1. Check for `ALCHEMY_API_KEY`. If absent, proceed with gateway flow.
2. Check for confirmed wallet. If not, guide user through wallet setup and funding (USDC on Base Mainnet/Sepolia).
3. Create a SIWE token using `npx @alchemy/x402 sign-siwe`.
4. Send the API request with `Authorization: SIWE <token>` header.
5. Handle 402 Payment Required responses using `npx @alchemy/x402 pay` or `createPayment()`.
6. Retry the original API request after successful payment.
SynapticSkills