Chapter 56: Starting to Network

As the smoke dissipated from the street, all eyes turned to the figure hovering above. 

"It's Wonder Woman!" An excited observer shouted, immediately snapping a photo. This prompted others to follow suit, quickly capturing the scene. 

Wonder Woman ignored the attention from the crowd, focusing instead on scanning the area for survivors. Upon spotting some, she immediately dashed forward, rescuing them with swift efficiency. She paid no attention to Arias, assuming he was just another lucky survivor.

With Wonder Woman on the scene, Arias saw no need to continue his charade. He stepped back, watching as she handled the remaining rescues. Less than a minute later, paramedics arrived, followed closely by police and militia. Not far behind them were the journalists, eager to report live from the scene.

The police quickly set up a barricade around the explosion site, allowing reporters free reign elsewhere. Some rushed forward, trying to get the scoop, while others focused on Wonder Woman as she assisted the last survivors. The paramedics prioritized those with the gravest injuries, leaving others to wait or find their own way to a hospital.

This did not sit well with some angered civilians, who believed that the rich and important were receiving special treatment. Unfortunately, that was the reality; hospitals preferred patients who could guarantee payment and bring publicity.

Arias had already arranged for transport, which was minutes away. He had done what he could on the scene and was now waiting for any potential benefits to present themselves. As he waited, a crowd of reporters suddenly rushed toward him, pushing Harley out of the way.

"Mr. Markovic? Mr. Markovic, over here, please!"

"Mr. Markovic, Marriane Rodriguez here for Channel 9 News. Can I ask you a few questions?"

"Mr. Markovic, is it true you single-handedly saved many of the stranded individuals?"

"Mr...."

One question after another bombarded Arias, the reporters eager to get his side of the story. Harley, frowning at the pushy journalists, tried to squeeze back in but found herself blocked.

"Hey, can't ya see I was standin' there, you damn hyenas?" 

Her words fell on deaf ears as the barrage of questions continued.

Reporters always craved juicy, unique stories. So when they heard bystanders mention Arias's heroics, they jumped on the story, leaving Wonder Woman after taking only a few photos. After all, she appeared in the news daily, and many readers had grown tired of the Amazonian princess.

Wonder Woman, who was growing accustomed to the attention always being cast on her during rescues, was surprised to see the reporters lose interest so quickly. She watched as they flocked to Arias, curiosity piqued by who he was and what he had done.

Before she could ask anyone about him, a jet-black luxury sedan arrived further back from the scene. A man in his mid-to-late twenties, with blonde hair and strong features, stepped out, dressed in formal military attire. He quickly pushed through the crowd, calling out to Wonder Woman.

"Diana! We talked about this—you can't rush out on your own every time you think help is needed. We're already late for your appointment."

The man sighed, rubbing his temples as if he were talking to a disobedient child. Diana, however, didn't seem the least bit regretful.

"A true warrior doesn't forsake those in need, Steve Trevor. The meetings with your overweight leaders can wait," Diana replied bluntly, puffing out her chest proudly and placing her hands on her hips.

Steve Trevor, who had introduced Diana to the outside world, was now tasked with acting as her guide—a difficult job. "Diana, please. Watch what you say. If you speak like that at the upcoming Gala, you might start a war. Some leaders are very sensitive and easily offended."

Instead of seeing reason, Diana brandished her sword, waving it in the air. "Then let them come. We warriors of Themyscira do not fear war!"

There was just no getting through to her.

This exchange was being observed by another figure currently being attended to by paramedics: Queen Bee. As she was treated by her private medical personnel, she frowned at the childish display from Diana.

"When we return to Bialya, those rebels will pay for the humiliation they've caused me. And to think I had to be saved from death by that sorry excuse for royalty. Am I surrounded only by fools?"

It was clear that Queen Bee had a special dislike for Wonder Woman, largely centered around jealousy. Whether out of envy or sheer spite, she hated Wonder Woman's guts.

One of her attendants, trying to ease her anger, spoke up. "My Queen, it wasn't her who saved you. According to witnesses, you were carried out by that man over there."

Queen Bee turned her head, looking in the direction of Arias, who was now being left alone as reporters rushed back to the explosion site.

"Move."

With a wave of her hand, her guards cleared a path toward Arias. She strutted over, stopping a meter away before sizing him up.

"You're the one that saved me, correct? Tell me how you did it." Despite the arrogance in her tone, Queen Bee's words seemed innocent enough. However, her pheromone ability was already at work, attempting to enthrall Arias.

For a split moment, Arias felt a subtle desire to do her bidding, but it faded as quickly as it had come. Realizing what she was trying to do, he frowned. "Shouldn't you be grateful you didn't die a pitiful death?"

His reply was even more arrogant, causing Queen Bee's loyal men to almost jump him. They stopped when she raised her hand, now frowning before shifting to a mischievous smile.

Queen Bee realized that Arias wasn't normal—he had resisted her ability. Without knowing the full extent of his capabilities, it would be foolish to antagonize him.

"Excuse my rudeness. I should be thanking my savior and properly introducing myself. As you may already know, I am Queen Bee, ruler of Greater Bialya and perhaps the world someday."

Her tone lost its arrogance, but she still sounded very much like a proud and self-centered queen. This change was a clear sign that she was open to further interaction.

Arias put aside his frown, stretching out his hand to meet hers before matching her arrogance. "You're excused. I'm Arias Markovic, your God."