Long-term salvation

Although the battle is over, no one is happy about it, leaving only more doubts and sorrows.

Chapter 206: 47 and Diana (3K·3/3)

Paris has gradually recovered from the chaos, but the main areas where the riots occurred have not been unsealed. The drizzle fell on the raincoats of the gendarmes and police, making crackling sounds.

Police cars or armored vehicles still drove by from time to time in other regions. Parisians, the French and even other people in the world were talking about what happened last night - perhaps only a few years later would they realize that the world had changed without them noticing.

47 stared at the rain and fog with his eyes wide open, and at the drifting spots of light from the police car's headlights, weighing the risks of this trip in his mind. It wasn't just him, but also Diana Burnwood, the ICA manager who had rushed over, who was sitting next to him.

The two sat in a remote coffee shop run by an elderly couple. They were sitting in a corner of the coffee shop watching the news on TV, whispering worriedly from time to time.

"Even so, I'm still surprised and a little honored that you could contact me so directly and so brazenly," Diana said with a smile. She had disguised herself as a United States tourist and was now cutting the cake in front of her with a small table knife. "You were able to get information about my parents from the assassination target... I have to thank you, 47."

"It was a success, but the mission failed."

47 said it calmly, not seeming to be upset, and his expression did not fluctuate at all, at least it had been like this since Diana met him.

"It doesn't matter. The ICA's assassins in Europe suffered heavy losses, and they also paid a large sum of liquidated damages to their employers. I guess they'll 'increase their efficiency' going forward," Diana said, unmoved by the losses suffered by her own faction. Her eyes flickered with a hint of something else. "But this also gives me an opportunity to climb the ladder. After all, you're the only assassin left alive, and I'm your agent."

"The opponent is very strong."

"Yes, they are very strong. That's why I would have come even if they had no information about my parents' death." Diana forked a piece of cake and used the yellow object to block her view of 47, just enough to cover his bald head. "I don't want to be hunted, and you certainly don't want to be hunted either."

"……coming."

"What--"

There was a sound like a camera taking a picture, and then a man said:

"You guys are feeling a little tired now. You want to go back to your room and rest. You won't come out in two hours."

Diana looked in the direction of the sound and saw the elderly couple who ran the coffee shop walking towards the back room in a daze, as well as two men - they were both very young, the silver-haired one was more handsome, wearing an eye patch and plaster on his hands, and it looked like he had done some "little exercise" last night.

This might explain the riots in Paris the previous night, although Diana didn't know the details.

But... could the founder of Atlas really have such a handsome son?

Diana complained in her heart, then stood up and pressed 47's shoulder, signaling him not to act rashly. Then she smiled and said to Rhode:

"Hello, Mr. Rhodes, I'm 47's manager, you can call me Irene Delap..."

"Ms. Diana Burnwood, please take a seat. Your original name is very nice. It makes people think you are a superhero."

Rhodes admired the expression on Diana's face with satisfaction. He sat down on the chair Jason Bourne had pulled out. This young man was quite perceptive and would achieve great things in the future. He glanced at 47 who was sitting next to him and said slowly:

"I didn't realize you studied at the Institut Le Rosey in Rolle, Switzerland. Although it was only for one year, you did very well. Even if you're not a superhero, you're still a brilliant and rare talent, Ms. Burnwood."

"...What are your conditions?" Diana took a deep breath, and without hesitation, she went straight to the point.

Diana was sure that the young man in front of her liked this way of talking.

"I need you to provide me with intelligence on the ICA's clients and their future movements at any time," Rhodes flexed his fingers, barely showing them, and tapped the folder Bourne had already taken out. "Guide the ICA to become my strength. I hope you can clean up the rot in the human world in a way that those of us 'standing in the sun' cannot."

"Of course, there is also the goal of completely destroying this international assassin organization at some point in the future."

In fact, not only that, Rhodes hopes to let the secret action agency of the Army Without Borders replace the ICA bit by bit like Hydra replaced S.H.I.E.L.D., and master the secret intelligence and intelligence network accumulated over the decades - by then, whether the ICA is dead or alive will be meaningless, and Diana can just do whatever makes her happy.

"…What can you offer?"

Diana was overwhelmed by this near-impossible goal...or rather, it perfectly matched her vision: to cause the ICA to stumble, or even completely collapse. All she needed now was an opportunity, a chance to make up her mind.

"You're probably in great need of assassins right now, as well as money, a future, security, a sense of purpose, and most importantly, the truth—just like what I'm about to tell you and 47 about the mystery of your past."

Rhode said with a smile. He looked into Diana's eyes and saw a faint movement in them:

"Do you want to know the truth about this world?"

The faint sunlight filtered through the dispersed rain mist into the coffee shop, shining between Rhodes and Diana, leaving the former hidden in the shadows that had not yet been illuminated - who was the "person standing in the sun"?

Diana suddenly became acutely aware that what she and 47 had done, and the darkness these actions represented, were completely incomparable to the person in front of her, or rather, he was just looking at her as if she were a child playing.

This is really unacceptable... How could someone who defeated 47 head-on be injured like this? Don't tell me it's a superhero, a super criminal, or something like that.

"Okay, let me get back to business," Rhodes said, reaching out to Jason Bourne, who was sitting next to him. He continued, "This guy will give you a commission, and let 47 do it. It's not convenient for him or me to do it. Furthermore, after the target is killed, he won't cause you any trouble, because there are many people who want him dead."

"Target?"

"Alexander Conklin, the director of a special agent program within the CIA, is in Paris right now."

"...Acceptable, if your intelligence and commission are suitable," 47 nodded slightly, his eyes meeting Jason Bourne's. Both of them subconsciously tensed their muscles and reached for their weapons... Fortunately, it was just a small movement for a moment, and no one would care, and they gradually relaxed.

"Okay, now it's time for me to share my intelligence. 47, you're a clone who's undergone biochemical modification. You were born in a mental hospital in Satu Mare, Romania. Of course, that's just a cover. It's a genetic modification research facility underneath. You're the 47th, and the most successful... If you want to know more, wait until you complete this mission."

Hearing this, 47 subconsciously reached out to touch the barcode behind his head, and some messy fragments of memory flashed through his mind.

Ignoring 47 who was reminiscing, Rhode turned to look at Diana, who was suddenly a little flustered for some reason. Facing the latter's uneasy gaze, he said lightly:

"The killers who killed your parents were 47 and 6 before their memories were erased. As for those who hired them, I believe Lady Diana has already exacted her revenge."

The sound of a chair falling suddenly came, and the sound echoed for a long time in the quiet coffee shop.

"...I...how could it be possible...no no no..." Diana took a few deep breaths and quickly connected the information she had previously investigated. "Before that, what other organizations existed? Who created 47 and hired him as a killer?"

"A lot," Rhode leaned back in his chair, a look of helplessness finally appearing on his face. "The Conclave of Divine Providence, Mobius, ATC, Umbrella—they were the ones who released BOW in Paris last night. You'll learn more about them later. Of course, there are other scattered organizations as well. They cooperate with each other but also hinder each other, moving towards their goals in a world that is about to enter chaos."

Rhodes really didn't know whether the Congregation of Providence existed. After all, there were already so many giant crocodiles in this world. Even if it existed, it would only be a larger piranha.

"..."

47 looked at Diana and then at Rod. He wisely decided not to speak now - besides, he himself was a little confused - and decided to go to Romania in a few days.

Thinking of this, 47 stood up and left his pistol in front of Diana. Then he said to Jason Bourne:

"Come here, I need to know more information about the assassination target."

"...I'm not sure either. I lost my memory."

47:"……"

For the first time, I felt that amnesia was really annoying.

After 47 left, Diana sat down dejectedly, looked at the pistol in front of her, and asked calmly:

"Why choose me?"

"Because I've seen your past and future," Rhodes spread out his hands. "Since you two became partners, how many scum have you had 47 kill? They've committed countless crimes, yet no one has been able to bring them to justice. 'No one is untouchable.' Punish them, Diana. You and 47 should be on the right path."

"Even in the future, maybe that includes you?"

"Of course," Rhodes laughed, "including me, of course!"

+ + + + + + + + + +

night.

CIA Special Agent in Chief, Alexander Conklin, walked into his safe house in Paris, put down his coat, locked the door, then walked to the sofa and sat down, letting out a long sigh.

All of Project Treadstone's agents in Europe were wiped out, and the three agents who came to support them were also severely injured... by a little girl? Are you kidding?!

Turning on the TV, you can see the ugly appearance of the Eiffel Tower after it burned, and the mayor of Paris standing in front of the wreckage hoping that citizens can donate money to rebuild this iconic landmark of Paris.

Conklin drank beer he bought from a convenience store and thought about his next move - such as how to find Jason Bourne and get rid of him completely.

What he didn't notice was.

In the darkness, a bald man in a suit slowly took out a silver pistol.

Chapter 207 Daily Life: Arriving Home

After staying in Paris for a few days, Rhodes dealt with the aftermath of the incident and sent Laura and Lupo's family to Director Plessy's hometown in Marseille for recuperation before boarding a plane back to the small town of Arkham in the United States.

It was already afternoon when the helicopter flew over the town. The sunlight bathed the entire town in a warm golden glow, turning the pedestrians on the streets into a soon-to-fade wheat-colored hue, like tourists lying on the beach in Havana, their laziness and a sense of nothingness. Of course, the people in Arkham were not as idle as them.

Arkham itself hadn't changed much. People went about their daily business, busy with their families and their lives. Only half-baked commentators or drunks in bars who cared about world affairs would watch the news on TV and shout:

"Iraq attacked Kuwait! Wait... where are Iraq and Kuwait?"

These had nothing to do with Rhodes for the time being. As soon as he opened the helicopter door, he saw Little Red Riding Hood standing next to the helipad. The strong wind generated by the rotation of the rotor blew Nikki's long red hair, as if a ball of blazing flame was burning.

Their eyes met, and they saw each other's figures in them.

"What about the rest?"

Rod got off the helicopter and shouted to Little Red Riding Hood. He was almost fully recovered, though his arms still ached. Several other girls filed out behind him, their skirts pressed down and their hair caught in the strong wind.

Little Red Riding Hood said nothing, but took a half step forward and held Rod in her arms. Her hands first wrapped around her lover's waist, then moved upwards, stroking his back, lingering for a few seconds on the long-healed wound, then continued upwards, wrapping around his neck and cupping his cheeks.

kiss.

It was a brief, out-of-character kiss, like she was just sniffing a rose.

Little Red Riding Hood took a half step back, letting a faint blush spread from her neck to her beautiful face. She turned her head away and walked towards Hill Manor, ignoring Rhodes who was standing there in a daze.

Rhode opened his mouth, then turned around and gestured to the helicopter pilot for takeoff. The two Atlas guys gave him a thumbs-up and held up a whiteboard with a marker writing on it:

We need a Prince of Wales

Rhodes: “…”

After responding with his middle finger, Rhodes walked towards Hill Villa. He could already see the girls standing at the door of the mansion - he loosened his tie and walked forward - then stood between the mansion and the helipad, opening his arms to catch the chicks that flew into his arms.

"Sensei!"

Rhode busily patted the girls' heads and said with a mixture of laughter and tears:

"I'm fine, don't worry."

"You should take me with you," the wolf girl's ears twitched, a serious look on her face. "I will retrieve your soul from the underworld, though I'll pay you."

"Just rob a few more gangster banks and that'll be fine."

Rhode smiled in response, and he immediately saw Baizi's ears perk up, her eyes sparkling. The girl nuzzled Rhode's hand, a faint smile on her face. She then stepped back, letting Noah and Yuka pass him by.

The excitement on their faces gradually subsided. Yuka placed her hands on her hips and began to lecture Rhode seriously:

"There's no action plan, no high-level combat forces accompanying us, and even... uh-huh."

Rhodes reached out and grabbed that cute chin, kissing it uncontrollably, letting the girl's remaining words be squeezed behind his tongue and disappear between his lips and teeth - Yuxiang narrowed her eyes slightly at first, then took a half step back after waking up in shock, but Rhodes didn't intend to let her bother him with those messed up principles again - he took a half step forward, caught her back, and did it again.

After letting Yuuka surrender and watching her run into the villa with her face covered, Rhode turned to Noah. The latter smiled softly, kissed her gently, and then slowly said:

"Welcome back, Sensei."

"I thought you were going to say some poetry."

"People choose their own beloved meanings from the poet's words, but the ultimate meaning of the poem is directed at you," Noah said softly, her beautiful eyes dancing slightly in the sunlight, giving Rhodes a fiery and irresistible command. "They have said what I want to say and done what I want to do. What else can I say or do? Come in and rest quickly. We would like to have dinner with you tonight."

After hearing this, Rhode felt that the rank of the person in front of him was indeed very high... Too despicable, Noah.

After taking Noah and Bai Zi in his arms, Rhodes called the girls on their European tour and walked towards Hill Villa.

When he reached the door, Rod saw Marian standing by it. She was wearing a plain house dress, while Yang, Little Red Riding Hood and Asuka Iki were all standing a little further back, with expressions of "let's see what you can do" on their faces.

Taking a deep breath, Rhodes walked forward, took Marian's hand, placed the warm palm on his face, and whispered:

"I am home."

"Next time... next time," Marianne bit her lip, her eyes twinkling with stars of resentment and love. "After everything is settled, just send me a letter filled with poison. Don't let me feel this pain—from beginning to end, sunrise to sunset, every minute and every second—or, take me with you, let me die with you... Just like you said, we can be resurrected, right?"

"..."

Rhodes really didn't expect the boomerang to hit back like this. His eyes passed Marian and fell on Asuka Iki, who was turning his head to the other side. The latter seemed to be suddenly very interested in the decorative sculpture placed by the door.

With a sigh in his heart, Rhodes kissed the palm and raised his voice slightly.

"I'll be back, every time."

“That commitment is not enough.”

"...How greedy you are, Marianne! Do you really want to completely banish the world from my heart?"

"If we proceed from this point of view," Marianne admitted frankly, "then, yes, I, we will all be your rivals—our love and yours will battle each other for eternity, until our souls are annihilated in the long river of time, until we completely vanish from your memory. But by then... this world, human civilization, may have long ceased to exist."

Marianne smiled, bright as a flower and sharp as a sword, cruelly tearing a scar in Rod's heart that would never fade away:

"We will savor the taste of victory. But how can you win a war that is absolutely unwinnable?"