Their romance storyline only begins on the second playthrough?

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 council 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 had a voice.

"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.

"Prepare 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 look of doubt.

"For several reasons, Professor Merrick."

"Reluctant to part with it? 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 reaction, trying to detect something amiss, but in the end he found nothing.

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".

The reason is simple: this is a rare gift that God might bestow after listening to the heartfelt words of the most devout and gifted believers.

This blessing will greatly enhance the favored person's talents, whether in terms of attributes or skills.

In fact, after Merrick observed that Rhodes was in perfect condition, including having killed the witch who had broken into his house, she could vaguely guess this possibility.

But when she actually heard Rhodes admit it, she was still slightly shocked.

After all—even she never received a second blessing from the [Elf God]...

"Well done, Rhodes. You'll receive a reward from the academy for this. Go on." Merrick calmly turned his attention away.

Rhodes nodded slightly. "We were captured about a kilometer in the heart of the eastern woodland of Phillips, in a dungeon cave."

The witches comprised three squads of [Anchitanlano's Dream], totaling nearly several hundred people. One of the squads was led by...Professor Merrick, whom she also knew.

At this point, Rhodes paused for a moment.

Merrick denied it, saying, "I don't know any inferior demons."

"It's Cecilia Elman, your former student. She's now a Fallen Demon Seed who has ascended four times."

Merrick fell silent, then scoffed, "Just a worthless piece of trash, what right does he have to speak like a student?"

That tsundere... He clearly cares about Cecilia, but he acts like this.

"Hmm, maybe." Rhodes nodded. "But anyway, that's the situation, and the basic information I have."

Merrick exhaled slightly:

"Hmm, I see. As expected, there wasn't much useful information."

"It's not that there's no useful information, Professor Merrick."

There's something crucial I haven't told you yet: I've learned that the witches' goal isn't just a simple hunt, and I also know who their next target is.

"You should have said this first, Rod Chivenlance," Merrick said, slightly annoyed.

"We need to explain some basic facts first..."

"Speak quickly."

"Okay." Rhodes nodded. "First of all, their goal is not hunting, but to establish the [Dream of Anchitanlano] base in the Linlank Empire. They are attempting to control Duke Sanders and use various methods to bring this economic capital of the country—Phillips—into their hands."

"Foolish. This is trivial. In my eyes, such a goal is like a child carrying a big flag and saying he wants to rebel." Merrick grinned mockingly.

"A bunch of corrupted demons who are merely fourth-tier beings actually think they can control Phillips by controlling the Duke? Do they think we, or rather, do they think I don't exist?"

Arrogant, aloof, and absolutely confident—that's who she was as the former [Calamity Elf].

She has a will and attitude that disdains everything, but it is undeniable that even now, after falling and being promoted five times, her strength is far more than just that of someone who has been promoted five times. Therefore, it is only natural that she would despise Cecilia and the others.

Can……

Knowing the outcome, Rhodes couldn't laugh.

On January 1st, the 80th year of the Hymn Era, as the year's bells rang.

The [Calamity Spirit], a legendary spirit species that has existed for five hundred years, having ascended seven times, and standing at the very top of the world's power structure—

She died a tragic death at the hands of Cecilia Elman.