God Of The Omniverse

Early the next morning, Gotham and the nation as a whole woke up to or witnessed the shocking news that had broken the day before. 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, as more information was available only in the printed press and early morning news. 

The revelation 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, going on the defensive and denying the information, but since all evidence indicated that it was accurate, arrest was inevitable.

Even before seven in the morning, legal disputes had already begun, with some of the best attorneys using every effort to secure the release of their wealthy clients. Some defendants had bail posted for them, but for the dangerous crime lords facing serious charges, release was denied because they posed a risk to the public and potential witnesses.

A trial date hadn't been established yet because the data was still undergoing in-depth analysis at major firms to prevent a biased determination of its authenticity.

Arias woke up that morning in a good mood as all of Gotham buzzed with the results of his work. He watched the news while savoring a steaming cup of coffee, content with the way things were progressing.

"[It seems you've succeeded,]" the Infinity abruptly commented, but Arias shook his head.

"No, this only works to get rid of the crime families that were after my life. If Gregor uses this opportunity well, then by becoming the mayor, the confiscated assets would go to the city and be under 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, of the assets. He can deal with the backlash of stealing public funds and selling assets carelessly."

Arias sipped casually from his cup and grinned, unafraid to use another man's life and reputation 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,]" the Infinity added just as Arias was putting the coffee cup away after finishing his drink.

"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 whether I can increase the value or if diluting crime in 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 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 a week before, it was an impressive increase.

Because of this, he wasn't in a hurry 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 had yet to fully lay out.

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 in my official rise to wealth."

"[One really needs to be cunning or powerful to thrive 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 he surveyed his room, a faint light emanated from his grey eyes, and several 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," Arias grinned to himself before completing the remainder of his morning routine. 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 out and about in 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 began removing signs of his presence from the apartment, with a new grand scheme in mind.

After finishing, he exited the flat carrying only a suitcase and a sizable black bag while wearing yet another hoodie and mask. Once outside, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

"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 his pocket and poured the colorless liquid inside all over the enormous black bag, placing it into a nearby garbage container.

After completing this, he pulled out a lighter and set the garbage container ablaze, which immediately started a big fire. Fortunately, such a scene was not unusual in the streets of Crime Alley, 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?" The excessively enthusiastic driver asked once inside and then looked back.

"Burnside Bus Terminal."

The cabbie gave Arias a curious 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."