Sofia stared at the Chikoku Keiyaku (Blood Oath) medallion John Wick had pushed toward her, then pushed it right back.
"No. We're done. For good."
It was clear she didn't mean to settle the score—she meant to sever all ties completely. From now on, they would have nothing to do with each other.
John Wick fell silent for a moment. He understood—this was Sofia's final stance.
He never had many friends. And those willing to risk their lives for him were even fewer. Now, he'd lost one more.
On the table sat a small, elegant box. Sofia pulled it toward her and opened it. Inside, on a golden cloth, lay the Nishūkyū (Two-Star Ball).
She glanced at the Ryūzu (Dragon Ball) and turned the box so it faced John.
"This is what you came for?"
John looked inside and replied,
"The Two-Star Ball. So this is the one you had."
Sofia said,
"Didn't know it was called the Two-Star Ball. Guess that's based on the stars inside."
"You're really willing to trade a blood oath for this thing? Must be hiding a hell of a secret."
John said nothing, just stared at the orb. Sofia understood his silence and slid the box across the table to him.
He picked it up, carefully examining the Dragon Ball. It was just like the others he had seen.
"Yes. This is what I've been looking for."
Sofia watched him, then asked:
"So what exactly does it do?"
"Just indulge my curiosity."
John inhaled deeply and answered:
"Sofia, it's not that I don't want to tell you. It's just that knowing about it would bring you trouble. Maybe even death."
Seeing his serious expression, Sofia could tell he wasn't lying. But what kind of secret could bring death?
John wasn't exaggerating. If Sofia learned the truth about the Dragon Balls, the Ansatsusha Renmei (Assassin's Guild) would scrutinize her. If she failed to meet their standards, death was certain. Not to mention the enemies they would both draw.
"Sofia."
She raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
John asked in a low voice:
"What's your wish?"
Though confused, she still answered:
"I want my daughter to be safe. That's all I've ever wanted."
John knew how the High Table controlled assassins—Sofia's daughter, whom he had helped save and smuggle away, was always in danger. If mother and daughter reunited, it would alert the High Table.
But with the Guild's current plans in motion, John said:
"I believe that wish will come true very soon."
Then he opened the blood oath medallion, pricked his finger, and pressed a bloody fingerprint into the blank side.
He snapped it shut, placed it gently in front of Sofia, then pocketed the Dragon Ball and turned to leave.
Sofia sat frozen, not rising to see him off. She was trying to make sense of his words. She knew exactly who endangered her daughter.
And if John claimed that her wish was about to come true—what did he mean? What confidence did he have to say that?
The High Table…?
······
New York.
Inside a Belarusian theater, The Director was watching her dancers rehearse. Suddenly, Zero and his disciples stormed in.
They used only melee weapons and struck without warning, eliminating the guards backstage. The Director only realized something was wrong when she stepped out onto the stage and saw the three men standing there.
"Stop!" she ordered with a wave.
The music ceased.
The Adjudicator emerged from behind and approached the Director directly.
Seeing her, the Director barked at the performers:
"Leave us."
The dancers obediently exited the stage.
Moments later, the Director and a few others gathered onstage. She sat in a chair and said:
"There has always been an understanding between the High Table and the Ruska Roma."
The Adjudicator replied coldly:
"Correct. But you aided John Wick."
"He held a ticket," the Director countered.
"But a ticket does not outweigh the Table," the Adjudicator snapped.
"You will pay your debt in blood."
"Now, extend your helping hands and swear your loyalty."
The Director knew refusal wasn't an option. Neither was betraying the High Table. She stood, pressed her palms together, and extended them.
"I have served the Table before, and I will continue to do so."
Zero stepped forward and drove a short blade through her joined hands, blood pouring instantly.
The Adjudicator looked briefly, then turned and left with her entourage.
······
After leaving the Continental, John Wick hijacked a car and sped toward the edge of the desert.
He drove nonstop. By sunrise, he had arrived at the sands' edge.
He stepped out of the jeep and gazed up at the rising sun, then began walking deeper into the desert.
······
Three days passed.
New York.
Heavy rain poured as the Bowery King sat silently in his "Internet Hub," soaked but unmoving. A pigeon nestled in his lap. Around him, the Adjudicator's men stood, watching closely.
Below, carnage unfolded.
Zero and his disciples slaughtered the Bowery King's men, one after another. No one could match their skill. Nothing—swords or guns—could stop their killing spree.
Only once the Bowery's forces were wiped out did the bloodshed end.
On the rooftop, the Bowery King saw the Adjudicator approach under an umbrella. He stood and walked toward her.
"Well," he said, "you've made your point. You've earned my loyalty."
In the past week, he had sought help. None came. No one dared defy the High Table for him.
And he lacked the resources to reach a member of the Elders.
With no options left, the Bowery King surrendered.
······
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]