Even Hell’s Affairs Depend on Gold – I Got Fired, but I’ve Acquired an Alchemy Cheat Skill, So I’m Aiming for a Major Life Turnaround

My Thoughts on Even Hell’s Affairs Depend on Gold – I Got Fired, but I’ve Acquired an Alchemy Cheat Skill, So I’m Aiming for a Major Life Turnaround

This title certainly grabs your attention, doesn't it? "Even Hell's Affairs Depend on Gold..." It promises a wild ride, and while the initial premise is intriguing, the execution feels a bit uneven. It's a story about a guy down on his luck, fired from a soul-crushing job, who stumbles into the world of adventuring with a cheat-level alchemy skill. Sounds like a recipe for fun, right? And at times, it is.

First Impressions

The beginning definitely hooked me. The idea of a salaryman escaping corporate drudgery to become a potion-peddling adventurer with a gender-bending twist is undeniably appealing. The initial chapters set up a world where dungeons and adventurers are commonplace, a result of contact with another world. The MC’s sudden acquisition of a powerful alchemy skill, hidden from the usual status screens, felt like a great starting point.

What Works Well

The comedic elements are definitely a strong point. The story thrives on the MC's blunders and the absurd situations he finds himself in. His attempts to capitalize on his alchemy skill, often foiled by his own lack of foresight, provide plenty of laughs. The concept of him creating a female persona to sell his potions and the chaos that ensues is entertaining, and the repercussions of his actions, like the translation skill mishap, add to the overall humor. The story has a lighthearted, almost slice-of-life feel, despite the fantasy setting, that can be quite enjoyable.

Areas of Concern

However, the story falters in other areas. The writing can feel inconsistent, and the MC's personality seems to fluctuate, making him difficult to connect with at times. World-building feels a bit underdeveloped, and the "frontier" setting comes across as too game-like, lacking depth and believability. Some plot points feel forced, and character motivations can be questionable. The portrayal of female characters as shallow and money-obsessed also detracts from the overall experience. The relationships between characters, particularly the sudden infatuation of the receptionist, feel rushed and unrealistic.

Final Verdict

"Even Hell's Affairs Depend on Gold" has a lot of potential, but it needs some refinement. If you're looking for a lighthearted, comedic read with a flawed but relatable protagonist, you might find it enjoyable. However, be prepared for inconsistencies in writing and character development. It's a fun, albeit imperfect, escape.