Their romance storyline only begins on the second playthrough?

Rhodes sat on the red sofa with its gilded edges, closed his eyes slightly, felt the changes in his body, and began to mobilize the remaining energy fluctuations in his body.

Soon, after being tempered by a thrilling battle, his body underwent a true upgrade.

At this moment, his control panel reappeared before his eyes—

[Rhodes]

[Upgrade Level: Second Time]

【property】:

Physical fitness: 11→19

Agility: 9→14

Physical condition: 11→17

Mental state: 12→22

[Faith Deity: Outer God (Unique) (Abnormal)]

[Talent: You can fuse the characteristics of all other divine species to create entirely new talent skills.]

[Currently possesses the following divine seeds: God of Souls, God of Soaring Dragons in the Sky]

[Current Skills - [Listen to the Dragon's Song LV.1], [Dragon's Heart LV.1], [Soul Amplification LV.1], [Dragon Sword LV.1]]

[Current number of God Seeds obtainable: 1]

Please choose a new faith to make your divine seed even more terrifying.

Congratulations! You have acquired a brand new skill – the Heavenly Eye.

【Sky Eye LV.1】: You can observe the panel of 【Individuals】 whose strength is no more than one upgrade from your own, and understand the basic data of the enemy.

Each word fell.

Rhodes felt a surge of power within his body, giving him a completely new tactile sensation.

Everything, including time and space, seemed compressed compared to the past.

With the slightest movement of the fingertips, one can feel a terrifying power gathering within them, blood surging, and by clenching a long fist, one can feel the muscles as hard as iron.

A powerful physique is the most basic requirement after promotion, and Rhodes was quite satisfied with it.

"That's right. The next divine seed should be the [God of Life's Radiance], so that I can obtain the method to heal myself and achieve immortality."

Rhodes pondered the path for a moment, but didn't rush to mobilize it now. After all, Lilith was still in front of him, and it would be troublesome if the fusion of the third divine seed attracted Lilith's attention.

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.

Rhodes' lips twitched slightly as he attempted to explain, "...Professor Merrick, I'm terribly sorry, I had an unexpected incident, and I've even been promoted..."

"No need for explanations," Merrick interrupted him, his eyes sweeping over him. "Explanations 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 Rod 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 quickly 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 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 hadn't even acknowledged that she had saved him, and the request couldn't be made 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:

"Rhodes Chivenlance, there is something I need to tell you."

"Um?"

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

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