Mana can be converted into real-world currency, and well-executed ghost domains can double the invested mana, earning extra rewards like special items. With such potential, Derek began to imagine grander plans: opening a ghost-hunting agency, combining ghostly scares with exorcism services to make a fortune while targeting corrupt and sinful individuals.
"If you can make enough money, why bother working a regular job? Focus on the missions instead," his ghostly clone encouraged.
"I'll quit my job tomorrow," Derek declared. He had long despised his grueling work. With this newfound power and income source, it was time to leave.
Derek worked at a small tech company called SmartTech, which offered services like server rentals, website design, and online marketing campaigns. Despite his diligence, Derek hadn't been promoted after his three-month probation period. His boss, Jimmy, always cited performance issues as an excuse, keeping him stuck on a low intern salary for over five months.
Having accumulated enough mana from his ghostly mission, Derek knew he could convert it into thousands of dollars. The next morning, he marched into Jimmy's office to officially quit.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
"What is it?" Jimmy asked, frowning at Derek's loud knocking.
Jimmy ran SmartTech with a ruthless strategy: hiring fresh graduates with promises of high salaries, only to keep them on probation indefinitely, paying them a fraction of the promised wage. If they quit, he'd simply recruit more unsuspecting students.
"I'm resigning," Derek said firmly, sitting across from Jimmy and meeting his gaze directly.
Jimmy, known for his intimidating demeanor, usually made employees nervous. But today, Derek felt a rare sense of satisfaction.
"Are you sure? Don't regret it later," Jimmy replied coldly, barely looking up from his desk.
"Not a chance," Derek responded, inwardly cursing Jimmy for exploiting him.
"Fine. Hand over your tasks to Joe," Jimmy said dismissively. He had expected Derek to quit after recent clashes over his promotion, so he wasn't surprised.
"One more thing. The company owes me three months of unpaid salary. When will that be paid?" Derek asked.
Jimmy's strategy of delaying wages was deliberate, ensuring employees stayed longer out of desperation.
"Company policy requires one month's notice for resignation. Since you didn't give notice, this month's salary is forfeited. If you want it, you'll have to work another month," Jimmy said, handing Derek a copy of the company rules.
Furious but unable to argue, Derek compromised. "Fine, forget this month. What about the previous two months?"
"Finish handing over your tasks first, then we'll settle it," Jimmy replied impatiently, tossing a task sheet at Derek.
After completing the handover process under a supervisor's watch, Derek returned to Jimmy's office.
"Your two months' salary will be paid next time the company processes payroll," Jimmy said, trying to dismiss Derek.
"When exactly is the next payroll?" Derek asked, determined to get a clear answer.
"That depends on when the company has funds. No money, no salary!" Jimmy snapped, slamming his hand on the desk.
"Hey! You owe me money. I'm not the one in the wrong here. Why are you acting aggressive?" Derek retorted.
"Are you looking for trouble?" Jimmy growled, glaring at Derek. His driver, a burly bald man with tattoos, entered the room, adding to the intimidation.
Jimmy had perfected the art of scaring off students with a mix of threats and deceit. "Go ahead, report me to labor authorities! But don't expect a penny from me," Jimmy sneered.
Derek trembled with anger. While he knew labor authorities could help, the effort seemed unnecessary given his new abilities. He stormed out, vowing to use his ghostly powers to teach Jimmy a lesson he wouldn't forget.