Chapter 61: Like a Thief in the Night, Part 1

Arias and Slade discussed the terms of employment for about an hour before bidding each other farewell. After he left, a displeased Rose spoke up against her father's decision.

"Free trial? I don't know about you, but I don't work for free. So what if he isn't your everyday rich guy?" She crossed her arms and vented, but Slade cared very little for her opinion.

"No one's forcing you to join me. You're free to strike out on your own if you think you can handle the Justice League or, worse, the League of Assassins. We need a public cover, but not many billionaires will associate themselves with us. Plus… I'm curious as to what this kid is planning."

Rose still wasn't fully on board with the idea, but she reluctantly agreed with the less dangerous option.

The following day, Slade and Rose got busy arranging a security detail for Arias. It wasn't strictly necessary, but maintaining appearances was crucial. Within two days, Slade had organized a security detail that could rival that of a president—armored luxury SUVs, more than a hundred well-trained mercenaries taking on roles as drivers, guards, and more—all working under Slade himself.

He was using Arias to hide his operation in plain sight. Slade had long been one of the best in the business, so much so that demand for his services was overwhelming. To meet this demand, he started his own organization, recruiting talented youngsters, either orphaned or criminal, and training them to be deadly killers.

This venture was somewhat successful, but it quickly made him a target for the League of Assassins, who considered such operations "their duty." First came an offer—Ra's al Ghul, the leader of the League, recognized talent when he saw it and attempted to recruit Slade, on the condition that he abandon his dishonorable ways. When this failed miserably, assassination attempts followed, but they too failed.

In the end, Slade lost market share because more people feared the League than him. The best he could do was take on minor jobs that didn't pay much or organize his own heists. But with the Justice League now formed… this was troublesome.

The best solution? Have a billionaire back you and your operations. Arias had already agreed to let Slade use his people in the security detail, but he could see the ulterior motives and was ready for them.

…

The third day arrived, and it was now time for the three-day-long Gala to begin.

On the first day, the various powers would attend something like an evening ball at Washington's most luxurious hotel. According to the U.S. president, Pete Ross, this was done so that the many delegates could mingle and talk freely with each other in preparation for the second day, the assembly.

During the second day, the representatives of various nations and global organizations that played key roles in the world's economy would convene and discuss measures to ensure the Earth doesn't get invaded again. This assembly would be broadcast live for the entire world to see.

Then on the third day, another assembly would be held, but this time reporters from various news stations would be allowed entry to ask questions on behalf of the public to certain representatives.

…

Since it was now day one, the city was abuzz from early morning. Hundreds of citizens flooded the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of the delegates making their way to the ball venue later that evening.

As for the venue itself, it was like a red-carpet event. Many reporters and fans stood outside the building, ready to see what outfits the world's elite would be wearing and who their dates would be.

But since it was still early morning, Arias was just lounging in his suite, with preparations already made.

Soon, though, he heard a loud boom as his front door was busted open. He rushed to the scene and found Slade wearing a serious expression with his gun pointed at an uninvited guest: Wonder Woman.

She had flown to Arias's building quite fast and entered through the balcony, but not without one of Slade's men picking up on her and alerting him, thus creating this situation.

"Stand down," Arias gestured for Slade to lower his firearm before turning to Diana and asking, "I don't think I've done anything to warrant a visit from a member of the League, have I?"

Aside from that one brief encounter he shared with the carefree Amazonian princess, Arias hadn't spoken to Diana at all, and in his mind, they were strangers. So then why the visit? It was only natural to be cautious, but he didn't want Slade to shoot first and ask questions later.

Knowing no wrong, the proud Diana puffed out her chest confidently and revealed her reason for being there. "You can put your little weapon away. I am not here to invade but to create friendships."

Slade was slack-jawed. "Little? People really forget I'm called Deathstroke, huh."

Ignoring his comment, Arias raised a brow at Diana and inquired further. "Friendships? So you flew in here just to ask if we could be friends? Correct?"

Diana nodded quickly and agreed. "Yes. I had asked Sister Steven to arrange a meeting with you three days ago, but he has been busy. Thus, I took it upon myself to meet you and express the desire to be friends. What say you?"

Her question came across more like a challenge to do battle as she raised her sword toward him out of habit.

Arias wondered if she was put up to this, but judging from her carefree nature and straightforward personality, it was unlikely that she was part of any scheme.

So, he agreed. "Sure, it's not every day you gain a fine… warrior as a friend."

Diana's values weren't like those of a common woman, so he didn't try to impress her with sophistry or woo her. But he did use her naïve nature against her.

"Come to think of it, have you decided on who you will attend the ball with? If not, you and I should go as friends," he offered quite smoothly.

Slade just observed and nodded his head in approval before giving an assist. "How thoughtful of you, boss. Those events are always boring, but with a friend, you'll always have fun."

Any observant person could see Diana hated restrictions and loved freedom. Arias already knew that the government would likely arrange some stiff plans for her concerning the ball, and he would be right.

Steven had long introduced a schedule for her to follow at the ball, mostly concerning meeting with other important leaders who were on good terms with the U.S. and were eager to know the potential behind Themyscira, such as trade, minerals, and the like.

Such things bored her, and she disliked the idea of her land being used in that manner. Because of that, Arias's offer sounded far more appealing than she would have imagined.

"That sounds great, but I'm unsure if Sister Steven will agree…" Despite being oblivious to his feelings, Diana clearly trusted Steven and his word.

So, Arias needed to give her a little push while not sounding like he was urging her.

"That's all well and good. I forgot that you're a princess and have many duties to handle. Though my advice to you as a friend is not to forget you're a guest in this country, thus you shouldn't let others dictate how you live or go about your day. I wouldn't want to see my newfound friend getting used. I'm sorry if that sounds like a lecture, but true friends are always honest, even if the truth is harsh."

He spoke with such genuine concern and charm that even Slade almost believed he was telling the truth.

Diana was simple-minded but far from dumb. Once the obvious was pointed out to her, even she could see it clearly. Thus, the seed of doubt was planted with accurate finesse.

"Thank you for your wise words. I will think deeply on them. As for your offer, I agree to it." Her wild tone faded and was replaced by a more serious one. It was obvious she was questioning many things, so after agreeing, she flew away.

Slade then stared at Arias for a bit before commenting, "The government isn't going to like you trying to take away their potential pawn."

To that, Arias just smiled. "Isn't that what a good friend would do? Regardless of the danger?"

Slade could see the fakeness behind his smile, but he left it there and then since Arias clearly didn't want to speak more on it. On the bright side, it confirmed Slade's thoughts on him having lofty goals. Thus, another opportunity opened up.

"True, but in case the government does make you an enemy… how would you like to invest in a project that will give you the firepower of a country?"

Arias's fake smile faded and was replaced by a smirk. "I'm all ears."