Chapter 88: Gotham’s Future Part 2

Following Arias's announcement, various news outlets began reporting extensively on the story. The world's first true institute that welcomed superhuman and extraterrestrial beings and offered courses in those fields was a significant event—one that caught the eyes of many. It was especially reassuring that the owner was Arias, someone whom the alien and superhuman community had a positive image of due to his words at the gathering in Washington.

Even before the official date for these new courses was announced, many applications began pouring into both Gotham High and Gotham State University. Some came from potential students, while others were from adults wanting to teach a unique field they specialized in.

Aside from the announcements Arias made, he didn't provide further details regarding this new project of his. Many things still needed to be done before he could confidently promise anything specific. Right now, the only thing the public knew was that both institutions would be receiving expansions, "sponsored" by the many elite of Gotham City that Arias had in his hold.

Things such as land, resources, equipment, and building materials were all available in abundance within Gotham, hence readily available for Arias to use. With so much to do, Arias got to work immediately the next day. The first thing he did was issue a statement concerning applications.

Due to the changes that would be occurring in both institutions, the criteria for selection and requirements for certain courses would change. He also made it clear that those looking to apply as students should wait until a given date, likely in a week, so that he and the board members could properly organize and decide on what new courses would appear.

After that, people wanting to apply could send out their applications and short essays about themselves and why they felt they would be a good fit for the institute. Those lacking funds were still encouraged to apply, as he made it clear that numerous scholarships would be offered. He also added that superhumans and aliens would receive majority selection for obvious reasons.

On paper, this seemed like standard protocol given the changes occurring in the university. But in reality, these short essays were just a way for Arias to profile those with great potential and know how to handle them accordingly.

As for those looking to get teaching jobs, applications were already open. Before he could introduce new courses, he needed to ensure that the appropriate people were available to teach. As an added incentive to lure more applications, the pay offered was higher than that of any other known university in the country.

With these key things announced to the public, Arias could only wait for applications while focusing on the expansion and construction of new facilities on each respective campus.

...

As days passed, Arias received both praise and negative criticism concerning the new project. Some called him a rich playboy way over his head, while others called him a pioneer of the new age.

With a tragic backstory and negligible criminal history, Arias was very hard to criticize negatively. Thus far, he had used his wealth for the benefit of his city and made it one of the safest and fastest-developing cities in the world. All this while possessing a net worth of less than $5 billion. In comparison, Bruce Wayne, who had greater wealth, resources, and connections, failed to do the same for his city.

The cover of a playboy that Bruce used to mask his serious nature as Batman had now come back to bite him. As Bruce, although he made many donations, he also spent money luxuriously and carelessly, throwing lavish parties, traveling to exotic destinations, and so on.

Now, every time someone tried to criticize Arias or what he had done, they needed to be ready to have their names dragged through the mud by his supportive cult following. The worst part was that their words would do little to harm his image—the resume he boasted was just too incredible to question.

...

While all this was happening, Lex Luthor was locked up within one of the cells inside the Gotham Police Department's main building. The case he had thought would be easy to beat was proving to be anything but that. With loads of evidence against him, Luthor knew he wouldn't come out as innocent but hoped that at least he could post bail and let his lawyers do the work while he focused on other matters.

Sadly, that plan crumbled as he was denied bail and left to await his next trial date within a cell.

He was currently seated on a lone bed within that very cell, with a visible frown on his face. Outside his cell stood an older man in a neat suit with a briefcase in hand. Luthor looked toward that man with an unimpressed look and spoke. "How's it looking? Community service? A fine? House arrest? Anything is better than being cooped up in here," he voiced in a very dissatisfied manner.

However, the older man, who was Luthor's lawyer, sighed and shook his head. "The way it's looking, we'll be lucky to get 36 months with a chance of early release on account of good behavior."

The lawyer's revelation caused Luthor to stand up in surprise and approach the metal bars of the cell with furrowed brows. "36 months!? I'm paying you good money to get me out within a week!"

The lawyer lowered his head and shook it side to side. "There's just too much evidence; unless you know someone on the inside, this case cannot be won," the man revealed with a helpless sigh.

Before Luthor could say anything more, a police officer approached and gestured for the lawyer to come over. "Alright, time's up."

"I've done the best I can, Mr. Luthor. Call me if you have anything that can make this case work in our favor." With those parting words, the lawyer left with the officer, leaving Luthor to lament his situation.

Luthor clicked his tongue in clear irritation before going to take a seat on the edge of the bed. Before he could even start to ponder the situation, he heard a set of light footsteps, thinking it was a guard. But as the figure appeared in front of his cell, Luthor looked even more displeased as he muttered, "You…"