CH 2

I head to the president’s office, with the notice of resignation I wrote in my hand. My belongings are packed into a storage expansion backpack.

With the dissolution of the basic research department, all the work I’ve been contracted to do is finished, so I don’t need to train my replacement either. I’m done packing my things, so all I need to do is deliver this note of resignation and leave.

I’ve been here since before this current president took the job.

I have some emotional attachment to this place, especially since the last president, Master Halhammer, was a self-made man who knew the importance of the basic research department. We developed many products together.

I won’t forget how he used to say the people of the basic research department were the cornerstone of this association.

Master Halhammer was demoted as a result of a change in government, and a former government official was put in his place. I probably should have quit right then and there.

I’m about to open the door, but I hear people talking.

“This is from the arms association…”

It’s that grating voice.

“Hmph, yes. Then I will add the basic research department’s budget to yours in its entirety.”

Says the president.

“Thank you very much! I knew a president such as yourself would understand. Your decision to cut the dead weight that was the basic research department was very wise. You can expect even more results from the arms transmutation department.”

“It was an easy decision to make. Now I expect you to take care of that matter from the arms association.”

Says a very satisfied sounding president.

All I can think about is how they could at least put some effort into muffling their conversation or something. I’ve come at an annoying time, but I’m quitting anyway, so I knock on the door strongly and show myself in.

“Hey! Who!? Rust!? Who told you you could come in!?”

Says the president.

I don’t feel like answering, and instead approach his desk while the sound of my footsteps fills the room. And then I smack the notice of resignation onto the desk.

“That’s all. I quit. Bye.”

I turn around to leave, when I hear Rihalzam’s grating voice.

“Hey Rust. You can’t just quit!”

What is he saying?

“I can. This is my labor contract.”

I say as I take out the contract I formed with the previous president.

“My labor contract is about the basic research department. If I quit, I would have to train my replacement in this department, but thanks to a certain someone, that department just happened to be dissolved. I can leave today.”

“But what about the chores!? And who’s going to make my distilled water!?”

“Make it yourself. That kind of work isn’t covered by my contract anyway. You’re an alchemist, so that should be easy for you.”

I say while sighing.

“Good, that’s one less nuisance to worry about. Master Rihalzam always said we don’t need people like you around. Isn’t that right Master Rihalzam?”

“Eh, ah, yes, well…”

Says a stammering Rihalzam.

“I was going to pay you minimum wage since you were going to at least do some chores, but I don’t need people like you who don’t appreciate the kindness of our association. Get out!”

Says the president without noticing Rihalzam’s suspicious behavior.

“Fine. Bye.”

This time I really do leave the room.

The sun feels bright and refreshing, like it’s celebrating my resignation.

“Ahh, so this is what it’s like to quit. It doesn’t feel too bad. Now, my lease has been canceled and my things are all here, so I can head towards Kalin’s dominion right now.”

I take out a scroll from my backpack.

I transmuted this for this occasion. It seals a riding beast.

“《Activate》.”

I whisper.

The scroll leaves my hand and floats in mid-air before starting to unravel and becoming fixated in place.

“《Manifest》 Hipopo.”

I smack the scroll with the palm of my hand and send magic energy into it.

The next moment, a small eight-legged hippopotamus appears in front of me.

“All right.”

I sit on the saddle on Hipopo’s back and make my way towards the borderland.