God Of The Omniverse

Arias and the crowd of criminals spent a few moments just observing each other in silence. When Roulette came to his side, she handed him her tablet, and he finally spoke.

"Right, let's begin. Can all those without any special abilities, tertiary education, or less than ten years of professional criminal experience step back ten meters."

Arias's first instruction left many worried and puzzled at the same time, but they did as asked. Unsurprisingly, the majority of people present stepped back, leaving only three individuals standing at the front: Harley, Giganta, and Shade.

Arias passed this instruction simply as a form of rank, to separate the average criminals and petty henchmen from the more experienced and intelligent criminals. Seeing that only three remained upfront, Arias couldn't help but frown and shake his head. Roulette noticed this and laughed awkwardly.

"Well, they're more for labor than anything. Not many talented individuals are left in Gotham after all the takedowns, you know," she defended without even being asked.

She could clearly see the disappointment on Arias's face at the quality of individuals present. The whole point of having people under him was to expand his influence and hold. For that, he needed not only capable people who could carry out orders but also those who were powerful. At his current level of strength, he didn't expect much, but this was still far less than he anticipated. The majority of criminals present were petty criminals without a high school education.

Before Arias could speak, Shade raised his hand.

"Yes?" Arias asked with less interest than before, but Shade maintained a smile and gave a small bow.

"Shade, a pleasure. I was told you're looking to hire an individual with capabilities such as mine, but I wasn't told for what purpose. Is it okay if I ask? I'm just curious about the dangers."

Arias turned his attention to Shade and stepped closer slightly before providing an answer.

"Of course, there will be dangers. If that phases you, then you'd better leave now. Being involved with me may lead you to becoming an international criminal," Arias replied confidently, as if trying to induce fear.

From the profiles he read, he already knew that Shade was someone who enjoyed both public attention, wealth, and adventure. Arias's words were simply meant to give him less doubt on the matter.

However, before Shade could answer, Harley raised her hand excitedly and spoke before even being granted permission.

"Ooh, me, me! Danger is my middle name. Plus, I'll do almost anything for money! Well, y'know, except work as a whore—I'm still a classy lady."

She spoke proudly, her chest puffed out, while gaining doubtful stares from practically every criminal present.

"If she's classy, then I'm the Queen of England!" a criminal loudly joked.

"Bro, do you even know where that is?" his friend asked with some doubt.

"Smh, of course. It's in Ohio."

"…"

While Arias stood amazed at the level of intelligence present, Harley frowned at the people who passed those comments and pointed her bat angrily toward them.

"Howz about I bust your crown jewels, Your Majesty? Also, everyone knows England isn't real, what an idiot."

"…"

Arias glanced at Roulette as if asking what he was looking at. Roulette rubbed her temples and sighed, but still showed a confident smirk.

"She's a combat expert, is immune to toxins, and has even fought Batman. Her skill speaks for itself. It's just that she's a little… special."

Arias could only shake his head at Roulette's attempts to convince him.

"Special is an understatement. Anyway, here's what's going to happen. You're all going to be hired. The majority of you don't have anywhere to go now that your bosses are facing jail time, and I just so happen to need cheap labor. I'm sure Roulette will put you to good use. As for you three…"

Arias spoke quickly and then looked at Shade, Giganta, and Harley.

"Shade, you're perhaps the only competent person here, so I'd like to hire you as my butler—as a public image, of course. We'll discuss your more important tasks in private."

"Giganta, for now, you can work publicly as Roulette's personal guard. Just like Shade, this will be your public image so that my hiring you is validated. When a proper task arises, you'll be informed."

"Lastly, Harley, although you've been acquitted of your crimes, you're still wanted after escaping the psychiatric hospital you were placed in. I'll have my lawyers work something out for you, so for now, stay with Roulette as well."

Arias delivered adequate instructions and positions based on their characteristics for the purpose of a public image. For now, he couldn't risk hiring wanted criminals due to not only Batman but the newly formed Justice League. Although he doubted he'd be considered a major threat, it wasn't worth risking for now. He needed to hire these people while trying to maintain or even increase the quality of his public image.

"Roulette, contact Miss Vale and tell her I want to give an exclusive interview regarding a new project of mine tonight."

Roulette didn't know what he was planning, but she proceeded to do as she was asked. About an hour later, the Gotham Gazette sent Vicki Vale and her crew to the lounge, where they waited outside for Arias. They didn't have to wait long as he soon came out with none other than Shade, leaving the other criminals hidden for now as they received instructions from Roulette.

"He's here, quick, turn on the camera," Vicki hurriedly instructed her cameraman before adjusting her clothing and quickly checking her makeup.

[Good evening, Gotham. Vicki Vale here to bring you the latest news regarding who many are calling Gotham's prince. I'm currently at the popular Iceberg Lounge, which has been completely turned over since Arias Markovic took over. Here he is now with… hmm. If my memory serves correct, that's the criminal thief Shade. What is going on, and why is he with Mr. Arias Markovic? Let's find out.]

Vicki wasn't live, but she spoke as if she were, in a manner that would catch the attention of her targeted audience. After saying the intro, she gestured to her cameraman to cut so she could speak with Arias before starting the interview.

"Mr. Markovic, thank you for giving the Gazette this exclusive interview. Does it happen to involve the known criminal by your side? Seems rather controversial and headline-worthy." Vicki sported a grin as she sensed a big story coming her way. She took out a recorder and brought it close to Arias's face.

Arias smiled and gave a light nod.

"You could say that, Miss Vale. Having grown up in the slums of Gotham, I know better than anyone else how tough life can be and what it can lead people to."

"Most people with criminal backgrounds are just released after serving their sentences but are unable to gain employment because of their former actions, even if they regret it or have changed for the better."

"This leads them to have no choice but to return to their criminal ways, thus repeating the cycle over and over again. The recent takedown has left many such individuals out in the public with no form of income. I want to change this by providing employment to such individuals, giving them a chance to provide for their families and themselves without harming or stealing from others."

Vicki's eyes beamed the more he spoke; the story was indeed controversial and headline-worthy.

"But these are former criminals. Aren't you afraid they might steal from your organization or cause harm?"

Vicki asked in an attempt to draw doubt from Arias, but this much he was prepared for.

"The possibility exists, but it's less in comparison to leaving them in public without employment. This doesn't just go to criminals but to the people of Gotham as well. My organization will be providing opportunities even for the uneducated and inexperienced. Labor jobs, waitresses, cleaners—or if they are skilled in other forms of work, then we can find a job fit for them."

"I may make a substantial loss by doing this, money-wise, and even harm my reputation by working with criminals, but knowing that Gotham will be both safer and happier is worth it."

Vicki quickly cut the recording and spoke while beaming a smile.

"This is a rather bold move, Mr. Markovic. It could either be taken very well or very badly."

Arias smiled at her opinion.

"Well, I contacted you because I know the chances of it being taken well will increase when you're involved. I trust I'm right?"

Vicki stroked her chin for a moment as if pondering the situation. Arias had yet to reveal that he was her informant, but she was smart enough to link the signs. His accent, height, and emergence were all far too fitting to be a coincidence. But since her career was benefiting largely because of this, she played along and didn't bring it up.

"Hmm, how about a private interview in the coming week? An exclusive on you as a person and your private life. We can talk casually without a camera or recorder, just you and I having dinner." She offered slyly, but Arias agreed with little hesitation.

"I'll arrange a date."