Chapter 041: Loyalty

The phone still on the table rang again, and Charles picked it up to see that John Wick's bounty had been increased to $15 million.

"A substantial amount of money indeed!"

"Where are you going, John Wick?"

...

On the other side, John Wick had already made his way from the street to the stables. He eliminated all the incoming assassins there, mounted a horse, and rode out.

As he reached the highway, two motorcycle-riding assassins chased after him.

Beneath an elevated bridge, John Wick urged his horse forward. One of the motorcycle riders caught up and tried to pull him off the horse by reaching out a hand, but his attempts were unsuccessful.

Seizing an opportunity, John slapped the rider's helmet, causing the rider to lean forward, revealing a pistol holstered at his lower back.

In a swift motion, John Wick bent down on the horse and pulled the pistol from the rider's waist, firing three shots at his neck.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The motorcycle rider died instantly, and the uncontrolled motorcycle collided with a nearby truck.

Seeing another motorcycle assassin approaching from behind, John Wick took advantage of his pursuit. He leaned to the side of the horse, concealing his body beside the horse, and extended a hand to fire several shots at the oncoming motorcycle.

In an instant, the motorcycle rider lost control and crashed into a parked car ahead.

After dealing with both motorcycle assassins, John Wick glanced behind to ensure no one was following him. 

Satisfied that he wasn't being pursued at the moment, he spurred his horse and rode towards the Charles Agency on Forrest Hills Avenue in the Queens borough.

...

Charles Agency-

In the lobby, Charles and his five associates were all waiting.

Jenny looked at Charles and asked, "Boss, are you sure you didn't guess wrong? Can John make it here in time considering the circumstances?"

Charles wasn't entirely certain, but thinking about John's determination, he replied, "As long as he's not dead, he will come."

Just as Charles finished speaking, a knocking sound echoed from the entrance of the agency.

Iruka stood up and went to open the door.

"Mr. John Wick, please come in."

Seeing the door of the agency open, John Wick looked at Iruka Umino and instead of immediately entering, he asked, "I'm looking for Charles Doyle."

Iruka looked at John standing outside the door and said, "Lord Charles is in the lobby, waiting for you."

Upon hearing that Charles was inside, John Wick followed Iruka into the agency.

Meanwhile, on the street across from the agency, an assassin watched John enter Charles's agency and then, with a regretful expression, left the area.

John Wick followed alongside Iruka and crossed the lobby to stand in front of Charles.

Charles looked at the disheveled John Wick, his white shirt stained with blood and soaked by rainwater, and asked, "John, why are you here?"

Although Charles intended to help John, he couldn't initiate the conversation himself. After all, what was at stake wasn't a business deal; it was a matter of favors. While the outcome might be the same, the owed debt would differ.

John Wick knelt down on one knee and with a pleading tone, he said, "Lord Charles, I request your protection."

Charles knew that assisting John would inevitably offend the High Table, but since he was willing to meet him, it meant there was a possibility of help. 

Charles opened the conversation, "John, you've been excommunicated by the Continental hotel and a public bounty of $15 million is on your head."

"I won't just offend the High Table by meeting you; even more so by providing you protection."

"However, since I am willing to meet you, it means there's a chance I might help you."

"Then, John Wick, what do I gain after I rescue you?"

While speaking, Charles Doyle took out John Wick's blood oath marker from his pocket and held it in his hand.

Evidently, Charles's message was clear – John's blood oath marker was already in his possession. If John wanted his help, the price wouldn't be insignificant.

John Wick looked around at the individuals in the lobby – Ginny, Iruka, Uchiha Sasuke, Rock Lee, and others. He seemed to come to a decision, then turned his gaze back to Charles and said slowly, "I am willing to offer my loyalty, just like them, to become your associate."

Observing John's determination, Charles knew he was cornered. Charles asked, "John, why do you want to live?"

John hadn't anticipated Charles asking such a question. After a brief pause, he answered, "For my beloved. I want to live on, to remember her."

Charles gazed deeply at John Wick and continued, "You left the world of assassins five years ago for your beloved."

"And now, because of her, you've returned to this world. John, are you ready for this return?"

Kneeling before Charles, John Wick pledged, "Lord Charles, I am willing!"

"For Helen, I once laid down my weapons and returned to a peaceful life."

"Today, for Helen, I am willing to take up arms again and keep her alive in my memories."

Hearing John Wick's words, Charles recalled a phrase from a past life about how to define a person's death:

First death, the death of the flesh.

Second death, the death of social ties.

Third death, the death of the last traces of memories.

Evidently, John Wick wanted to keep Helen alive forever in his memories.

"John Wick, I accept your loyalty!"

Hearing Charles's agreement, John's tense heart finally relaxed. But Charles continued, "You must know that protecting you means going against the High Table. After all, they want you dead."

"And if you truly want safety, you must be reinstated by the Continental hotel and have the bounty removed."

"To achieve all of this, you'll need the Elder of the High Table, the one controlling one of the Thirteen Seats."

At this point, Charles didn't speak further. He simply gazed at John.

John Wick's mind raced, and he tentatively asked, "Should I go to Casablanca to find the High Table's Elder to lift my excommunication?"

Charles raised his index finger and shook it, then smiled, "No, not to find the Elder, but to become the Elder. Become one of the Thirteen Seats of the High Table."

John Wick was profoundly shocked. He never anticipated that Charles's goal was the High Table itself, not just to become a member but to become a controller of the High Table.

Looking at the astonished John Wick, Charles smiled and said, "Iruka, take John Wick to the recovery room. He can't stay like this."

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