Chishiki was sitting in her seat behind her office table while Akemi was standing on her left. Reiki was on Chishiki’s right as he glanced around the room and thought. Akemi works quickly. The smell of food and wine was gone from the room as it looked like a regular office. Reiki moved his gaze onto the ten apprentice alchemists who were in their late adolescence, he thought. A handful of twenties and a couple of people who are seventeen. Reiki saw a couple of the older guys with displeased expressions on their faces, he continued his train of thought. That guy and his group of friends are fired.
Akemi felt something vibrate in the pocket of her pants as she took out a smartphone and saw a text message, she placed her phone back in her pocket and gave Chishiki a nod. Chishiki had an air of authority around her, she said. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. Akemi made sure that you all received the ten thousand yen we promised…” She glanced at Reiki who let out a yawn and thought. At least pretend to listen… Chishiki continued. “I arranged this meeting to tell everyone here the future direction of this company.”
One of the guys let out a soft sigh as he scratched the back of his head in annoyance, he said. “Boss, can you make this meeting quick? We have better things to do.” Chishiki maintained her business smile, she said. “... You and your friends can go back to your business after-.” Reiki raised his hand which caught her off guard, he said. “In that case, I’ll do the talking then. It’ll make everything faster.” The group of ten moved their gazes onto the kid as the guy who spoke before let out a mocking laugh.
The guy said. “I’m guessing his one of yours-?” Before he could finish Reiki interrupted him and said. “What’s your name?” The smile on the guy's face slightly stiffened, he said. “Kid, has no one taught you-.” Reiki interrupted him again, he said. “Name.” The guy felt uncomfortable under Reiki’s stare as he subconsciously straightened his posture, he said. “... I don’t have to tell you anything.” Reiki nodded and said. “Then why did you bother opening your mouth in the first place.” The guy maintained an indifferent expression but gritted his teeth, Reiki continued. “Any more interruptions?”
Reiki said. “Good. I’ll introduce myself, I’m the future of this company-.” The guy let out an exaggerated laugh and said. “A kid? Hey, boss. Are you sure about this?” Reiki let out a soft sigh, he said. “All I’m hearing is someone who knows how to use his mouth but can’t do something as simple as answering back when they’ve been asked for their name.” From the crowd, he noticed a girl wearing a thick black pair of spectacles she had a nervous expression along with a guy who had slight signs of malnourishment. Reiki thought. Jackpot.
The guy crossed his arms, clenched his fist as his knuckles produced a crackling sound, he said. “No one here is going to take you seriously.” Reiki thought. And I never took you seriously. He stared at the defiant guy and said. “You don’t want a kid to give you orders?” The guy had a mocking smile on his face as he walked to the front of the group, he spread his arms and said. “Anyone here wants a child to give them orders, raise your hand.” No one raised their hand as the guys smile turned into a condescending grin.
Reiki sneakily took out his tattered pouch while the guy turned around to look down at him and said. “Kid, I think you should go home and let the adults here do the talking.” Reiki thought. I love manipulating assholes like him. He said. “In that case, leave.” The guy let out a scoff and said. “You don’t need to tell me twice.” Akemi stared at the tattered pouch in Reiki’s hands as she pointed at it which got Chishiki’s attention. The guy already had the door slightly opened, he suddenly stopped when he heard Reiki’s voice, he said. “Wait.”
The grin on the guys face grew even bigger, he thought. So easy, I’ll use this as an opportunity to increase my salary. He closed the door, turned around, and was about to say something when Reiki spoke first, he said. “You can leave when you sign this.” The guys' eyes focused on the paper that Reiki was holding, he thought. … A contract… Does he think I’m dumb enough to sign that? He let out a chuckle and said. “There’s nothing you can do to convince me to sign that.” Reiki placed the contract on the table as the neat stack was undone revealing there was more than one.
Chishiki stared at the contracts, she thought. There are exactly ten… Reiki pretended to write something in the air as Akemi took out a pen from the inside pocket of her suit, he said. “Sign this contract to willingly quit the company and I’ll give you two months of your salary.” Akemi placed the pen on the table while everyone in the room was stunned, from the corner of his eye he saw Chishiki had a hint of surprise in her eyes. The guy stared at the contract on the table, he said. “... Those are only your words alone.”
Reiki slightly turned his head to the side as he stared at Chishiki, without hesitating she said. “He’s allowed to make these kind of decisions for us.” The defiant guys eyes slowly moved onto the contracts on the table, he said. “... Fourth month's worth of my salary…” Reiki quickly said. “Sure.” He took the cap of the pen off as he placed it on the table and continued. “Just sign here, here, here, and here.” He pointed at all the places where the guy should sign as he quickly appeared in front of the office desk and grabbed the contract and pen from Reiki’s hands.
The man quickly signed where Reiki pointed, he thought. So easy. Three guys quickly went at him as they crowded the guy who finished signing as they began fighting for the pen. The defiant guy quickly finished signing, he placed the pen on the table and showed the signed contract to Reiki as the contract was a few inches away from his face. The guy said. “Done.” Reiki nodded at Akemi as she snapped her fingers, a laptop appeared on the table as she flipped it open.
One of the guys said. “I was here first!” The other guy who was holding onto the pen said. “I grabbed the pen first.” The defiant guy had a mocking smile on his face while Reiki took the signed contract and started flipping through the pages of the contract. Akemi started typing on the laptop while Reiki passed the contract to Chishiki, he said. “I hope you have a pen on you.” One after the other the other guys who rushed to the desk finished signing the contracts as they passed the paper to Reiki as he made sure that they didn’t miss a single signature.
The defiant guy made his way to the nearest wall alongside his three friends, the defiant guy said. “Four months for signing a piece of paper?” The four of them hung around the wall as one of his friends said. “Only an idiot would refuse this offer.” Chishiki held out her left hand at Akemi as she typed on the laptop with one hand with high proficiency, she waved her right hand as a pen appeared in her palm. Akemi passed the pen to Chishiki as she started signing the contract. Reiki looked over the signatures one last time, he thought. Even primates are capable on rare occasions.
He passed the signed contracts to Chishiki as she started signing them one after another. Reiki moved his gaze to the group that was still standing by the door, he said. “Anyone else?” All of them hesitated as they glanced at the contract on the table. The defiant guy let out a chuckle which got all of their attention, he said. “Everyone, think about it. Four months, we’re just apprentices yet that totals to one million two hundred and fifty thousand yen, for signing that piece of paper. There are other companies that are willing to hire us too.”
He thought. I don’t know about the rest of you losers but a friend of mine offered me a job in his company. One of his friends said. “He’s right, this is your chance to get some money to buy something nice for yourself.” Chishiki finished signing the last one as Reiki picked up all the signed contracts and gently hit the bottom of the papers on the table to neatly organize them, he said. “Would you four like a copy of the contract?”
The defiant guy let out a chuckle not even bothering to hide his disdain, he said. “No thanks, that piece of paper is useless as far as I’m concerned.” His friends around him shook their heads sideways while Reiki glanced at the contract that was on the top of the stack, he thought. Hiroshi?... Ironic given his attitude. He placed the signed contracts on the table as one by one the group of people started lining up, Reiki passed the pen to the girl as he guided her where to sign. Akemi glanced at the line as she moved her gaze back on the screen.
One by one people finished signing the contracts as Reiki passed the signed ones to Chishiki as she signed it. Reiki glanced at the two people still standing by the door, he thought. Two… That’s a lot better than I expected... After the last one finished signing the contract the group of people stood near the office table as Reiki passed the contract to Chishiki as she was in the middle of signing one. Akemi closed the laptop, she snapped her fingers as it vanished from the table. From the pocket of the defiant guy the sound of a ringtone came from his phone as he took it out and saw a message.
The message showed a deposit into his account amounting to ¥1,250,000. The defiant guy smiled while his group of friends' phones started getting messages as they saw the same message. The defiant guy made his way to the door along with his friends as he lazily waved at them and said. “It was nice working at this dead company.” He let out a chuckle as one of his friends said. “What are you going to spend your money on?” The defiant guy said. “Let’s talk this over some beer, this place is a shit hole.”
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
The group started laughing as they left the room. The people near the office desk quickly took out their phones to wait for the message, Reiki thought. These people disgust me, just walk out of the building. You’ll get your pocket money within the hour. The phones started letting off alarms as they saw a large deposit in their accounts. Reiki clapped once which got everyone’s attention in the room, he said. “Now that everyone received their money, I’m going to politely ask all of you to leave.”
He gestured at the door and continued. “Since none of you are employees this would be considered trespassing.” The group near the office desk made their way to the door as they exited the room leaving two standing, Reiki stared at the girl wearing a thick pair of black glasses along with a guy who was slightly malnourished. He thought. One of you will be the future pillar of the company. Reiki stared at the two for a couple of seconds as he let out a forced laugh and said. “That act wasn’t that scary, right?”
Chishiki let out a sigh as she picked up the other pen on the table and said. “Firing eighty percent of the alchemist is not a good impression.” Akemi started to massage the temples of her head, she said. “Nothing like firing a group of alchemists after doing everything we could to hire them.” Reiki lazily waved his hand at them and said. “It’s fine, we didn’t need them.” He thought. As far as I’m concerned those eight were just a waste of space. Reiki intentionally put on the most awkward yet friendly smile on his face, he said. “Can you two come closer so I can interview the both of you?”
The girl with thick glasses expression turned nervous, she said. “I-Interview?” The malnourished guy raised his hand and said. “Do we lose our jobs if we don’t pass it?” Reiki let out a chuckle and said. “Don’t worry, as far as I’m concerned you two already have it.” He politely gestured for the two of them to come closer to the desk. Chishiki leaned on the backrest of the chair, she said. “Can you tell me what comes after firing most of our alchemists in our employment?” Akemi moved some stray hair behind her ear and said. “I’m also curious. Reiki, care to enlighten us?”
The guy and girl reached the desk while Reiki turned his head to look at Chishiki, he said. “Can you remind me what’s the highest rank an alchemist can achieve?” Chishiki stared at him for a few seconds and said. “It’s master.” Reiki kept a straight face, he thought. Wow, so creative. He moved his gaze to the two on the other side of the desk and said. “The company-. I mean, Kyoko would like to invest in you two to become master-ranked alchemist.” Chishiki and Akemi both had shocked expressions on their face while the girl and guy were completely speechless.
The guy saw Akemi and Chishiki’s expressions, as his eyes had a hint of suspicion in them, he said. “The two of them seemed surprised by your decision.” Chishiki quickly regained her calm, she thought. Surprised? This is news to both of us! Akemi pretended to cough her indifferent expression returned, she thought. Master rank alchemist… Does he even know how much one would cost let alone two? Reiki nodded at the guy and said. “I know, that’s because this decision was made by the higher-ups.”
The girl was having trouble following the conversation, she spoke in a whisper and said. “... Higher-ups?...” The guy stared at the young boy for a couple of seconds in silence, he said. “Then what’s your role in the company? Do you also have a hand with these decisions?” Reiki thought. Smart head on his shoulders. Hopefully, his not too smart for his own good. He said. “Nope, I’m just-.” Chishiki and Akemi spoke in unison and said. “The messenger.” Both the girl and guy had a hint of confusion on their face, Reiki said. “As Chishiki and Akemi completed my sentence for me. A messenger.”
He pointed at the wall Horishi and his friends occupied before going away, Reiki continued. “But as you saw, I also have my fair share of duties of getting rid of rotten apples in the basket.” The girl adjusted her thick frame glasses as she turned her head to the wall, she moved her gaze onto Reiki and said. “T-Then on the off chance you make a mistake, what happens to you?” The guy kept a straight face and thought. We’re not supposed to ask questions like that, and even if we did he won’t answer it.
Both Chishiki and Akemi had intrigued expressions on their faces, Chishiki thought. Considering Reiki can speak elvish… But depending on the severity of the mistake at worst he’ll get a slap on the wrist. Akemi glanced at the glass panes using the corner of her eye, she thought. Reiki is young… All the more reason he should be punished for making mistakes to prevent them from happening in the future. The girl noticed the odd atmosphere and said. “What is it?” Reiki nodded at her, he said. “That is a good question. The answer to that is they’ll do everything to assist me.”
The girl nodded and said. “The higher-ups must value you a lot.” Reiki smiled at her while the guy’s eyes widened in disbelief, he thought. Did he… Did he just admit that his more important than the CEO? Akemi glanced at Reiki from the corner of her eye, she thought. I just hope they don’t spoil him and use his mistakes to teach him what not to do. Chishiki turned her head at him and thought. His valuable to the point they're willing to fix his mistakes for him. Reiki gestured at the girl, he said. “How about you introduce yourself?”
The girl with thick glasses took a deep breath to calm herself down, she said. “I’m Tanaka Mika. Feel free to call me Mika, nice to meet you…” She paused for a moment as Reiki let out a chuckle and said. “Reiki. Akihito Reiki.” He moved his gaze onto the guy, he said. “I’m Itsuki, nice to make your acquaintance.” Reiki thought. You’re the farthest thing from a nature lover. He said. “If it’s not too personal, why didn’t either of you sign the contract?” He pointed at the two unsigned contracts on the desk.
Reiki continued. “A million yen is a lot of money to turn down.” Mika fiddled with her fingers as her expression slowly overcame with anxiety, she said. “My parents told me they took out a loan to get me into a college that specializes in alchemy. I barely graduated and when I struggled with getting a job they told me the loan was under my name and left one night.” Reiki thought. Smart girl, she stayed thinking she could pay just enough to stop the interest from growing. He moved his gaze onto Itsuki, he said. “I was only average in terms of alchemy. I worked multiple part-time jobs to pay off the college I went to and…”
He glanced at the door and continued. “I’m staying with the company until I can get a recommendation letter.” Reiki thought. … Calculating to a certain degree, thinks he's smarter than he gives himself credit for, and prideful… He’ll refuse the offer. Reiki nodded, he said. “How about my offer? You’ll have the company's full support.” Itsuki raised his hand and said. “I’m glad that you think highly of me, but I’ll refuse.” Reiki thought. Too prideful even for me.
Itsuki thought. I’m fully capable of amassing achievements in the alchemy world even without a company’s help. Chishiki raised a brow, she thought. He’s going to regret that in the future. Akemi stared at Itsuki from top to bottom, she thought. What a wasted opportunity. Reiki smiled at him and said. “Understood, then if you would please.” He gestured at the door as a hint of surprise appeared in Itsuki’s eyes, he said. “Thank you for the offer.” He turned around and slowly made his way to the door. Reiki pretended to be nervous as he smiled at Mika and said. “Mika?”
Mika thought. … Should I accept?... What would happen to me if I didn’t meet their expectation… I-I don’t even have any faith in myself to be an advance rank alchemist. She slowly opened her mouth and said. “I-.” She was interrupted by Reiki who had an understanding smile on his face, he said. “You can do it.” Mika was shocked by what she heard as she subconsciously calmed down from his voice, she said. “... What if I never reach Master rank?...” Akemi pursed her lips and thought. She’s right, not just anyone can reach master.
Chishiki had a pondering expression, she thought. The last time someone was given that rank was about… forty or fifty years ago… Reiki stared at Mika for a couple of seconds, he said. “Is that all? Don’t worry, even if it takes twenty years the company will find every book, recipe, and equipment to ensure you become a master.” Itsuki came to a halt as he listened to the conversation, he thought. She’s going to be a puppet for them. Mika stared at him for a moment and said. “... There’s plenty of better candidates compared to me...”
Reiki spoke bluntly, he said. “True, there are plenty of alchemists that are better than you.” Mika’s shoulders slightly drooped, Reiki continued. “But the higher-ups told me that even if a company has the best CEO and secretary in the world if there’s no pillar it’ll be mediocre.” Chishiki and Akemi felt the slight sting of his words while Mika’s gaze wandered onto the young boy who had a bright expression on his face. Mika said. “... A pillar?...” Reiki nodded, he said. “The face of the company, someone whom the rest of the alchemists can look up to, and a goal they can strive to be. Someone who can put the entire company on their shoulders without breaking a sweat.”
He intentionally awkwardly tip-toed above the desk to reach his hand out to her, Reiki continued. “How about it Mika? Do you want to be that someone?” Mika tried her best to not laugh at him tiptoeing, with a slight hesitation on her face she said. “... Are you sure I’m worth this much?...” Reiki’s smile was even warmer than before, he said. “Your value is bigger than you could ever imagine.” Mika stared at his hand for a couple of seconds as she slowly extended hers as the two shook on it, she said. “I’m in your care then.”
Reiki stopped tiptoeing, he thought. Perfect. He quickly swapped into business mode and said. “A few benefits that the higher-ups told me to do.” He pretended to think, Reiki continued. “That loud guy, Hiroshi said four months was one million two hundred and fifty thousand. Divide that by four is three hundred twelve thousand five hundred, double that is six hundred twenty-five thousand. That’s your new salary, Mika.” Mika was stunned by what he said. Chishiki stared at the girl and said. “That’s one big pay raise.” Reiki said. “Akemi, make sure to write a new contract with her new salary and I want her debt gone before sundown.”
He turned his head and saw Akemi already in the middle of typing on her laptop, she said. “Consider it done, her debt will be paid in ten minutes or so.” Mika came back to her senses as she quickly said. “Wait! With my new salary, I can pay back the debt in no time.” Reiki shook his head sideways and said. “I can’t do that.” Mika paused for a moment and said. “Why not?” Reiki let out a laugh, he said. “No, I literally can’t do that. I told you, I’m just a messenger. These are decisions that were made by the higher-ups.” Mika was stunned, she thought. … I forgot…
Reiki smiled at her and continued. “Don’t worry, they aren’t doing this for nothing in return. So I suggest working hard to meet their expectations.” Itsuki shook his head sideways as he opened the door and walked out of the room, he thought. That girl is making the biggest mistake of her life. Reiki let out a long sigh, he said. “Now that everything is more or less settled, how about a celebratory dinner?”