Chapter 71: CHAPTER 71
After neutralizing the bomb threat, Kaius joined the fray, bolstering the ranks of the army legion with her immense power and leadership.
Meanwhile, the remaining officers of Star City's police force were mobilized to assist in dismantling the terrorists, a significant step in the collaboration between the city's law enforcement and vigilantes. For many officers, it marked their first cooperative effort with the vigilante community—a tentative but pivotal alliance.
"Felicity, scan the city again. I need to know if there are any reinforcements," Oliver Queen instructed, speaking into the communicator in his ear.
Back at the Arrowcave, Felicity Smoak brought up surveillance feeds from across the city. Inputting a specialized algorithm, the system began automatically filtering through the footage.
"Hmm... the last fortified individual is—wait—right behind you," Felicity said, her tone serious.
Hearing this, Oliver's instincts kicked in. His muscles tensed as he spun around, drawing an arrow from his quiver and nocking it in one fluid motion.
"Whoa, whoa—Oliver, don't shoot me!"
It was Roy Harper, standing a few feet behind Oliver with his hands raised in mock surrender.
"I'm not out of control! I'm fine! Please, for the love of Star City, don't call Kaius over here!" Roy pleaded, clearly still wary of another intense training session with her.
Oliver lowered his bow, exhaling as he realized there was no threat. However, the sight of Roy's panicked expression almost made him laugh. Almost.
"You've got to relax, Roy. I'm just messing with you," Oliver said, smirking as he secured his arrow back in the quiver.
"Not funny, Ollie," Roy muttered, wiping the sweat off his brow. "Seriously, though—do you have any antidote for this Mirakuru? Or, I don't know, maybe a way to make it stop?"
Oliver clapped a reassuring hand on Roy's shoulder. "Roy, the power itself isn't inherently good or bad—it's all about how you use it. You've been through a lot, but you're in control now. That's what matters. You don't need an antidote; you just need to trust yourself."
Roy blinked, visibly moved by Oliver's words. "Thanks, man. That... actually means a lot."
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Star City, Kaius had tracked down Diana Prince, who was engaged in an animated conversation with Sara Lance.
"Diana," Kaius said, interrupting their exchange, "things are under control here. Are you heading back tonight?"
Diana glanced at Sara, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Actually, Sara and I were planning to grab dinner tonight."
Sara hooked her arm around Diana's with a grin. "Don't worry, Kaius. I'll take good care of her."
Kaius's smile faltered. While he was happy that Diana had found a friend, Sara's flirtatious reputation as the White Canary was well-known. Narrowing his eyes at Sara, she said, "You'd better. And don't even think about trying anything… inappropriate."
Sara smirked, leaning closer to Kaius and whispering, "Want to join us tonight?"
For a moment, Kaius was taken aback, his mind racing with indignation. Diana was her girlfriend, after all!
Who is the main character tonight?
Shouldn't Diana bring Sarah herself?
Thinking about this, Kaius quickly pulled Diana back from the edge of danger. "No, don't! I don't want to! Diana, you shouldn't allow Sarah to be involved anymore. She might pick up bad habits!"
Diana gave a reluctant "oh," while Sarah sighed, her disappointment evident. "That's a pity," she murmured.
The team regrouped and made their way back to Arrow's base. Along the way, Oliver, uncharacteristically talkative, engaged Diggle and Roy in conversation, breaking his usual silence.
Today had been a day of triumph. The team had successfully saved Star City from terrorist threats. Even the police acknowledged their efforts, a rare moment of cooperation. News outlets scrambled to draft their stories, ensuring that headlines celebrating the heroes would dominate by morning.
Star City, ravaged by disaster, desperately needed these heroes. Their bravery became a beacon of hope, guiding the people toward recovery and renewal.
Upon arriving at Arrow's base, however, they were met with an unexpected scene—Amanda Waller and her Task Force X agents were already there, uninvited.
"Amanda Waller," Oliver said, his anger barely restrained. "If you're here to thank us for saving Star City, there's no need to show up in person!"
Waller, unbothered by Oliver's hostility, maintained her composure. After all, not long ago, her ruthless plan to destroy Star City as collateral damage had nearly succeeded.
The tension was palpable, but Amanda's focus shifted. "I'm not here for you, Oliver," she said coolly. "I'm here for him." She pointed directly at Kaius.
Kaius wasn't surprised. The Task Force X leader's interest in him, a known superpowered individual who had previously destroyed their drones, was expected.
Amanda adjusted her tone, her voice carrying a forced politeness. "Or should I call you Mr. Avenger? Your records have been scrubbed by a skilled hacker, but I managed to dig up some details. For example, the recent events in Metropolis... and that incident in Smallville."
Kaius stepped forward, his tone sharp. "So what, Amanda? Are you here to flaunt your intelligence network?"
Waller's agents immediately drew their pistols, aiming at Kaius.
The sight was laughable. Everyone else in the room exchanged amused looks. Using pistols against Kaius? It was like trying to swat a dragon with a flyswatter.
Kaius chuckled, shaking his head. "Your little pistols don't scare me, but you've managed to anger me. Speak your purpose—clearly—or face the consequences."
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Amanda waved for her men to lower their weapons. "Mr. Avenger, we understand your extraordinary abilities. First, let me say I represent the United States government, and we need to know where you stand."
Typically, Task Force X operated differently. They assessed a person's danger level and usefulness. If the individual posed more danger than value, they were eliminated. If the reverse was true, the person was forcibly recruited—often with a bomb implanted in their head as "insurance."
But this approach clearly didn't apply to Kaius.
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