Chapter 32: Strengthen Your Body and Move Like the Wind
With a plan crystallizing, David finished the sweet White Russian on the table, wiped the remaining foam from his lips, and exited the lounge.
Since Harry had already made his move, he needed to see the immediate results.
After all, Winston's poker face was too difficult to read.
David found it nearly impossible to confirm whether Harry had succeeded.
Furthermore, he now needed to find Charon and inquire where to purchase intelligence.
The world was vast—if he had to search himself, God knew when he'd locate the three operators besides John.
And at this moment, the intelligence network owned by the Continental was his optimal choice.
When David emerged from the underground lounge, he was surprised to find the Continental's interior remained remarkably calm.
As calm as yesterday and the day before.
As if nothing had occurred.
David frowned. Had Harry not made his move?
Puzzled, he walked directly toward the concierge desk.
When he spotted Charon standing there with his characteristic composure, David approached and gently tapped the marble counter to attract his attention:
"I just heard in the lounge that Winston's temporarily recruiting a specialist. You know what that's about?"
Charon glanced at David and said expressionlessly:
"Excessive curiosity isn't beneficial for newcomers. Remember—in our profession, the less you know, the longer you survive."
David wasn't surprised by Charon's response; he'd anticipated this.
He chuckled, rapidly rubbing his thumb against his index and middle fingers in the universal money gesture:
"Hey, aren't I just preparing for potential patients?
If I know what contract he's undertaking, I can prep medical supplies in advance.
What if this is another field assignment opportunity? That's double compensation!"
Seeing David's mercenary appearance, Charon shook his head with subtle amusement and revealed a minor detail.
"Don't anticipate it. This is internal hotel 'housekeeping,' and it doesn't concern you.
Get some rest. Remember to lock your door securely—tonight won't be peaceful."
Charon didn't elaborate, but the information revealed was sufficient for David to assess the situation.
Sounded like Harry had failed and fled.
As he'd predicted, without protagonist status, Harry simply couldn't eliminate a High Table representative.
However, Harry's skills were evidently not complete amateur hour.
At minimum, after the failed assassination, he'd successfully escaped.
As for how long he could evade capture—that depended on whether his skills matched John's caliber.
Hearing the answer, David sighed with calculated disappointment:
"Alright, remember me if money-making opportunities arise.
Oh, speaking of money—there was this guy in med school who borrowed three hundred bucks from me then completely ghosted.
If I wanted to locate this person, does the hotel have an intelligence network available?
I'm not doing it for the money—I just can't let this disrespect slide."
Charon glanced at David again, thinking this guy was absolutely doing it for the money.
However, for a member's legitimate request, Charon had no grounds to refuse.
He directly wrote a string of characters on paper, then held up one finger toward David.
"One search query, one gold coin. Agreed?"
David nodded:
"Deal."
Charon handed over the slip—it contained login credentials and an access code.
Apparently for accessing the intelligence network.
Having obtained what he wanted, David naturally wouldn't linger.
Soon, he returned to his room's door.
However, David keenly noticed dried blood on the interior side of his doorknob.
Seemed an uninvited guest had visited, and might even be inside currently.
David, faintly suspecting the visitor's identity, simply smiled, didn't hesitate, pulled open the door, and entered.
The room's furnishings still appeared unchanged from usual.
But the sound of a weapon's safety disengaging came from behind the door.
David cooperatively raised his hands and falsely declared:
"This is the Continental. If you kill someone, you'll be hunted relentlessly.
I suggest taking the cash and leaving. I won't report you."
"Doc, it's me. I need some assistance."
As the familiar voice sounded, the cold muzzle also pressed against David's lower back.
"Harry? It's you? If you need help, I'll naturally assist.
But we don't need to do this, do we?"
Harry behind him seemed to shake his head:
"Special circumstances. I'm not certain I can trust you.
Now, turn around slowly with your hands raised."
David complied. Harry looked significantly worse now.
He held a weapon aimed at David with one hand, while his other arm hung uselessly—clearly the bone was damaged.
Simultaneously, blood dripped from somewhere unseen, trickling down his pant leg and pooling behind the door.
"Harry, you look like hell."
Harry forced a grin:
"Of course. Eliminating a Bratva representative isn't simple.
I also didn't anticipate this guy keeping a 24-hour close protection detail hidden under his bed while he was... occupied.
See, it cost me considerably.
Alright, I genuinely can't maintain consciousness much longer, Doc. You need to work fast."
Harry raised his chin, signaling David to approach.
David nodded, slowly advanced with hands raised, then said:
"Harry, I'm lowering my hands. Please don't let that weapon discharge."
Harry smiled—seeing David was so compliant, he angled the muzzle slightly downward, indicating even if fired, it wouldn't be lethal.
But he didn't anticipate that as the doctor approached and was about to reach for his shirt, he suddenly changed trajectory.
One hand shot directly into the weapon's trigger guard, preventing his downward pressure.
While the other hand transformed into an unseen blur and rapidly struck the side of his neck.
Harry's carotid sinus was immediately impacted by a precise strike.
Harry, already suffering from severe hypovolemia, instantly lost consciousness due to insufficient cerebral perfusion.
At the moment he blacked out, Harry had one thought: he'd been played!
Seeing Harry collapsed on the floor, David first kicked the fallen weapon away.
Then he restrained Harry to a chair, calculated the timeline until Harry would exsanguinate, and contacted Charon at the desk with perfect timing.
While waiting for someone to arrive, David examined his hands with curiosity—he'd just chosen to consume one day of lifespan to enhance his physical capabilities.
Although Harry's injuries and excessive epinephrine use had caused exhaustion and diminished reflexes, enabling David's successful counterattack, the most crucial factor was this sudden enhancement giving him—a guy who couldn't perform heavy lifting due to severe systemic depletion—unprecedented strength.
Allowing him to instantly incapacitate Harry, who'd been conditioned to withstand strikes.
However, this sensation came and departed rapidly.
Calculating the elapsed time, approximately fifteen minutes had passed, and this feeling of abundant strength was receding like a tide.
And just then, knocking sounded at the door.
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