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In the desert, Smith Doyle used the Dragon Ball to monitor John Wick's condition while guiding everyone toward him.
Fortunately, they were riding camels. If they had been driving SUVs, they would have been hopelessly stuck in the sand.
Smith Doyle carefully controlled the distance between both sides. Before John Wick met the Elder, he dared not get too close. The desert was vast and empty—if he closed in too much, his presence would be exposed.
Of course, he didn't stay too far away either. He had enough time to rescue John Wick if necessary. He had no intention of letting John Wick lose even a finger due to delayed support. After all, John Wick was now his subordinate.
Second by second, time passed.
At last, John Wick was brought before the Elder.
The attendants showed no courtesy. They dragged him off the camel and threw him onto a carpet. Sunlight fell across his face, and John Wick slowly came to.
"Drink."
Hearing the voice, John Wick immediately checked his pocket. The Dragon Balls were still there.
"Don't worry. Your food is still with you. Drink."
John Wick gradually regained his senses and looked toward the source of the voice.
Sitting before him was a dark-skinned man dressed in traditional Arab robes—yet his attire radiated unmistakable luxury.
John slowly sat up, picked up the cup of water in front of him, and was about to drink.
Then the man spoke again.
"Child, why are you lost?"
Facing him, John Wick replied calmly,
"I'm not lost. I'm looking for you."
"You think I'm referring to your location?"
John didn't answer right away. He slowly poured the water into his mouth. He was extremely thirsty.
"I've never seen anyone fight so desperately to escape a world of killing, only to discover that he has returned to where he began."
The Elder stood up, walked over, and slowly crouched in front of John Wick.
"Tell me, Jonathan."
"Why do you want to live?"
John Wick answered,
"My wife. Helen."
"For her. For us."
After speaking, John lowered his head. At the same time, he was calculating when Smith Doyle's support would arrive—and when he should strike back.
The Elder asked again,
"So you wish to live for the memory of love?"
John looked up and replied in a low voice,
"It's not just a memory."
The Elder didn't dwell on the meaning of his words.
"I hear you've already gained the protection of the Assassin Alliance."
John was slightly surprised that the Elder knew this, but upon reflection, it made sense. He did not lie.
"Yes. They are protecting me."
The Elder studied him for a moment.
"You are the first—and only—man to register as an Assassin Alliance operative at a Continental Hotel."
"I'm curious. Given who they are, how could they accept you? Protect you?"
John thought of the Dragon Balls his wife had given him.
"Helen brought me this good fortune. Perhaps it's her blessing."
The Elder smiled faintly, clearly not taking that explanation seriously.
"Since you already have the Alliance's protection, why come to see me?"
John knew he had to stall for time.
"I need the public bounty on me removed."
The Elder wasn't surprised. From the moment he learned John Wick was coming, he had already analyzed his intentions.
"It seems the Assassin Alliance headquarters does not fully satisfy you."
"I can offer you freedom—freedom from assassination."
"But you must complete five tasks for me, and you must tell me one secret."
"If you agree and reveal that secret, I will lift your punishment and cancel the bounty."
"These five tasks will require the rest of your life to complete."
In truth, the Elder wanted John Wick's loyalty. But he knew that with the Assassin Alliance's protection, such loyalty was impossible. This was the best compromise—and it cost him nothing.
On the surface, John Wick appeared calm. Internally, he was dismissive.
If all went according to plan, the Assassin Alliance would soon go to war with the High Table—and the Elder before him would likely be among the first to die.
Whether he accepted the conditions didn't matter.All he needed now was time.
The Elder, unaware of the Alliance's plans or John Wick's true thoughts, stood up and returned to his chair.
"Of course, the choice is yours."
"You may leave the castle and mourn your wife…"
"Or remain here for the rest of your life."
After hearing the options, John stood up and scanned the surroundings from the corner of his eye. Smith Doyle and the others were nowhere in sight.
He could only continue stalling.
"What secret do you want to know?"
The Elder clapped his hands, as if John had already agreed.
One of his attendants approached with a box, stopped in front of John Wick, and opened it.
When John saw what was inside, he froze.
He hadn't expected the Elder to possess a Dragon Ball as well—and judging by the stars inside, it was a Three-Star Dragon Ball.
Joy surged through John Wick.
With this, he would soon have four Dragon Balls. Gathering all seven—and making a wish—was now within reach.
The Elder asked,
"Tell me—what exactly is this treasure?"
"And what secret does it conceal?"
John was silent for two seconds, then asked,
"Do I really need to tell you now?"
"Why don't we first discuss what your five tasks are?"
Seeing John's reluctance only increased the Elder's curiosity.
A secret that could not be spoken was always more valuable.
"There's no hurry. Those tasks will consume your lifetime."
"There is nothing more important right now."
"If there is—tell me its secret."
John took a deep breath and spoke slowly.
"If you truly wish to know, I hope you won't regret it."
"This is a Three-Star Dragon Ball."
"There are seven such treasures in total—together known as the Seven Dragon Balls."
"Based on the number of stars within them, there may be one-star, two-star… or seven-star Dragon Balls."
"Gather all seven Dragon Balls—"
"And you can summon the Eternal Dragon."