Fox spoke up:
"If I'm not mistaken, the scar on his face is from an injury."
"Looks like this retired Night Devil isn't that strong after all."
"So, is he back at the Continental Hotel planning to return to the underworld?"
"If that's the case, I wouldn't mind making a little money on the side. After all..."
Smith grabbed Fox's hand and said:
"Look, you're too eager."
"The real show hasn't even started yet."
······
Eddie held a glass of whiskey and a napkin imprinted with lipstick and an address.
"Compliments of the hotel."
Hearing that it was from the hotel, John Wick turned to look at Winston sitting in a booth. Winston raised his glass in a toast.
Seeing he'd gotten his first answer, John Wick took out his phone and a Continental Hotel gold coin from his pocket.
He brought up a photo of the One-Star Dragon Ball and said:
"I want information on this item, or something similar."
As he spoke, he pushed the gold coin toward Eddie.
Eddie examined the phone, surprised after confirming the item.
After receiving a commission from Smith Doyle today, the hotel's intelligence system had been activated. So far, there was no intel on this item — but surprisingly, John Wick had brought a similar item just now.
Eddie accepted the coin and said:
"Funny enough, if it were before today, you might have found nothing."
John Wick was surprised:
"What do you mean?"
Eddie continued:
"Just today, a guest came with a similar picture and submitted a request."
"If someone is looking for this or something like it, they can contact him directly."
"Oh, and he's currently in the bar."
Eddie pointed to Smith Doyle's location.
John Wick was stunned.
This intel was different from what he expected. He thought the Continental would know nothing or only have some ancient myths. He didn't expect this outcome.
He thought for a moment, then turned and walked toward Smith Doyle.
······
Fox nudged Smith with her shoulder, teasing:
"400 grand is walking right up to us."
Smith smiled, completely unfazed by the amount.
The League of Assassins was an organization with over a thousand years of history. Their depth and legacy were unimaginable. Money meant little to them.
Considering the U.S. is just over 200 years old, anything passed down from the League's early days would be a priceless relic.
John Wick approached and placed his phone on their table — showing the One-Star Dragon Ball photo.
"Eddie told me if I wanted information on this item, I should come to you."
Fox glanced at the photo, then curiously looked at Smith. She didn't know what this crystal ball-like object was.
Smith looked at it and smiled:
"Looks like what you have is the One-Star Ball."
John Wick, shocked, sat down with tension and asked nervously:
"Is the legend real?"
Smith Doyle's expression didn't change as he replied:
"It's real."
John Wick took a deep breath to steady himself, then said:
"Thank you for telling me."
"And may I ask your name?"
"I'm Jonathan John Wick."
Smith introduced himself:
"I'm Smith Doyle. And this is Fox."
John Wick gathered his thoughts and asked:
"Mr. Smith, how much do you know about this item?"
"Or rather, do you have more like it?"
"And what would I need to offer to acquire yours?"
Smith studied him carefully.
"We are with the League of Assassins. This item is a sacred relic we protect."
"John Wick, this is not a suitable place to discuss it."
He pointed to the phone and continued:
"Besides, you have important matters to deal with. But just so you know — you're under observation."
John Wick hesitated, then said after a moment:
"I do have things to take care of. When can we talk more about the One-Star Ball?"
Smith replied:
"When you're done with your affairs, come find us in Room 819 at the Continental."
John Wick nodded, then got up and left. He was heading to find Viggo's son, Iosef Tarasov.
Watching him go, Fox asked:
"Smith, what exactly is that One-Star Ball?"
"Why is it our sacred relic?"
"And what are we observing in John Wick?"
Seeing that John had left, Smith stood up and said:
"I'll explain the item shortly — and make sure you control your expressions. Don't be too shocked."
"As for what we're observing — just follow him and see what he's up to."
Fox stood, leaned close to Smith, and whispered in his ear:
"I hope the ending of this story is a surprise…"
"Otherwise… you're dead."
Then she pinched his waist.
"Ouch—"
Smith pretended to be in pain and said:
"Hurry up, or you'll lose him."
······
John Wick was driving to the Red Circle Club, thinking about the conversation he just had.
He'd heard stories of the League of Assassins before — an organization that operated outside even the High Table's influence and never accepted assassination contracts.
Their members were notoriously powerful. But having been retired for five years, John knew some of his intel was outdated.
As for their motives — observing him — he had a few guesses.
Touching the Dragon Ball hanging from his chest, his eyes grew resolute:
"Helen, I will bring you back."
...
(End of Chapter)
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