Erica had not yet explained everything to the newcomer, Raine, as the branch chief noticed. She mentioned she was planning to show him around the atelier next.

"I see... Raine, before we begin the tour of the branch, I thought it would be best to explain the current situation," the branch chief suggested.

Raine seemed confused. "The situation?"

"Yes," the branch chief continued, "Currently, there are only four people affiliated with this branch."

Raine was taken aback. "Four people? Is that all?" He found it hard to believe. Even in a rural area, one would expect at least ten times that number. Given the size of the town, there should be even more.

"Yes, that's right," the branch chief confirmed. "Besides the three of us here, there's just one other person. She's currently on a business trip."

Raine realized this count included him as well. So, until his arrival, there were only three people. This seemed beyond belief.

"Just to confirm, the three others besides me are all alchemists, right?" Raine asked.

The branch chief chuckled. "Do I look like an alchemist to you? I'm a former soldier. I took this position as branch chief after I retired."

It became clear to Raine that the chief was a political appointee.

"So, just two then?" Raine sought clarification.

"Yes. There's Erica here, and Leonora, who's on a business trip. Both are ranked at level 10," the branch chief elaborated.

Raine knew that having a national certification was impressive in itself, but level 10 was the lowest rank. A branch with only the lowest-ranked alchemists was unusual.

"Um, what does this mean? To be frank, this is abnormal," Raine pointed out.

"Yeah, even I, who isn't familiar with this industry, think so," the branch chief agreed.

"Did something happen?" Raine inquired, sensing there was more to the story.

"Well, to put it simply, the alchemists in this town working for the government are weaker than the private ones," the branch chief explained.

Raine understood that alchemists also existed in the private sector, found in places like pharmacies and weapon shops. However, they needed to be certified. "What do you mean by 'private ones are stronger'?" he asked, finding it hard to believe. The scale seemed different for the association.

The branch chief began to clarify, "Something I learned after coming here is that those who become state-certified alchemists are usually the talented and smart ones."

Raine nodded in agreement. "That's true."

Erica suddenly interrupted the conversation, calling out to Raine. Realizing he might have missed something, Raine quickly turned his attention back to her.

"That's not always the case. Anyone can become one with enough effort," Raine corrected himself.

The branch chief wasn't convinced. "Spare me the nonsense. Even Erica, who's a level 10, has talent," he countered.

Raine acknowledged the point. "Well, of course. It's impressive to be at that level at the age of 20," he admitted.

The branch chief gave a slight smirk. "Coming from you, who got certified at 15 while still in school, it just sounds like sarcasm..."

Raine hadn't meant it that way; he was merely stating facts.

"Anyway, I understand that talent is required. But what does that mean here?" Raine pressed further.

"It’s quite obvious," the branch chief explained. "Talented people all head to the capital or big cities. Those who make it to level 9 or 8 won’t stay in a remote place like this. What’s left are people like Erica, who have a strong love for their hometown, or those who have family businesses here."

Raine began to understand the situation. The alchemists in this town didn't choose to work for the association, explaining why there were only two of them.

"Still, isn't having only two too few?" Raine questioned.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"There were ten last year," the branch chief replied.

Ten was still a small number but significantly more than now. Raine was curious. "What happened to the other eight?"

"They were recruited by a branch in a large northern town. There’s a big airship development project there, and they gathered volunteers," the branch chief explained.

Raine knew that the Alchemist Association branches operated somewhat independently, leading to competitive recruitment battles.

"Even so, having only two is strange. You can’t maintain the branch like this. Shouldn’t we protest to headquarters?" Raine suggested.

"We did," the branch chief said. "The result was that they sent you here."

Raine realized the truth in his words but still felt the situation was untenable. "Still, having just three is too few."

The branch chief nodded. "Indeed... I admit that part of it is due to my lack of ability. I'm not familiar with this industry, after all."

Raine could sympathize. Expecting more from a former soldier who knew little about alchemy was unreasonable. "This is tough," he sighed.

"That's exactly why I’m counting on you," the branch chief said, hoping for some reassurance.

Raine could already imagine the workload piling up. "I’ll do my best, but I have a feeling it might be impossible," he warned.

"I understand. But I don't have any connections. I'll leave personnel matters to you. If you find anyone good, feel free to recruit them," the branch chief offered.

Raine knew he probably had even fewer connections and less popularity. "Sigh... Alright, let's give it a try. We can talk more after that," he conceded.

"Thanks. I'll provide all the support I can. If there’s any trouble, let me know. I’ll help you solve it," the branch chief assured him.

Raine realized that while he couldn't rely on the chief for alchemy matters, the man could provide strong backing. "Thank you," he replied.

"Good. Erica, show him around," the branch chief instructed.

"Yes. Raine, I’ll show you to the atelier," Erica said as she led Raine out of the branch chief's office and back toward the entrance.

As they walked, Raine took a moment to glance around the empty entrance. "So, I thought it might be a holiday because no one was around, but there are only two people here?"

Erica nodded. "Yes, everyone left. I thought about quitting too, but when I heard the salary would be doubled..."

Raine raised an eyebrow. "Double the salary? That's impressive. Didn't you think about leaving, Erica?"

Erica shook her head. "Back then, I was still a rookie and didn't have much confidence. Besides, I really love my hometown."

Raine recalled she had mentioned something like that before. "I see… And what about this Leonora?"

"Leonora said she wanted to work freely. This branch is quite free because the branch chief hardly interferes," Erica explained.

Raine thought that made sense, considering the chief's background as a former soldier. "When is Leonora coming back?"

"In about a week," Erica replied.

A week, Raine thought. Nothing could be done about someone who wasn't here. "Got it. Show me to the atelier," he requested.

"Right this way," Erica said, leading the way up the stairs. As Raine followed her up, he was surprised by what he saw.

He had expected a corridor with multiple rooms serving as ateliers. Instead, there was no corridor, no doors—just a wide open space with two rows of desks and work machines lined up facing each other. It felt more like a company floor or a staff room.

"What? There are no private rooms?" Raine asked.

Erica shook her head. "No, there aren't. Everyone works here together. Although, lately, it’s just been me alone..."

Raine felt a twinge of sympathy. Working alone in such a large space must feel incredibly isolating. It reminded him of his younger days when he worked late into the night by himself—a memory he didn't particularly cherish.

"Well, it's fine… Hey, is it okay if I bring Helen to the workspace?" Raine asked, considering his familiar's presence. Even if she was just a cat, many people weren't fond of a mischievous feline. In a shared space, he thought it best to check first.

Erica smiled. "I think Helen would be a great addition! She’s a calm cat and brings a soothing presence."

Raine appreciated her understanding. "Where’s my desk?" he asked.

"Anywhere you like. The desks over there at the back are mine and Leonora’s," Erica pointed out, gesturing to a pair of desks facing each other at the far end of the room.

Raine paused to consult with Helen. "Hold on a moment… Helen, what do you think?"

Erica looked puzzled. "Huh? What do you mean by 'what do I think?'"

"About where to put my desk," Raine clarified. "Normally, I’d choose the desk farthest from the two of you, the one near the entrance."

Erica seemed surprised. "What? Why?"

"To focus on my work," Raine stated simply. He wasn't one for idle chit-chat.

Erica gave him a thoughtful look. "Are you really going to distance yourself when there are only three of us here, and soon only two? Especially when we’re trying to work together to energize the branch? That doesn’t make sense."

Raine saw her point. "Erica, would it be alright if I sit next to you?"

"Of course! I’d love that!" Erica responded with a bright smile.

Raine was a bit taken aback by her enthusiasm. "Raine, this is the right move," Helen chimed in. "If you were asked the same thing and responded with 'why?' it wouldn’t leave a good impression, would it?"

Raine realized Helen was right. If Erica had responded with 'why?' he would have been quite shocked. No wonder people didn't appreciate that kind of response.

Erica's curiosity got the better of her. "Um, why have you been asking Helen so many questions?"

Raine sensed her curiosity. "I’m just training to improve my social skills a bit. Don’t worry about it. Anyway, can I set my stuff down?"

"Oh, right. Please, go ahead," Erica said, guiding him to a spot next to her desk.

Together, they moved to the back of the floor, and Raine placed his belongings from the spatial magic next to the desk adjacent to Erica's.

Erica was impressed. "Oh, spatial magic! As expected of a 5th-grade mage!"

Raine shrugged. "Yeah, well. Everyone else at school used magic bags, but I couldn’t afford one, so I learned the spell instead."

"That’s amazing!" Erica exclaimed, clearly impressed.

Raine found it fun and not too hard to learn. It was magic, after all—something out of a fairy tale in his past life.

"The desk facing Erica's is Leonora's, right?" Raine confirmed.

"Yes. Now the front and side desks are filled. I’m glad," Erica said with a smile.

Raine noted that his front and right side were still open, though it wasn't a significant concern—except, of course, for the need to recruit more people.