A Dream of National Power

As I elegantly jumped down from the carriage, all eyes immediately focused on me.

The adventurers in front of the guild gawked as if they had seen a legendary treasure.

Especially one male adventurer was so captivated by my appearance that he kept nudging his friend’s shoulder, his eyes fixed on me.

Hehe!

Am I really that beautiful?

I heard murmurs around me.

“Wow… she’s insane… Could she be the daughter of some noble family?”

“She came in the carriage of Count Hind.”

“Then… the hidden daughter of Count Hind?”

What nonsense! I’m not some old man’s daughter!

But the adventurers, captivated by my beauty, suddenly changed their expressions.

Their faces turned pale, and they took several steps back.

Ah, Glesia is by my side now.

Cowards!

Don’t worry, our bees don’t sting!

Though I heard more murmurs, I ignored them.

I have my own purpose today!

Upon entering the guild, a grand hall unfolded before me.

Various adventurers bustled about, and numerous quest boards lined the walls.

Trophies of many monsters hung from the ceiling, including the Frost Wolf of Solhan Pass, prominently displayed in the center.

I’ve hunted dozens of them, yet they boast about just one?

Thinking adventurers are so weak, I stepped inside, and the room quickly fell silent.

Like the parting of the Red Sea, the adventurers made way for me.

Oh!

Miracle of Moses!

As people cleared the path, Ryandel and Levi followed behind me.

Both seemed a bit awkward, but I ignored that and confidently approached the reception desk.

The receptionist, seemingly recognizing me, looked flustered.

Her eyes darted between Miel and Cecilia on my shoulders and Rote floating in the air before widening at Glesia.

“Call the Guild Master.”

I said, and the receptionist, startled, hastily nodded.

“Yes, yes! Just a moment! I’ll bring them right away!”

She hurriedly ran through the back door.

Why the fuss?

After a while, the receptionist returned with a woman who looked like a bandit chief.

Tall and muscular with a large scar across her face, she exuded the aura of a seasoned veteran.

『 ☆☆☆ 【Selina】 Human LV151 』

She looks like her level is quite high!

Yet, despite her intimidating appearance, her voice was surprisingly clear and pleasant.

“Hello, are you Lycoris?”

The woman greeted me kindly.

Her voice was so beautiful it caught me off guard, but what surprised me more was that she knew my name.

Has my fame spread already?

Or is it spreading too late?

How long have I been at this?

“Yes! I’m Lycoris!”

“Nice to meet you! I’m Selina, the Guild Master of the Neje Adventurer’s Guild. I’ve heard a lot about you from Evan.”

Oh! Evan!

My National Power Level! Finally here!

“Lycoris, your achievements are truly impressive. You saved the village of Shia Kalt and were chosen as Michel’s apostle. Your contributions are recognized, and your rank will be elevated. You are now the first SS-Rank adventurer!”

Selina smiled broadly.

“What? SS-Rank!? No! I wanted National Power Level or SSS-Rank!”

I blurted out in frustration.

What is this?

I clearly asked Evan for National Power Level or SSS-Rank!

Selina looked at me with wide eyes, taken aback.

“I-I’m sorry… The term ‘National Power Level’ doesn’t quite fit as an adventurer’s rank, and skipping S to go straight to SSS is unconventional. We decided on SS-Rank.”

What?

What’s wrong with that?

In the novels and games I’ve read, they use those terms all the time!

“Why is that strange? National Power Level and SSS-Rank are fundamental terms!”

My sudden anger caused the surrounding adventurers to step back further.

Selina also took a slight step back, looking flustered.

“Calm down, Lycoris.”

Ryandel placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Why are you so fixated on ‘National Power Level’ and ‘SSS-Rank’?”

“It’s my childhood dream and ideal!”

I thought of the novels I read in middle and high school.

Countless National Power Level and SSS-Rank hunters and adventurers.

Especially the term ‘National Power Level’ was so cool!

‘Rise…’

Remembering the famous line from “National Power Level Hunter,” my eyes welled up.

Sob…

Missing the chance to get the title I longed for…

“I see… childhood…?”

Levi asked with a puzzled expression.

Oh, right, I’m only six years old.

“Hmph! Don’t ask!”

I turned my head to change the subject.

Levi looked taken aback and closed his mouth, while Ryandel quickly looked out the window.

The carriage continued on and eventually reached the castle.

The massive castle walls and towering spires came into view.

It was truly grand and beautiful.

“The castle gates are open. Not many guards around.”

As Levi mentioned, the gates were wide open with only a few guards.

Is this really the heart of the kingdom?

Isn’t security too lax?

As the carriage stopped at the gate, two guards approached.

“Halt the carriage!”

One guard shouted.

The driver obediently stopped.

“That carriage… isn’t it Count Hind’s?”

One guard murmured.

“He must have already entered…”

I opened the carriage window and looked out.

The guards immediately fixed their gaze on me.

“Who are you?”

One guard asked.

What should I say to enter?

Then it occurred to me-these men are from the knight order, the same ones who tried to capture me. And I’m here for revenge!

‘I won’t tell you.’

As I opened my mouth, I felt a surge of heat.

Ah, the noble soul is awakening!

“A name so noble it’s unfit for the ears of the unworthy.”

A haughty reply flowed naturally!

Well done this time!

The guards’ expressions hardened.

“What did you say? What nonsense are you spouting in front of the castle?”

One guard angrily said.

The other guard readied his spear in defense.

“Identify yourself at once, or we’ll arrest you!”

Arrest?

Me?

Ridiculous!

‘I didn’t come to see your king, but to invade and bring judgment and retribution! In the name of vengeance.’

“You may keep your king. My steps are for judgment and retribution, in the name of vengeance.”

The guards looked astonished.

They exchanged glances and assumed an attacking stance.

“I-I said, arrest her…”

Before they could finish, I scattered yellow paralyzing pollen.

“Hah!”

The guards stiffened and collapsed, their eyes wide with fear.

Both lay there, staring at me in terror.

‘Don’t worry, I won’t kill you.’

“If you value your insignificant lives, remain prone.”

I stepped down from the carriage and headed toward the gate.

The reliable Ace Quartet rushed ahead, while Ryandel and Levi followed behind, looking concerned.

I continued to scatter paralyzing pollen at the guards who tried to block my path.

They fell one by one, and it was quite amusing.

Hehe.

This feels refreshing!

‘Time to plunder!’

“Time for plunder!”