Kellan's heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the silence of the night. He was standing in a back alley, the grime-caked Rolex in his hand, and the knowledge of its true value buzzing like electricity in his skull.
I have $35,000 in my palm. $50,000 is still a distant leap, but this is salvation.
He knew nothing about selling vintage watches, which was exactly why he activated his system again, focusing on the nearest high-end location he could recall.
[Optimal Insight (Level 1) Activated!]
[Target: Optimal Route for immediate, high-value asset liquidation in Nova Prime.]
The chaotic, glowing lines resolved. Most paths pointed towards formal auction houses or well-known jewelry districts—routes that were Optimal for maximizing profit, but disastrous for speed and discretion. Kellan couldn't afford background checks or questions about how a warehouse grunt acquired a half-a-million-dollar watch.
But one path, a faint, almost secret thread of light, snaked towards an obscure block in the downtown core.
[Optimal Path Selected: 'The Vault' Private Brokerage. Address: 14th St, Obsidian Building, Suite 3B.]
[Predicted Net Gain (Immediate Liquidation): $34,800. Time Required: 45 minutes.]
Perfect. That was the Apex System at work: not the highest profit, but the best outcome under current constraints.
He gunned his motorbike and sped toward the Obsidian Building. Kellan found Suite 3B. The door slid open to reveal a tall woman in a sharp charcoal suit: Seraphina Vane.
"Do you have an appointment?" Her voice was smooth, carrying an undertone of dismissal.
Kellan pulled the grimy watch from his pocket. "No. But I have something you will want to see."
[Optimal Insight (Level 1) Activated!]
[Target: Broker, Seraphina Vane. Optimal Action: State price ceiling immediately. Do not negotiate.]
"Come in, Mr. Thorne." Seraphina's eyes were locked onto the watch.
She analyzed the timepiece. "It is... authentic. But to move this quickly, there will be a significant broker's fee."
Kellan cut her off, relying purely on the System's advice. "I need $35,000, wired now. No less, and no negotiation. Your fee is whatever remains of the true market value."
Seraphina paused, a flicker of surprise breaking her cool façade. "You understand the risk, but do you understand the rarity of this piece, Mr. Thorne?"
"I understand its Optimal Value to you, Ms. Vane," Kellan countered. "It's a low-risk, high-return score for your private clients. Take it or leave it."
She sighed, then smiled, signing the transfer. "Very well. A quick turnaround is also an Optimal Path for me."
Kellan heard the faint chime of his phone. A notification flashed: $34,800.00 USD Deposited.
"Thank you for your business, Mr. Thorne. I suspect we may see you again." Seraphina's grey eyes held a newfound curiosity.
He left The Vault, stepping back out into the glittering night with $34,800 in his account, still needing the remaining $15,200 by the deadline. It was still a mountain, but the impossible barrier had been broken.