NOVEL NEXT Chapter 42
Chapter 42 – We Are Forest Rangers 2
If you’re looking for a bunch of slackers worse than Evanston, look no further than the forest security team of parent company. They leave everything to the subcontractors and don’t even know the name of Aix.
Let’s take a closer look at their daily lives.
A group of powerful warriors dressed in fancy and extravagant armor are gathered around a table. Behind each of them, polished weapons and shields are hanging on the wall, ready for action.
An old man with a sharp beard wearing glistening armor sitting in the center spoke up.
“Have you all prepared for my commemoration ceremony?”
“Yes, everything is in order. We plan to hold it grandly in front of Sir Isel’s bronze statue in the plaza.”
The old man with the sharp kaiser beard, seemed pleased.
His name is Isel the Brave. He is the captain of the forest security team and the hero of this town. Some claim that he owes his success to the adventurers’ zombies, but it’s an undeniable fact that he has prevented monster invasions from the great forest for five years since his arrival.
“Well then, we need money for it.”
“Our current plan falls a little short. Should we reduce the scale?”
Yes. Their main task is meetings.
The next step is to take care of the protective gear.
And sometimes training.
“No, that’s a foolish idea. Put pressure on the subcontractors to cut costs further.”
“Understood. I will try to apply pressure.”
He nodded with satisfaction. He had continued to successfully cut costs, at Aix’s expense.
“Do you have any other opinions about the ceremony?”
“Yes!”
The new recruit raised their hand.
Recognizing their motivation, he urged their on.
“At the ceremony, I suggest Captain demonstrates a test cut with his prized Dragon Sword to liven up the atmosphere.”
The new recruit confidently presented their idea.
“You fool! That is a truly stupid idea. Why don’t you think things through before speaking?”
“Huh?”
They were shut down immediately.
“Behold! Observe the shining blade of this Dragon Sword. What would happen if I were to perform a test cut?”
“It’s beautiful. Huh? What would happen?”
The new recruit’s foolish expression was reflected on the unscathed blade of the Dragon Sword that the Captain wielded.
“Sigh. Young people these days are useless. Listen well, I will teach you.”
“Yes, sir.”
Not even knowing such a thing. How disappointing.
Isel sighed.
“If you do something like that, the blade may get damaged… You might scratch it.”
“Huh?”
The new recruit was confused about what the Captain was saying.
“Can’t you hear? It would be a problem if the sword had a scratch. You don’t even understand such a simple thing?”
It seemed that there was no misunderstanding about what the Captain said.
“What?! Weren’t we lectured that ‘a sword is for cutting!’? Was that a lie?”
A perfectly reasonable question.
But it was not the case in this workplace.
Isel gave guidance to the new recruit, who was jumping to conclusions, in a way that even a child could understand.
“Listen well, don’t misunderstand. A sword is not for cutting, but for wearing… It’s equipment for dressing up, so to speak.”
The seniors nodded in agreement.
The bewildered new recruit was calmed by one of the seniors and taken away.
“Huh?”
“Isel Captain, let me teach this clueless rookie.”
“Ah, sure. I’m counting on you.”
In the warehouse, a diligent newcomer bites back at their senior.
“What was that captain’s lame remark? I had high hopes when I joined the forest ranger, but I’m disappointed by that.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. You’re still young. If you don’t get it, wear this and go to the tavern.”
The senior casually brought over a shiny, heavy suit of armor and tossed it to the newcomer.
“Whoa, won’t it drop? It’s so light!? What is this? A fake armor made of paper and wood?”
Looking inside, it was indeed made of paper and wooden frames, with no special effects.
What is this?
It’s paper armor.
“You’ll understand when you wear it. Now it’s your debut match for the forest patrol. It’s a work order, so go have fun at the tavern while wearing it.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
Reluctantly, the newcomer put on the paper armor, but upon arriving at the tavern, they received an unexpected warm welcome. Strangely enough, they were even solicited from various parties.
“You look strong. Will you join our party?”
“Our party is all women. How about it?”
They were bombarded with invitations.
It was the first time they experienced something like this.
Despite declining with a stern expression, they were secretly pleased.
“No, sorry. I’m in the forest patrol.”
“Ah, it’s the forest patrol after all! Thank you for always protecting our town.”
This is the true essence of the forest patrol.
Seeing the defeated hunters with uninterested expressions only fueled the newcomer’s arrogance.
Oh, what dirty armor you guys have. They don’t understand anything.
When leaving the tavern, words of repentance were spoken.
Appearance is important.
“Captain, I was wrong! This is actually divine armor.”
And so the promising newcomer became part of the garbage crew.
However, it seems that Aix will not be working from this month on. What will you do, Forest Rangers?
Let’s introduce the glorious history of the Forest Rangers.
Long ago, they were a self-defense group that protected the country from the demon tribe coming from the northernmost forest.
However, as peaceful times arrived, the organization began to be institutionalized and the word “outsourcing” began to be mentioned.
Seven years ago, under the name of business efficiency, the Forest Ranger was reduced to a mere administrative office by completely outsourcing their on-site operations.
And then, five years ago, when Aix joined the sub-organization, their foundation began to crumble even more. Eventually, Aix was the only one supporting the entire organization. No, he ended up supporting it.
The five years of glory brought by the Grandson-Loser Aix. However, he quit last month, so the future is uncertain.
Transition of field staff.
↓At the beginning when they were still serious
Client: 50 people
Prime contractor: 50 people
↓7 years ago, fully commissioned
Client: 50→0 people, replaced by 40 clerks
Prime contractor: 50 people
Subcontractor: 0→50 people
↓5 years ago, cost-cutting started
Prime contractor: 50→30 people
Subcontractor: 30→20 people
Sub-subcontractor: 0→50 people (including Aix)
Ex accidentally joined as a sub-subcontractor.
Due to Aix’s good work:
The prime contractor became a clerk.
The subcontractor also became a clerk.
Even the number of sub-subcontractors was reduced.
And eventually, only one person was forced to work.
↓4 years ago, super cost-cutting achieved!
Prime contractor: 30→0 people, replaced by 20 clerks
Subcontractor: 20→0 people, replaced by 10 clerks
Sub-subcontractor: 50→1 person, Aix
↓30 days ago, “I don’t want to work anymore”
Sub-subcontractor: 1→0 person (Aix retired)
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
And now.
Clerk numbers:
Client: 40 people, led by the brave Isel
Prime contractor: 20→10 people, Gerg
Subcontractor: 10→3 people, Evanston
Field staff numbers:
Sub-subcontractor: 1→0 person
The remaining members have all been doing clerical work since four years ago, so it’s going to be tough.
Their return to the field begins.