NOVEL NEXT Chapter 96: Level 4 Shelter
Bows were piled densely in one corner of the room, a chaotic yet orderly arrangement.
Athena Ravencroft picked up one bow, testing its feel. Though it couldn’t compare to her prized Moonlight Bow, its quality was adequate for regular use. Given the limited materials, producing such a standard was commendable.
“Thank you, you’ve worked hard,” Athena said with a smile to Grey.
Grey waved her hand dismissively. “It’s nothing, just helping each other out.” Despite her modesty, she had quite an appetite. During Athena's absence, Grey often ate the most.
Every time Paopao finished cooking, he sometimes had to prepare extra portions just for her, making her feel quite embarrassed.
Initially, the plan was to pair each bow with 30 arrows. However, under Paopao’s increasingly resentful gaze, they increased it to 50 arrows per bow.
Athena stored all the bows and arrows in her system backpack, ready to list them on the trading panel for sale. She was confident they would be a hit.
Each bow, paired with 50 arrows, was priced at five silver coins. The production cost didn’t exceed 50 copper coins, but handmade items were always the most expensive.
No wonder Paopao had become the little steward. Despite Athena being away for a short while, he had already reheated yesterday’s leftovers.
He now emerged to find Athena, signaling it was time for dinner. Seeing him, Grey quickly followed, walking even faster than Athena.
Despite being leftovers, the porridge tasted just as delicious. If there was any drawback, it was that Grey didn’t get enough to eat.
Fortunately, Athena handed her several oranges afterward. After eating, she greeted everyone and hurried off.
Typically, she would go out after breakfast and only return for dinner, usually working even after the evening meal.
Athena never questioned her about her outings; this was part of their initial agreement.
Athena provided lodging and food, and Grey crafted items in return. During the day, she was free to adventure on her own.
Clearly, the barrier trapping Athena and the others didn’t hinder her movements.
【 New System Feature Added! Prestige System Activated. Click to View! 】
A prestige system? If not for the occasional glimpse of her 15 prestige points on the system panel, Athena would have forgotten about prestige entirely.
Surprisingly, following the regional battle, the system formally introduced this feature.
Clicking on it brought up another system window, detailing the prestige system.
【 Prestige System
Prestige Points: 15 】
【 Description: Achieving a certain number of prestige points unlocks special system permissions. The prestige system includes a unique prestige shop where items can only be purchased once a certain prestige level is reached. 】
【 Based on your ranking and performance in the regional battle, you’ve gained 150 prestige points! 】
Athena's prestige points now totaled 165, enabling her to access the prestige system.
The first item available for purchase was the World Stone.
【 World Stone 】
Price: 200 Prestige Points
【 Ancient Tree Branch 】
Price: 250 Prestige Points
Despite all her experiences, Athena still didn’t have enough prestige points to buy a World Stone. Clicking on the Ancient Tree Branch, she couldn’t even view its attributes and even description of it.
Wasn’t this just a pure gamble?
Below was a refresh button, which she hesitated before clicking.
Athena stood before the shimmering panel, weighing her options.
【 Would you like to spend 10 reputation points for a refresh? 】
"No"
She couldn't afford it. It seemed she needed to earn not just silver coins but reputation points as well.
Today, the only bright spot had been the resources she gathered in the Black Forest and the shelter upgrade blueprint she found. Although her house had grown significantly larger, her possessions had also multiplied, and space was becoming an issue.
Grey occupied one of the workrooms, and now that she had her own equipment, she needed a workspace for alchemical practices and potion making.
【Would you like to use the shelter upgrade blueprint? The shelter will upgrade to level 4!】
【Consume: Stone x500, Wood x500, Grass x500 and Ore x200?】
"Yes"
Athena and her three companions stood in the courtyard as the familiar light engulfed them. The house expanded again, much larger than before.
The low stone walls became more refined, fitting together perfectly without gaps, and rose to a height of two meters. The simple wooden gate transformed into an ornate, tall iron gate, exuding both grandeur and elegance.
The stone house now had two stories, resembling a quaint countryside villa. The small wooden huts on either side also upgraded to stone houses, with an additional larger stone house serving as a warehouse.
In the courtyard, her vegetable garden gained a unique canopy, protecting it from monster attacks and ensuring better plant growth.
The two-story house's door had a modern touch, painted pure white with intricate patterns, and its weight was evident when pushed open. Inside, the style shifted to a refined medieval European aesthetic, with an air of noble elegance.
Athena's two small fireplaces had finally been upgraded, each set into the walls, surrounded by iron railings, and connected to internal chimneys that vented smoke outside.
The familiar bed was replaced by a luxurious European-style sofa set, with two small sofas and a large one in shades of brown and grey, adorned with exquisite tasseled cushions. A large, plush carpet covered the floor, complementing the furniture with its high-quality feel despite its simple design.
Beside the sofas stood a tea table with a set of European teaware and a tray of sweets. A candle holder held a luminous candle, adding a warm glow to the room.
The three pets' corner had transformed into an elaborate climbing frame integrated into the wall, complete with padded compartments resembling tiny houses, each with its own section.
The only unchanged elements on this floor were the two small windows. Though their style remained the same, they blended seamlessly with the new decor.
Ascending the wooden spiral staircase to the second floor, Athena found a beautifully crafted wooden door leading to her room. Inside, a large European-style bed, an independent wardrobe, and a dressing table awaited her. The room also had three small animal beds, clearly intended for her companions.
The second floor retained the brown and grey color scheme but featured more intricate patterns and decorations. Two other wooden doors connected to her workspace and the bathroom. This area had been specially reinforced, ensuring it was fireproof and explosion-resistant.
This new home was far superior to her previous one, even luxurious. The only incongruity was her old bedding still on the bed.
Everything else had changed, so why not the bedding too?
Athena felt the system's mischievous streak for the first time.
