The Mecha Big Shot Is Such a Goofball

(One-line summary: A goofy, narcissistic, timid-but-adorable powerhouse takes a mecha through an exhilarating face-slapping spree.)

One day, Qingcao wakes up as an orphan on a sprawling interstellar continent. In this world where the strong rule, she decides to become a mecha engineer, living by the motto, “If you can get something for free, you'd be a fool not to.”

Timid and afraid to die, Qingcao builds one mecha after another so she won't end up killed by a star beast.

During a test, the top student in her year pins her down and picks on her. Qingcao can't take it anymore and fights back, only to realize:

“So this is what the top student's strength is like? Not much to write home about!”

Gradually, she realizes that the students at the whole school don't seem all that strong.

“So this is what a senior's strength is like? Not much to write home about!”

“So this is what a three-time champion's strength is like? Not much to write home about!”

By the time Qingcao comes to her senses and looks back, all those so-called geniuses seem to have become her defeated opponents.

She puffs out her little chest, her cheeks rosy with pride, and declares, “I'm amazing!”

Reader notes:

1. Lots of original details. The worldbuilding is all made up as I go.

2. The female lead has an overpowered golden finger and gets stronger when facing strong opponents.

Theme: Prosperity and democracy