Their romance storyline only begins on the second playthrough

Besides, he still had things to do; he needed to report to Professor Merrick...

Eh?

Rod suddenly realized, what time is it now...?

Oh no, I was so busy arguing with Lilith that I completely forgot about his professor.

He opened his eyes instantly, drenched in sweat, and tried to get up to report to Merrick, but as soon as he opened his eyes, he realized he didn't need to move at all—

That's right.

Merrick was now sitting opposite him, arrogantly crossing his legs, his head slightly tilted, his hand supporting his head, and his eyes looking at him coldly.

Lilith sat in another corner, watching the two of them in silence.

“Not bad, you’ve broken through to the second upgrade stage. The situation is starting to get chaotic, so it’s right to know how to protect yourself. There’s no need to deliberately avoid upgrading.” Merrick’s neutral voice rang out, seemingly indifferent, but surprisingly expressing agreement.

Rod's lips twitched slightly as he attempted to explain, "...Professor Merrick, I'm terribly sorry, I've encountered an unexpected situation, and I've even been promoted..."

“No need to explain.” Merrick interrupted him, his eyes looking down at him. “An explanation won’t bring back my two hours unless you can use reversal magic.”

"……Yes."

"Let's go, report as we go, and have some coffee at [Starry Lake] to perk ourselves up. Your house is under repair." Merrick slowly lowered his hand and stood up, then walked outside on his own without paying attention to whether Rhodes followed.

At this moment, Rhodes realized that the house, which had just been destroyed in the battle, was being continuously rebuilt under Merrick's [Repairman Magic].

Small white paper dolls ran past his feet, carrying sand and cement, constantly rebuilding Rod's house.

Amazing effect... This is the special feature of the [Elf God Seed]... Rhodes stared at the paper figures, pondering for a moment.

However, it was just a fleeting thought, and he soon caught up with Merrick.

The "report" with Merrick was a crucial juncture, and Rod dared not be careless.

It can be said that the subsequent planning and goals will all be set during this "report".

Because only through Merrick's efforts can Phillips' situation be prevented from becoming so one-sided.

Thinking of this, Rhodes turned back and decided to give Lilith a perfunctory answer and continue discussing the commission later.

“Miss Lilith, I’m sorry, I’ll have to wait a moment to hear your request. I need to go and report first,” Rhodes said calmly, turning to Lilith.

As for the gratitude, joy, and praise that Lilith had hoped for, there was none of it...

Not to mention praise.

Suddenly, a feeling of being choked up by anger made her choke up.

"Ah..." Lilith sat on the sofa, slightly parted her lips, but in the end, she only felt a pang of grievance before looking away and replying, "Mmm..."

I feel so awful, so uncomfortable...

After all, Rhodes didn't even acknowledge that she saved him, and the request couldn't be discussed until later...

Most importantly, it seems that Rhodes's judgment didn't improve at all after she helped him; it remained as indifferent as ever...

But she also understood that being anxious was not a good thing.

Most importantly, she doesn't have the ability to say things like, "I want to go with you too" or "Why don't you just stay here and chat?"

These words are too emotionally charged; she would never have the courage to say them in front of others, at least not in Merrick's presence.

Therefore, she could only watch Rhodes leave, hoping that he would return an hour later so she could begin her plan...

but.

As Rhodes' figure disappeared with Merrick, Lilith, who was left alone, got up after a moment.

The dissatisfaction and frustration in her heart made her feel a tightness in her chest, and she had to let it out eventually.

Hmm... anyway, they won't be back for a long time, so what should she do in Rhodes' room...?

That seems like a good idea?

Lilith tugged at the lining beneath her skirt, then went back inside.

Ugh... I need to hurry.

……

...

【By the Star Lake】

As a popular nightlife area for students of the St. Starson Academy, this place features a large circular lake at its center. When night falls, the starlight illuminates the deep blue lakeside, making it sparkle.

Just like the symbol of the "Star God," the meaning of such a place is self-evident.

Each deity has its own associated term; for example, the Dragon God represents War, and the Soul God represents Silence.

The defining word for the "Star God" is "Joy".

As a result, along the circular edge of this lake, there are several shops, cafes, bars, places to play cards, and even hotels for students who cannot stay in dormitories due to special needs.

To put it simply, it's a place for students to relax.

But when that figure and Rhodes entered the café, all the students from various academies who were leaning back in their chairs drinking and joking around sat up straight.

The terror of Merrick was etched into their very souls, enough to make all of them abandon their little pleasures and become reserved.

But Merrick and Rod didn't pay any attention to them, simply sitting opposite each other and casually ordering a cup of "Lescher Coffee".

It was a very strange, bitter coffee, but for someone like Merrick who had no sense of taste, only something extremely bitter could help her relax a little.

but--

The trial began before the waiter even brought the coffee.

Merrick suddenly flicked his finger, and a hexahedral crystal enveloped Rhodes and her in a separate space, completely isolating them from other eavesdropping.

Then, Merrick leaned back on the sofa, still haughtily resting his fingertips on his cheek, and said with a sidelong glance:

“Rod Chivenlance, there is something I need to tell you.”

"Ok?"

Merrick paused briefly, then spoke coldly, like a judge:

"Lilith Ambra, the Goddess of Starlight, is dead."

Chapter 15 [The Death of Merrick]

Shocked?

Merrick seemed certain that Rhodes would show a surprised expression, so he looked at him with great interest, wanting to see how his student would react.

Unfortunately, Rhodes disappointed her.

He paused for a moment, then nodded:

"...A little."

"But there are many rumors now, and many people feel that the feedback from the Star God faith has become extremely weak. In fact, many people have recently fallen into the [Demon Seed], so... we can make some predictions."

Merrick said in a slightly uninteresting tone:

"Never mind, it's just a prediction anyway."

No one dared to declare a god dead while the gods still evoked their voices.

"But all things considered, given your special status, I'm making a point of explaining this to you." Merrick replied, glancing sideways at the lakeside outside.

"Be prepared to leave Linlank within three months, Rhodes, and return to your country, whether it's true or not."

Although Rhodes knew that Merrick's words carried a hidden command, he remained silent for a long time before speaking, "...Professor, I probably won't choose to leave directly."

"Hmm?" Merrick rarely showed a hint of doubt.

"For several reasons, Professor Merrick."

"You're reluctant? That's fine. Your thoughts are none of my business. I'm just informing you."

Merrick shook his head, his gaze returning to Rhodes. "Now let's discuss something smaller."

Suddenly, the moment Rhodes and Merrick's gazes met, even though Merrick hadn't done anything, Rhodes felt an immense, oppressive force simply from their gazes.

Rhodes frowned slightly, also marveling at how terrifying the power of [Upgraded Five Times] truly was.

Merrick kept observing Rhodes's reactions, trying to discern something amiss, but to no avail.

Is she overthinking it?

Rhodes's unusual behavior made her more or less afraid that he might turn into one of those monsters...

She paused briefly, withdrew her pressure, and said with her usual aloofness:

"As you said, people are in a state of panic, and trouble is brewing on every street."

The witches who captured you were only daring to show themselves because of this; they were trying to take advantage of the public's fear and create chaos in Phillips so they could plunder food.

Naturally, now that our academy, the military, and the Duke have discovered their existence, we will not allow them any opportunity to cause trouble.

They're just a bunch of rabble; we'll wipe them out, so there's no need to be too wary.

However, we currently lack too much information about their strongholds and locations.

So Rhodes, tell me everything you know.

As expected of Merrick, his objective was too clear, without any unnecessary words.

Rhodes nodded slightly, understanding the purpose of her visit:

"Okay, Professor, let me give a brief summary."

December 14th.

The student union organized a dinner party for Sir Crowton, and I went along to relax because I was in the mood. Unfortunately, we were all captured by the witches and imprisoned.

Fortunately, because they seemed to have some special plans, they left only one witch who had been promoted to the second level and some binding items to guard us.

And because of their carelessness, and because I received a second blessing, I had the opportunity to slay the witch, thus we successfully escaped.

A second blessing.

This is something that only a very few people in this world can obtain, and once they obtain it, they are called "true benefactors".