Chapter 149: Enemy Of The State Part 1

Although things had kicked off within the Ark Academies, things were moving at a slow and steady pace as both students and faculty found their bearings.

To help the students socialize better, Arias had his tech junkies create a social Networking app exclusive to students and faculty members, existing within what was being called the Leviathan network, Arias's private online portal.

Students and faculty simple needed their student or faculty ID's to register. This would help them socialize with one another, communicate freely and better know of what was going on.

Arias could only put his focus towards bettering the foundation of the schools since his true plans couldn't start until the government stopped their snooping and the students got comfortable.

Classes lasted half a day for now with students being encouraged to join clubs for the afternoon. The clubs that existed so far were simple and basic with those that involved super powers being only theory based for the moment.

Arias knew the observers placed in his academies they weren't just there to find evidence they could use against him but also to scout children with potential.

Because of this, Arias announced on the private app to all students that using their powers for now was not allowed and that it was only temporary while the school arranged adequate gear, programs and teachers. And that breaking this rule would lead to expulsion.

It wasn't a solid plan since children were bound to use their powers in secret some time but better some than all. After all, no matter how rebellious, only a fool would risk giving up what the Ark Academies provided for no reason.

With the academies practically in static state progress wise, Arias turned his focus to Slade's matter.

The following day in the morning, while in his office at Markovic tower, Arias finally received a call from the president himself, passed on to him via Mercy.

He lounged in his chair and picked up the phone casually. "Good morning Mr. President, to what do I owe the pleasure?" He greeted, his tone lacking any hint of sincerity.

[ I know what you're trying to do and it won't work Arias Markovic. The cabinet is already planning some very undesirable decisions in response to what you've done, so do the smart thing and just call of this silly campaign you want to start.]

Without hesitation, Arias broke into laughter, genuinely amused by the president's words.

[ I assure I'm not joking. The last thing you'd want is to become the enemy of the state.]

Arias's laughter trailed off and he sighed while shaking his head.

"And I assure you, the last thing you'd want is to have me as an enemy Mr. President."

[ Is that supposed to be a threat? You think we have no counter to that little display you put on? If you think that and some wealth is enough to let you do what you want then you're very wrong Mr. Markovic. I called you in good faith to provide you this warning, it'll be too late to change your mind later I assure you.]

Arias simply smiled and kept his reply short, "Do your worst, and I'll do mine." Without waiting for a reply, Arias cut the call and stood up from his seat, lifting his blazer off it and carrying it over his shoulder.

As he walked out of his office, he turned to Mercy who was seemingly busy at work, she looked at him with narrowed eyes. "I'm guessing it didn't go well?"

Arias smiled and nodded. "It didn't. You'll have to run things in my place for a little bit." He revealed.

Mercy showed a confused look and had a bad feeling. Before she could say anything though a foreign sound caught her attention and her office phone began to buzz.

[ Bzzt, Miss Graves, there's government vehicles here demanding entry into the premises… uhm what do I do?]

Along with the sudden reveal, came the sound of helicopters hovering around the tower. Arias remained calm and just smiled, "Wow, I must've really shaken some nerves with my move." He smiled and uttered.

Mercy though looked worried and pulled out an assortment of guns from under her desk. "What the fuck is going on? What did you tell the president?"

Arias stopped her dead in her tracks. "Put those away. I simply told him to fuck off and now he's hurt. It's just a minor inconvenience." He revealed.

Mercy listened and stopped, recognizing that Arias likely had a plan, similar to Lex. "So what? They're just gonna arrest you for supporting Slade?"

The entire situation seemed a bit baffling. But Arias didn't have time to explain.

[ Miss Graves! They've forced their way in, they're coming into the parking lot, what do I do?]

Mercy looked more concerned but Arias just spoke into the device with a calm demeanor. "As you were, they're invited."

Without explaining much, Arias turned away from Mercy and repeated. "Like I said, just make sure things run smoothly while I'm away. Slade will brief you on the rest, you and him are in charge."

Saying nothing more, Arias began to walk away. Mercy still very much confused asked one final thing. "Then transfer your assets, whatever you did they're just going to freeze them like they did for Lex."

Arias paused by the elevator door and cracked a smile while shaking his head. "If they could they would've already done so. All my assets have been under Tara's name since the day I adopted her and are overseen by 14 different international law firms. I'll see you soon."

He simply waived at Mercy and stepped into the elevator, his demeanor still relaxed as the elevator began to descend.

Out of the nowhere though, his phone buzzed and he quickly checked the caller I.D, only to see it was Tara. He showed a small smile at this and muttered. "Another unexpected occurrence, today is just full of surprises."

He then picked up the call and answered casually. "Yes? Everything okay Tara?"

[ Wha-, I don't know, the news is buzzing right now saying that you're wanted in suspicion to the murder of Amanda Waller and others, what's going on? Are you going to be okay?]

Arias couldn't stop himself from chuckling at her, her mild concern a welcome surprise. "I'll be fine, this will blow over before you know it, for now just focus on adjusting to this new life, I have big expectations of you."

[ …Alright, well… just be careful… please.]

Even in such an abrupt situation, Tara found it hard and awkward to express her genuine feelings of concern for Arias.

Soon though, Arias cut the call just as he reached the bottom of the elevator. As soon as the doors opened, he was met with numerous federal agents and teams pointing fire arms at him.

"Freeze! Arias Markovic, you're under arrest for-."

Arias didn't even allow the man in the lead to finish his sentence as he interrupted and spoke.

"Your president must be pretty desperate to resort to an unlawful arrest just to keep me at bay, or is it something else you're planning?" He asked casually but the man remained firm and just began to approach.

"Put your hands up or we will be forced to use force." He warned, but made no sudden movements after looking at a camera present in the hall.

Arias noticed this small gesture but he just smiled. "When you wake up, tell your president he's made a grave mistake."

Before the man could understand the words spoken, he and everyone else in the lobby suddenly clutched their throats in pain, feeling like their could no longer breathe.

Some tried to resist and looked ready and shot a some bullets at Arias but each one just stopped inches away from him.

Arias's smile faded and he looked around before walking casually past the suffocating agents. By the time he reached the door, many lost consciousness and were nearing death. Luckily for them he stopped immediately he reached the door.

But as a precaution.

"Ahh!!" Numerous screams filled the lobby as all of the agents had their hands and legs broken by an unseen force.

Arias looked at them coldly and just shook his head before walking out and turning his attention to the helicopters above.

A/N: It's finally time for some dominance beyond belief. This though I'm not giving a bonus until the book is back in the top 8, a bonus chain if top 5. Enjoy.