~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For 20 advanced chapters, visit my patreon:
patreon.com/fatimasoomro123
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Next Day
Inside the Triskelion.
At the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, Phil Coulson entered Nick Fury's office carrying the latest intelligence briefing.
The office door opened. Phil Coulson walked in and stopped in front of Nick Fury.
"Director, this is the latest intelligence summary compiled from recent surveillance of Smith Doyle, the Assassin Guild, and the High Table."
Nick Fury did not look at the briefing. Instead, he turned to Coulson and said:
"Tell me the key points."
Coulson reported:
"So far, the Assassin Guild and the High Table have clashed three times. The High Table initiated two attacks, while the Assassin Guild launched one."
"Although both sides suffered casualties, the High Table has lost nearly a quarter of its forces. That can be described as catastrophic losses, while the Assassin Guild's casualties are relatively light."
"Based on our assessment, if there is no external intervention, the High Table faces the risk of complete dissolution."
"At present, no matter how powerful the High Table appears, or how much intelligence we gather, there is no evidence of illegal forces or advanced technology involved. There is essentially no direct threat."
"As for the Assassin Guild, the likelihood that they are producing a super-soldier serum is steadily decreasing. At this time, aside from Smith Doyle—who has displayed extraordinary abilities—no other suspects have appeared."
Nick Fury nodded.
"It seems individual mutation is far more likely."
Coulson nodded in agreement.
"If this really were a super-soldier serum, I don't think the Assassin Guild would need to elevate Smith Doyle as their leader."
"Even if the success rate of a super-soldier serum were extremely low, it wouldn't turn a test subject into the head of the organization."
"Based on our analysis, individual variation is the more probable explanation."
"Of course, we cannot completely rule out the possibility that a super-soldier serum exists. However, our embedded agents at the upper levels are also doing everything they can to eliminate Smith Doyle—to prove that he does not possess the capability to develop such a serum."
Nick Fury glanced at Coulson and asked:
"Assess Smith Doyle's threat level. When do you plan to contact him?"
Coulson thought for a moment before replying:
"I plan to wait until the Assassin Guild and the High Table determine a winner before making contact."
After hearing Coulson's plan, Nick Fury did not object.
"Proceed according to your plan."
"Yes, sir."
After watching Coulson leave, Nick Fury tapped his fingers on the desk. In truth, he had hoped the Assassin Guild would master the production of a super-soldier serum rather than rely on individual mutation. But based on current developments, things were not unfolding as he had expected.
That said, many aspects of the Assassin Guild's operational code could still be leveraged.
With that thought, Nick Fury made a note in the file and set the matter aside, leaving it in Phil Coulson's hands.
At the same time, Akira arrived at the textile factory in Brooklyn, New York, as instructed by her father.
Seeing the busy work at the entrance—doors being replaced and repairs underway—she glanced at the address to make sure she had not come to the wrong place.
Akira walked toward the castle gate. As she approached, she immediately attracted the attention of nearby members of the Assassin Guild.
Just as she reached the gate, Wesley—who was on patrol—spoke up:
"This is private property. Do not approach."
Akira took out the token John Wick had given her and said:
"Someone told me to bring this here."
Wesley looked at the bullet in her hand and recognized it as the Assassin Guild's specialized three-stage round designed for ultra-long-range sniping. He examined it briefly, then said:
"Follow me."
Wesley led Akira straight into the castle, heading for Smith Doyle's office.
As she walked, Akira noticed the signs of recent repairs and quickly realized that a battle had taken place here. Scorch marks from grenade explosions and bullet holes from every direction showed just how fierce the fighting had been. After all, this was New York—not a lawless war zone.
Soon, Wesley brought Akira to Smith Doyle's office. He knocked on the door. After hearing a voice call them in, Wesley opened the door and led Akira inside.
"Boss, she's carrying John Wick's token."
Smith Doyle nodded, and Wesley left the office.
Smith Doyle glanced at the girl before him, recognizing her as the daughter of the owner of the Continental Hotel. He said:
"Sit."
Akira walked without hesitation to the chair in front of Smith Doyle's desk and sat down, placing the bullet token on the table.
Smith Doyle glanced at the bullet and asked:
"Did Shimazu Koji or John Wick tell you anything?"
Akira asked in surprise:
"Sir… do you know me?"
Smith Doyle smiled and nodded.
Akira replied:
"No special instructions. They only told me to follow orders once I arrived here, and said my safety would be guaranteed."
Looking at the curiosity in her eyes, Smith Doyle said:
"Since you came with the token, you will naturally be under our protection."
"I'll have someone arrange accommodations for you here. But the world situation is unstable right now, so don't wander around."
Akira nodded.
"I understand."
Smith Doyle pressed a button on his desk, and Fox entered shortly afterward.
"Sir, you called for me."
Smith Doyle said:
"This is Akira. She's seeking refuge with a John Wick token. Please arrange living quarters for her."
Fox nodded and then turned to Akira.
"Come with me."
Akira stood up and followed Fox out of Smith Doyle's office.
After watching them leave, Smith Doyle began redeploying personnel to prevent the enemy's next high-level offensive. The next step was to eliminate their manpower.
Considering the influence of the Italian Mafia in the region, Smith Doyle decided to personally lead a team to deal with this troublesome issue. Mr. X brought mechanics and gunsmiths to negotiate with Peter—the Russian elder among the Mafia leadership.
Demolition expert Wesley and the Butcher led a team to Germany to clear out the remaining forces of the Illuminati.
This time, Cross and the Apothecary remained at headquarters. As long as the remaining three elders were eliminated, the High Table would inevitably collapse and disband. After all, it was never a single unified force, but an alliance of many factions.
The teams would depart and be fully prepared by today.