Arknightcraft Modpack

“Gavial, how many times do I have to tell you? Be gentler with the patients! Can you stop using violence to solve everything?”

Just as the atmosphere between Steven and the green-haired girl became awkward, a lazy-sounding voice came from the infirmary doorway, breaking the tense silence.

A pale-skinned, white-haired girl walked in, holding a cup of coffee. Her crimson eyes and elf-like pointed ears immediately drew Steven’s attention to Gladiia beside him.

Could this be the other Abyssal Hunter Kal’tsit had mentioned? A peer of Gladiia?

But didn’t Kal’tsit say she was also a patient? Why was she dressed like a medical professional?

Steven’s gaze shifted to the armband with a cross symbol wrapped around her arm and the employee badge on her chest, identical to the one worn by the green-haired girl. This only deepened his confusion.

However, the most confused person was still the white-haired girl herself, who had just walked in and grasped the situation.

She stopped short when she saw Gavial, whose hands were currently placed on Steven’s chest in a way that could easily be mistaken for something far more intimate. The scene looked like they were about to reenact a steamy drama on the small infirmary bed.

“I don’t mind you young people indulging in some free love, but this is a workplace. Can’t you two restrain yourselves a little?”

Although she said this, the expression on her face as she sipped her coffee was more amused than anything else.

“I think you’ve misunderstood. She just wanted to give me a physical exam,” Steven said with a shrug, offering a statement that only fueled further misunderstandings.

“Yes, that’s all!”

The green-haired girl quickly pulled her hands back from Steven’s chest, hastily adding an explanation.

It must’ve been because she hadn’t gotten enough rest yesterday. How else could she explain being unable to move him? He didn’t even look that strong! By all logic, she should’ve been able to shove him effortlessly.

Her face was filled with confusion. As someone who had always been confident in her strength, this was the first time she’d encountered such an inexplicable situation.

“Ahem, enough joking around.”

The white-haired girl put down her coffee and approached Steven, her crimson eyes scanning him and Gladiia from head to toe. She even wrinkled her cute little nose as if trying to discern their scent.

“So, you really are another Aegir Abyssal Hunter. But there’s something… odd about your state.”

She casually revealed Gladiia’s race and identity but showed no pride in her deduction. Instead, she looked at Steven with a puzzled expression, as if he were some kind of alien.

Her intense gaze made Steven uncomfortable. Just as he was about to say something, the white-haired girl bypassed him and locked eyes with Gavial.

“Go perform a full-body examination on the lady over there. As for this gentleman, leave him to me and Dr. Kal’tsit.”

“You heard her, Gavial. You should focus on your work instead of coveting my body and money,” Steven said with a mischievous grin, taking the opportunity to act smug.

He wasn’t genuinely upset with Gavial; her earlier actions had been more like a playful joke. Even if she’d managed to pin him down, the most she could’ve done was reclaim the money he’d extorted from her earlier.

But that didn’t stop him from enjoying a bit of banter—after all, messing with people was one of his favorite pastimes.

“Understood.”

Out of a sense of duty, Gavial didn’t defy her superior’s orders. She turned to lead the still-dazed Gladiia to the examination room in the back.

However, the parting glance she gave Steven—one that seemed to promise payback—made him look forward to their next encounter.

He was curious to see what surprises this slightly violent doctor might bring him.

Once Gavial had escorted Gladiia away, Steven turned his attention back to the white-haired girl, who was now staring at him intently, her coffee momentarily forgotten.

“First off, let me make this clear: I’m not a patient, and I have no intention of undergoing any kind of examination—especially not by strangers poking and prodding me. That’s non-negotiable.”

Steven’s directness preempted whatever the girl was about to say. He wasn’t about to let himself be treated like a lab rat.

“Well then, let’s get acquainted first. I’m Warfarin, Rhodes Island medical operator and deputy head of the medical department,” she said with a friendly smile, beginning her self-introduction.

Steven didn’t need to think twice. This girl was probably like Kal’tsit, sensing some sort of… oppressive aura from him, though how they managed to perceive it was beyond him.

He didn’t even have a visible title above his head for them to read, yet they all seemed to tread cautiously around him.

“Mm-hmm, nice to meet you. I’m Steve.”

His response was perfunctory at best as he took two steps back, trying to distance himself from the girl, who was now wearing an unsettlingly curious expression.

If Gavial’s earlier behavior had been a joke about lusting after his body, Warfarin’s actions were far more serious.

Steven had a sneaking suspicion that if given the chance, she’d jump at the opportunity to, quite literally, drain him. After all, he’d never met anyone who stared at someone’s neck while talking to them.

“Steve? That’s a peculiar name. But never mind that. Can I ask you for a small favor?”

Warfarin squinted her crimson eyes, lifting her head to look directly into Steven’s. A fleeting desire flashed across her gaze.

Steven met her stare with a polite smile and equally sincere eyes.

“Of course not.”