Rust had dedicated years to the Alchemist Association, focusing on fundamental research. However, the newly appointed president, a bureaucrat with no appreciation for foundational studies, drastically cut funding for his department. Worse still, Rust was forced to produce raw materials for other divisions, despite his expertise lying elsewhere. When the next fiscal budget allocated nothing to his team, the president dissolved the department entirely. That same day, an old academy friend offered him a chance to assist in developing her remote territory. With no prospects left at the association, Rust chose to leave.
Unknown to many, Rust was among the world’s most skilled alchemists. The materials he synthesized were unmatched in purity and effectiveness, filling critical gaps in the association’s operations. His sudden absence caused chaos, as replacements couldn’t replicate his work. Free from the association’s constraints, Rust embraced his new role in the frontier with unmatched energy. The fresh start reignited his passion for alchemy, allowing him to explore his craft without bureaucratic interference. The association soon realized too late the irreplaceable value of the man they had dismissed so carelessly.
In the borderlands, Rust thrived, applying his genius to uncharted challenges. His former colleagues struggled to maintain their projects without his contributions, while he flourished in an environment that truly valued his talents. The once-overlooked alchemist now shaped the future of a burgeoning territory, proving that true brilliance cannot be stifled by shortsighted leadership.
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