Sofia fixed her gaze on John Wick, extending a hand to push the blood oath medallion back and said, "No, this is something you owe me afterward."
She then stood up and added, "We depart in ten minutes."
On the other side, on a rooftop terrace of the Morocco Continental Hotel:
Charles and his group had gathered there, overlooking the second-level terrace below, visible from their vantage point. This was the best room Berrada had provided for them, and the attached terrace was the only one that allowed them to see the second level.
Iruka approached Charles and said with respect, "Lord Charles, John Wick has already arrived at the hotel."
Charles, holding a glass of White Horse whisky, took a sip and replied, "Understood."
He then glanced down at the empty terrace below and muttered, "Why do people always want to kill dogs?"
"Do they not realize that dog lovers can be terrifying?"
Hearing Charles's words, Ginny walked over and looked down but didn't see anything unusual. She then asked, "Boss, who wants to kill a dog?"
Charles pointed to the empty terrace below and said, "Later, someone confident will come here, wanting to do something foolish."
Ginny blinked at Charles, his eyes filled with a mix of surprise, disbelief, and even a hint of admiration.
Being originally from the Assassin Brotherhood, Ginny had a high tolerance for these kinds of prophetic abilities, and Charles's occasional cryptic remarks only elevated his image in Ginny's mind.
…
On the other side-
Sofia had already changed into her combat gear and was holding her weapons as she walked out.
Seeing Sofia's attire and weapons, John Wick sat on the couch and said, "We don't need to storm in like before."
"This time, it's just a conversation."
Sofia approached her Greyhound and knelt down. Then, she looked at John Wick and said, "Getting involved with you is never just a conversation."
She then placed her handgun inside the Greyhound's protective vest.
Addressing John Wick, she said, "Let's go."
Sofia led John Wick through the underground district toward the location where Berrada was.
As they passed through the district, they were stopped and subjected to a body search.
Just as they had completed the search, Berrada approached them with open arms and said, "Sofia, it's always a pleasure to see you."
He then walked up to them and added, "And of course, your dogs, they are magnificent."
"Can I pet them?"
Sofia looked at him and nodded, giving her consent. "Of course, this one is named Dakilte."
At this point, Dakilte, the Greyhound, came over to Berrada. Berrada knelt down and praised, "Absolutely fantastic!"
Then, while stroking the dog's head, Berrada said, "John Wick, I heard you've set foot on our side of the coast."
Berrada didn't spend more time with the dog and stood up, saying, "Come, there's certainly much for us to discuss."
On the way, Berrada spoke up, "I must admit, I'm quite curious. What brings you to my territory? Tell me, are you here to kill me?"
John Wick looked at Berrada and replied, "No."
Hearing that John wasn't here to kill him, Berrada nodded in satisfaction. Today, he had met two legendary assassins, and neither of them had come for him. He then led them to the second-floor terrace.
Meanwhile, Ginny, who had been keeping her eyes on the second-floor terrace, whispered to herself, "Someone is really here, and there are dogs."
She then glanced at Charles, her expression filled with surprise, disbelief, and even a hint of admiration.
Upon hearing Ginny say that someone had arrived on the second-floor terrace, Charles said, "Everyone, come over and take a look. We're about to have a show."
He then asked, "Iruka, can you hear any sounds from below?"
Everyone tilted their heads to listen, but aside from the howling wind, they couldn't hear anything. They shook their heads in response to Charles's question.
Charles shrugged, indicating that they would be witnessing a silent drama.
Back on the second-floor terrace, Berrada asked, "Mr. Wick, do you know the origin of the word 'assassin'?"
Without waiting for John Wick to respond, Berrada continued, "There are various opinions on the term 'assassin.'"
"Some say it comes from the Assassin Brotherhood, followers of Hassan."
"But others believe the word originates from 'believer,' signifying devout and faithful individuals."
He then pointed to a coin displayed nearby and said, "See that? It's the first coin ever minted here."
"Next to it is the first blood marker."
"Believe me, that coin no longer holds any monetary value. It represents business relationships, the social contracts you agree to."
"Order and rules."
Berrada walked up to John Wick and continued, "You've disrupted the order, and the High Table has decreed your death."
"Why should I let you leave here alive?"
Kneeling down in front of Berrada, John spoke, "I want to make amends for my actions and pay the price."
"I want to meet the one above the High Table."
John's mindset wasn't exactly what Berrada had expected. He didn't actually want Elder's forgiveness; he wanted to become a guide to find the headquarters of the High Table.
Upon hearing John's words, Berrada raised an eyebrow. This was the second person today who wanted to meet the Elder, and both of them were legendary assassins.
Charles had not asked for the Elder's address but had instead checked into the hotel peacefully.
Looking at John Wick before him, Berrada sensed that the situation might not be as straightforward as he thought. Without responding to John, he turned to Sophia and said, "I really like this dog. Tell me, does it shed a lot?"
Not understanding why Berrada was asking this, Sophia replied, "Occasionally."
John Wick glanced at Sophia and said in a solemn tone, "After I leave, you can tell the Elder that I want to find him."
"If he wants me dead..."
Before John could finish his sentence, Berrada interjected, "Then I will ensure your body is exposed to the sunlight."
"Understood. You're giving me the option to kill you or spare you for the Elder."
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