Athena in Tower Defense Game! [LitRPG]

Ilinaya's indifference to Athena’s attitude was palpable. She remained unfazed by Athena's retorts or apparent disdain. Her curiosity about everything was evident, but it did not equate to naivety or foolishness. In her eyes, Athena was no ordinary human; Athena was a formidable figure on their side.

She casually extracted a stone from somewhere, tossing it into the air and catching it effortlessly in her hand. This seemed like mere idle play, but her eyes were constantly observing Athena’s reactions.

Unfortunately for her, Athena paid no attention to her antics. Instead, Athena focused on devouring the giant honey provided by Paopao, seemingly oblivious to everything else.

Ilinaya’s smile only grew wider, her gaze fixed on Athena with an unsettling certainty. “You recognize this stone, don’t you?”

Her question, though rhetorical, carried an unmistakable conviction.

The stone in her hand was none other than a World Stone.

Despite Athena’s nonchalant demeanor—almost as if she were looking at an ordinary rock—Ilinaya detected the subtle change in Athena's expression, confirming that Athena did indeed recognize the stone.

“I know a great deal more than you do. You’ve been in the battle zone for so long… don’t you find it dull?”

She sighed as she swayed her tail, drifting through the sea and circling the shelter without ever coming too close. “It’s like being stuck in the den of predators, Dark Lands—I feel like I’m going to go mad eventually!”

“Have you used this stone before? If you have it, you must know its purpose. I have the coordinates to the portal. Don’t you want to visit the Light Lands?”

Even without singing, her voice carried an undertone of temptation.

Even if Athena didn’t respond, Ilinaya continued speaking, knowing that Athena was listening.

“Your Third World aids the Daylight faction to gain more World Energy, doesn’t it?”

“To you, it doesn’t matter which side you help, as long as you obtain World Energy. You’d even be willing to go to war or collaborate with both sides.”

She dove into the sea again, emerging with droplets clinging to her long lashes and a mischievous glint in her captivating blue eyes.

“What if I told you I could give you World Energy?”

Even though Athena’s hand holding the apple paused for a brief moment, it was clear that this statement had caught her attention.

Why had the system wanted them to witness the fall of the Sol Kingdom? Was it to observe the rise and fall of a kingdom, to witness history?

No, the system wasn’t that grand. The real reason was that when the Sol Kingdom fell, the Daylight power that once protected it transformed into the original World Energy.

Before it was reclaimed by Daylight, the system had intercepted it.

Athena had a vague sense of this fact but had never known what to call it. The term "World Energy" was new to her.

Ilinaya ’s keen observation did not miss Athena’s reaction.

Athena finally lifted her gaze, looking intently. Her eyes were calm, yet they seemed to hold a storm within.

“Why are you telling me this?”

Ilinaya was no benevolent fish. Even if the information posed no direct loss to her, there was no apparent reason for her to divulge it.

“You carry a scent of corrosion. You must have recently come from the Black Forest, right?”

“You’ve been to the battle zone and the Dark Lands. Though I don't have the knowledge what you humans called them, but anyway, aren’t you curious about what the Light Lands, which your kind reveres, is like?”

“After I leave, you’ll have time to explore. I have the coordinates. This stone is the key, and with the door in your hands, you can visit the Light Lands anytime.” She held up the World Stone, her sharp nails scratching its surface, though no mark was left behind.

The "World Gate" was their term for the system’s built-in teleportation portals.

Such gates, which allowed for instantaneous travel, were not only hard to detect but also had camouflage capabilities.

“So, what do you think? Even if the gate is in your hands, it’s useless if you can’t find it.”

Ilinaya’s intention was unmistakable. Though she didn’t reveal her exact method, it was clear she wanted to use the system’s gate to reach the Light Lands.

As she said, Athena had never been to the Light Lands. Yet, she was uninterested in working with a potentially dangerous royal mermaid. The risks outweighed the potential benefits.

One day, she would go to the Light Lands. Given the system’s nature, it wouldn’t abandon such a useful tool. It was only a matter of time before they were sent there, making Ilinaya’s offer seem unnecessary.

“No, I’m not interested. I prefer staying home.” She tossed the remaining apple core, which quickly disappeared into the thorns.

Ilinaya ’s previously confident demeanor turned icy. “What did you say?”

“No, thank you.”

“——————” A sharp, ear-piercing shriek erupted from Ilinaya, as though it could puncture eardrums.

Athena merely frowned, unaffected by the noise, which seemed more annoying than threatening.

Ilinaya, visibly frustrated, unleashed a terrifying tsunami. The shelter rocked violently on the surface of the sea, constantly tumbling.

Yet, it remained afloat, undisturbed, with everything inside securely in place.

The only ones suffering were the three little ones and Grey, who were in the workroom, dry heaving uncontrollably.

Ilinaya, on the verge of a breakdown, nearly bit her own teeth in frustration. Yet, she resumed her cheerful demeanor, chatting with Athena as if nothing had happened.

“Why wouldn’t you want to go? There are so many benefits, and don’t you want World Energy? If you have it and give it to the Third World. Even a small amount would make a difference!”

Athena did not answer but instead posed a question. “If it’s such a great thing, why give it to me? Wouldn’t it be better for you to keep it?”

“Uh…”

“Yes, I don’t have World Energy myself, but I know how to obtain it. I can even help you get it. What’s your response?”

“A ticket! Yes! My reward is just a ticket!”

“How can you guarantee it? It’s just a trick, nothing more.” Athena’s cold demeanor was, in itself, a blow to Ilinaya .

“We can sign a contract!”

Contrary to what Ilinaya expected, as soon as she finished speaking, Athena produced a pre-prepared contract and handed it over.

Ilinaya , holding the contract, felt a surreal sense. Despite proposing it herself, the contract seemed as if it had been written long ago.

“What are you waiting for? Sign it.”

The Royal Mermaid Princess look at Athena in confusion and sighed…