Their romance storyline only begins on the second playthrough

"I am also your teacher."

"So, I'm happy that you've graduated."

……

...

at the same time.

While Felicity and Natalie were being pulled inside to talk, Rod had naturally finished eating outside and was sitting on the sofa, leisurely reading books or daydreaming.

Rhodes was naturally curious about how Felicity had gotten in and spoken to Natalie, so he carefully listened to the sounds coming from inside the house, hoping there wouldn't be any arguments.

Fortunately, even after several minutes, he didn't hear any of the so-called argument.

He breathed a sigh of relief, stood up slightly, reached for the teacup, and put the tea leaves into it to steep.

Although it is the most basic method of brewing tea, it is convenient and comfortable.

However, at this moment, as Cecilia lightly flipped through the book "The Epic of Human Heroes" in her hand, she inexplicably spoke up:

"By the way, I happen to have some new information about our witch operation. Would you like to hear it, Rhodes?"

Cecilia's voice was calm, yet it instantly captured the attention of everyone present—

"What's the meaning."

"It means exactly what it says. We have a new plan for our operations. We can't just let you talk about your operations while I can't talk about mine, can I?"

Rhodes' eyes were fixed on Cecilia, his brows furrowing slightly.

lie?

Or is he really going to reveal information to repent and reform?

If Rhodes had any brains, he wouldn't have thought it would be the second one.

"tell me the story?"

"What, aren't you afraid I'm lying?"

"We'll only know if what you're saying is true after we hear the whole thing, won't we?"

"Ah~ I have to get some compensation for telling you all this, right, darling?" Cecilia was still engrossed in the book in her hands, but she kept talking.

“Cecilia, I think you want to be controlled. Don’t forget that your body is still bound by a contract.”

"This little contract is just for fun... but I did say I'd help out, and look, I just went out to buy some food, darling."

"Okay, none of that matters. What matters is... your birthday."

Cecilia stopped what she was doing, and said in an unusually gentle tone, "In about five days, isn't that my and Ivina's birthday?"

"The coming-of-age ceremony was brought forward, so it's like my birthday didn't happen at all."

"I won't say anything... after all, if we wait that many more days, you won't be able to hold back."

"So, I'll treat this as an early birthday celebration. The day after tomorrow, come shopping with me and Ivina, and I'll tell you about our plans. What do you think?"

"Huh?" Ivina was slightly taken aback, not expecting that Cecilia would think of her when making a request.

Trying to ease tensions this way? Dream on.

Even when Cecilia betrayed her, she would still silently wish that this shadow could live a good life.

It was clear, however, that her relationship with Cecilia had truly soured in the past two days, to the point that they couldn't even exchange a single word.

Now that things have come to this, the fact that she still includes me when she wants something in return is simply because she wants to get a little closer to me.

Atonement... is completely unnecessary, and I wouldn't care anyway.

However, it would be nice to be able to get away from so many people and spend time with Rhodes.

"That's all?"

“Well, that’s all.” Cecilia nodded, then smiled. “Don’t you think it would be interesting? You could even go on a date with Phillips at the end.”

"Ivina, what do you think?" Rhodes asked, looking at Ivina.

"I want to go out and play!" Ivina nodded vigorously, a look of joy on her face, and patted her thigh. "I've never been to Phillips before!"

"Alright, let's go out and have some fun together." Rhodes nodded indifferently.

Little things.

Or rather, regarding Ivina's birthday, he would definitely take her out to have some fun.

Because once we return to the capital, there will definitely be a lot of things to do, and it will be difficult to properly rest and enjoy a few days with everyone.

So, it doesn't really matter if you bring Cecilia along and listen to information that may not be accurate.

"Really... Honey, do I even need to ask? She definitely wants to play."

Instead of making Ivina want to hit you even more, tell me whether the news you have is good or bad.

"How could the witch's actions possibly be good news for you, my dear?"

However, the conversation only lasted a few words.

Cecilia closed the book and glanced outside.

That's right.

The figure had already appeared at the door of the house.

dong dong dong-

A knock sounded on the door.

"I need to get down to business. I need to speak with Professor Merrick about the situation."

Rhodes immediately stood up, but quickly paused to think for a moment, then turned to Ivina and said, "If Felicity and the others start arguing, Ivina, remember to tell them to calm down."

After saying this, he finally left the house.

……

...

Starry Night Cafe

It was still that familiar seat, unchanged.

The only difference is that there are no students in the café this time.

Even the waiters hurriedly and hastily made coffee for the only two customers present.

Therefore, the coffee was served very quickly today, unlike last time when it arrived right after our conversation ended.

"Thank you." Rod nodded slightly to the waiter and took the coffee cup, taking a small sip.

Instantly, a warm current flowed directly into my stomach.

For places like this, coffee is actually one of the best beverage choices.

Ultimately, the medieval world was still too barren; even the most developed Linlank Empire was not enough, let alone other places.

And unsurprisingly—

Sitting in front of Rhodes at this moment was the elf Merrick, whose body appeared thin, whose eyes and eyebrows were long and narrow, and whose expression was arrogant.

Upon closer reflection, Phillips' problem has been resolved, which means that Professor Merrick has now transcended the timeline of his previous life and embarked on a completely new path.

Yes, a vibrant, half-crippled elf who has ascended seven times... still possesses immense fighting power.

"Professor Merrick."

Rod greeted him politely as usual.

"I have a pretty good understanding of what's going on at the academy. I've spoken with those marine species on the edge of the coast."

"They all retreated?"

"Well, after all, their [god] personally gave the order, so they had no possibility of refusing."

Merrick paused.

She didn't like to say those words of praise, but it was undeniable that Rhodes had really done something big, and it was as if he had done it casually.

But how could Merrick not know what would happen if Rhodes failed?

The massacre of the academy's students is one thing, but the key issue is that the eastern part of the empire is constantly disturbed by the marine species, and Phillips has almost no peace.

At this moment, the person who avoided these problems was undoubtedly her student.

This monster, which had already been upgraded from zero to four levels of strength in less than half a month, was now a terrifying creature.

"Rhodes, well done."

As she spoke, she took out the five [Third-Order Link Scrolls] that had been agreed upon from her pocket.

This time, it's truly priceless.

Five link scrolls of third-tier soul divine seeds. Although it would be incredibly easy for Rhode to obtain them in his own country, this is the Linlank Empire, a place where soul divine seeds are extremely rare, and link scrolls are even rarer.

Rhodes accepted the five parchments with a sense of certainty.

His skills had already undergone an extremely terrifying improvement after being upgraded to level two, so... what level he would reach after level three is certainly something to look forward to.

"The military's merit points are also being prepared."

"Once you return to the capital, you'll have 2,100 points on your merit badge, Captain Rhodes."

Chapter 138 Like a dog meeting its master, it naturally kneels down.

"Professor Merrick, that's about it."

"Then, there's only one question left... is whether you want to come with us to the capital to restore your power?"

Rhodes left out one last question.

For Merrick, she needs Lilith to regain her strength to help her repair the meridians within her body.

The method for Lilith to regain her strength is actually quite clear to Rhodes and the others who have gone through the first playthrough.

That is to obtain one of the three great artifacts placed in the central church of the imperial capital, namely the [Celestial Star Bow].