Batman navigated the dark, winding roads leading to the Batcave with practiced ease. The Batmobile roared through the dense forest, the hidden entrance not far ahead, concealed behind a flowing waterfall.
As he approached, a subtle command activated the hidden sensors, causing the waterfall to part and reveal a sleek, reinforced tunnel.
The Batmobile's engine growled as it entered the tunnel, the walls lined with advanced security measures and automated turrets that recognized the vehicle and stood down. The tunnel curved downward, opening into the vast expanse of the Batcave.
Batman parked the Batmobile in its designated spot, the vehicle hissing as it settled into place. He quickly exited, his cape flowing slightly as he walked towards the central command area where Alfred was seated in front of the Batcomputer, the many screens casting a blue glow over Alfred's focused expression.
"Welcome back, Master Bruce," Alfred said without looking up from the screen. "I apologize for not greeting you properly, but we have encountered a grave issue."
Batman stood next to Alfred, his gaze fixed on the screens. "What issue?"
Alfred's fingers moved over the keyboard as he explained, "The data I managed to download from the operatives is corrupted, same issue with our satellite imagery. It likely possesses counter malware that I'm currently trying to locate. I've already locked the main data banks, but I can't be sure if we're completely secure."
Batman nodded, not surprised by the development. "It's likely a countermeasure Arias put in place, knowing he would be monitored."
Just then, the elevator a few feet behind them chimed softly as Batgirl and Robin arrived. The doors slid open, and Robin stepped out immediately, his expression tense. "Is this about Arias Markovich?" he asked immediately.
Batgirl followed him, her face showing the same concern. "It has to be. My friends can't stop talking about him being at the academies right now."
Batman turned to Robin, his expression serious. "Yes, I called you both here because of Arias. But it needs to discussed with the rest of the league before any conclusions can be drawn."
Robin nodded, taking in the information. "What do you need us to do for now?"
"I want you to come with me," Batman instructed. He then turned to Batgirl. "Barbara, I need you to return to the Ark Academies and monitor the situation."
Batgirl frowned slightly, sensing the vagueness in his instructions. "Is there anything specific I should look out for?"
"No," Batman replied. "Just go about your time as a student would, but keep a keen eye on things."
Batgirl couldn't help but feel a bit of frustration. Inwardly, she thought, 'he doesn't trust me like he trusts Robin.' Nevertheless, she nodded. "Understood. I'll get right on it."
As Batgirl left, Robin turned to Batman. "You know she won't be happy being left out."
Batman nodded his tone unchanging. "I know, but it can't be helped. I'm not sure she can't be manipulated by him."
Robin raised an eyebrow. "So, you don't trust Batgirl to know whatever it is we're going to do?"
Batman shook his head. "It's more complicated than that. Go start preparing. We leave in 30 minutes."
———
Back at the Ark Academies, Arias finished rolling down his sleeves after the tests when Doctor October approached him, her excitement clear. "Mr. Markovich, at first, your cells and genetic material seemed completely incompatible, but then they quickly adapted, almost like a universal cell. Your DNA could be the key to countless breakthroughs!"
Before she could continue, Arias raised a hand, cutting her off. "Use the samples I've given you for the intended purpose only. I trust you to ensure they aren't used in any other way."
Doctor October's shoulders slumped slightly, her disappointment evident. "It's a waste, but I'll comply." She then hesitated before asking, "Just what are you, Mr. Markovich?"
Arias smirked. "Nothing more than a businessman. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."
———
Leaving the lab complex, Arias made his way back to the parking lot. Swarms of students followed him, though none could get close due to the invisible force still repelling them.
As he arrived at the parking lot, the men waiting for him quickly formed a blockade, preventing the students from following him as he approached the car.
Instead of entering the vehicle, Arias hovered to the top of one SUV, facing the crowd of students fighting for his attention. Raising a hand, he gestured for silence. "Please, a moment of your time," he called out.
The students quieted down and they focused their attention on him.
Arias looked over the sea of faces, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I understand you all have many questions and concerns. I can't answer them all right now, but I want you to know that change is coming. Your future is bright if you seize the opportunities before you. Study hard, stay curious, and don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot achieve."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. The students listened intently, hanging on his every word.
"Innovation, progress, and courage are the keys to shaping a better world. Remember that each of you has the potential to make a difference. The path ahead is not always easy, but it is always worth it."
Arias continued to address the captivated students, his voice steady and authoritative. "Everyone enrolled in the Ark Academies is special. You should carry yourselves as such. Whether you believe in what I do or not is irrelevant. I have no interest in picking a direction in life for you."
He paused, scanning the crowd, ensuring his words resonated. "I only want to give you the opportunity I wished I had growing up. As you continue to study, focus on what you want to become, not what others tell you simply because you are associated with the academies I founded. My decisions are my own, and so are yours."
The students listened intently, the weight of his words settling over them like a mantle of responsibility and freedom. Arias smiled, a genuine expression that softened his usually stern features. "Goodnight and good luck."
With that, he hovered off the SUV and entered the waiting vehicle. As the door closed behind him, the convoy began to move, the roar of the engines mingling with the cheers of the students. They waved and called out to him, their admiration clear.
As the cars drove away from the Ark Academies, Arias watched the cheering students through the tinted windows, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. The seeds of influence had been planted deeply, and he knew that in time, they would bear fruit.
-----
E/N: For those curious about the Arias's Nigh-Omnipotence, author uses this structure;
Arias's Powers & Weaknesses (As of Current Chapter) (GOTO Abilities Log Entry#2.0)
Powers
Reality Manipulation – Can rewrite, alter, or nullify physical laws and metaphysical structures at will.
Causal Override – Cause and effect bend to his intent; events can unfold without origin or explanation.
Selective Omniscience – Possesses near-total awareness of existence but filters information consciously or unconsciously.
Existence Creation/Erasure – Able to create or completely unmake lifeforms, objects, realms, or universal constants.
Immortality/Invulnerability – Cannot be harmed, aged, or destroyed unless bound by higher cosmic rules.
Temporal Sovereignty – Total control over time, including movement, manipulation, isolation, and erasure of moments.
Conceptual Manipulation – Can alter, erase, or redefine abstract concepts such as death, fear, gravity, or memory.
Multiversal Travel – Moves freely between dimensions, timelines, and alternate realities.
Narrative Control – Alters storylines, destiny, or perception—rendering fate irrelevant.
Omni-Magic – Access to all magical systems, including forgotten or forbidden arts across time and space.
Omni-Elemental Control – Wields and embodies all elemental forces, including primordial and arcane.
Soul Dominion – Can sense, manipulate, consume, or liberate souls across existence.
Perception Warping – Can prevent others from perceiving, remembering, or comprehending him.
Absolute Telepathy– Reads, influences, or reshapes minds on a cosmic scale.
Will Imposition – The universe responds to his desires, no invocation or ritual needed.
Weakness:
Incomplete Omniversal Presence – Arias's full capabilities are not yet realized. His power is bound by the expansion of his omniversal awareness, which occurs gradually through epiphanies, emotional triggers, or exposure to higher realities. Until this growth reaches maturity, there remain gaps in knowledge, instinctive use, and control over certain aspects of his inheritance as The One True Vessel.