It was a summer’s day three years ago, when Alina had just started working as a receptionist. That night was the last day of the three-day “Century Festival” held annually in Ifühl.

The town’s frenzy had reached its climax, for today was the finale of the festivities, and Alina could hear the merry music of the band, the raucous laughter of drunken adventurers.

Oh yes, from the deserted office in Ifühl Counter, bang in the centre of the metropolis, she could hear it all too well.

‘Why? Why, even on a day like this, do I have to work overtime?’

Of course, she was the only one left in the office. For this special occasion, every single person in town left work early and flocked to the bustling festival in droves. Knowing that she was the only person who was still working overtime on the day of the festival made it all the more painful.

‘“The town of adventurers” my arse.’

Alina glared at the pile of documents in front of her and grumbled bitterly.

‘That bunch can’t even defeat a single boss. They just want to have fun at the festival!’

The adventurers guild was founded in this area to research and unravel the technology and power of the Ancestors. The metropolis of Ifühl, which became the base for this purpose, naturally attracted a large number of daredevils and eventually became known as a town of hot-blooded adventurers.

‘God, I want to go home.’

Alina, who was assigned to Ifühl Counter, the busiest of all reception offices in Ifühl, lay slumped over her desk, having lost all will to continue.

“On the day of the Century Festival, the person who most desires power shall receive the blessing of God.” That old legend of unknown veracity suddenly crossed Alina’s mind as she passively listened to the music of the festival.

The century festival was originally a ritual performed by the Ancestors to pray for power from the ancient deity of the land, Dia. In its current form, it began as part of an investigation to emulate their rite, but naturally no such things as blessings were received, and has now become little more than an excuse for adventurers to let loose and have a party.

However, Alina thought in her foggy mind. If by some chance the legend is true, and if she desires power the most, this Dia or whatever may be able to get rid of her overtime.

‘Please, God, make me get home on time!’

Alina called out, but of course no reply came. The only sound in the quiet office was the joyous din of the festival.

‘Anyone, I don’t care who it is, just kill the boss already.’

Alina pleaded the adventurers, her face wet with tears.

During the three days of the festival the guild increases the bounty for killing monsters, which, as one would expect, leads to a rush of adventurers taking quest commissions. The guild may have meant it as just a small event to get the adventurers stirred up, but for a rookie receptionist who can’t yet handle the paperwork fast enough, it is a pretty vicious attack.

What’s more, even before the Century Festival began, the reception was already packed with adventurers due to difficulties in defeating the boss of a tough-to-capture dungeon. Needless to say, once the Century Festival began, it was hell on earth.

If only they could defeat that boss. Alina bit her lip. If that monster isn’t defeated, her overtime will continue even after the Millennium Festival is over.

‘Maybe if I could defeat the boss…’

Alina muttered such a ridiculous thought.

‘Then I can say goodbye to overtime.’

Needless to say, it wasn’t a realistic way of getting rid of her overtime. Someone like Alina would never stand a chance against even the smallest-fry monsters that roam the dungeons—for starters, there’s no way a receptionist, who is prohibited from working a second job, could part-time as an adventurer.

‘Haa. Enough already. I’m not nearly finished, but I’m going home. Let’s enjoy the festival for a bit.’

By the time she finally gave up and left Ifühl Counter, it was already the next day.

‘Ah, it’s over.’

Alina had made her way to the main square to at least enjoy the atmosphere of the festival’s finale, but found it deserted and completely tidied up.

‘Of course.’

Alina sniffed, a feeling of emptiness swelling in her chest, weighing heavily on her entire body. Stifling an unvoiced cry, Alina left the main square, dejected.

‘I have work tomorrow. Let’s just get home quickly and get some sleep.’

A weary whisper escaped her lips.

Alina walked home with leaden steps through the pitch-dark of the main street. A drunkard who had had his fill of the festivities lying happily by the side of the road caught her eye, and she briefly considered kicking him.

How frustrating.

She thought, not in anger or sadness, but a different, darker emotion.

How frustrating. Why is it always me?

At the dizzyingly busy reception this afternoon, with no time for a leisurely lunch, she still managed to perform her reception duties—even though she was still unfamiliar with them—and handled a staggering number of adventurers. Day after day she put up with overtime, gave up her holidays and worked hard, putting her body, mind and private life on the line.

And yet, why must I be treated so poorly?

Oh, how loathsome. Everything and everyone, so loathsome. So loathsome I can’t bear it.

The flood of adventurers, the guild’s raising the rewards, the boss that won’t be beaten, the incompetents who can’t beat the boss. All the causes of her overtime, oh so loathsome.

‘I want to beat them all up.’

Alina gritted her teeth and clenched her fists as she spat out her true feelings.

I want power. I don’t care what it is. The power to stop time, the power to do paperwork beyond human capability, if necessary even the power to defeat the bosses in place of the incompetent adventurers. As long as it gets rid of my overtime, anything will do. I just want power.

‘I’ll beat everything up!! Everything!!’

She mumbled through gritted teeth. That’s when it happened:

For a split second, everything went white.

Alina stopped. Were her eyes tired from staring at too many documents? Cocking her head in confusion she looked down at the source of the light, at the ground beneath her feet.

‘Hah?’

No, she wasn’t hallucinating, nor were her eyes tired. In the darkness of the night, where the lights of the festival had gone out, there was indeed a white magic circle drawn on the ground.

‘What on earth is this?’

Unable to think of anything with her utterly depleted brain, her brows furrowed and head tilted, the magic circle vanished without a sound.

Though she thought it strange, when she returned home she collapsed on her bed and slept like a log, and by the next morning she had completely forgotten about the strange event.

Only a few days later did she discover that a ridiculously superhuman skill had awakened in her.

Having to work overtime is bad enough. Deliberately increasing the workload during a holiday—now that’s pure evil.