Today was my first day working for Mister Reiyo. Apparently, he needed someone who knew of Alchemy to help in a new shop he would be making.

  I was excited at first, but that quickly ended when I was told I was to be a simple assistant to another guy.

  I thought this would be my chance to show my talent, but sadly, no. Still, it was an opportunity, I guess.

  The work wasn't based on hours. It was based on how many potions we made, so I was worried. (After all, I would be there all day if my "boss" was a dumbass.)

  But I was surprised, to be honest. When I arrived at work earlier, he was already there talking to Reiyo about payment or something like that. When they heard me enter, they both looked at me, and Reiyo presented me to him.

  He is called Kei, and he is the son of the woman who manages the local bakery. I think dad usually frequents the place.

  Anyway, after the presentation on both sides, we went to the back of the store to a pretty basic alchemy station. Heck, it was the most basic workplace I could imagine.

  The guy proceeded to apologize and said that Reiyo was testing his abilities, and for now, this place had to suffice.

  At that point, I was already losing hope, so I simply dismissed him.

  While putting on some protective gear, he started looking through every cabinet and box there was. (It was pretty weird, to be honest. I think I got a weirdo for a boss.)

  Once we were about to work, he asked for my capabilities, and just as I was about to tell him, he said that I better make a potion so he could be more accurate in his assessment. (Who did this guy think he is? Just because Mister Reiyo decided to try him first, he is now a biggggg guy.)

  I absolutely had to show him who was the better of the two, so I made some beginner mana potions. (Heard from Mister Reiyo, he was really good at mana potions, so I decided to show him.)

  After finishing, his face was flabbergasted, and my smirk was so noticeable that it was pretty much my entire face.

  He quickly admitted defeat and said I could mana the mana potions and he would make the health ones. (Good. He knew his place)

  After that, most of the day went quickly. Even if I didn't want to admit it. He was pretty good and quick, so we finished quite early.

  He thanked me for the help and said that he was grateful I helped.

  It feels good that someone else recognized my work.

  Then we went and delivered the potions to Mister Reiyo, and he was satisfied. He then spoke to the guy about the quality, and kei started praising my capabilities. (I think I owe him one...)

  After that, the guy left, and before I left too Mister Reiyo stopped me and said he wanted to speak with me. (I was soooo nervous.)

  Mister Reiyo then asked me about how we did, how much time we took, and how many materials and of which we used. I told him we used the required amounts and nothing else. (But to be honest... I didn't pay attention... I was so focused on doing good that I didn't notice anything around me.)

  He appeared conflicted for a second, I think, but then he let me go and told me to keep track of things because Kei was a little messy and likely to forget certain things. (Discovering that my boss was, in fact, different from the usual was greattttt...)

  Then I left and came back home. What a day. Hopefully, tomorrow is calmer.

  ___________

  It has been 3 days since I started working in the shop, and things have been weirdly calm? I expected a little more, to be honest...

  The days are mostly silent. Kei makes the health potions, and I made the mana ones.

  Although something a little interesting did happen today. When I wanted to try so that I made the health potions, he got really nervous and refused. (Wonder why)

  After we finished as always, we delivered the potions to Mister Reiyo, and I gave him a rundown of what we did. Nothing out of the ordinary. Although I didn't mention how Kei always checks all cabinets before and after work, after all, he was probably just being cautious.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Anyway, it was just another day after all.

  ___________

  Today, I noticed something interesting. While working, I could smell that Kei put on some perfume. To be honest, it didn't smell bad at all, I could even say it smelled good. When I asked him about it, he simply said he was trying it out because of a friend.

  What kinda friends does he have?

  ___________

  Kei is pretty good at teaching. These last few days, he has been giving tips and advice while I was working. Thanks to that, I was able to craft basic level potions more consistently.

  And something else I noticed is that he keeps himself really clean. I always had the image that alchemists were always dirty, but he carries himself really professionally.

  ___________

  We tried to make an elixir. When Kei proposed the idea, I was stunned, but after a little consideration, I was willing to try.

  Sadly, we suck at it. We just wasted materials, I was scared that Mister Reiyo would be angry at me, but Kei said that he would carry the responsibility. After all, he was the lead alchemist here.

  That was... pretty nice of him at the time.

  Once we delivered the potions, Kei told Mister Reiyo what we did, and he was pretty calm. He said that the important thing is that we are okay.

  After Kei left, Mister Reiyo wanted me to explain what happened in more detail, so I did. He looked reallyyyyy interested in it. And when I finished, he simply let me go. (I was scared I would get an earful)

  Kei is actually kinda good.

  ___________

  It has been about 1 week since I started working with Kei, and I have learned a bunch.

  I always thought that I had a pretty good grasp on alchemy, but he brought a whole new perspective to things.

  Something else that started happening recently is that a girl started appearing in the workshop from time to time. When I asked Kei about it, he said that she was a promising worker that Mister Reiyo found. He said not to worry. After all, we were the best of the best over here. And I couldn't agree more there, haha.

  ____________

  We tried again to make an elixir, and we almost succeeded. We were soooo close it made me scream. The heat wasn't regulated properly, so the mix went to shit. It was already the end of the day, so we finished and went home.

  Wellllll that was the plan, but Kei decided we needed to celebrate our almost success. He said that if we celebrate our small victories, then we will be motivated to continue. Pretty sound advice.

  We ended up eating at a local restaurant and it was a really good time.

  Kei truly knows how to treat someone.

  __________

  Lately, Kei and I have been talking a lot. And not only about work but about pretty much everything. He is a really good listener and gives good advice.

  And maybe I am hallucinating, but he looked pretty well maintained. His hair looks fluffy but at the same time sharp. His eyes sometimes feel like they pierce my soul. And the way he talks to me sometimes makes my heart jump. And that really good perfume he carries from time to time is the cherry on top. How he carries himself with confidence...

  I think I am...

  __________

  WE FUCKING MANAGED TO MAKE A MEDIUM LEVEL POTION.

  I couldn't believe my eyes. When Kei suddenly called for me in a hurry, I thought that maybe he got hurt, but in reality, the bastard actually upgraded his ability. Absolutely unbelievable.

  When we showed Mister Reiyo the potion, he was equally impressed. And finally gave us a proper workshop to work in.

  We went to eat later and Kei gave me a gift for my help. (Even though I didn't do much)

  It was a bracelet with an engraving on it. He said it meant good fortune.

  I really like it. It looks pretty, too.

  __________

  Weird things have been happening recently. I feel like someone is watching from time to time. And I started to notice that I began losing memory of certain things. I forgot my house key today and almost had to sleep outside.

  And it looks like luck isn't on my side either. Sometimes the rain catches me while going home. Or my things just suddenly break.

  I am not sure what is going on...

  __________

  Today I told Kei about this and he appeared surprised. He offered himself to accompany me while going from and back home. That was a beautiful gesture from his part.

  He also started forming theories on what might be happening and I swear that I barely heard him mention something about Mister Reiyo and illegal stuff.

  Is Mister Reiyo a bad guy?

  ___________

  While giving the usual report today to Mister Reiyo (as always) something curious happened.

  A suspicious man entered the store and began wandering around. Mister Reiyo then sent me to the workplace just in case. But I stayed close. And I heard something about an elixir? Or something similar.

  Mister Reiyo sounded conflicted and told him he would take care of it.

  What was that all about?

  ____________

  Someone is watching me I am sure of it. Someone is taking my things. They are keeping me in check I know it. All the things that I have been forgetting and losing? Them. All the unfortunate incidents that have been happening lately? Them.

  I don't know what to do. I asked Kei about it and he couldn't offer a solution. But he said he will work something out.

  I hope he does...

  ___________

  I am tired.

  I am tired.

  I am tired.

  I can't sleep anymore. Things are falling off or breaking whenever I go near them. What is happening?

  I can't step away from home without something happening. I am having trouble arriving to work even.

  The only saving grace is that Kei is always supportive and let's me rest when at work.

  And Mister Reiyo face is suspicious lately. I don't know what to think of him anymore.

  ___________

  Why do I have this?! I found an elixir hidden in my bag! From the look of it. It is a basic level one but why do I have it?!

  I didn't go to work today. I am scared. I wish Kei was here to help me...

  I just heard a knock on the door. Maybe it's him?

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  The last few pages are covered in blood.