Ryuk crouched on a cloud, checking between his claws for the umpteenth time-not even a speck of apple remained. Ever since that contract holder had become a law of the universe, the Shinigami Realm had cut off his apple allowance without warning.
"Tch, not even severance pay." He held a toothpick he had swiped from somewhere between his teeth, his bony wings drooping. "Should've signed an employment contract back then."
Just as he was wondering whether to extort a few freshly dead souls, a little flyer radiating rainbow light slapped onto his forehead:
[Hiring part-time shinigami] Job requirements: mastery of the rules of death, familiarity with interdimensional travel Compensation: 3 apples per hour, double pay for overtime, golden apples awarded for outstanding performance Contact: Mr. Lin
Ryuk stared at the words "golden apples," nearly washing the toothpick out of his mouth with drool.
After following the address through seventeen dimensions, he gaped at the brightly lit office building before him. Gilded lettering scrolled across its glass facade: "Six Paths Reincarnation Co., Ltd.-New Human Realm Office."
A familiar figure sat at reception-the lunatic who had once written himself out of existence. Now he wore a crisp suit, with a badge on his chest flashing "Business Director Lin Chen."
"Here to apply?" Lin Chen adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "Perfect timing. We've got an urgent order."
Before Ryuk could react, a tablet was shoved into his arms:
[Order No. 666: appear in a conglomerate CEO's dream] [Requirement: hint that he should write a will donating his entire fortune] [Difficulty: ★★★] [Payment: 5 apples]
"Hold on!" Ryuk's claws trembled. "I'm a shinigami! Not Santa Claus!"
Lin Chen calmly brought up a holographic projection. "Under Article 38 of the Interdimensional Labor Law, unemployed shinigami must undergo reemployment training. Also-" His fingertip