Chapter 28: The One Who Overcame
With a firm grip, on the handlebars, he revved the engine once, then pulled out onto the main road.
The city was alive with movement, cars whizzing past, pedestrians crossing the streets, neon light although deemed by the natural light of the firmament was still flickering.
Within minutes, he reached the building site, slowing to a stop before smoothly parking his bike near the entrance.
As he pulled off his helmet, he took a steady breath, letting his sharp gaze scan the apartment building in front of him.
The structure was tall, taller than the previous one. A testament to his calculated investments. It wasn't the flashiest building in the city, but it was modern, efficient and strategicically placed in a fast developing area of Central City.
A few seconds just as he pulled up, a luxury vehicle rolled up, and a man stepped out.
He visually looked like he was in his mid forties, dressed in a black, tailored suit, with the aura of someone used to closing high stakes deals— Business Tycoon: Tenzen Sama.
Maximus walked over, extending a hand for a hand shake. "Mr. Sama, very nice to meet you..."
Tenzen's handshake was firm. "Likewise. I've heard a lot about you. Let's see if this one's live up to the reputation. "
Maximus gave a confident nod. "Follow me if you will..."
Tenzen Sama followed him through the lobby first. The high ceilings, tiled floors and ambient lightning gave off a luxurious feel without being excessive.
"I went for a design that appealed to both professionals and small families." Maximus explained. "They're security systems installed at every entrance, 24\7 surveillance controlled access for the residents."
Tenzen nodded, taking mental notes as the moved to the elevators.
Maximus pressed the buttons for one of the upper floors, leaning slightly against the panel as the doors closed.
"You have tenants lined up already?" Tenzen asked.
"Off course! However, all applications are pending, once ownership transfers, you'll have a steady influx of ready-to-pay tenants"
The elevator dinged, and they stepped into a well illuminated hall way. Maximus led him to a corner apartment which was supposed to be the best out of all the rest.
Floor to ceiling windows, an open concept kitchen and modern appliances. The apartment stretched out like a canvas.
Tenzen walked inside, running a hand along the countertops, testing the soft close cabinets.
He was thorough, taking his time to assess the craftsmanship. Maximus remained silent, letting his investment speak for itself.
After a few more minutes of inspecting, Tenzen turned back to him. "Impressive, you've done a lot of good work here..."
Maximus nodded, "it's a smart investment. Properties here in this location are projected to increase in value by 15% over the next two years... If you're looking for long term gains, this is your best bet."
Tenzen glared at him for a couple seconds before chuckling. "You're confident, I like that. "
Maximus simply shrugged his shoulders. "Thank you sir. "
Tenzen exhaled while leaning against the countertops, "Alright, let's talk numbers. "
Maximus directed him towards the lounge area, where he had already prepared a file with pricing breakdowns, projected returns and necessary documents. He handed it over as they sat.
'Good thing I was able to complete this last night... Despite all that happened...' He mused within himself.
Tenzen scanned the figures before nodding. "Your price is reasonable, considering the location and amenities. However, I am a renowned business man and I negotiate... "
"So do I... " Maximus chopped in, cutting Tenzen Sama off completely.
The two men leaned in and the real conversation began.
Maximus remained steady, his knowledge of the market and numbers guiding his words with precision.
After thirty minutes of negotiation, Tenzen finally leaned back with a satisfied expression plastered on his face. "You drive a hard bargain Mr. Maximus. But I like your style, let's close this deal shall we..."
Maximus extended his hand again, sealing the agreement with a firm shake. "Pleasure doing business with you."
As Tenzen left to finalize the legal details with his team, Maximus exhaled, rolling his shoulders back.
Another successful deal.
Another step forward to securing his investment with Zack Zimmerman.
"I'm damn good at this Investment thing!"
And now he had 5 million dollars from this agreement alone.
Tti-ring!
~Congratulations host~
~You have reached 100% XP points for the business domain >Real Estate<~
~You have received a bonus~
~OPEN to veiw~
Maximus leaned forward, he could feel his heart rate accelerate with anticipation.
"Open..." He muttered.
Tti-ring!
~Bonus> $1,500,000~
~Bonus> You have unlocked a new Job Title.~
Tti-ring.
~You have leveled up!~
~Level 3~
"Phew, it's been a long time coming! Level 3 now, and I got compensated accordingly too..."
"One point five million dollars added to my account and this..."
His gaze glared at the notification with the clickable word— Job Title.
Like the system was reading his thoughts, it clicked and a drop down information rippled like a water fall.
~Job Titles are gained from completing a level and going on to a new level.~
~They are given as a form of Bonus and grant the host unique abilities that aid in investment ventures~
~New Job Title Unlocked~
~OPEN to unlock~
"Huh... This should be very interesting..."
Maximus sat up and rubbed a dry hand against his chin.
"I've never seen the system use that phrase before, Job Titles"
Just then—
~As host completes more levels, new Job Titles will be granted as bonuses and host can choose to be either one or none of them, but only one can be used at a given time~
~Cooldown for changing Job Titles is set at> 672 Hours~
"Okay, I understand now. So I can only be one at a time... And that's 1 month..."
"Okay..."
Maximus cracked his knuckles and neck, readying himself to reveal his new Job Title.
"Open..."
Tti-ring!
~New Job Title Unlocked~
~The One Who Overcame~
"The one who overcame?" Maximus repeated after the system, raising a confused eyebrow.
~Would you like to select this Job Title?~
"Yes..."
~Choice selected~
~Active Job Title> The One Who Overcame~
~Cooldown> 671:59:58~
"Okay, you said this Job Title allows me to have certain perks..."
Tti-ring!
~The One Who Overcame~
~Binding Vow> This feature activates when a deal is agreed upon and sealed with a hand shake. Once the handshake has been performed, host cannot go back on their word. If host fails to adhere to the vow they would be punished~
~Eye Of Apollo> This skill allows host to see the value of people and things. Cool down is set 3 times in 24 hours~
"Ohh really!" Maximus let out a burst of laughter.
"So it gave me a restriction and perk, that's great... I would love to see how I can use this to my advantage" he finished.
Tti-ring!
~Select Trigger Word to use New Skill> Eye Of Apollo~
~____~
"Oh, this again... Alright, lets see..."
"Trigger word for Eye Of Apollo..."
He glanced around the room, looking for anything that could give him ideas for trigger word, then his eyes fell on the shining marble countertops of the apartment kitchen.
"Shimmer..."
Tti-ring!
~Trigger word chosen for Skill: Eye Of Apollo~
~Shimmer~