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 working quickly to launch drones that would fly through cities and filter the air, while also asking local mask distributors and manufacturers to aid 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.
Due to something he had learned from Lex's memories, Arias came to collect something in Star City. As soldiers rushed closer to the city and police officers commanded 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 given the circumstances. With no eyes on him, Arias casually walked into an alleyway.
It was cold and decrepit, with the only sound being the distant sirens from police vehicles and ambulances. Arias walked through the quiet alleyway until he reached the midpoint, 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 the alleyway began to pick up, with nearby wrappers and papers flying in the air in a circular manner. Immediately, 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 Cheshire'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 them, revealing Arias in front of them. Cheshire smirked mischievously and put her hand on her hip, 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 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. 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, keeping her hand on her hip and 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 for them to move out of his way.
As he passed between them and began walking toward the other exit of the alley, Cheshire immediately walked by his right-hand side, scanning the alleyway for any unseen eyes.
Raven, on the other hand, was more casual as she hovered to his left, following his 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 to 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 to scatter the personnel of the military."
After Arias finished speaking, Raven felt she had a piece of the puzzle, but she still couldn't figure out what it connected to. Cheshire felt the same, but rather than remaining silent, she asked outright, "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 to Cheshire.
The folder was stained with some blood, and it was marked "Classified" on 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."