Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Expanding On Business
The news that Gotham and the nation as a whole woke up to or saw the day before stunned them early the next morning.
Many people bought newspapers or stayed in their living rooms to watch the in-depth report about the raids on many of Gotham's elites because more information was only available in the printed press and early morning news.
The idea that the late Thomas Wayne had a connection to the Falcone family and had dabbled in crime was perhaps the most astonishing.
The elites in question reacted swiftly by going on the defensive and denying the information, but because all evidence indicated that it was accurate, arrest was unavoidable.
Even before seven in the morning, legal disputes had already started, with some of the best attorneys using every effort to secure the release of their affluent clients.
Some defendants had bail posted for them, but for the dangerous crime lords facing serious charges, release was refused because they posed a risk to the public and prospective witnesses.
A trial date hadn't been established yet because the data was still undergoing in-depth study at major firms to prevent a biased determination of its authenticity.
Arias had woken up that morning in a good mood as the entire Gotham buzzed at the result of his work.
He watched the news while savoring a steaming cup of coffee, content with the way things were going right now.
[ It seems you've succeeded. ]
The infinity abruptly appeared and offered its opinion, but Arias shook his head.
"No, this only works to get rid of the crime families that were after my life. And if Gregor uses this opportunity well then by becoming the Mayor, the confiscated assets would go to the city and would be in his control, at that time I'll have him transfer a good amount of money again to a secure account and purchase some if not all, he can deal with the backlash of stealing public funds selling assets carelessly."
Arias sipped casually from his cup and grinned, not afraid to use the life and reputation of another man to boost his own assets and worth.
[ I see, wealth and resources are of great importance in the physical world. Though I doubt this is enough to fund your ambitions ] Just as Arias was putting the coffee cup away after finishing his cup, the infinity added.
"You're right, at most the combined assets should be worth a hundred million and that's only if I'm lucky. It will all depend on wether I can overturn the value or if by diluting crime Gotham attracts investors. I can't predict the outcome so I just have to wait, by next week the assets will be under my name, After that another challenge awaits me."
Arias sighed, but he wasn't in in a rush—making nearly a hundred million dollars in a month was truly remarkable.
He was obviously not one of the wealthiest people in the nation, but given the value of his own funds one week before, it was a remarkable increase.
Because of this, he wasn't in a haste to significantly expand his net worth; after all, showing excessive greed might draw unwanted attention. This plan alone was bound to make him one of Gotham's elites, provided he could handle the controversy regarding his rise. This was another part he was yet to fully layout.
Gotham's underworld was ready for use and exploitation because the city's criminal elite was now preoccupied with legal disputes that would likely last months.
[ You didn't include yourself and instead used a deceased individual to take credit, doesn't that imply a loss on your part? I cannot understand this train of thought. ]
"The only thing I would've gotten by revealing myself as the informant would've been a target on my back. Also the authenticity of the information would have been in question, but by excluding myself, they'll eventually link events and drop the false charges pinned against me or lack evidence to charge me even if I'm caught. This will play a major role regarding my official rise to wealth .
[ One really needs to be cunning or powerful to thrive among in the physical world. I'm learning a lot from you. Thank you for entertaining my questions Arias. ]
The voice of the infinity vanished as soon as it had appeared, leaving Arias once again on his own.
As Arias surveyed his room, a faint light emanated from his grey eyes, and a number of objects began to lift off the floor before quickly falling back to their original positions as if nothing had happened.
'I'm getting the hang of this.' Before completing the remainder of his morning routine, Arias grinned to himself.
Major crackdowns would be necessary in Gotham's current situation, and he had no doubt that some of the building's residents—possibly even the owner—had connections to the criminal families.
Arias concluded that it was risky to be about Gotham City in its current state since he ran the chance of being discovered before his case could be dismissed.
After further consideration and a bath, he came to a decision and started to remove signs of his presence from the apartment, a new grand scheme in mind.
After finishing, he exited the flat carrying only a suit case and a sizable black bag while wearing yet another hoodie and mask.
He pulled out his phone and placed a call once he was outside the flat.
"Yes, Landlord? This is tenant 20, I'll be checking out today so please terminate my history. Hm? yes I am aware of the no refunds policy, just get it done. I've already vacated the room."
Arias abruptly ended the call and put the phone away before leaving the room through an alleyway and going down a flight of stairs.
Then he took a 500 ml bottle out of the pocket and poured the colorless liquid within it all over the enormous black bag, putting it into a nearby garbage container.
After completing this, he pulled out a lighter and put it into the garbage container, which immediately started a big fire.
Fortunately, such a scene was not unusual in the criminal alley streets, and it was far too early for anyone to be out and about.
After determining that the bag had sufficiently burned, he left the area and continued walking until he came across a cab.
"Where to sir?" Once inside, the excessively enthusiastic driver asked and then looked back.
"Burnside Bus Terminal."
The cabbie gave Arias a weird look when he told him where he was headed.
"Oh? Traveling somewhere? That's mighty far."
Simply settling into his seat, Arias nodded to the man.
"Yes, work related."
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
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