast of Arias's interview, social media lit up with discussions surrounding his decision. As predicted, opinions were divided. A good majority expressed sadness at the news, wishing he would stay, while others were glad he left, mocking those who supported him.
This reaction from the general public was calculated. However, those in the upper classes, knowledgeable enough to understand, showed concern and confusion. They thought the general public was foolish to believe Arias's choice had no deeper meaning behind it. But what could it be?
The typical upper-class mindset was greedy. Although well-informed, their view of the world was short-sighted. To them, money made the world go round, and 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 left the community equally confused. Why would someone give up the amount of power Arias held? Many didn't truly believe he had done this and felt it was a cover for something deeper. What exactly, they didn't know—and the unknown was always a scary thing.
Unbeknownst to the 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 in international waters, he was practically a ghost.
Arias knew that leaving his position would make him the center of attention, with many in power wary of his activities. So, the first step of his departure required him to disappear for a while—or at least not be identified. For this, Arias had Mercy prepare a high-tech, semi-armored, form-fitting suit, similar to what Batman and even Slade sometimes 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 into the suit and adjusting to its feel. Its design, although simple, was incredibly complex, featuring many elements that put it in a class of its own. The colors were dim—grey and black—with the brightest piece being the helmet, which had an amber hue by default.
The only drawback was its weight, but this wasn't something Arias needed to worry about. To him, it perfectly met his demands. After finishing with the base suit, the helmet automatically enclosed over his head, and 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 at Ark Academy, where scientists were working to create the world's most advanced AI. Although the VI Arias possessed wasn't the best, it met the requirements he had given Mercy.
Arias smiled under the helmet 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 as he looked 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 behind her, also looking to enter the armory. "Gee, you'd think the ocean would be the wettest thing out here."
What was intended as an insult didn't bother Cheshire in the least. She walked into the armory and began preparing herself. "I know, right? Just goes to show what the boss can do."
Her slow, cheeky, and sensual way of talking was something Poison Ivy was beginning to hate. But Ivy chose to ignore her and turned her attention to Arias, not caring about his new appearance.
"It's the middle of the night at sea. Why are you two gearing up? If you think I'll be of any help out here, you're in for a 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, now fully dressed, began browsing through weaponry, intending to use guns to maintain 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," he pointed out. His voice, altered by the suit, now sounded deeper and somewhat menacing.
"Oh really? The little plant is scared of the dark? Life in Gotham must've been hard, huh?" Cheshire took any opportunity to push Ivy's buttons.
But Arias decided to put an end to it as he settled on his weapons: two pistols, an assault rifle, and a high-tech, extendable sniper rifle.
"She's technically a plant. It only makes sense for her to love sunlight. Anyway, to answer your question about where we're going, the answer is Metropolis," Arias revealed while walking out of the armory, with Cheshire following behind.
The trio headed to the deck, where Raven was already sitting cross-legged, 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 too early for her to take an active role in his plans.
Hearing their footsteps, Raven came out of meditation and looked toward them, saying nothing. She followed their gazes, all of which were directed toward the distant harbor of Metropolis.
"Why Metropolis? I hear it's become a hellhole now. Pretty much the entire criminal population rushed there the second they heard Superman was out of the picture," Poison Ivy said, crossing her arms with a light frown.
Arias, however, didn't share Ivy's outlook on Metropolis and seemed more intrigued. "I have business there, and we also need to pick up the fourth member of this little group."
"Then what about her?" Cheshire pointed to Raven, who remained as inexpressive as ever, unsure of how to contribute to the conversation.
Arias shifted his gaze to Raven and answered, "Hopefully, our fourth member's new protégé."