The next day.
Triskelion Tower.
Inside the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, Phil Coulson walked into Nick Fury's office with the latest intel summary in hand.
As the office door opened, Coulson stepped inside and approached Director Fury.
"Director, this is the latest intel summary based on our ongoing surveillance of Smith Doyle, the Assassin's League, and the High Table."
Fury didn't even glance at the file. Instead, he turned toward Coulson and said,
"Give me the highlights."
Coulson began his report:
"So far, the Assassin's League and the High Table have clashed three times—two attacks initiated by the High Table, and one by the League.
"While both sides took losses, the High Table has suffered a critical blow, losing a quarter of their forces. The Assassin's League, however, remains largely intact.
"Our projections suggest that if no external force intervenes, the High Table risks collapse.
"From what we've seen so far—both their known capabilities and our gathered intel—there's no indication the High Table is using illegal tech or powers. No immediate threat there.
"As for the League, suspicion that they've created a super soldier serum continues to drop. Outside of Smith Doyle exhibiting enhanced abilities, no other individuals have shown signs of violating natural limits."
Fury nodded.
"Sounds like the likelihood of an individual mutation just went up."
Coulson agreed,
"If this was a case of super soldier serum, I doubt the League would've elevated Smith Doyle to leadership. Even if the serum had a low success rate, they wouldn't risk putting an experimental subject in charge.
"Our analysis supports the mutation theory more strongly.
"Of course, we haven't ruled out the serum entirely—but our undercover agents within the High Table are trying to push for Doyle's elimination. If he dies and no new supers appear, that would be strong evidence they don't have the formula."
Fury gave him a sharp look.
"Make sure we have an updated threat level assessment on Doyle. And—when do you plan to make contact?"
Coulson thought for a moment.
"I'll wait until the conflict between the League and the High Table is resolved."
Fury accepted the plan with a nod.
"Proceed as you see fit."
"Yes, sir."
As Coulson exited, Fury tapped his fingers against the desk. Deep down, he actually hoped the League had the super soldier formula. But the evidence so far was disappointing.
Still, there were aspects of the League's behavior that could be useful.
He made a note in the file and moved on. This was Coulson's assignment now.
---
Meanwhile, Akira had arrived at a textile factory in Brooklyn, as her father instructed.
Watching the workers replacing the front gate and repairing the outer structure, she double-checked the address to make sure she was in the right place.
She approached the castle-like entrance, drawing immediate attention from nearby Assassin's League members.
As she reached the gate, Wesley—on patrol—stepped forward.
"This is private property. Please stay back."
Akira calmly pulled out the token John Wick had given her.
"Someone told me to bring this here."
Wesley glanced at the item—one of their custom three-part sniper rounds. Recognizing it immediately, he took a closer look and then said,
"Follow me."
Wesley led Akira through the castle and toward Smith Doyle's office.
As she observed the surroundings, she quickly noticed signs of recent battle—grenade damage, bullet holes in the walls. The intensity of the fight was obvious, especially considering they were in New York City, not some lawless zone.
Soon, they arrived outside Doyle's office. Wesley knocked, and when a voice inside said "Come in," he opened the door and led her inside.
"Boss, this one holds a token from John Wick."
Doyle nodded, and Wesley exited.
Looking at the girl, Doyle recognized her as the daughter of the Osaka Continental's owner.
"Have a seat," he said.
Akira didn't hesitate. She sat across from him and placed the token bullet on the desk.
Doyle glanced at it and asked,
"Did Kojima and Wick give you any specific instructions?"
Akira blinked in surprise.
"You know who I am?"
Doyle smiled and nodded.
"They didn't say much—just told me to come here and follow instructions. Said I'd be safe."
"You've got the token, so you'll be under our protection," Doyle replied.
"I'll have someone get you settled in. But things are unstable right now—don't wander."
Akira nodded.
"Understood."
Doyle pressed a button on his desk. A moment later, Fox entered.
"You called, boss?"
"This is Akira. She came here with Wick's token and is seeking protection. Get her situated."
Fox nodded and turned to Akira.
"Come with me."
Akira stood and followed Fox out of the office.
Once they were gone, Doyle turned back to strategic matters. The High Table's latest attack had been repelled. Now, it was time to go on the offensive.
With the Italian mafia still holding strong in their region, Doyle decided to personally lead the operation to take them down. Meanwhile, Mr. X would lead the gunsmith and the cleaner to eliminate Peter—the Russian elder of the High Table.
Wesley, the demolitions expert, and the Butcher were tasked with heading to Germany to deal with the Illuminati.
The Cross and the Pharmacist would stay behind to defend headquarters.
If they succeeded in wiping out these three elders, the High Table would collapse under its own weight. After all, they weren't a single power—but a fragile alliance.
Preparations for deployment would begin immediately.
—End of chapter—
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