Arias made his way down to the building's lobby, his steps audible in the expansive, marble-floored space.
He found the commanding officer waiting for him with a few men, their expressions one either fear or barely contained anger.
The commanding officer's face was especially tight, his jaw clenched in a visible effort to maintain his composure. Arias approached them casually, his demeanor calm and collected. "Are you ready to leave?" he asked, his tone almost mocking.
The commanding officer took a deep breath, struggling to keep his anger in check. "Mr. Markovich," he began, his voice tight with restraint, "we are tasked to protect you, not to escort you around like we're your subordinates."
Arias's eyes glowed for a brief moment, a dangerous light flickering within them. Simultaneously, the lights in the lobby flickered, casting eerie shadows across the room. He sighed deeply, his patience quickly wearing thin. "I'm already in a very bad mood," he said, his voice low and menacing. "So either leave if you're not satisfied with your orders or shut up and do as you're told. Because if I were to kill you here and now, your government wouldn't bat an eye. The fact that I can say this while being monitored is proof enough."
The commanding officer's face remained stern, but the men behind him looked visibly nervous, their eyes darting around as if seeking an escape route. Arias took a step closer, his presence almost suffocatiing. "If you're done making your stand, I suggest we get moving. I've wasted enough time with the likes of you."
For a moment, there was a tense silence. The commanding officer held Arias's gaze as a numerous thoughts run through his mind. Finally, he gave a small nod. "Very well," he agreed, his voice devoid of the previous hostility. "Prepare a vehicle and an escort convoy," he ordered his men.
The commanding officer turned back to Arias, his demeanor now more resigned than defiant. "Where do you plan to go?" he asked.
"The Ark Academies," Arias replied, his tone leaving no room for further questions.
The commanding officer nodded once more, signaling his men to begin the preparations. Arias stood patiently, his demeanor exuding confidence and control as he watched the men scramble to organize the convoy.
Within minutes, a sleek, armored vehicle pulled up to the entrance, flanked by several escort cars. The commanding officer gestured towards the convoy, his expression neutral but his eyes showing a flicker of reluctance. "We're ready," he said simply.
Arias gave a satisfied nod, stepping towards the vehicle. As he climbed into the back seat, he cast a final glance at the commanding officer. "Remember, Commander," he said, his voice carrying a hint of menace, "I don't make threats. I make promises."
The officer stiffened slightly but remained silent, his gaze locked on Arias as the door closed behind him. The convoy roared to life, engines rumbling as they set off towards the Ark Academies.
As Arias was en route to the Ark Academies, the news of his unexpected arrival in Gotham spread like wildfire. Every corner of the internet seemed to buzz with the news.
Forums, radio talk shows, and social media platforms were flooded with discussions, arguments, and speculations about his presence.
On a popular social media platform, a heated debate raged in the comments section of a post about Arias's arrival:
———
**@GothamCitizen99:** "Can you believe this? Arias Markovich in Gotham! This guy is a war criminal. What is our city coming to?"
**@Justice4All:** "War criminal? Please. He's exposing the real criminals—the governments. We need more people like him."
**@ArkStudent12:** "Well, looks like he's heading for the Ark Academies now. Just saw the convoy pull up. Crazy stuff happening!"
**@PeaceLover:** "He's nothing but a terrorist. How can anyone support him after everything he's done?"
**@TechGuru:** "If he's here, it's for a reason. The man doesn't move without a plan. Let's wait and see."
———
Radio talk shows also caught wind of the news, with hosts and callers alike voicing their opinions:
———
**Host:** "Ladies and gentlemen, Arias Markovich has been spotted in Gotham. What does this mean for our city? Call in and let us know what you think."
**Caller 1:** "This is bad news. Gotham doesn't need more trouble. He's dangerous!"
**Caller 2:** "I think it's good. He's challenging the corrupt systems. Maybe it's time Gotham had a shake-up. Any Gotham citizen who ignores what he's done for us so far is just blind or stupid."
———
As the convoy neared the Ark Academies, students hanging about the campus couldn't help but notice the commotion. Smartphones were whipped out, and pictures and videos of the scene began flooding social media.
The convoy came to a halt at the gate, causing a minor uproar among the students. The commanding officer in the lead car leaned out of the window, barking orders at the gate guard. "Open the gate. We're bringing in Mr. Markovich."
The guard, looking flustered, shook his head. "I'm sorry, sir, but I haven't been informed of any such group coming through."
The officer's face darkened with anger. "Listen, we're bringing in your boss. Open the gate."
Still unsure, the guard hesitated until a voice crackled through his earpiece. "This is Dr. October. It's Mr. Markovich. Let them pass."
Beads of sweat forming on his forehead, the guard quickly complied, opening the gate with a trembling hand. The convoy rolled into the campus, parking in a large, spacious lot that quickly drew even more students, curious about the sudden influx of vehicles.
As the men exited the cars, they began ordering the students to scatter. The scene grew tense until Arias stepped out of his vehicle, his presence commanding immediate attention. "Leave them be," he instructed, his tone calling for no argument.
The commanding officer, still seething from earlier, stepped forward. "Mr. Markovich, this is a security risk."
Arias's gaze drifted to a young boy being restrained by one of the guards. His eyes narrowed. "The only security risk here is you," he said, his voice low but carrying an unmistakable threat. "Touch my students again, and you will pay. Wait for me in the parking lot. If you can't do this, I'm afraid I'll have to kick you out."
The commanding officer's jaw tightened. "Our orders are clear."
Arias's smile was cold, his eyes glowing ominously. "That's a shame," he said, the air around him seeming to grow heavier. The lights of the vehicles flickered.
The commanding officer hesitated, clearly torn between his duty and the very real threat Arias posed.
Finally, he nodded, signaling his men to stand down. "We'll wait here," he said, his voice strained.
Arias smiled at the answer.
"As you should."