Merlin stepped out of the building behind him and let out a long sigh.

"A test, huh? I'm really curious what kind of test it will be," he muttered as he gazed at the night sky.

In the novel, the test Linda mentioned had never existed.

So it was likely that this major change was caused by the butterfly effect of his actions so far.

However, it was fine. The test was not something he needed to fear.

On the contrary, it would be an opportunity to shine in front of everyone.

After gathering his thoughts, he slipped his right hand into his pocket and walked toward the dormitory.

Coincidentally, Linda had already told him the location, so he didn't have to worry about getting lost.

But suddenly, about a hundred meters from Linda's building, Merlin stopped in his tracks.

He turned to the right and frowned.

"That voice… was it just my imagination?" he wondered.

To be sure, he paused and listened again.

"Hahaha! You poor girl! If it weren't for my mother's generosity, would you even be able to enter this academy?"

"Damn! I really despise her!"

Merlin narrowed his eyes and whispered, 'So it's real—not my imagination. But who are they? Is someone being bullied?'

Thinking wouldn't give him answers, so he walked toward the sound.

About five meters ahead, there was a sparse artificial forest.

Behind one of the trees, Merlin saw two twin elves kicking and scolding another elf girl.

Seeing the scene, his brow furrowed immediately.

'Just as I thought… bullying,' he muttered coldly.

He despised bullying above all else. To him, those who oppressed the weak were true cowards—and utterly disgusting.

"Wait…" Merlin's eyes widened. "That elf girl… isn't she Monica?"

He hadn't expected to see her being bullied by other elf girls so soon.

"But who are those twin elves?"

Quickly, he whispered, "System, check their status panels."

Name: Tina Sael'myr

Age: 12

Identity: First Princess of the Elf Kingdom

Talent: A

Rank: Fifth Stage

Bloodline: Spirit of the Wind (Blue)

Favorability: -10

----

Name: Tira Sael'myr

Age: 12

Identity: Second Princess of the Elf Kingdom

Talent: A

Rank: Fifth Stage

Bloodline: Spirit of the Water (Blue)

Favorability: -10

After reading the information, he finally understood.

'Those twins are Monica's older sisters, huh? No wonder they bully her,' he whispered.

Although Monica was an outcast princess, her status as an elf princess still placed her far above ordinary elves.

Because of that, no one could openly bully her.

"Hmm…" Merlin rubbed his chin, pondering whether he should step in.

It wasn't that he was afraid or didn't feel pity for her; this was an internal matter among the elf children.

If he interfered, it could easily provoke their hatred toward him.

After a moment of thought, Merlin reached a conclusion—he wouldn't just stand by and do nothing.

To hell with their hatred. He didn't care, and he wasn't afraid.

Since he had chosen the path of the main character, hostility was bound to come sooner or later.

Without hesitation, he walked toward them and shouted, "Stop!"

The two elf girls—Tina and Tira—were taken aback. They turned to Merlin, frowning.

"What do you want? Don't interfere, or you'll regret it," Tina said coldly.

Merlin didn't flinch. He scanned Tina from head to toe.

It had to be admitted—the elf girls were attractive.

Tina shared the same hair and eye color as Monica. The difference was her hair was styled in a bun, and her face radiated obvious arrogance.

Tira, on the other hand, looked quiet and elegant. But it was only a façade. Merlin had clearly seen that she had also bullied Monica.

"Merlin?" Monica asked, surprised. "You… What are you doing here?"

Merlin didn't answer. He stepped beside her and helped her to her feet.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

Monica felt embarrassed touching his hand. Yet, strangely, a warm, happy feeling welled up inside her.

"I'm fine," she whispered weakly.

Meanwhile, Tina, ignored by Merlin, grew furious.

"You—" Before she could finish, Merlin turned and stared at her coldly.

Tina froze, shocked, and instinctively stepped back, fear flashing across her face.

Tira quickly steadied her and asked, "Are you okay?"

Tina took a breath, regained her composure, and nodded slowly.

"I'm… I'm okay."

Her tone sounded casual, but anyone sensitive could sense the fear underneath.

Tira exhaled, then glared at Merlin.

"What are you doing? Do you even know who we are?" she demanded angrily.

"Of course. You're Tina and Tira—the princesses of the Elf Kingdom, right?" Merlin said casually.

Tina and Tira were surprised, but the recognition only boosted their confidence.

"Then you should know the consequences of messing with us," Tina said coldly.

Merlin chuckled softly. "Yeah, I know. But… do I care?"

His words stunned them. Before they could respond, Merlin continued in a light, even tone.

"This is an academy, not the Elf Kingdom. There are rules forbidding you from using your status to pressure anyone, including me or Monica. If this bullying reaches the head of the academy, you surely understand the consequences."

Now, the tables had turned. Tina and Tira froze.

They had gained entry to the academy because of their status as Elf princesses.

If Merlin reported them, punishment was possible—and that would humiliate both them and the royal family.

Gritting her teeth, Tina grabbed Tira's hand and pulled her away.

"Let's go."

Tira said nothing and followed silently.

Merlin let out a sigh of relief and turned to Monica, asking softly, "Are you okay?"

Monica nodded weakly and lowered her head.

"I'm fine. And... I'm sorry for making you step in to help me," she said softly, interlacing her fingers.

It was so embarrassing to show Merlin that Tina and Tira had bullied her.

If there had been a hole in the ground, she would have buried her face in it immediately.

Sensing her embarrassment, Merlin reached out and gently patted her head.

"It's okay. Don't feel guilty. We're friends, aren't we? It's only natural for friends to help each other when they're in trouble. Right?"

His words broke through Monica's embarrassment. She lifted her head and looked at Merlin, tears welling in her eyes.

"Merlin…" she whispered in a hoarse voice.

"[Ding! The affection of the villainess Monica Sael'myr has increased by 10 points! Current affection: 70 points!]"

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