Chapter 176 | Arrival of Players

Chapter 176 | Arrival of PlayersBeneath the city walls, chaos reigned. The ground was strewn with the mangled remains of monstrous corpses, their grotesque metallic forms staining the earth crimson. A vile stench hung in the air, potent enough to churn even the strongest stomachs.

Beyond the walls, the aftermath of relentless bombardment was unmistakable. The earth was scarred, cratered, and lifeless, the lingering smoke and the metallic tang of blood creating an oppressive, choking atmosphere.

Half of the city wall lay in ruins, reduced to jagged rubble—a silent testament to the battle’s ferocity. Amidst the destruction sprawled the lifeless corpse of a colossal dragon. Even in death, its imposing presence dominated the scene, daring anyone to approach.

Exhausted soldiers stood atop the surviving walls, their expressions a mixture of weariness and exhilaration. The reality of survival—a rare luxury in such grim times—slowly began to sink in. A wave of jubilant cheers erupted, spreading from one soldier to another. They had done it; they had achieved victory, their first true triumph.

Yet beneath the euphoria lurked an unspoken truth: this was a pyrrhic victory. Should another wave of monsters descend upon them, survival would be nothing but a fleeting illusion.

Athena surveyed the scene with a furrowed brow, her thoughts clouded with unease. The mission’s completion brought her no solace. Instead, it served as a grim reminder of the challenges ahead. The next task loomed, its parameters shrouded in mystery. And the unknown, as always, was the most fearsome foe.

Far in the distance, the sanctuary’s barrier had dimmed, its radiance lost. It stood as a haunting prelude to desolation, devoid of any signs of life. Yet faint silhouettes began to emerge, inching closer to the city.

‘Players?’

Was this some machination of the system? Why were these individuals abandoning their shelters to converge here? And why weren’t they classified as wandering players?

Unanswered questions swirled in her mind, each more perplexing than the last. But immediate concerns took precedence: how to handle these newcomers and integrate them into the fragile balance of their operations.

Jubilation gave way to somber reflection. The loss of friends and family, coupled with the gnawing uncertainty of the future, weighed heavily on everyone.

Noxus, his weapon Black Friday now secured, approached Athena. Confusion flickered across his otherwise stoic face, a somber shadow etched into his features. Without a word, he handed her Black Friday. She inspected it briefly before returning it, silently acknowledging his indispensable contribution to their survival.

Breaking the uneasy silence, Noxus finally spoke, his voice low but firm. “Captain, I spotted a group of scattered figures approaching.”

Given the circumstances, his concern was valid. Monsters had only just been repelled, and now another group was drawing near? The possibility that these were humanoid monsters couldn’t be ignored. Their precarious state left them dangerously close to annihilation.

Athena’s eyes briefly widened in surprise, not at the information but at his choice of address. “Captain?” That was a first.

“No need to worry,” she replied with practiced calm. “They’re from the Third World.”

Her tone was deliberately nonchalant. For those entrenched in frontline operations, cooperation with the Third World was common knowledge. Yet for the average denizen of the city-state, such alliances were shrouded in secrecy. Among the prisoners she’d brought here, most were likely aware.

She glanced at Noxus’s perplexed expression.

...Well, most.

“Perhaps you should ask that old man,” she suggested, gesturing toward an elder in their midst. She trusted the prisoners to weave their own explanations; it was human nature to fill gaps with speculation.

But how to accommodate these players? The system had directed them here, implying their potential utility in future missions. Considering the city’s battered defenses, any additional manpower was invaluable. She could only hope they wouldn’t prove too troublesome. The antics she’d observed in the world chat offered little reason for optimism.

Meanwhile, Starshine Five was among the first to arrive. When he first saw the city, his heart surged with anticipation, tempered by the fear of being flagged as a wandering player—a wanderer.

The system’s intervention was a stroke of fortune. A task had been issued, directing them to this very location. To Starshine, it felt like divine providence.

The battle raging in the distance hadn’t escaped his notice. The intensity of the bombardment illuminated the night sky, casting an ominous glow. He had waited until the chaos subsided, prioritizing caution over boldness. Yet as he surveyed the aftermath—obliterated monsters and smoldering ruins—he shuddered. Had those creatures targeted him instead, the outcome would have been grim.

Hesitation lingered until other players began to arrive. The presence of competitors spurred him into action. If this were anything like a game, there might be rewards for early arrival. A good position, favorable terms—such advantages were too enticing to ignore.

The city gates, however, remained shut. As they deliberated their next move, the massive doors groaned open. Tentatively, they stepped inside, only to be met with cold steel—spears pointed directly at their throats.

Encircling them were soldiers, their armor still slick with monster blood. The tension in the air was palpable, their sheer presence intimidating the newcomers. Not one dared move.

At the forefront stood a woman clad in light armor, every inch of her stained with blood. She wielded a blackened axe, its edge glinting with malice. Her piercing gaze swept over them, cold and unyielding, exuding dominance.

“Welcome, reinforcements from the Third World,” she said, her voice unexpectedly soft, betraying no hostility.

The players froze, utterly bewildered. What manner of monster greeted them with such cordiality?

...

As the players trickled in, Athena wasted no time weaving a tapestry of half-truths and reassurances. With the old medic’s support and Filio’s persuasive charm, her narrative painted her as the linchpin of their collective survival. seaʀᴄh thё NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The players, desperate for purpose and clarity, clung to her words. They believed her to be the pivotal figure in this unfolding mission, and her authority went unquestioned.

Athena smirked inwardly. The details could be adjusted later. For now, the players were under her control. Should any dare challenge her, she would make them regret their insolence.

But first came the most tedious task: rebuilding.