Chapter 296: Baiting The Elite Part 5

That same day, mere moments after the conversation with Kara, Arias could be seen leaving the castle grounds.

He took only a single vehicle and no security convoy, though the security personnel only took note of this fact and didn't even try to question it.

As he drove away, unknown to those observing Arias, Supergirl was secretly following from high above the skies as per Arias's instructions.

'What's he planning?' She thought, trying to remain very cautious of Arias's motives in agreeing so quickly, and what exactly he meant by saying they'd be doing things his way.

Unfortunately for her, he only instructed that she follow him from above and nothing else.

Arias's reason for doing this was quite simple, to bait the unseen eyes watching him.

Right now he knew he was a very big target for many, however his unpredictable nature made it hard for anyone to make a move.

Even now as he drove alone, straying far from the security present around the capital of Markovia.

One such group, was of course the league. 

Flying further above supergirl in an incognito jet, Batman was also trailing.

Within the cockpit, Alfred communicated to Batman via the comms.

"Well this is quite strange. Where do you think Arias Markovic is heading at this hour and at such a fragile time both politically and economically." Alfred questioned but Batman didn't seem surprised at all by what he was seeing.

"He wouldn't make a move he wasn't sure of. He probably knows Supergirl is tailing him. And also knows someone is likely tailing or tracking her." Batman quickly concluded, having built a better understanding of Arias's character.

"Then don't you think it would be wiser to send a drone ahead rather than move there yourself? For all we all, it could be trap." Alfred proposed but Batman immediately refused.

"No. I looked into the last places Oliver was following the incident in La Maz. Most of the days I managed to recover from his devices suggests he began working with Arias. Some of the locations he was receiving when followed up on were now destroyed HS group facilities." Batman revealed, showing a deep frown as he said this.

"From your tone I take it you don't trust Arias Markovic's intentions?" Alfred asked and Batman immediately nodded. "Would you?"

Batman then went on to add, "In a way he's like Lex. He's very good at hiding what his true role in the things happening around the world. He took advantage of the underestimation he was given and set up an incredibly sophisticated scheme. My biggest worry is we're too late. From the looks of things he seems very comfortable with how things are progressing."

Batman continued to reflect as he monitored the situation from the cockpit of the incognito jet. "We might be too late to stop whatever Arias is planning," he admitted, his voice filled with frustration. "All we can do now is be ready to counter whatever it is, if problematic at all." 

Alfred, listening intently, gave a somber reply. "Then we must be prepared for anything, sir."

Meanwhile, Arias drove with a casual look on his face, heading toward a private airport on the outskirts of Markovia. 

The setting sun cast long shadows over the tarmac, the fading light highlighting the sleek lines of a private jet waiting for him. 

High above, Supergirl maintained her vigil, trying to understand Arias's intentions. 'Where's he heading?' she wondered, her eyes narrowing in suspicion as she kept her distance.

At the same time, Alfred's voice cut through the cockpit of Batman's jet. "Sir, it would be wise to exercise caution," he urged, his tone filled with understandable concern especially after what happened to Green Arrow.

Batman's eyes remained fixed on Arias's vehicle below. "I know, Alfred, but we need to understand what he's planning. If we just sit back, we might miss our chance to stop him, at this point, we can't afford to leave him unsurveillanced."

Unaware of the observations being cast his way, Arias climbed into his private jet. He took the controls himself and flew the jet out of Markovia. 

The plane soared over the Mediterranean, the azure waters stretching out beneath it. Supergirl and Batman continued to follow, their curiosity piquing as they watched the jet head toward a lone island.

However, the scene changed drastically. 

*Boom!*

The sky around the jet filled with bursts of light as missiles shot toward it. The explosion that followed lit up the night sky, sending Arias's jet plummeting toward the island. 

"!!" Supergirl gasped, her eyes widening in shock. "What just happened?" she exclaimed, unable to believe what just happened and immediately flying down.

In the incognito jet, Batman's jaw clenched, and his hands tightened on the controls. "Alfred, scan the he area for activity immediately via satellite," he muttered, his mind racing with thoughts of what this meant. 

Alfred, equally stunned, voiced what they were all thinking. "Already doing so sir. But do you think this itself is a trap to lure you out?"

"It could very well be just that. The problem is, can we risk just watching?" Batman immediately responding, debating on whether he should make a move or not.

"Sir, satellite images over the island don't reveal anything but it is picking up a lot of cyber activity on the site." Alfred quickly revealed, prompting Batman to think to himself before reaching a decision.

"Alert the rest of the league. I'm going in."