God Of The Omniverse

The commissioner was a little taken aback when Arias expressed his desire to speak to the press. He was concerned that Arias might discuss his unfair treatment, which could undermine public confidence in Gotham's police. The commissioner gave Arias a dubious look, but Arias tapped the man on the shoulder, reassuring him.

"Don't worry, it's nothing negative. In fact, it's the total opposite."

Commissioner Gordon hesitated for a moment but realized that stopping Arias now wouldn't prevent the media from reaching him later. With a sigh, he allowed Arias to proceed as he pleased.

When they approached the barricade of reporters, Vicki Vale stood at the front, a triumphant grin on her face. Arias could only assume she had struck a deal for privileged coverage and interviews in exchange for the information she had provided to the police.

"Yes, Miss Vale?" The commissioner acknowledged her presence, though he didn't seem particularly pleased to see her. He appeared ready to answer whatever questions she had.

Vicki immediately began firing off her questions, her excitement palpable. "Gotham as a whole is curious about the man standing next to you. Are the charges against him as true as the mayor claims?"

The commissioner cleared his throat and stepped closer to the microphone as cameras flashed around them.

"All allegations made against Mr. Markovic are untrue. A detailed statement regarding this will be released by our spokesperson later today, but I can assure you now that this young man standing before me is innocent and was the victim of foul play. That is all."

With those words, the commissioner stepped aside, drawing attention to Arias, who was standing next to him. The reporters erupted in a frenzy, each trying to get their questions answered.

"Over here, Mr. Markovic!"

"Here! Please answer a few questions!"

Arias calmly stepped into the spot where the commissioner had stood, just a few inches away from Vicki. Some reporters pushed forward, eager to get the official statement from him before she could.

Vicki, however, was not to be outdone. Raising her hand as high as she could, given the height difference, she asked with a triumphant grin, "Is this all true, Mr. Markovic? If so, what are your thoughts on the changes happening in Gotham? It's also been said you grew up here—will you be staying to invest the supposed millions you made from gambling in Las Vegas, or do you feel you aren't safe in the city?"

Arias looked down at her before clearing his throat and focusing on the cameras. His cold and collected demeanor was apparent to everyone watching.

"Whether it's true or not eludes even me. What started as a journey to see my friend turned into a battle for my life. I'm unsure of the exact reasons that led to that situation, but I'm content with it being over. I only hope Dmitri is well wherever he is and that he will see this and know we no longer need to flee for our lives."

"Regarding the changes, they're a start, but that's far from enough to overturn the image Gotham has to the world. Having grown up here, I understand that fact all too well. And that's why I'll be staying. I plan on creating an organization that aims to create not only a better future for Gotham but humanity as a whole."

Arias spoke with unrestrained confidence, his formal speech patterns and foreign accent captivating anyone who heard him, whether in their homes or in the press crowd.

Vicki pressed on, savoring the juicy information. "Don't you think that's a big undertaking? You're only 21 and don't even have a formal tertiary education, not to mention your wealth was attained from gambling. Aren't you afraid you will face a lot of criticism?"

Arias smiled pleasantly at her question, his expression softening for a moment before returning to its usual coldness. "Whether they criticize me or not, my success will still be assured. Too much was lost to create this opportunity for Gotham and its people, myself included… so I refuse to lose anything else."

With that, Arias turned and walked away, ignoring Vicki's attempts to ask more questions. The commissioner escorted him to a police vehicle, where they exchanged a public handshake, captured from multiple angles by the eager press.

"Are you serious about staying to change Gotham?" Commissioner Gordon asked quietly as they shook hands. "It's still dangerous, even without the big fish. You have the supervillains and other unsavory individuals to watch out for. I can't promise I'll be able to protect you, given all that is happening."

Arias nodded without hesitation. "Like I said before, I don't plan on wasting this opportunity. As for the risks? Nothing I haven't already considered."

The commissioner sighed, seeing the determination in the young man's eyes, and then broke the handshake. "Thank you again for cooperating. It may not seem like it, but this whole situation has given many residents hope, myself included."

Arias gave the commissioner an appreciative nod before getting into the car. As the vehicle pulled away, Arias leaned back in his seat and exhaled, a satisfied smile on his face.

'Now I can truly start building my organization.'