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Ch. 236 What Do I Need to Sacrifice
🕑 Added 2023-12-28 16:03:01 +0000 UTCWinston had previously tried to recruit Russell, even offering him a position as a direct operative with power but few obligations, all with the aim of leveraging Russell's strength to gain a seat at the High Table.
Although he had made many preparations, when he actually tried to secure a seat at the High Table, he found that it was much more challenging than he had imagined. The High Table had a limited number of seats, and for Winston to ascend, someone had to step down.
Putting aside the fact that those who held seats at the High Table were not exactly virtuous individuals, just dealing with the small circles within the High Table was a challenging problem in itself.
The High Table had a total of twelve seats, occupied by various factions such as the Camorra, the Italian Mafia, the Triads, , the Russians, and more. These twelve seats were further divided into several different alliances due to interests and cooperation.
This meant that if Winston wanted to replace one member, he would have to contend not with just one faction, but several factions forming an alliance.
In the underground world of New York, Winston was considered a formidable figure. However, on a global scale, he was relatively unknown. Moreover, once he left the boundaries of New York, his influence would significantly diminish.
"Do you find my previous plan interesting now?" Winston asked somewhat incredulously.
"No, I'm not interested in your previous plan. I'm interested in the High Table now," Russell corrected Winston.
Winston had discussed the matter of gaining a seat at the High Table with him before, shortly after he had joined the Continental Hotel. However, at that time, he didn't have the power he now possessed, nor did he have many complicated thoughts.
His thoughts at the time were quite simple: become a well-known hitman, earn enough money to cover his expenses and live a good life with Diana.
"Do you want me to help you secure a seat at the High Table?" Winston continued to inquire.
"Yes," Russell replied calmly.
Afterward, he signaled Perkins to bring over the whiskey from the nearby liquor cabinet.
"Why are you willing to help me?" While having Russell's assistance was a good thing, Winston knew Russell quite well. In simple terms, Russell was a person who wouldn't act without a profit motive.
He couldn't believe that Russell would help him gain a seat at the High Table without expecting something in return. He must have other plans.
"Don't look at me like that. While my help isn't free, you don't need to worry that I'll use you like a pawn," Russell assured him. "You know the extent of my current power, and you don't need to fear that I'll treat you as a mere chess piece."
Although Winston didn't voice it, Russell could see what he was worried about. He was concerned about being used as a pawn.
If this were in the past, Russell might have been interested in the High Table. After all, the High Table controlled the Continental Hotels worldwide, making it a formidable entity in the underground world.
However, now that he possessed the Kryptonian abilities, the High Table's power, even if it increased tenfold, was just a trivial matter.
"What do I need to sacrifice?" Although he didn't know what Russell was planning, Winston was tempted.
Of course!
The long-awaited seat at the High Table was now within reach, and how could he not be tempted? If he wasn't tempted, he would have retired long ago and would not still be serving as the manager of the Continental Hotel in New York.
"I haven't thought about it yet. I'll let you know once I've made up my mind. But one thing you can be sure of is that I won't ask you to do something beyond your abilities," Russell said slowly.
Then, he picked up the whiskey that Perkins had just poured and took a sip.
Winston didn't immediately respond. He furrowed his brows, deep in thought for over a dozen seconds before finally saying, "Alright! As long as you can help me secure a seat at the High Table, I can assist you within my capabilities."
In the end, Winston agreed to Russell's proposal.
"Believe me, you won't regret the decision you've made today."
"Well, it's getting late. I won't disturb you any longer."
With that, Russell finished the whiskey in his glass and, along with Perkins, left the office.
As they rode the elevator to the lobby on the ground floor, the body of the big man had already been removed.
The direct operatives who had gathered in the lobby had also disappeared without a trace, leaving no clue as to where they had gone.
"Drive back to the headquarters yourself."
After leaving the hotel, Russell instructed Perkins.
When Russell left, she realized that she had come to rely on his protection more than she had thought.
In less than a minute, Russell returned to the apartment.
Upon landing on the balcony, he saw Diana lying on the living room sofa reading a book.
Entering the living room, he sat down beside Diana and said, "I met someone interesting today."
He briefly explained about Callum and the Assassin Brotherhood, providing Diana with all the information he knew.
Of course, he also mentioned his speculations, such as why the Assassin Brotherhood suddenly sought cooperation with the High Table.
"Do you really believe that these things like the Piece of Eden and the Apples of Eden exist?" Diana asked, not fully convinced by Russell's words.
Since Callum and the Assassin Brotherhood were not characters from Marvel or DC, Russell didn't need to conceal too much and disclosed what he knew.
As for the source of his information, it was, of course, the Assassin's Creed video games he had played before his time travel.
"I think there's a high probability they exist. I sensed some ancient aura from Callum," Russell said with a serious expression.
