National Power Dreams Crushed: Storming the Royal Castle
As I lightly hopped down from the luxurious carriage that screamed national power level, every single gaze in the area snapped straight to me. It was like they'd spotted some legendary treasure—the adventurers milling around the guild entrance had their jaws dropped wide open. One guy, totally entranced by my looks, kept slapping his buddy's shoulder repeatedly but couldn't tear his eyes away from me.
Hee hee hee! Am I that pretty?
Whispers started buzzing around me.
"Whoa... she's insane... Some noble lady from a big family?"
"That's the Haind count's carriage, right?"
"No way... the count's secret daughter...?"
What? That old man's daughter? What nonsense!
But then, the adventurers' faces—who'd been swooning over my beauty—suddenly shifted. They went pale as ghosts and stumbled back several steps.
Ah, Glessia must've come up beside me.
Scaredy-cats! Our house bees don't sting!
The weird murmurs kept going, but I ignored them. I had a real purpose here today!
Stepping into the guild, a grand hall unfolded before us. It was packed with all sorts of adventurers, and the walls were plastered with quest notices. Up on the ceiling hung taxidermied monster heads of every kind, including a flashy display right in the center of a Frost Warg from Set Hanryeong. I'd taken down dozens of those in one go. And that's supposed to be brag-worthy? Adventurers are so weak, I thought as I strode in—and just like that, the whole place went dead silent. The crowd parted like the Red Sea.
Ooh! Moses's miracle!
With the path cleared, Liandel and Levy followed behind me. They both looked a bit awkward, but I ignored it and marched straight to the reception desk with my head high.
The receptionist lady fidgeted nervously as I approached. Her eyes darted between Miel on my shoulder and Cecilia, then widened at Lote floating in the air—before finally spotting Glessia and freezing solid.
"Call the guild master."
She jumped at my words and nodded frantically.
"Y-yes, right away! Just a moment! I'll fetch them immediately!"
She bolted through the back door in a panic.
No need to make such a fuss...
A moment later, she returned—followed by a bandit-boss-looking auntie stomping out. Towering height, ripped muscles, and a massive scar slashing across her face. Total battle-hardened vet vibe.
Her level matched her tough look—pretty high! But when she opened her mouth, out came a surprisingly clear, bell-like voice.
"Hello, are you Ricoris by any chance?"
The auntie greeted me kindly. I was momentarily stunned by how pretty her voice was, but what really shocked me was...
She knew my name.
Has my fame spread already? Wait, isn't it too late to be spreading now? After all I've done!
"Yeah! That's me, Ricoris!"
"Ah, nice to meet you! I'm Selina, guild master of the Neje Adventurers' Guild. Guild Master Evan told me all about you."
Ooh! Evan! My national power level buddy! He's finally here!
"Your feats are truly astonishing, Ricoris. Saving Sia Kalt village, chosen as Michael’s apostle... In recognition of your merits, we'll promote your rank. You're now the first-ever SS-rank adventurer!"
Selina beamed.
"What? SS-rank!? No! I told Evan national power level or SSS-rank!"
I couldn't help yelling.
What the heck? I specifically told Evan national power level or SSS!
Selina's eyes went wide, her face flustered.
"I'm sorry, but... 'national power level' doesn't quite fit adventurer ranks, and jumping straight from S to SSS was deemed odd in the central guild's internal meeting... So we settled on SS."
What? What's so odd about it? Novels and games use it all the time!
"Why's it odd? National power level and SSS are totally legit terms!"
I got fired up, and the surrounding adventurers backed away even further. Selina took a small step back, looking flustered.
"Ricoris, calm down."
Liandel gently placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I don't know why you're so attached to 'national power level' and SSS, but you're now the first—and currently only—SS-rank adventurer. That's an incredible status. You've created a brand-new rank beyond the previous top S-rank. It's groundbreaking."
His words softened me a bit. But I still felt unsatisfied.
Sigh... Calling those iconic terms 'weird'...
Am I the problem...?
"Yeah!"
Levy nodded supportively.
"And if a new rank comes after SS, it'll naturally be SSS, right?"
Selina nodded a beat late at Levy's words.
"Y-yes! The next step will probably be SSS! With more feats, you'll reach it someday...!"
She kept glancing at me nervously—she looked kinda pitiful. I decided not to push it anymore; it'd just make me seem childish.
"Fine... I'll take SS-rank..."
I muttered glumly.
I thought I'd get that cool 'national power level' title...
SS without the roots... ugh.
"Um... If you give me your adventurer badge, we'll engrave the promotion and have a new one ready by evening."
Selina tentatively held out her hand. I pulled out my S-rank badge and handed it over.
"Whoa! Brand-new SS-rank!"
Suddenly, someone yelled from behind.
"Ugh!"
Irritation surged—I whipped around. A scruffy brown-haired young adventurer stared with bulging eyes.
Thwack!
His companion smacked the back of his head hard.
"Sorry! He's a bit clueless..."
The friend bowed deeply in apology. The smacked guy bowed too.
Sigh... Staying here's just gonna keep pissing me off.
"...Let's head to the palace."
I sighed deeply to Liandel and Levy. Everyone was watching me warily, staying dead silent as we left the guild.
We climbed back into the carriage and headed for the royal castle. The ride was awkwardly quiet—probably everyone sensing my bad mood and treading carefully.
"Ricoris."
Levy spoke cautiously.
"Why... do you like 'national power level' and SSS-rank so much?"
"It's my childhood dream and idol!"
Memories of middle and high school novels flooded back. All those national power level and SSS-rank hunters and adventurers. Especially "national power level"—so damn cool!
'Rise...'
Recalling a national power level hunter's iconic line brought tears to my eyes.
Sniff sniff... My chance to claim that admired title...
"Ch-childhood...?"
Levy looked puzzled.
Oh right, I'm six.
"Hmph! Don't ask!"
I turned my head sharply to change the subject. Levy shut her mouth in confusion, and Liandel quickly stared out the window.
The carriage rolled on until we reached the palace gates. Massive walls and soaring towers filled our view—truly majestic and beautiful.
"The gates are open. Not many guards either."
As Levy said, the gates stood wide, with just a few guards posted.
This is the kingdom's heart? Security's way too lax!
The carriage pulled up to the gates, and two guards approached.
"Halt the carriage!"
One bellowed. The coachman stopped obediently.
"Hey, that carriage... isn't it the count's?"
"Yeah. The count's already inside, though..."
I opened the window and peered out. The guards' eyes locked onto me.
"Who are you?"
One asked.
What do I even say to get in? Wait... these guys are all from the knight order, right? Same bunch as those who tried to grab me. And I'm here for revenge!
Not telling you.
As I opened my mouth, a hot surge coursed through me.
Ah, the noble soul awakens!
"A name too noble for the ears of baseborn scum such as thee."
The arrogant reply flowed out naturally!
Nailed it this time!
The guards' faces hardened.
"What? Such insolence before the palace!"
One snarled in fury. The other raised his spear into a defensive stance.
"Reveal yourself, or face arrest!"
Arrest? Me? Hilarious!
Truth is, I'm not here to chat with your king—I'm here to crash the party!
"I come not to audience with thy sovereign. My steps bring judgment of blood and retribution. In the name of vengeance."
Confusion spread across the guards' faces. They exchanged glances, then shifted to attack positions.
"Y-you're under arrest ri—"
Before they could finish, I scattered yellow paralyzing pollen.
"Guhk!"
Their bodies stiffened, collapsing in place. Both could only blink, staring at me in terror.
Won't kill you, so chill.
"Spare thy wretched lives by groveling there."
I stepped out and headed for the gates. My trusty ace quartet flanked me, while Liandel and Levy trailed behind with worried looks. Any guards rushing to block me got hit with more paralyzing pollen, dropping one by one. It was hilarious.
Hee hee. Feeling better now!
Time to loot!
"The hour of plunder has arrived!"