Lucky Hour restaurant, Hell's Kitchen, New York.
A week had passed since the chaos at the Eiffel Tower was settled.
The High Table paid a hefty sum to pacify the French leadership and prevent further escalation. Marquis Vincent de Gramont's family, however, faced simultaneous attacks—not only from Kingpin's forces but also from the High Table and government agencies—and they vanished into history's shadow.
Thanks to an official cover-up, the citizens of Paris remained oblivious to the narrowly avoided nuclear catastrophe. Life resumed as if nothing had happened.
Only those entrenched in the underworld knew that Marquis Vincent de Gramont had betrayed the High Table, colluding with terrorists to devastate central Paris—and that his scheme was stopped by Alex Ray, a newly appointed High Table elder.
Indeed, two days had passed since Alex Ray earned his elder status.
He had returned to his restaurant in Hell's Kitchen and was trying to lead a normal life.
"Alex, you pulled off such a huge move, and you didn't even bring me along? You don't care about me anymore!" Deadpool slammed the table in frustration, annoyed that Alex hadn't called him for such an exciting event.
"Relax. It wasn't an emergency last time, and you were off somewhere else wandering. So I didn't call you," Alex said, not even turning around as he sipped his tea.
"I really wanted to experience getting fried by a giant Nuclear. Wonder if it could actually kill me. Next time you have something like that, don't forget to call me!" Deadpool grinned wickedly.
Guess Deadpool wanted to see if the Nuclear blast would kill him.
"Then I guess that's unlikely. With your abilities, you probably wouldn't die even if the Earth was destroyed," Alex rolled his eyes.
Footsteps approached outside. Winston, John Wick, and a High Table judge entered the restaurant.
The judge approached Alex's table, opened a briefcase, and placed it in front of him. "These are your elder identity gold coins from the High Table, the judge's gold coins, your ID verification card, and a special phone designed for High Table elders."
"There are three elder status gold coins. Showing one to any High Table-controlled faction guarantees you full cooperation."
"This ID card carries your unique verification code. Use it to issue commands or place bounties within the High Table network. Your elder status grants you full authority."
"Here are nine Arbitrator gold coins. That means you can command nine Arbitrators. Their identities must be uploaded to the High Table archives for verification."
"The elder phone is for convenience during meetings. Usually, High Table elders like yourself don't attend headquarters meetings in person—you'll just use this phone remotely."
Alex listened carefully.
Deadpool immediately grabbed an elder gold coin, bit into it, and then quietly pocketed it with a satisfied nod.
"Can these be remade if lost?" Alex asked.
The judge blinked. "Elder Alex Ray, this has never happened in High Table history. But presumably, yes."
"Pietro, put that away before some thief in a red mask steals it," Alex muttered, almost calling out Deadpool's real name.
Pietro stepped forward, took the briefcase, and shot a sharp look at Deadpool, who was watching hungrily.
Neither Alex nor Pietro pressed Deadpool for the gold coin he'd "borrowed."
The judge produced another briefcase, opening it to reveal stacks of documents.
"Elder Alex Ray, this is the Marquis's legacy within the High Table. Since you are not in Paris, the High Table relocated these assets for your convenience," the judge explained. This was clearly hush money and a gesture of thanks.
"The first category includes properties, weapons caches, and training bases across the United States."
"The second contains shares and bonds of the Marquis Investment Company."
"As for the third…"
Alex cut him off: "Enough. Send everything to Fisk Tower. No need to elaborate."
It wasn't that Alex wasn't interested in money, but he feared too much knowledge might breed complacency. Besides, in the Marvel Universe, no amount of cash helps when cosmic threats arrive. If Thanos shows up, Alex isn't going to flash a check for a hundred billion and walk away.
And no, Alex didn't have that kind of money.
If Thanos accepted the check and left, Alex would resort to anything—even kidnapping Tony Stark—to stop him.
For now, Alex was content knowing he'd never spend it all in his lifetime.
Impressed by Alex's disinterest, the judge continued: "Here is a roster of High Table assassins stationed in New York. Originally around 100 operatives, but after your recent encounter in Hell's Kitchen, fewer than 30 remain."
"These operatives are entrusted to you by the High Table elders. Use them as you see fit."
Alex felt a little awkward receiving these "gifts." "Let them go back. I killed a fair number of them already. They must feel uneasy around me, and honestly, I feel the same. After all, they nearly killed someone important to me. Even if they don't say it, I'm sure they harbor resentment. Best to just forget it."
The judge seemed to anticipate this. "Elder Alex Ray, don't worry. If you refuse them, they will be ordered to commit mass suicide. By accepting them, you save their lives."
With no better option, Alex nodded and tacitly agreed. Besides, the community school opening soon would need security guards, and there was a shortage of sanitation workers in Hell's Kitchen.
"Finally, about the Continental Hotel's reconstruction in New York—your thoughts?" the judge asked.
"The location's a block away. Winston, come here." Alex called.
Winston stood up quickly.
Alex introduced him: "No need to introduce this man. Winston is the former head of the New York Continental Hotel. Now, he's one of my judges and will oversee the hotel's reconstruction."
Winston looked at Alex with deep gratitude. "Thank you for helping me get revenge and entrusting me with the Continental. I'll manage it well."
Winston's gratitude ran deep. He had worked under the High Table for years but was ousted and his hotel destroyed after breaking their rules. His loyal butler had died in the bombing. Alex avenged him and immediately handed him back control.
Winston, no stranger to betrayal, was moved by Alex's trust.
A man will die for his cause, and Winston vowed to dedicate his life to Alex's.
Winston asked, "What are your specific requirements for the Continental—decor, layout?"
Alex smiled confidently. "I trust you entirely. Just one request: prioritize ordinary Hell's Kitchen residents for regular staff positions."
Winston was momentarily stunned. Unsure if he'd heard right, he asked again.
"You heard me," Alex confirmed. "Waiters, cleaners, chefs—those roles should go first to Hell's Kitchen locals."
Winston considered this and admired Alex deeply. He hadn't expected Alex to think of ordinary people rather than personal gain. This was a leader worth following.
He bowed deeply, hand on his chest. "I swear to fulfill your request, even at the cost of my life."
Ding
"Congratulations, host. You have successfully added Winston as a friend."
"Obtained attribute: Noble Etiquette Lv8."
"Congratulations, host..."
"Winston's favorability has reached the maximum six stars."
"Winston has become your family member."
"You gain all Winston's skills, and his existing skills upgrade by one level."
"As your family members' skills improve, you also improve automatically."
"Current family members: 2. Add three more to upgrade the system."
"Host, please keep up the good work."
Alex glanced at Winston, surprised. He hadn't expected adding Winston as a family member would be so easy.
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones