Silence can be a verdict.
[Thrum…]
Warning: Board Pressure / Consignor Threat
Timer: 00:15:00
Penalty on Failure: Survival −6%
Adrian Vale didn't look at the jade, nor at the furious consignor's lawyer, nor even at Elara. His gaze swept past the glittering crowd to the head clerk, then fixed on the small red COMPLIANCE light burning steadily at the side desk. The weight of the board's expectation was a tangible force, but the weight of the evidence was heavier.
"For the record," he said, his voice cutting through the tension with surgical calm, "the condition addendum detailing observed anomalies has been read aloud in its entirety." A junior clerk gave a swift, confirming nod. "And the matter of bidder representation overlap has been formally referred to the Compliance department for immediate review." Another nod from the desk.
He turned fully to face the room, his posture rigid with authority. "Valerian House policy is unambiguous. We do not accept bids when a confluence of significant condition disclosure, unresolved chain-of-custody conflict, and active representation overlap exists. Therefore, Lot Seven is withdrawn from this evening's sale, pending a full, independent laboratory review. The gavel will not fall."
[Ding!]
Event: Sale Halted — Lot 7 Withdrawn (On-Record)
Status:
- Survival Probability: 67% → 71% (Δ +4%)
Sub-Objectives:
- Public disclosure preserved
- Compliance review active
The consignor's lawyer surged to his feet, his composure shattered. "This is an outrage! You've just lost the entire Fontaine collection! And I promise you, our lawsuit will bury Valerian in legal fees!"
Before Adrian could respond, Elara's voice, low and factual, carried from her spot on the floor. It did not rise to meet his anger. "If you had forced the hammer tonight, you wouldn't just be buying a bangle. You'd be buying a guaranteed rescission claim and a market-manipulation investigation. Your client would still lose the jade—only the process would be far noisier and more expensive for everyone."
As she spoke, a discreet chime sounded from the head registrar's tablet. The digital signature on the Condition Report Addendum was finally, officially logged into the permanent archive.
[Ding!]
Event: Condition Report Addendum — Signature Logged
Status:
- Survival Probability: 71% → 72% (Δ +1%)
The buzz in the room changed pitch, shifting from hungry anticipation to shocked analysis and gossip. The immediate threat was neutralized.
As the crowd began to disperse, Adrian crossed paths with Elara in the aisle. He paused, the movement so slight it was almost imperceptible. "Valerian does not bend to rumor," he said, his voice for her ears alone. The words were not a thanks, but a statement of principle. A recognition. "It bends to proof. You presented proof."
[Ding!]
Event: Male Lead Interaction (On Site)
Status:
- Attention: 31/100 → 34/100 (Δ +3)
- Survival Probability: 72% → 71% (Δ −1%)
Note: Prolonged scrutiny increases risk.
In her mind's eye, the final calculation completed. The forged sale was prevented. The system's judgment was absolute.
[Ding!]
Event: Main Objective — Prevent Forged Lot 7 Sale — COMPLETED
Status:
- Survival Probability: 71% → 75% (Δ +4%)
[Ding!]
Note: Attention Anchor Reinforced (Adrian Variant)
Status:
- Attention Mark: 22/100 (persistent across worlds)
Note: Anchor stabilized. Narrative resonance logged.
[Ding!]
Event: World Exit Pending…
Status:
- Survival Probability: 75%
Note: Transfer initializing.
The opulent scents of old money, polished wood, and champagne faded abruptly. The crystal light of the chandeliers bled into the harsh, cold glow of fluorescent strips. The murmur of the crowd was replaced by the distant, metallic groan of machinery and the sharp, salty tang of brine. A heavy crate slammed shut somewhere in the darkness, the sound echoing with finality.
End of World 3 — Auction.