Athena in Tower Defense Game! [LitRPG]

Chapter 146: Gemstones And PVP?!

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Chapter 146: Gemstones And PVP?!

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The instinct of the creatures drove them into a frenzy, desperate to flee. Unfortunately, the tightly packed throng behind them could not react quickly enough, leaving those at the front trapped and unable to escape the encroaching flames.

As the treants continued to burn, Athena was inundated with notifications from the system.

[Experience Points: 2]

[Experience Points: 2]

……

Once all the withered treants that had missed their chance were eliminated, Athena’s experience points surged by a total of 136.

Although the individual increments seemed modest, the cumulative experience was rather impressive. Regrettably, the treants lurking in the distance, upon witnessing the devastation, ceased their attempts to approach.

This left Athena feeling somewhat disappointed.

[World Chat Channel]

“I feel something is off outside. Do those trees actually move?”

“What are you dawdling for? Let’s head out and scout the situation while it’s still early and before there are too many monsters!”

“Why don’t you go check it out instead of inciting others?”

“I’m just pondering if I were to find another player’s shelter… could I attack it? If I manage to breach the shelter, would all the loot belong to me?”

[ System: Players can attack each other, and the barrier defense will drop to 10. Once breached, two shelters will merge, forming a new function. ]

[ System: However, players are encouraged to explore the world actively, seeking companions and supporting one another! ]

What had begun as a mere speculative inquiry unexpectedly received confirmation from the system. This revelation stirred those who had previously only entertained the thought in their minds, igniting a sense of urgency!

“Is this a ploy? Supporting each other, indeed! It’s quite embarrassing to even hear that.”

“PVP?!”

“The system seems rather perceptive.”

As Athena observed the flurry of comments, she sensed the deep-seated malice emanating from the system. Without such a prompt, some players might genuinely consider remaining in their shelters until the end, provided their resources held out.

However, this notification sparked curiosity among players. Those who were already intrigued by the actions of others now felt compelled to act, especially with the lure of potential gains.

What if? What if others were quite close? What if they were defenseless?

When faced with the terrifying monsters, players often preferred to direct their blades toward their own comrades.

Seizing another’s wealth was invariably swifter and easier than accumulating one’s own.

Falling behind even slightly could spell disaster; one could not allow others to gain the upper hand.

Previously, many had been sharing their hardships and the dire conditions of their shelters in the regional and world chat channels, seeking sympathy and attention from others.

Now, however, they had all chosen silence, for they feared that any revelation of their circumstances would invite predators.

Athena felt a keen interest in the system's proposal.

The shelter barrier’s protective capacity was merely 10. As time progressed, acquiring upgrades and materials for shelters would only become increasingly challenging. If one could not ascend, many would opt for lateral expansions instead.

At this moment, Grey struggled to maintain her footing as she clutched Athena’s weapon, striving to advance toward the interior of the house.

Spotting Athena lost in thought in the courtyard, her eyes gleamed with excitement as she swiftly redirected her steps.

“Quick, look! Look at Black Friday!”

Before she had even reached Athena, her excitement bubbled over as she relayed the good news to Athena.

Seeing her unsteady gait, Athena hurried to take the items from her grasp, storing them directly into the system backpack while leaving Black Friday clutched in left hand, Athena's right arm supporting Grey.

At that moment, her primary concern was not Black Friday but rather the well-being of Grey. She couldn’t help but worry that her dedicated artisan might be unwell.

Yet, who could have anticipated that Grey’s eyes were sunken, staring at her like a ghoul?

“Look at it! Quick, look!”

Athena carefully guided her back inside the house before turning attention to Black Friday.

The sleek black barrel, adorned with crimson markings, featured a gem embedded in the stock that blended seamlessly, adding the perfect finishing touch.

[Black Friday]

Quality: Unique

Category: Sniper Rifle

Attributes: Penetration 15 (Up by 5), Range 600m (Up by 100m), Critical Hit Chance 80%, Headshot Chance 35% (Up by 5%), Shatter Effect 30% (Up by 10%).

Gem: Crimson Tear (Perfect Fusion)

Description: Times have changed; strike with precision from seven steps away, and with speed and accuracy from closer range. This weapon must be used in a concealed position, with a distance of over 500m.

At last, Athena understood Grey’s frenzy. This weapon’s attributes were enough to drive anyone mad, boasting an astonishing overall enhancement of nearly 13.

Aesthetically pleasing, practical, and maintaining formidable attack power—everything one could desire.

Seeing the astonishment in Athena’s eyes, Grey beamed with pride. This was one of her most treasured creations, and even she had been taken aback when the final product emerged.

Athena felt as though she had struck gold; she could hardly refrain from caressing Black Friday, admiring the gem set within.

“Thank you! The embedding is simply flawless!”

In that moment, Grey felt that all her efforts had been worthwhile. Yet, she had emerged from her work for another important reason.

Her face radiated with joy as she gazed up at Athena, who remained engrossed in the rifle, seemingly oblivious to her presence.

Casting a sidelong glance at the three little ones, she noted that they had yet to catch the scent of food.

As her intense gaze swept over them, they finally responded, only for them to hear Grey’s stomach rumble shortly after.

The trio halted their play, seemingly oblivious to the need to prepare dinner in their excitement.

Observing Grey, who looked as if she were about to starve, Mikmik was the first to react. He jumped down from the sofa and pushed a small pile of snacks towards her, indicating that she should eat first.

Paopao watched the meagre pile of treats, feeling as if his heart were breaking, yet he hurried off to prepare the stove.

Meanwhile, Mikmik and Witty turned their attention to gathering the necessary ingredients, as they planned to indulge in hotpot that evening.

The only regret was the absence of chilli……

Watching them, Grey finally came to her senses, two tears silently trailing down her cheeks. After a long day of toil, discovering there was no rice to eat felt like the sky was about to collapse.

With no other option, she picked up the snacks from the floor, shoving them into her mouth.

Mmm, delicious!

In truth, forgoing a proper meal for snacks wasn’t so bad.

[ Darkness Approaches! Players, please return to your shelters immediately. ]

[ Darkness is invading the world in 10, 9, 8… 0 ]