Chapter 3:

Chapter 3:

<Ascal Debrue - Evaluation Department 3, Department Head>

Ascal received a gold nameplate.

Looking at the nameplate haphazardly placed on the desk of the empty office, an inexplicable sense of doubt crept in.

Maybe I should just close my eyes and run away.

No.

Given the increased attention on him, there was no doubt that if he fled now, hed immediately be pursued.

The only way out was, as always, to prove his incompetence and get fired.

Alright. Whatever comes my way, Ill mess it up thoroughly.

Yet, a day passed, then two, and still no real tasks came Ascals way.

A government job was always like this: insanely busy at times, but unbelievably idle at others.

Ascal even went to his boss to inquire.

Do I have any tasks to do?

Oh, something will come up soon. Just relax.

And just like that, a whole month passed in this way.

Surprisingly, Ascal had nothing to do the entire time.

The meal today is good.

In the deserted office, he ate a takeaway sandwich, then sat blankly gazing out the window.

With so much idle time, he recently took up gardening.

Today, the little plant sprouted. The fertilizer seemed to have worked well. So today he changed its soil.

Grow strong and tall.

While documenting his plants progress, he suddenly had a moment of deep reflection.

Please, give me some work...

If one were to summarize his daily routine, it would be: Eat, use the restroom, sit aimlessly at the desk, water the plant, and then leave when it is time.

To some, this might seem like a dream life. But feeling as though he was on borrowed time, Ascal couldnt bear the boredom.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

I cant take this anymore. I need to request a department transfer.

It was at that moment when he was about to rise from his seat.

Pardon the intrusion, Head Ascal.

The person who had entered the office was an unexpected figure.

Kane.

The head of Evaluation Department 1 and a 4th-grade official.

He was essentially the power behind Evaluation Department 1, which was pretty much the raison dtre of the entire Evaluation Department.

Unlike him, the figurehead of Department 3, who was basically a non-entity, Kane was a man deserving of respect.

As Ascal was about to reflexively greet him, he paused.

Right now, he was like a young upstart who had risen too quickly. Despite being only a 7th-grade official, hed snagged the department head position.

To Kane, who had earned his Department 1 head position purely on merit, Ascal was likely a thorn in his side.

But what if Ascal played the part of the arrogant upstart? In no time, hed be ostracized and eventually phased out of the Evaluation Department. Then, even if he quit, nobody would likely care.

Its not courteous to visit another department without prior notice.

Ah, my apologies.

In the future, Id appreciate a prior notice. What brings you here?

Perfect.

With that level of cheek, he could probably win an office insolence contest. Proof of his success was evident in Kanes face, which had stiffened from the pleasant smile hed worn just moments ago.

I have a task Id like to delegate to you sir Ascal. Its a land evaluation, and given your renowned expertise, I believe youre the right person for it. Of course, youre free to decline.

How long had it been since he was offered any work? Holding back a triumphant smile, Ascal replied with as much gravitas as he could muster.

Ill take it on.

Ah, you will? Ill send over the necessary documents shortly then.

Alright. I trust your judgment, Ascal. Just bear in mind, that the council is keenly observing this project. Any failures could affect your rank.

It was the most reassuring news of Ascal.

The die was cast.

.

.

.

Did you hear? The head of Department 3 made a big blunder.

He set up a tourist spot in a place thats utterly barren. What a lunatic.

His lucks finally run out. Tsk. Hes bound for demotion.

Several Months had passed since Ascal submitted his report.

Walking the halls, he overheard the whispers maligning his decision. Indeed, his choice was vindicated: the tourist attraction in the barren plains had almost no visitors. It was running at a loss.

Watching his reputation plummet in real time, Ascal wore a smile. At this rate, being asked to resign wouldnt be surprising.

As he was preemptively packing his office belongings, expecting to be let go any day, someone burst through the door.

HOT SPRINGS!!!!!!!

...?

The person, whod yelled loud enough to make ones ears ring, was a colleague from when Ascal was in Department 4.

Her name was Sushia. She had recently transferred to Department 3, thinking it was the place to be.

Breathless, she exclaimed,

Sir! A hot spring erupted in the barren plains!! Its now swamped with tourists!! Did you foresee this!!?

?

What are you talking about?

A hot spring erupted in the barren plains?

How?

Why?

.

.

.

.

Hearing the news, Ascal personally went to the barren plains to see for himself.

And what he saw was beyond belief.

From the massive hot spring, with steam billowing out, countless foreigners were enjoying its warmth.

Oh, man. Theres something different about these imperial hot springs.

It feels like its healing my soul.

They say if you enjoy the hot spring and then drink some imperial milk, youd taste heaven without actually dying.

Is this really happening?

No.

This? Can this even be real?

Always knew it Ascal, you

Kane, whod also come to the Deserted Plains, spoke with evident admiration.

Youve always had a discernment that even I couldnt match.

And the next day,

<Ascal Debrue is promoted to the 6th-grade official for discovering the hot spring.>

He received the familiar, gold-embossed appointment letter.

Haa, this familiar letter of appointment.