Arknights:The Madman Doctor Strikes Again!

Why did this feel like some kind of rogue-like event selection?

Jay stared at the options that had popped up in front of him again: one rational, one insane.

Both choices could improve the combat capabilities of Rhodes Island's operators, but the madness option clearly offered greater boosts. Most tempting of all was that juicy special reward tagged onto the crazy option.

War was brutal, and casualties were inevitable. But increasing operator survival rate by 30%? That buff alone could mean saving dozens of lives. How could he say no to that?

Still, this "rational option" was Kal'tsit's recommendation.

And if he ignored it? She'd probably blow her top…

It'd be like poking a lynx in the butt.

Yeah. He'd regret not choosing the crazy one.

Jay cleared his throat, stepped forward, and addressed the crowd.

"Hey, everyone! I'm your Doctor, the one leading Rhodes Island into battle against Reunion. First things first…"

He threw his arms wide.

"Tonight, we party! Let's forget our worries and let loose!"

Silence.

Dead silence.

Every operator froze, eyes wide, unsure whether they'd just hallucinated.

"Wait… did he say party?"

"No way… he didn't mean training session?"

"Nope… he really said party…"

Most operators were stunned. A party? Now?

Especially since, during the Doctor's absence, Kal'tsit had banned all large-scale recreational events. Even festivals were canceled. Everyone had to work through holidays.

So Jay's sudden announcement left them utterly baffled.

"Hell yeah!"

"Doctor, you rock!"

It was the ACE and Scout squads who broke the silence with cheers.

They had just returned from the Chernobog operation and had seen firsthand what the Doctor was capable of.

In their minds, if the Doctor said they'd party, it meant they could afford to party. He wouldn't be saying it otherwise.

"ACE, Scout… you two seem really hyped."

Outcast, a veteran elite operator, walked up to the cheering pair, eyebrow raised.

"Of course!"

Scout looked to the podium with admiration in his eyes.

"We're about to go to war with Reunion, but the Doctor still calls for a party. You know what that means?"

Outcast tilted her head. "What?"

"It means he's confident we'll win, even if we're partying."

"Oh? Sounds like you two really trust him."

"Absolutely."

ACE recalled the Doctor leading them through a crisis with Talulah in Chernobog. He'd thought they'd all die, but Jay had turned things around.

If he could outwit Reunion's terrifying leader, he could definitely lead them to victory again.

"That's our Doctor. Calm, fearless, and professional."

"Hah… I see."

Outcast gave Jay a long look, now clearly impressed.

"If you two believe in him that much, then I guess I can entrust him with what strength I have left too."

Their words spread through the crowd. Combined with the rumors of zero casualties in Chernobog, morale skyrocketed.

The entire venue erupted with cheers.

....

In a quiet corner of the room…

"So this… this is Rhodes Island? No, this is paradise!"

Ethan leaned against the wall, eyes sparkling as he gazed at Jay.

"I've made up my mind. I'll dedicate my life to Rhodes Island! I'll fight to the bitter end!"

And just like that, Rhodes Island gained another unexpectedly loyal and talented operator…

...

"Doctor, what the hell are you doing now?!"

Right on cue, Kal'tsit stormed over, fuming.

"Uh oh… he's made Kal'tsit angry again!"

Nearby, Amiya looked on nervously as Kal'tsit approached with arms spread wide like she was about to strangle someone.

Jay had just broken one of her cardinal rules: no parties. Ever.

"Kal'tsit, listen to me, I mean, let me explain!"

"Oh? You've got something to say?"

Kal'tsit's tone was cold and dangerous, but she still gave him a chance to speak.

Suddenly, the system chimed in Jay's mind.

[Warning: Host is facing a long-lived beast with terrifying combat power. Please choose one of the following responses. Only one will help resolve this crisis.]

[Rational Response]Explain the importance of work-life balance.

[Insane Response 1]Shout, "I've been fighting my whole life! Can't I enjoy myself?!"

[Insane Response 2]Declare, "You're not allowed to attend the party!"

[Insane Response 3]Plead, "I just want to party… with you."

Note: Multiple attempts allowed… if you survive the first.

Jay eyed the options. One of these would flip the situation. With a deep breath and arms akimbo, he chose the first insane response.

"Kal'tsit, I've been fighting battles all my life! Can't I enjoy myself for once?!"

"Oh? Doctor, do you even realize what you're saying?"

Kal'tsit's fists clenched. A vein bulged on her forehead. Her smile twisted.

Hahaha… yeah, definitely the wrong choice.

Jay sighed internally.

Time for the rational answer, maybe?

"Kal'tsit, I looked over our data yesterday. Thanks to your training, our operators are already in top shape. Last-minute prep won't help much. Some rest will actually boost their performance…"

Like how good students do better when they get a full night's sleep before an exam.

And the 30% survival buff from the system might actually be linked…

"Doctor, stop trying to weasel your way out with nonsense. This kind of party is way too overboard!"

Yeah… no reasoning with her while she's fuming.

"Ahhh! The Doctor's really gonna get it this time… Kal'tsit's not in the mood to hear logic!"

Amiya clutched her head, helpless to intervene.

But Jay wasn't panicking. Not yet.

He still had two more choices.

"Kal'tsit!"

He raised both arms and formed an X in front of her.

"You are NOT allowed to join the party!"

"…I wasn't planning to attend in the first place!"

Kal'tsit raised her clenched fist with a twitch.

"No more nonsense. Cancel the party now!"

"Kal'tsit, actually, I was joking earlier…"

"Oh? What now?"

"I just wanted to say…"

Jay gently took her hand, his tone tender and sincere.

"Kal'tsit… I only wanted to party with you."

"…!"

That froze her.

She was mid-swing, but slowly lowered her arm.

"Wait, that worked? He had that move?! Doctor?!"

Amiya tilted her head in confusion, sensing Kal'tsit's emotions shift dramatically.

Kal'tsit cleared her throat and looked away.

"Well… I suppose Rhodes Island's been under too much pressure lately. Some relaxation could be good. Let's call it a celebration for our success in Chernobog. I have work to do, so I'll leave the party arrangements to you."

With that, she turned and walked off.

What an adorable tsundere.

Jay watched her go with a smile.

Despite the rushed prep, that night's DJ party went on as scheduled.

Kal'tsit placed a limit on alcohol but allowed the kitchen to prepare as much food as the operators wanted.

The sound of enthusiastic cheers could be heard echoing from the cafeteria.

Except for key medical staff and security, nearly everyone joined in.

Even Warfarin forced to stay behind by Kal'tsit voiced a strong protest.

Sadly for her, it was overruled.

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