Exiled Alchemist’s Frontier Life: A Former Elite’s Fresh Start in the Backcountry After Failing Again - Chapter 2: Demotion
As Zeke stepped out of the room, his gaze lifted to the ceiling, where white smoke slowly diffused. A knock echoed from the door behind him.
“Who’s there?”
Without waiting for a response, the door creaked open, and a blonde man entered.
“Excuse me, Chief.”
“Chris, is it?”
The man was Christoph, one of Zeke’s apprentices and a junior colleague. Both held the rank of third-class national alchemists, but Zeke’s presence always seemed to cast a larger shadow.
“I heard Zeke is being transferred to Liet.”
“You heard correctly. Did Zeke tell you? No, he wouldn’t be one to broadcast that.”
“That fool’s made too many enemies.”
“Yes, that’s his way. I’ve known him a long time, and there’ve been moments where even I wanted to knock some sense into him.”
“I feel the same.”
Zeke had always been more than just talented. Since childhood, he had been a prodigy, often looking down on those around him—Christoph included—and sometimes even at me, his mentor.
“Is it because of August?”
“Yes.”
“You should let it go. Losing Zeke would be a huge loss. He may be difficult, but his abilities are unmatched. He was, after all, the top of the prestigious 50th class.”
The 50th class… renowned throughout the kingdom. Filled with elite mages, heirs of noble houses, and disciples of powerful wizards. Yet at the very top stood Zeke, a mere scholarship student. During his time at the academy, he had earned his fifth-class national alchemist’s license, a feat that left even the noble-born in his dust. Naturally, his arrogance didn’t earn him many friends.
“It wouldn’t be an issue if it were just August. But that boy brought his parents into it.”
“August’s parents? Aren’t they at the head of the Mage Association?”
“Exactly. They’ve demanded Zeke be assigned to them.”
Zeke, determined as ever, had also secured a fifth-class national mage certification. When I heard, I couldn’t help but think he was pushing himself too far.
“They’re likely planning to send him to the northern frontlines.”
Our nation had been locked in conflict with the northern kingdom for years.
“That’s what I suspect. Of course, I refused.”
Though Zeke’s magical abilities were undeniable, his complete lack of combat experience made him a liability in such a setting. Desk-bound for most of his career, the brutal reality of war would likely lead to his swift demise—not to mention, his allies might turn on him, given how much they disliked him.
“Are you demoting him to protect him?”
“No, not quite. Every team refuses to work with him, so we have no choice but to transfer him somewhere.”
It was remarkable how despised he had become, despite being the most brilliant alchemist in the department.
“So you’re sending him to Liet? Isn’t there anywhere more fitting? Liet is the back of beyond.”
“It’s exactly what he needs. Zeke never looks at his feet, only at the stars. This will give him the opportunity to reset. He needs to start from the ground up.”
“Do you really think he’ll change? He still believes everyone else is beneath him.”
Despite being a common orphan, Zeke never hesitated to treat nobility with disdain, nor did he ever mask his contempt.
“If he doesn’t change, then there’s no saving him.”
After leaving the chief’s office, I headed down to my workshop and began packing up my belongings.
“Zeke-sama? What about the transfer?”
Helen-chan asked me hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I’ve been sent to the countryside. It’s a demotion, plain and simple.”
“W-What?”
“To put it lightly, it means there’s no place for me here anymore. My master’s giving me a chance to start over where no one knows me—a final act of mercy.”
In reality, it felt more like a dismissal.
“Zeke…”
Sigh I’ve failed twice now.
It took two failures to finally recognize what’s been clear all along: I have a wretched personality.
The chief called it ambition, but in truth, all I’ve ever done is trample over others. I’m no different from August.
“It’s not the end! You’re still young, Zeke. You can rebuild!”
That’s probably what my master was trying to convey.
“I know. People learn from their failures… but I’m exhausted.”
The path to success feels closed. What’s the point of striving anymore? When I really think about it, what’s waiting at the end of it all? Wealth? Companionship? Gourmet food?
Money—I’ve never cared for much beyond basic living expenses. Women? Irrelevant to me. And food? I’ve never developed refined tastes.
What do I even want out of life?
“Zeke?”
“Maybe… this is enough.”
“Zeke! No! Please, don’t give up!”
Helen clung to my face, obscuring my view.
“I’m not talking about dying. I’ve no intention of that. Dying is far too frightening and painful.”
I should know. I’ve experienced it before. The cold, the isolation—it’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
“Oh… right.”
Helen, reassured, leapt down from the desk but still watched me anxiously. I reached out and patted her head gently.
Helen had been by my side since I was a child. I had no friends, no family, and my life revolved entirely around work. I had no hobbies, no romantic pursuits. But even someone like me had something—someone—precious.
That was Helen-chan.
“What really matters in life…”
In my previous life and in this one, I had always been driven by the need to survive. But now, I had enough to live on. So what more is there?
“Zeke?”
Helen-chan tilted her head adorably, confused by my musings.
“I’ve failed at success twice already. Perhaps I’ll wait for a third chance.”
“Do you really think there will be a third time?”
“Who knows? Either way, my life in the capital is over. I’ll have to start from scratch in Liet.”
“You can still find success there and live a fulfilling life!”
She’s right.
At least I have Helen-chan.
“Helen, I want to make sure I don’t screw things up in Liet.”
“I’ll be with you! I may just be a familiar, but I’m here to offer advice!”
She really is a wonderful companion.
“Alright then, let’s finish packing. Staying here is just too depressing.”
“I’ll help!”
We packed the remainder of my belongings, storing everything away with spatial magic. After cleaning the workshop, I expressed my thanks and regrets to the staff at the front desk, then made my way home.
Back at my apartment, I packed up the rest, notified my landlord of my departure, and made arrangements to leave the city. Everything was proceeding smoothly, but as I went through the motions, I realized something that left me melancholic: there was no one to bid farewell.
Once my preparations were complete, Helen and I headed to the airship port, tickets in hand. As we sat on a bench, waiting for our flight, a voice called my name.
“Zeke-san.”
I turned to see a woman approaching—Adele, the receptionist from the Alchemist Association. In casual clothing, I barely recognized her.
“Hello. Are you off today?”
Why is she here?
“Yes. I thought I’d come to see you off.”
What? See me off?
“Why?”
“Must I have a reason to see off a colleague?”
I suppose not…
“Thankyou.”
“Zeke-san, do you have a place to stay once you reach Liet?”
“No, I plan to find something once I get there. In the meantime, I’ll stay at an inn.”
Or perhaps sleep at the workshop. Even in a small town, there should be accommodations.
“Here, take this.”
She handed me a slip of paper, and upon inspection, I realized it was a hotel voucher.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a voucher for a hotel in Liet. I visited a friend there last year and kept it. You can use it.”
“Thank you… um…”
I realized I didn’t even know her name.
Sigh I suppose it’s time for introductions, although I fear it may be too late for that.
“What’s your name?”
I’d need to send her a proper thank-you letter later.
“Adele. Adele von Yordle.”
………
Oh no.
I definitely know that name.
No wonder she’s so composed.
“W-Were we classmates…? I sincerely apologize…”Adele-san
And she’s nobility…
How could I have been so thoughtless?
“Yes, I’m Adele, from your class at the magic academy. Three years. I’m sure you understand why I disliked you now.”
I understand completely. How could I not remember a classmate I studied with for three years? Not to mention, we ended up working together, and I never acknowledged her.
“I deeply regret my behavior.”
“Good. Don’t forget that feeling. And remember, you were our class’s top student, our representative. I wish you all the best in Liet. Farewell.”
With a graceful nod, Adele turned and walked away.
“Farewell…”
“She’s a remarkable person. What are you doing, Zeke-sama?”
She even came to see me off and gave me a parting gift.
“I’ll send her a letter of apology when I arrive.”
“That would be wise.”
Watching her retreating figure, I boarded the airship. It soon took flight, and with it, my life in the capital drifted away behind me.