Chapter 150: Enemy of the State Part 3

As Rose drove through the Gotham streets with haste, Arias focused his attention on the tiny screens in the back, which displayed the latest news regarding him.

**[And it has just been confirmed that Gotham billionaire philanthropist Arias Markovic is a suspect in the murder of Amanda Waller, who served as a high-ranking official in the United States Department of Defense for over a decade.]**

**[Not much is known yet, but footage has been revealed of the chaotic scene that took place at Markovic Tower. The agents sent to apprehend Mr. Markovic have been found gravely wounded inside the lobby, a result of Mr. Markovic's metahuman powers.]** 

**[Even more disturbing, the helicopters circling his building were also caused to crash, leaving no survivors. In response, the government has issued a nationwide manhunt for the elusive billionaire and has asked all police departments to cooperate with federal agencies as they try to track him down.]** 

**[He was last seen in Gotham and is believed to still be within the city. Gotham Police Commissioner Gordon has refused to comment on the situation but says they are already making an effort to close the harbors and secure the airports to prevent him from leaving. This has been—]**

Arias didn't need to listen further and simply turned off the monitor.

Harley, who sat upfront with her legs resting on the dashboard, frowned while cleaning her guns. 

"These news broads always annoy the heck outta me. I just point my gun at their fake tits and boom—silicone everywhere!" 

Rose remained focused on driving but occasionally glanced out the window. There was no sign of anyone pursuing them, not even when they passed a few police cars. 

"Is it just me, or are they not chasing us?" she asked, glancing at the rearview mirror and seeing Arias relaxing, unfazed. 

"Don't think too much on it. Just get us to the airport before external reinforcements arrive," he suggested, leaning back into his seat, sinking into his thoughts, and planning his next moves.

Rose nodded and drove as fast as she could. It didn't take long for them to reach the airport, where she drove through the police roadblock with surprising ease, as no officers were nearby. 

Even the officers who fired at the car miraculously missed all their shots. Rose didn't have to think much on it—it was plainly clear they weren't really trying to stop them. 

Harley, however, didn't pick up on the obvious and just laughed. 

"Man, anyone can become a cop these days. Those guys have stormtrooper aim." 

But she wasn't alone in her obliviousness, as Wonder Woman hovered near Arias's window and asked, "Should I deal with those people of law enforcement? Their weapons seem to be of no threat, and their skill is atrocious." 

Arias shook his head. "No, they're harmless," he replied, not wanting to explain the idea of dirty cops to the justice-loving Diana. 

Soon, the car reached the airport's runway and sped toward a luxurious private jet. There were no police cars in sight, and one could really wonder what was going on. 

Just when it seemed like they were about to be home free, a lone figure emerged from the skies and landed near the jet's entrance. It was Superman. 

Harley was the first to frown as she locked in the magazine to her gun. 

"Oh great, who called Superman?" she complained, but didn't look at all fazed. 

Rose also didn't appear worried, but Wonder Woman did, having seen Superman fight before. She knew his strength was something that even gods would acknowledge. 

As the vehicle stopped, Wonder Woman was the first to hover off its roof and land in front of the car, inches away from Superman, who stood with his arms crossed, expression serious. 

"I don't want to hurt you, Diana. Move aside. That man you're protecting took innocent lives, and he has to answer for that," he said flatly. 

Wonder Woman wasn't having it. She unsheathed her sword and brandished her shield. She banged her sword against it twice and took up a fighting stance, staring at Superman.

"These accusations originate from the same leaders who sought to manipulate and use me and my people! Their words mean less than nothing to me. I choose to stand by my friend, whom I've seen better the lives of many." 

Superman frowned. It became clear that words wouldn't get through to her, and he was about to make a move when, suddenly, Diana acted first. 

She threw her shield with immense strength, its thin edge hitting Superman in the eyes and temporarily stunning him. 

Using the brief moment gained, she charged and delivered a vicious uppercut, sending him flying several feet into the air. 

However, Superman quickly recovered midair, shook it off, and narrowed his eyes at Diana. Before he could make a move, he felt his entire body freeze up, unable to move no matter how hard he tried to break free. 

In the next moment, Arias stepped out of his car and looked up at Superman casually while gesturing for Wonder Woman to stand down.

"Let's not waste our time—things will get heated if reinforcements arrive," he explained briefly before turning back and nodding at Rose. 

Rose nodded back and soon emerged from the vehicle's sunroof, holding a long, unique-looking rifle. She casually took aim at Superman, who didn't seem fazed by it. 

Without hesitation, she fired a single loud and powerful shot. 

**Bang!** 

Superman's once-confident expression turned bitter as he coughed up blood. The shot had penetrated his body, leaving behind a small circular wound that glowed faintly green. 

Arias smiled upon seeing Superman's expression shift and released him from the telekinetic hold, allowing him to plummet weakly to the ground. 

'Luthor would be happy to know his obsessive knowledge regarding Superman was put to ideal use. At least it means I don't need to reveal my true capabilities yet.' 

Diana looked at Arias with confusion, wondering what had just happened. 

Even Rose seemed surprised that the shot worked, while Harley was ecstatic. 

"Wow! I need me one of those guns!" 

Diana quickly shook off her surprise and focused on the situation. She approached the fallen Superman with her sword, ready to deliver a killing blow. 

However, Arias stopped her. "Don't, Diana. Leave him be and let's go." 

These words brought surprise to Wonder Woman, Rose, and Harley. 

Normally, Diana would agree with Arias, but she remained stubborn this time. 

"Sparing a powerful foe is foolish, Arias. He will only return stronger and more well-prepared. Allow me to end this here and now." 

Arias approached the fallen Superman, who was groaning in pain, and shook his head. 

"Like you said before, Diana, he is a victim of the lies the leaders of state formed against me. He means well, but he is simply blinded. If I kill him, the many lives he protects will also suffer in turn. How could I possibly do that?" 

He revealed in a somewhat righteous tone. 

Rose, who heard those words, didn't believe Arias's pretense, but Diana lowered her head for a moment and accepted it. She sighed and sheathed her sword. 

"You are a good man, Arias. This world does not deserve your kindness, but I will respect your choice, as it was your wise words that saved me from becoming a tool like him." 

After saying those words, Diana picked up her shield and boarded the plane, looking at Superman's figure with pity. 

Harley pranced over and poked Superman with her gun. 

"Well, what'd ya know? Not so tough when, uh… I don't have a saying, but you ain't so tough!" 

"Enough, Harley. Get on the plane. You too, Rose, and start it up," Arias instructed. Harley pranced away but not before making faces at Superman as if taunting him. "Neh-Neh-Neh-Neh." 

Rose paused near Arias and also glanced at Superman, only to shake her head. 

"I don't even want to know how you and Dad knew this would work," she muttered before walking away. 

Superman, whose vision grew hazier by the moment, looked at Arias with frustration. Arias only laughed. 

"Don't worry, like I said, I won't kill you. I want the agony and disbelief you're feeling to leave a lasting impression. I'm curious to see how the Man of Steel will recover from realizing he isn't invincible. Until we meet again, Clark Kent." 

With a fleeting snicker, Arias walked away and boarded the jet, leaving the fallen Superman on the runway.