Chapter 105: What’s He Planning? Part 2

Back in Metropolis at Luthor's residence, Lex was keeping a close eye on the events occurring at Arkham, eager to see the results and consequences that would follow for Gotham's leaders if lives were lost. He had his doubts about leaving Amanda Waller to do everything, but so far, her authority within the government was proving to be very useful. Her plan had many elements he would have handled differently, but for now, he just chose to observe.

He needed to see how Arias would handle this situation, giving him an idea of what means he had and his thought process, provided the League didn't kill him first. Best of all, Luthor felt he couldn't be exposed, so he watched the news with a confident grin while holding a glass of whisky in one hand.

In his mind, it didn't matter whether Ra's or Amanda succeeded first; he just wanted Arias ruined or dead.

As he was watching the live broadcast, the scene in which hostages began running came on screen and caused his brows to furrow a bit, but then they relaxed. *So, he's chosen to save the lives of the people and maintain a public image… at the cost of getting arrested. Unfortunately for him, that's exactly what Amanda wants.*

The grin returned to Lex's face in the next moment, only to fade again seconds later as Killer Frost and Cheetah appeared at the entrance of Arkham with their hands in the air.

Immediately upon seeing this, Lex was smart enough to realize what Arias intended to do: use a borrowed hand to pacify the situation. In this way, he wouldn't gain more public approval and might even lose a bit, but he avoids the trap set for him. Worse, now that numerous people almost died, the people will turn their attention to the government, who restricted Gotham's special task force from operating.

Given the relationship between Lex and the current president, once he finds that Amanda Waller had a hand in it, he will surely restrict what she can and can't do without his express permission.

According to Lex's estimate, President Rose will definitely release a law that allows states or cities to form their own special units made up of trained and authorized superhumans. If he didn't, he stood the risk of looking like an anti-mutant believer… which would prove disastrous for the coming election, given just how popular superheroes were becoming.

Upon considering all this, Lex shattered the glass in his hand as his expression became truly sour. *Did he really think that far ahead?* Lex wondered, unable to believe Arias could plan so thoroughly. If he could, this meant Lex had to entertain the thought of Arias being a better schemer than himself, something he refused to acknowledge.

For Superman, who had superior physiology, Lex was never distraught. After all, he had background authority in numerous governments and organizations. He had contingency plans for even the most powerful heroes, so of course he felt superior.

But now, Arias, who he thought was a human as well, was slowly proving to be something he couldn't handle using his brain. This now left him thinking… *Should I just have his tower bombed? No, that is equivalent to me saying I can't best him.*

Lex's pride was a major weakness; he just couldn't bring himself to do something in such a manner, because he felt it was akin to admitting the other party was better than him. If not for his pride, Lex could have long assassinated Superman; he could have exposed and killed Bruce Wayne; he could have long used the power he held to forcefully take over the country… but he didn't.

Because his pride wouldn't allow it. Not unless it was achieved through great efforts. It was only for people he felt were beneath him that he didn't bother.

Now, for Arias… that was no longer the case.

His frown soon turned into a grin, and he began to laugh out loud, his voice echoing through his near-empty residence. After he was done, he stared at the ongoing news on the large screen mounted on a wall above a fireplace.

*I've underestimated you enough, Arias Markovic. But soon you'll know just who the greater mind is between us.* After thinking this, Lex continued to laugh, his confidence still high as he felt he had barely tried up to that point.

…

At the same time, in an unknown snowy mountain range, there existed a large set of temple-like structures, right at the very top of the mountains, blanketed by heavy snow.

Among these temples, one particular one stood higher than the rest and was much, much larger. Throughout this unknown compound, many figures wearing traditional eastern fighting attire could be seen. Some patrolled the grounds and guarded various doorways, while others were sparring on platforms.

This peculiar compound was the current main base of the League of Assassins and home to its leader, The Demon Head, Ra's Al Ghul.

Unsurprisingly, he resided within the main temple, where only his family and elite disciples were allowed. Unfortunately, those who shared the blood of Ra's weren't many; to be exact, there was only one present in the temple… his daughter, Talia Al Ghul.

The rest of the residents were disciples under her, as he himself had stopped taking in personal disciples, with Batman being the last. Someone who he considered both his greatest student and worst nemesis.

Very rarely did Ra's leave the base, mostly due to his health. He had lived many centuries thanks to the Lazarus Pit, which not only extended his life but also granted him a superhuman physique. However, it came at the cost of his sanity. With every session he took in the Lazarus Pit, he could feel his mind growing weaker, becoming more primal instead.

Normal people would have long since become mindless killing machines if they had used the pit as many times as he had. But his mind and will were incredibly strong… sadly, not invincible.

He was currently seated on a lone high chair in a wide hall, his presence grand and intimidating. To his sides stood his two most trusted people.