Chapter 5: Resignation

A Flashback to the Past

I leaned back in my chair, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down on me. Kaldor's sword gleamed on my desk, a constant reminder of the deal that had set me on this path. But as I sat there, my mind drifted back to a pivotal moment just days before my first trade—a moment that had changed everything.

It was a typical morning at the diner where I worked, the smell of coffee and greasy food filling the air. I had been juggling two jobs, and the exhaustion was beginning to take its toll. I had been working at the diner for years, but the pay was barely enough to keep my mother's medical bills at bay.

As I wiped down the counter, my boss approached me, a frown etched on his face. **"Evan, you're late again. This is the third time this week. You need to get your act together."**

I felt a surge of frustration. *I'm doing my best,* I thought, but I knew the truth: I was stretched thin, and the diner was no longer a viable option for me.

That evening, as I sat in the break room, the weight of my decision loomed over me. I had just completed my first trade with Kaldor, and the possibilities were beginning to unfold. I realized that I couldn't continue working two jobs while chasing this new opportunity.

### The Moment of Resignation

With a deep breath, I made up my mind. I walked into my boss's office, my heart pounding.

**"I need to talk to you,"** I said, my voice steady despite the anxiety bubbling within me.

My boss looked up, surprised. **"What's this about?"**

**"I'm resigning,"** I stated, my voice firm. **"I can't keep doing this. I need to focus on my future."**

His expression shifted from surprise to anger. **"You can't just leave! You have responsibilities here!"**

I felt a mix of guilt and liberation. **"I know, but I have to do what's best for me. I can't keep working for minimum wage when I have a chance to change my life."**

He opened his mouth to protest, but I turned on my heel and walked out, leaving the diner behind. As I stepped into the cool evening air, a sense of freedom washed over me. I had made the right choice for myself.

### Selling the Electric Bike

With my newfound determination, I knew I needed to gather resources for my next trade with Kaldor. I had a few items I could sell, but it wasn't enough. I glanced at my electric bike parked in the corner of my apartment—a gift from my mother when I had graduated high school.

*It's time to let it go,* I thought, feeling a pang of nostalgia. The bike had served me well, allowing me to commute to work and explore the city. But now, it was a luxury I couldn't afford if I wanted to make this deal work.

The next day, I took the bike to a local pawn shop, my heart heavy but resolute. The shopkeeper inspected it, nodding appreciatively.

**"This is in good condition. I can give you $300 for it,"** he said, his eyes glinting with interest.

I hesitated for a moment, memories flooding back of riding through the city, the wind in my hair. But I knew I needed the money more than the bike.

**"Deal,"** I replied, forcing a smile as I handed over the keys.

With the cash in hand, I felt a rush of adrenaline. I had sacrificed something valuable, but it was for my own greater purpose. I hurried home, ready to buy supplies for my trade with Kaldor.

### Preparing for the Trade

Back in my apartment, I opened my computer and began searching for supplies. I needed food, medical supplies, and anything that could help Kaldor in his quest to provide for his family. But honestly, I was more focused on what I could get in return for my efforts.

As I compiled a list, I felt a sense of empowerment. Selling the bike had been a tough decision, but it was a necessary step toward securing a better future for myself.

**"This is just the beginning,"** I said aloud, determination filling my voice. **"I'll make this work."**

With the money from the bike, I ordered the supplies I needed, excited about the prospect of trading with Kaldor again. I felt a surge of confidence, knowing that I was taking control of my destiny.

### A New Path Forward

As the sun set, I looked at the sword resting on my desk, the weight of it a reminder of the bond I was forging with Kaldor. But deep down, I knew my primary concern was myself.

**"I'll make this trade count,"** I vowed, a fire igniting in my chest. **"For my family, and for me."**

With that, I prepared for the next phase of my journey, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. The Multiversal Merchant System had opened a door to a new reality, and I was determined to walk through it with purpose, fully aware that every decision I made was for my own benefit.