Business Meeting

With his dimensional power, Corbin crossed the dimensional barrier once again, transporting himself back to 2024. This wasnt the dimensional travel of the system but that of his Void Power, as long as he could recognise coordinates then he'd be able to travel to them. He wanted to be independent from the power he didn't understand where it came from and why it came to him. The contrast between the worlds was stark, the apocalyptic desolation of 2300 replaced by the bustling activity of modern life.

Corbin made his way to the nearest jewelry market, his eyes scanning the area for potential buyers. Corbin's phone buzzed in his pocket, the familiar ringtone interrupting his thoughts. He glanced down at the screen, recognizing the number of the last jewelry shop he had sold to. Curious, he answered the call.

"Hello?" Corbin said, his tone measured and polite.

"Mr. Tempest!" the voice on the other end exclaimed. "I trust you are doing well? We've been eager to speak with you about a new acquisition you may have of interest. Is there a time and place we could meet to discuss further?"

Corbin's brow furrowed.

Corbin hesitated, weighing his options. On one hand, this could be an opportunity for him to acquire more resources for his fight against the Etherkin. On the other hand, the timing of this call made him wary.

"Of course, I'm always open to business opportunities," he replied, keeping his tone neutral. "However, I am on a tight schedule. Could you give me more information about this acquisition before we set up a meeting?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line, as though the person on the other end was considering his request.

"The item in question," the store manager continued, his voice taking on a more confidential tone, "is a necklace that we believe would make an excellent birthday gift for a very important client of ours. He's a nobleman in the United Kingdom, and he's willing to pay top dollar for a piece that matches his daughter's...unique tastes. I believe that, based on the quality of your previous sales to us, you may have just what we need."

Corbin's interest was piqued. This could be an opportunity not just to acquire resources, but also to make valuable connections in his own world.

"I appreciate your interest in my wares," Corbin replied, his mind already turning over possibilities. "Given the nature of this request, I believe it would be best if we could meet in person to discuss the details. Are you available to meet at the same location as before, in two days' time?"

The manager agreed, and the details of the meeting were quickly arranged.

As Corbin ended the call, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He had been to the nobleman's estate once before, and he knew that the man was not to be trifled with.

Two days later, Corbin found himself standing in front of the jeweler's shop once again, his briefcase filled with a carefully curated selection of jewelry for the nobleman's consideration.

As he stepped through the door, he was greeted by the store manager, Mr. Robert Sterling. Mr. Sterling was a tall, slender man in his early 50s, with a full head of silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to miss nothing. He was impeccably dressed, his suit tailored to fit his slender frame, and he exuded an air of quiet authority.

"Mr. Tempest, a pleasure to see you again," Mr. Sterling said, his voice smooth and practiced. "I trust your travels were uneventful?"

Corbin nodded, smiling. "As uneventful as they can be in this business," he replied. "I trust you have an update on the client's request?"

Mr. Sterling nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed, I do. Lord Bartholomew Ashbury is quite eager to see the jewelry you have procured for his daughter's birthday celebration. In fact, he has invited you to his estate to deliver the gift personally. Corbin's eyebrows raised in surprise. "I must say, this is a more personal request than I anticipated," he remarked. "I am honored to be invited to the Lord's estate, but I hope this does not delay my return to...other matters."

Mr. Sterling's expression remained calm, though a hint of amusement sparkled in his eyes. "Fear not, Mr. Tempest. Lord Ashbury understands the importance of discretion and expedience. He merely wishes to meet the man who has procured such exquisite jewelry for his daughter."

Corbin considered for a moment, weighing the potential benefits and risks.

"Very well, Mr. Sterling," Corbin said, straightening his posture. "I will accept Lord Ashbury's invitation. After all, it would be rude to turn down such a gracious offer, wouldn't you agree?"

Mr. Sterling nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, my lord. I believe you will find Lord Ashbury to be a most hospitable host."

With that, the two men began to discuss the logistics of the trip, arranging for Corbin's transportation to Lord Ashbury's estate. Mr. Sterling's expression betrayed no surprise as Corbin named his price. Instead, he simply nodded and reached into his pocket, producing a black credit card. "I believe this will cover the cost, Mr. Tempest," he said, handing over the card.

As Corbin scanned the card, he saw that the transaction had indeed gone through, and for the full amount requested.

"Pleasure doing business with you, as always, Mr. Sterling," Corbin said, stowing the card in his wallet. The card was credited with at a whooping figure of R20 000 000.

Corbin exited the jeweler's shop, the heavy weight of the R20 million still lingering in his thoughts. He made his way down the bustling streets of Johannesburg, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the pavement.

After a brief walk, he found himself standing in front of a sleek estate agency, its doors inviting him in with their promise of luxury and opportunity.

As he entered, a well-dressed receptionist greeted him with a warm smile. "Welcome to Manor Estates," she said, her voice crisp and professional. "How can I assist you today?"

"I'm looking for a manor in the Rustenburg area," Corbin replied, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Something with plenty of space, preferably on the outskirts of the city. And of course, privacy is of the utmost importance."

The receptionist nodded, her smile widening. "You've come to the right place, sir. We have several properties in the Rustenburg area that might suit your needs."

She began to describe several options, her words painting a picture of expansive gardens, stately architecture, and opulent living spaces.As the receptionist continued to describe the various manors, Corbin's attention was drawn to one in particular—a secluded estate on the outskirts of Rustenburg, nestled among rolling hills and lush forests.

"This manor was once the home of a prominent South African industrialist," the receptionist explained, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "It has been meticulously maintained and offers unparalleled privacy and seclusion. It even has a small private airstrip, should you require it."

Corbin leaned forward, a hint of intrigue creeping into his expression. "Excellent," Corbin replied, his gaze hardening with focus. "I'd like to see this manor. Can you arrange a viewing for me?"

The receptionist nodded eagerly. "Of course, sir. I'll have our associate, Mr. Jacobs, take you on a private tour of the property. When would you be available?"

"Tomorrow morning would be ideal," Corbin said, his mind already racing with possibilities.

The receptionist quickly made the arrangements, and with a handshake and a smile, the visit was set in motion. The following morning, Corbin found himself standing at the gates of the manor estate, his eyes taking in the sprawling grounds with a keen, appraising gaze.

Mr. Jacobs, the estate agent, was already waiting for him, an eager smile on his face. "Good morning, Mr. Tempest," he said, extending a hand in greeting. "I hope you're ready to see one of the most stunning properties in the Rustenburg area."

Corbin returned the handshake, his expression remaining carefully neutral. "Indeed, I am. Show me what you've got." With a nod of his head, Mr. Jacobs led Corbin up the winding gravel driveway, the crunch of tires on stone the only sound that punctuated the tranquil silence of the manor grounds.

As they approached the main house, Corbin's breath was taken away by the grandeur of the architecture—a stately, three-story structure, with sprawling terraces and expertly manicured gardens that seemed to stretch for miles. Mr. Jacobs opened the heavy oak doors, and the two men stepped into the foyer.

Corbin's eyes widened slightly as he took in the splendor of the space—high ceilings, marble floors, and polished wood paneling that glowed warmly in the morning light. A grand staircase curved elegantly up to the second floor, while a series of tall windows cast the room in a soft, golden glow.

"The house was built in the early 1900s," Mr. Jacobs said, leading Corbin down a hallway lined with antique oil paintings. As they continued their tour, Corbin was struck by the sheer size and luxury of the estate.

From the indoor pool and spa to the private cinema room and the state-of-the-art kitchen, every room seemed designed to impress. But it was the view from the terrace that truly took his breath away—a sweeping vista of the surrounding countryside, with the sun rising lazily over the distant hills.

"It's quite something, isn't it?" Mr. Jacobs said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Imagine waking up to this view every morning." Corbin stood in silence for a moment, allowing the beauty of the landscape to wash over him. Then, turning to Mr. Jacobs, he said simply, "I'll take it."

Mr. Jacobs's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really? Just like that?"

Corbin gave a slight nod, the corners of his lips curling into a smile. "It's everything I wanted, and more. I'll pay whatever it takes to make this mine."

The estate agent grinned broadly. "Well, in that case, let's go inside and start drawing up the paperwork. With the papers signed, sealed, and delivered, Corbin found himself the proud owner of one of the most stunning properties in Rustenburg.

As the sun sank low over the distant hills, he took a moment to reflect on his success, standing on the terrace and sipping a glass of champagne.

He had come a long way from the wastelands of 2300, but he had never forgotten his purpose—to protect the people of Caer Tempest.

2 days later, he was now looking at his security Team leader, "Wolf" Holtzman, is an imposing figure with nerves of steel and razor-sharp instincts. He leads his team with a quiet authority, always alert to potential threats.

"Sir Lawrence, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of this household. Your attention to detail and impeccable taste will ensure that every aspect of our lives runs smoothly." Corbin said with confidence.

"As for Nell, Sarah, Bart, Jill, Jack, and Mike, I expect them to keep the estate in pristine condition."

Corbin continued to speak, addressing his security personnel. "Hawk, Raven, and Ghost, I trust them to ensure the safety and security of this estate. their reputation precedes them, and I expect nothing less than the highest level of professionalism." Corbin addressed Wolf

"In return for your service, you will all receive competitive compensation, as well as the best amenities and accommodations available. Should you prove yourselves loyal and efficient, there may be opportunities in the future."

With a nod, Corbin dismissed the staff, satisfied that he had assembled a competent and capable team. These were people without families as he had plans for them, and they would spend a lot more time in the estate so he made sure to choose people with no family attachments.

Corbin examined the necklace, marveling at the technology that was hundreds of years beyond anything he had ever seen before. The piece was a perfect example of advanced engineering and precision. The gold filigree was created with a technique that allowed for intricate designs on a molecular level, resulting in patterns that were not only beautiful but incredibly durable.

The diamond, while dazzling in its appearance, was no ordinary stone. It was grown in a lab using a cutting-edge process that resulted in a higher level of clarity and brilliance than any natural diamond. Corbin couldn't help but wonder about the story behind this incredible piece of jewelry. Who had created it, and what kind of civilization had possessed such advanced technology? He had seen some incredible things in his time as an Etherwalker in the apocalypse, but this necklace seemed to defy all explanation.

Regardless of its origins, one thing was certain: this necklace was worth a fortune. With its advanced technology and flawless design, it would fetch an exorbitant price on the market.

Lord Ashbury would definetely pay a king's ransom for this necklace, particularly given its unique and advanced craftsmanship. Corbin knew that he would need to be delicate in his negotiations, ensuring that he conveyed the value of the necklace without overplaying his hand.

He imagined the moment when Lord Ashbury would present the necklace to his daughter, the young woman's face lighting up with delight as she realized the significance of the gift.

It would be a moment to remember, and a testament to Corbin's skill as a trader.