Captain Montgomery and Beckett were discussing matters at the police station, entirely unaware of the current predicament of our writer, Mr. Castle. He was presently in a renowned location, deep in the massive sewer system beneath Bary Street in New York, facing a man he had only heard of in this life but had seen in his previous one in "John Wick": the King of Underground Intelligence in Bary Street, KING!!
This legendary figure, who controlled New York's entire underground intelligence network and was said to know everything happening in the city, was a large black man in a peculiar robe, just like in the original film. Currently, this King of Intelligence was sitting on a luxurious chair in a meticulously cleaned and spacious underground room, gazing with interest at the somewhat nervous Castle in front of him.
Castle was, of course, nervous. If the King truly lived up to his reputation of knowing everything that happened in New York, how could Castle not be anxious? He wasn't the original person; he was a soul that had transmigrated into this body. If the King uncovered this, Castle wouldn't know what to do.
Castle had been in a daze, thinking about the five-year-long side mission assigned by the system, and considering how to approach the King to find Kate without alerting Fuller and Vincent Adler. He had entirely forgotten that he was not the original person but a transmigrator who had taken over someone else's body. By the time Castle remembered this life-threatening detail, he was already being politely escorted to the King by the King's subordinates.
The King, who was fiddling with the coin Castle had handed over, a coin with an angry lion on both sides given by Shaun, smiled warmly like a neighborly old man: "Being able to present this coin means you've met your father, boy. Just tell me what you need me to help with. Don't worry; no matter how big the favor, even if it's my life you want, it's yours!"
The King's words shocked Castle, who was worried about his identity being exposed, and even startled his subordinates. The implications of the King's words were terrifying. At least two things were apparent to his subordinates: one, this bestselling author, whom they had just brought in, had a father of immense power; otherwise, the King wouldn't speak like this. Two, the strange coin with the angry lion on both sides was significant enough for their boss to consider giving up his life, indicating that the author had a formidable background.
The King, however, continued to look kindly at Castle, who was taken aback by his words. "Don't think I'm joking. You met Winston, the old man. From your birth until you were ten, it was me who secretly ensured your and your mother's safety. Only after Winston fully took over the Continental Hotel did he start taking over your protection. You grew up under my watch. Do you need this token to prove your identity? You should call me Uncle Powell!"
The reason the King held Shaun's token was that Castle, afraid the King wouldn't see him otherwise, had shown the coin to the gatekeeper, who then passed it on to the King as a sign of his identity. Little did Castle expect that when he finally sat in front of the King, who he thought would be difficult to deal with, the King would speak so openly.
Upon hearing that the King had only kept an eye on him until he was ten, Castle realized his identity crisis was essentially resolved. Shortly after transmigrating, he had met Winston while helping John and bought weapons to fill his space. Winston had helped him without hesitation, indicating he had no suspicion about Castle's sudden behavior. The King, who had only secretly protected him during his childhood, was even less likely to suspect anything.
Moreover, the King seemed unaware that Castle had met his father Shaun in Paris, implying the King's intelligence network was confined to New York. This meant the King didn't know about Castle's significant improvement in skills compared to the original host. Thus, the fear of being exposed as a transmigrator was unfounded.
With this realization, Castle immediately relaxed, feeling relieved that his identity crisis was resolved. The King, meanwhile, looked on approvingly at the son of an old acquaintance. Appreciating Castle's respectful and straightforward demeanor, the King returned the coin and warmly asked, "So, Rick, what can I do for you today? Don't tell me it's about following that beautiful female cop you're working with. I know you already caught the killer last night with your guidance and personal involvement."
The King's casual comment demonstrated why he was considered the King of Underground Intelligence. Less than four hours after Castle and Beckett captured Carla Dantin, the King already knew about it. More impressively, he even knew about Castle's direct involvement. This display of intelligence prowess was indeed formidable.
However, with his identity no longer at risk, Castle wasn't intimidated. Instead, he was delighted at the King's all-encompassing intelligence network, making it easier to find Kate. Without fear of exposure, Castle candidly explained his purpose for visiting.
"Well, Uncle Powell, I won't beat around the bush. I need your intelligence network to find someone. This person is involved in very important matters and with significant people, so discretion is crucial. I had no choice but to seek your help."
The King was a bit surprised but pleased with Castle's humility and respect. He had known Castle must have met Shaun, yet Castle hadn't mentioned it, showing respect and restraint. This respectful attitude made the King even more inclined to help.
Even though the King owed Shaun a great debt, he had protected Castle and his mother since birth until Winston took over. With his current status, vastly different from the past, if Castle had been arrogant and demanding, the King would have still helped but with less enthusiasm. However, Castle's respect and genuine humility made the King feel comfortable and willing to help.
Smiling warmly, the King appreciated Castle's respectful approach, feeling he wasn't helping an ungrateful person but someone who truly valued his assistance.
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