The Cursed Leveler (A GxG Story)

Chapter One: Awakening

"Well, Sasha," my boss began, his voice devoid of any enthusiasm, "you were noticeably absent for an entire week last month, which dealt a significant blow to our department's performance metrics. Consequently and regrettably, we won't be in a position to grant you your annual raise this year." His expression mirrored his words, a portrait of a man disillusioned with his role and, perhaps, life itself. I leaned forward slightly, my tone measured and factual as I countered,

"I was hospitalized due to appendicitis." My words lay bare the truth of my situation, delivered with an air of unwavering honesty.

"Yes, and I'm sorry you had to go through that" he acknowledged, his response carrying the emotional weight of a pebble dropped in a vast ocean. His gaze remained fixed on his computer screen, an impenetrable wall between us. It was evident that our dialogue was fated to be as fruitless as our previous exchanges, and frustration simmered beneath the surface. With a deep breath, I reached my breaking point.

"I'm sure you are. Consider this my resignation then." I replied, the air palpable. I rose from my chair, executing a swift about-face toward the exit. For the first time during our interaction, my boss tore his gaze away from the monitor, and his form followed suit as he stood up, belatedly engaging with the reality of my departure.

"That's not necessary, Sasha. I understand you're feeling emotional, but this is something you should think about with a clear head." he began, taking a step forward, positioning himself squarely in front of his desk. I continued walking towards my cubicle, my resolve unwavering.

"Actually, I'm thinking quite clearly," I retorted without breaking my stride. His response was tinged with a subtle hint of passive-aggression as he spoke,

"So, you're resigning with a standard two-week notice, then. We'll require you to train your replacement to mitigate the impact of your departure. Keep in mind that if you leave immediately, we won't be available for future reference checks in your job searches." I couldn't help but seethe at his sense of entitlement. A defiant smile played across my lips as I met his gaze head-on.

"Lucky for me, I won't be needing your reference," I affirmed, leaving no room for further discussion.

"...I expect your belongings to be cleared from the office by day's end," he stated tersely before pivoting on his heel, offering no further words. His dismissal carried an air of indifference, as though my compliance was an afterthought. I needed no additional prompting; I began methodically gathering my possessions, each item finding its place within my bag. A growing grin adorned my face, an uncontainable sense of liberation welling up within me. At last, freedom!

True, I was now jobless, but that was not much of a concern. Escaping the clutches of this awful job was worth its weight in gold. Moreover, my savings could comfortably sustain me for several months, granting me the respite I desperately craved. With my stuff all packed up, I made a quick dash for the exit, eager to get out of that office building.

Stepping into the open air was like a breath of fresh freedom. I started sauntering down the bustling sidewalk, feeling like I was walking on sunshine, quite literally. The sun, who'd been negligent in my life for way too long, was now out in full force, casting its warm, golden glow everywhere. It was like the universe itself had decided to throw me a bone and free me from the never-ending grind of work and responsibilities that had been weighing me down for what felt like an eternity.

As I walked along, I couldn't help but think about how this day was turning out to be surprisingly bright, both literally and metaphorically. The sound of people chatting, the scent of street food wafting from nearby vendors, and the sun's gentle caress on my skin all combined to create a sense of liberation I hadn't felt in years. I considered my plans for the evening. The thought of finally diving back into my favorite webcomic, 'The Ultimate Level,' which had just wrapped up its epic 8-year run, made me grin from ear to ear. I remembered how I'd first stumbled upon it back in my high school days, drawn in by its exquisite art and compelling story. Oddly, it remained a hidden gem, never quite getting the recognition it deserved, despite its undeniable brilliance. But now, as I walked under the bright, welcoming sun, I couldn't help but feel grateful to the webcomic's creator for coming out of hiatus and bringing closure to a story that had captured my heart. It was a day filled with newfound freedom, and it seemed like the world was conspiring to make it just perfect.