The desert near Casablanca, High Table headquarters.
"I imagine your businesses have also suffered quite a bit from the Kingpin of Hell's Kitchen lately," said a Middle Eastern man with a headscarf, seated at one of the large round table's positions.
This large round table had twelve positions, representing the twelve seats of the High Table. Currently, only ten seats were occupied; those who were absent had their video calls open.
Today was a meeting of the High Table elders, specifically addressing the recent retaliations from Hell's Kitchen.
The absentees were the fugitive Marquis and the members of the Antonio Family who had been killed.
"Damn that Marquis, why isn't he here? I wanted to discuss compensation with him. His arrogance has caused us so many losses," a Russian elder roared angrily.
"So, should we retaliate? The Kingpin is challenging the authority of our High Table, making outsiders think we're easy to bully," said a Korean man who looked like a celebrity.
"Harmony is paramount, harmony is paramount. Aren't we all here to make money? Besides, I heard that the Marquis was the one who broke the rules first, going directly to the Kingpin's territory to cause trouble for his godson. I think it's better to find someone to talk to the Kingpin first. I heard the Kingpin's godson is also very interested in joining our High Table."
The speaker at this moment was an elder with an Asian face on the screen.
"What kind of riffraff is trying to join our High Table?" an old man in samurai attire scoffed.
"I heard that Kingpin's godson is also a Mutant and controls Magic. And now, John Wick and Marcus, two former legendary killers, are under his command, along with two immortal mercenaries," said an elder named Makutum.
Then Makutum used a remote control to turn on the big screen, playing a recording of Chen Ye's fight in Hell's Kitchen that day.
The elders watched Chen Ye in the video, flying through the air, stopping bullets, using Magic bombardments, and displaying terrifying speed and astonishing strength, all of which told everyone of his powerful abilities.
After watching the recording, the expressions of the elders on the screen and in the meeting room varied. Some were disdainful, some were shocked, and some were expressionless. But without a doubt, they were all shaken by Chen Ye's strength.
"That Kingpin really got lucky, having a godson with such formidable strength," one of the elders said jealously.
"Hahaha, I'd still like to get to know this young friend," the Hongmen elder said in his booming voice.
The elder Makutum, seeing the situation, pressed his advantage. "There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. In this world, the capable always rule."
"I think we should talk to the Kingpin. I don't need to tell you all how strong the Kingpin is, I think you all know."
"I'll go talk to him about a truce. After all, every day we delay, we lose more. Let's vote, either peace or war."
After a round of voting, Elder Makutum started counting the votes. "Six votes in favor of peace talks, two votes in favor of war, and two abstentions."
"I will be responsible for negotiating with the Kingpin. That's all, meeting adjourned."
At Fisk Tower, the Kingpin's massive frame sat on a high-end, Italian-customized sofa, taking a phone call.
"Kingpin, you should stop now. Your Hell's Kitchen has had enough of the limelight in the past two days. Do you really think we, the High Table, are pushovers? Do you really want to destroy everything for the sake of your protégé? Besides, your protégé is fine. You know, we the High Table have our own Arbitrators." Elder Makutum threatened.
It was clear that the High Table knew the Kingpin. After all, they were all top-tier existences in the dark world, and it was normal to have business dealings.
"Makutum, we're old friends. What do you mean, for a godson? It's fortunate that my godson is fine, so I'm giving you High Table a little lesson. We come and go from Hell's Kitchen as we please. If anything happens to my dear godson, even if I have to risk my life, I'll make sure everyone in the High Table is buried with him."
The Kingpin smoked his cigar, unfazed by the threat from the High Table.
"Besides, even if we fight to the death, do you even deserve it?" The Kingpin said disdainfully.
After hearing the Kingpin's mockery, the elder Makutum on the phone took a deep breath. After all, it wasn't easy to tear their faces right now.
The High Table was, after all, united by twelve top families, not a single iron plate.
Everyone had their own selfish interests, and it was impossible for them to sacrifice their family businesses for a Marquis.
To be honest, the Kingpin didn't have any direct hatred towards them, and they even had some interests in common.
If a real war broke out, some of them might even defect to the Kingpin's side.
"Tell me your terms. How can we appease your anger?" Makutum asked helplessly.
"It's simple. I want a seat on the High Table. I want a Continental Hotel opened in our Hell's Kitchen, and the High Table will pay for the repairs. My people will manage it. Furthermore, you will compensate me and my godson for the mental distress, as well as labor fees in Hell's Kitchen. Five hundred million U.S. dollars," the Kingpin demanded, opening his mouth like a lion.
"Impossible, absolutely impossible. Not to mention that each of the twelve seats on the High Table is backed by an ancient family, you can't possibly take them. And rebuilding a Continental Hotel, do you know how much money that would cost? Then let's go to war!" Makutum seemed to be losing his mind after hearing the Kingpin's terms.
The Kingpin calmly poured himself a glass of red wine and then said, "Don't be in such a hurry. I know the High Table has an ancient tradition, a one-on-one Duel."
The winner can obtain any promise from the High Table. I can let my godson participate, and he can Duel with that Marquis. When the Marquis loses, we will take out his family's forces together, and the assets we get will be enough to rebuild a Continental Hotel and provide compensation. The rest of you on the High Table won't have to pay a penny."
Makutum's pupils dilated after hearing this, realizing that the Kingpin's appetite was so great that he wanted not only a seat but also to wipe out an entire family. He truly deserved to be the overlord of Hell's Kitchen.
"But, as you know, the premise of initiating a Duel is to first join a family, and Chen Ye is not a member of the twelve families."
"It's nothing. I've sent people to wipe out the Antonio Family in New York. That family no longer exists in this world. Chen Ye will represent my Fisk Family. Also, just give my godson a seat on the High Table. I'm old, I won't join."
The Kingpin said it lightly, as if the destruction of the family had nothing to do with him.
"Alright, I can decide to approve your godson's seat. I will also notify them about the Duel, but the Marquis's family is very powerful, and we may not intervene," Makutum replied.
"Six-four split, I get six, and you can figure out how to split the remaining four, I don't care," the Kingpin interrupted Makutum and gave his price.
"We will intervene. The premise is that your godson can win." Hearing the Kingpin's offer, Makutum also agreed.
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