Just moments after Smith Dole and Fox began tailing him, the previously clear skies turned ominously dark, as if a storm were about to descend.
John Wick, injured and moving slowly, exited the park—only to be intercepted by a hitman.
"John, you've got less than an hour left. I'll give you one million for the two Dragon Balls in your possession."
John gave the man a cold glance.
"Not for sale."
The assassin tried again.
"Then tell me what they're worth. In return, I'll promise not to go after you once the hour's up."
John knew—if he revealed the secret of the Dragon Balls, he was as good as dead. The trial would end right there.
"If you want to die, come find me in an hour."
The assassin shrugged. He was just looking to make some easy cash. It wasn't just John's bounty that had skyrocketed—rumors said the Dragon Balls were now highly prized as well. There was even talk on the black market about forging replicas. The problem? No one actually knew what the real ones looked like or why they were valuable.
Maybe only John Wick and the people from Camorra knew.
John's goal was the Assassin League's textile mill—but that was too far. First, he needed to stop by the Public Library on Park Avenue. Hidden there were some gold coins and a crucial item: a Rosrom Pass, which could help him escape if he couldn't break through the blockade.
Suddenly, rain began pouring from the sky.
John rushed out to the road and flagged down a cab.
"Take me to the Public Library on Park Avenue."
The driver glanced back.
"You got it."
But they didn't get far. Traffic was completely jammed—it was rush hour, and the rain wasn't helping.
Car horns blared all around. After only covering a few dozen meters, the cab was at a standstill. John grew tense. At this rate, he wouldn't even make it to the library, let alone the Assassin League.
From nearby, Fox held up an umbrella.
"What rotten luck. There's been an accident up ahead."
"Though… it looks intentional."
Smith chuckled.
"Some people just don't want him leaving by vehicle."
"After all, an hour's more than enough to drive out of New York if you're smart."
As they spoke, John realized it too. He pushed open the car door and stepped into the rain.
Then he took off running toward the library.
All the assassins on the street locked their eyes on him—but no one moved. The hour hadn't passed. According to Continental rules, no one could act yet.
Drenched, John reached the Public Library.
He rushed to the service desk.
"'Russian Fairy Tales,' by Alexander Afanasyev. 1864."
The librarian searched the system. John didn't pressure him—he simply checked his watch. Still time left on the clock.
The librarian handed him a slip of paper.
"Second floor."
"Thank you."
John bolted upstairs.
Fox followed Smith into the library, puzzled.
"Why come here? Shouldn't he be headed straight to the textile mill?"
"Maybe he's got a secret weapon hidden here."
Smith nodded.
"He must. Otherwise, why risk detouring here?"
He glanced at his detector.
"So… think anyone will make a move early?"
Fox scanned the people inside the library.
"As you once said—men die for money, birds die for food. There'll be someone bold enough."
"After all, John Wick isn't the first to break Continental rules."
Smith smiled. In this line of work, boldness was never in short supply.
······
Elsewhere.
Charon drove Winston back to the Continental.
Inside, Charon said,
"I really hope Mr. Wick gets out safely."
Winston straightened his collar, walking as he replied,
"Charon, he knowingly broke the rules. He killed someone in the hotel."
Charon followed.
"Do you think he'll make it?"
Winston turned to him.
"He and those two Dragon Balls are worth twenty million. Every killer in the city wants in."
"I'd say his chances are fifty-fifty—if he reaches the Assassin League in time."
Charon raised a brow.
"The Assassin League?"
In his mind, every assassin in the city would be out for John's head. Even the so-called Boogeyman would have a hard time surviving the day.
Winston chuckled.
"Smith Dole promised—if John Wick reaches their territory alive, they'll shelter him."
"A force capable of standing against the High Table."
"If he makes it, he lives. If not, he dies on the way."
He headed upstairs, leaving Charon standing there in stunned silence.
He couldn't imagine what kind of force could oppose the High Table—let alone that Smith Dole had ties to them.
······
Inside the library.
Following the librarian's directions, John reached the book's location on the second floor.
He tore the label from the spine, revealing three items hidden inside: a photo of his late wife, five gold coins, and the Rosrom Pass.
He placed the photo on the shelf, pocketed the coins and the pass, then picked up the photo again.
"Soon. We'll be together soon."
He kissed the picture and returned it to the book.
Just then, a voice came from behind him.
"Consider why God made you."
"It wasn't so you could live like an animal… but so you could pursue virtue and knowledge."
A towering man—over two meters tall—stepped out from the shadows, holding a book.
"Dante," he said, showing the cover.
It was a quote from the book. He then placed it gently back on the shelf.
John did the same with his.
······
(End of Chapter)
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