Chapter 225: The New Generation 3

Arias's question was met with a long pause as silence filled the room, allowing his words to sink in.

Many of the members had the same thought.

Suggestions? Would anyone be bold enough to step up after seeing what had been done to Vandal Savage? Wasn't this just blatantly promoting himself?

Although it seemed that way, they were helpless to show any discontent.

The only one taking the matter lightly was Klarion, who had been raising his hand ever since Arias posed the question, constantly yelling, "Ooh, me!"

No one took his antics seriously, so he could only scoff angrily and throw a tantrum.

"Don't ignore me!"

Alas, even this action was ignored, as they had long since grown used to his behavior.

Seeing as no one else was going to speak first, Ra's al Ghul decided to break the silence with a disappointed sigh.

A part of him had hoped to see some form of contest for the position, but it was clear no one wanted to be at odds with Arias. He couldn't blame them, however; after all, he too felt the same.

"Looking at seniority and experience, I'm sure we could all agree that I'm the most suited candidate to step in for Vandal... however—"

"I have much that requires my attention, and so I cannot take on such a mantle. I do, however, feel that our newest member, Arias Markovic, is more than qualified to hold the position in Vandal's stead. What are your thoughts?"

Ra's input led to Queen Bee frowning visibly for a moment.

*'This old conniving man... He's clearly in support of Arias but won't outright say it! Are they colluding? Was all this some ploy?'*

Queen Bee couldn't help but consider such a point, especially given how abruptly things were moving and how beneficial the situation seemed for Arias.

Plus, Ra's, who was normally at odds with Vandal for the position of head, suddenly stepping aside? It all just seemed too perfect.

And her suspicions would be correct. From the time Ra's sent Cheshire to Arias, their relationship had been... ideal.

Although no formal contact was made between the two, Arias had come to appreciate the usefulness of Ra's gift, whereas Ra's had begun to see Arias more and more as someone worthy of his acknowledgment, at the very least.

Regardless of Queen Bee's thoughts, she couldn't speak on them haphazardly. So she feigned a seductive smile and maintained her composure.

"If Ra's has no issue, then neither do I."

She kept her words short, not adding any pointless flattery. She knew for a fact that Arias wouldn't fall for it.

The ball now lay in the court of the remaining members: The Brain and Klarion.

"I agree with Mademoiselle Bee," The Brain quickly added, not wanting to appear indecisive.

Inwardly, however, he couldn't help but worry about what might happen when Vandal returned—or rather, *if* he returned.

Thankfully for him, the tense atmosphere was diluted by the ranting of Klarion, who began pounding his hands against the table in front of him, yelling, "No, no, no! That's so unfair! I wanna be the leader! Me, me, me!"

Ra's could only sigh at this display, while Arias showed a small smile, seeing no one disagree.

"Well, it seems the decision is somewhat unanimous. Alright then, for my first proposal as head of the Light, I call for its disbandment."

"!!"

Arias's casual proposal once again brought collective surprise to all members gathered.

"What do you mean, disbandment?" Queen Bee argued, unable to hide the shock and anger she was feeling. It now began to seem as if Arias was taking them for fools.

Even Ra's couldn't help but frown at this proposal, but a bigger part of him was curious as to why Arias said this. Was it really just to showcase his power further and suppress the others, or did he have a genuine reason?

"Is there a reason behind this proposal?" Ra's calmly inquired, not one to let his emotions lead his actions.

Queen Bee grew even angrier, but she suppressed the urge to speak further, in case Arias wasn't just toying with them.

In a way, though, he was, as his next words proved.

"Why? Because it only existed to carry out the whims and desires of Vandal, using lies about a vision of a new world to bring us all here. But let's be honest: if we were to look at which side benefited most from this organization, who would it be?"

"In the event that we succeeded in bringing about a new order, do you really think Vandal would casually stand aside and let any one of us take the reins?"

"The entire reason he and I fought was because he began to see my growth as a threat. That confirmed everything I needed to know. So my proposal has its merits: disband the Light and form a new organization with clearer terms regarding the alliance—and a much broader goal."

Queen Bee could no longer hold in her contempt as she scoffed at the idea.

"Hmph! And let me guess—you are the one to lead this grand new organization? What difference is there between what you're trying to achieve and what you claim Vandal was doing?"

Under normal circumstances, Queen Bee's question would've had some merit, if she and everyone else had not misunderstood what Arias was trying to say.

He couldn't help but chuckle at her question while shaking his head.

"I think you misunderstand me. I'm not proposing that *I* lead this new organization. I won't even be a part of it."

Queen Bee furrowed her brows in confusion, while Ra's and the others also showed inquisitive expressions.

"Then what are you implying?" Ra's curiously asked, as all eyes settled on Arias, eager for a clear answer.

And a clear answer they got.

"I'm not implying anything. With or without this organization, my vision for the world will come to fruition. By forming a new organization with clearer goals, you won't be in the way of said vision, thereby avoiding a fate similar to Vandal Savage's."

As Arias said this, Ra's couldn't help but frown, while Queen Bee was the angriest.

"You dare threaten us!" she accused, to which Arias only chuckled again before his gaze turned serious, his voice booming at the various locations where the other members were situated.

"Threaten? No. What I stated is an irrefutable fact. I could destroy you all and everything you've built in a casual afternoon. But you? You couldn't even hope to make me sweat. If you think my words are false, feel free to challenge me and see for yourself."

"There are many places for allies in my budding organization, but there are equally as many places for graves. Which place you end up in is solely up to you. Consider this meeting adjourned."