Arknightcraft Modpack (Steve in Terra) (Minecraft x Arknight)

Chapter 199: Preparations for the Third Rhodes Island Swivel Chair Championship

Steven ultimately didn't manage to get any more information about the Firstborn of the Seaborn from Kal'tsit.

She seemed to have a strong aversion to that topic—so much so that she didn't even want to mention it again.

Since that was the case, Steven didn't push further.

Instead, after handing over the core to her, he mentally noted down the favor he had done, planning to cash it in the next time he had questions.

Kal'tsit had no objections to this arrangement.

However, what she didn't know was that by keeping silent about the Firstborn, she had missed out on a crucial detail—

That one was already residing within Skadi.

Well, she wanted to be cryptic, right? Then he had no reason to share that little piece of intel with her.

He had originally planned to ask about Amiya's "Lord of Fiend" title as well, but after thinking it through, he realized—

What did that have to do with him?

He wasn't even that close to Amiya.

Whether she was a Lord of Fiend or a Heroic Brave, it didn't really affect him in the slightest.

So, with that, Steven quickly left Kal'tsit's office, whistling as he strolled back towards his dorm.

In reality, he hadn't slept in nearly two days, but he still didn't feel tired.

After all, as a Minecrafter, staying up late was practically his default sleep schedule.

Spending the entire night asleep?

That's just a waste of perfectly good time.

Of course, in Minecraft, staying up too long could spawn those annoying Phantoms that wouldn't stop harassing him.

But this was Terra, not Minecraft.

There was no way creatures like that would suddenly appear around him here.

Because of that, Steven remained full of energy, leisurely wandering around Rhodes Island.

There was still some time before he reached Kazimierz, and when Kal'tsit heard that he planned to travel there, she didn't try to stop him.

His legs belonged to him, after all.

Not that she didn't want to lock him up, but that was obviously easier said than done.

However, before letting him leave, she did ask him for a favor.

Apparently, there was something in Kazimierz that she needed him to retrieve.

If he could help, she'd owe him one.

Steven didn't agree right away.

Whether he helped or not depended entirely on whether it was convenient for him.

If it wasn't a hassle, then sure, he could pick it up while he was there.

From what he heard, it was somehow related to the legendary knight's treasure of Kazimierz.

Treasure hunting?

Now that actually sounded fun.

But that was something to deal with later.

For now, Steven couldn't guarantee he'd even have time for it.

Who knows?

Maybe the moment he stepped off Rhodes Island, before he even got to see a single knight tournament, Irene or Talulah would suddenly call him up, dragging him off to Ursus or Iberia instead.

And honestly, those matters were probably more urgent.

Pushing all those thoughts aside, Steven prepared to go explore Rhodes Island for a bit.

He also planned to check on his "daughter", just in case she had remembered anything new today.

But before he could do that, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure pacing around in front of his room.

"Blaze?"

Steven raised an eyebrow.

"What are you doing? Looking for me?"

Silently sneaking up behind the big cat, Steven patted her on the shoulder.

Looking at the eager yet slightly embarrassed expression on Blaze's face, he frowned in confusion.

It was obvious she had come to find him, but why that expression?

"Huh? So you weren't sleeping in your room? I was just wondering if I should disturb your quality rest or not."

Scratching her head in slight embarrassment, Blaze grinned mysteriously, then leaned in closer, nudging Steven with her elbow.

"I've got something fun to tell you. You interested? I think you'll definitely like it. But... hmm, how should I put this? If you do come, could you bring some alcohol? Ever since I had your stuff, Closure's weak excuse for liquor just tastes like water to me."

Steven smirked.

"Tell me first. I can cover the drinks, no problem. But... is it really as fun as you're making it sound?"

Just from Blaze's expression, Steven was already intrigued.

These so-called "Elite Operators" might act all serious most of the time, putting on a no-nonsense Men in Black attitude, but in reality?

They were just like him—always looking for an excuse to slack off and party.

And honestly?

That was exactly the kind of crowd he liked.

Hanging around with people who actually felt alive was way better than treating Rhodes Island like some corporate hellscape.

And when these people said something was fun, it usually was.

So if all he had to do was provide some alcohol and snacks?

That was a 1000% guaranteed yes from him.

Blaze smirked.

"Oh, trust me, it is. This is one of the few remaining events on Rhodes Island that actually feels like a festival. Not just us Elite Operators, but even the doctors and patients can participate. Though, since there's never really been any prizes, most of the participants are just us Operators, while the rest are there to watch the chaos unfold."

Raising an eyebrow, she continued.

"If we've got your drinks, at least people can enjoy the spectacle properly. Whenever Closure organizes these things, she only ever brings cheap booze. And on top of that, she charges outrageous prices."

Of course, the real question was—

Was Steven just going to sponsor the event?

Or was he actually going to join in?

Blaze figured he'd definitely participate.

After all, she knew Steven's personality—

The guy thrived on chaos.

That was precisely why she had come to pull him in as a sponsor in the first place.

Steven chuckled.

"You're making me even more curious. Just what kind of event would make you personally come all the way here to recruit me? Stop keeping me in suspense and spill it already. Not just drinks—I'll even cover snacks and food, alright?"

He was genuinely interested now.

An event big enough to involve all of Rhodes Island?

It had to be something special.

Blaze's grin widened, revealing a set of sharp white teeth.

"Of course! This is the grand masterpiece, painstakingly crafted by the Rhodes Island Engineering Department—The 3rd Annual Super Swivel Chair Racing Championship!"

Steven blinked.

"...Swivel chair... racing?"

Even with his wild imagination, he struggled to picture how that would work.

He'd heard of many different types of races, but...

Swivel chair racing?

That was a first.

Seeing his confusion, Blaze raised her eyebrows and elaborated.

"Yeah! You know those round, white stools that the Engineering Department uses all the time? The ones with wheels that let you move around easily?"

Steven froze for a moment.

Of course, he had seen those office chairs before.

With how much time he spent wandering aimlessly around Rhodes Island, there wasn't a single piece of furniture on the entire ship that he didn't recognize.

But the problem was—

If they were using those for racing, did that mean they'd have to propel themselves forward with their legs?

And with Elite Operators from all over Rhodes Island participating, wasn't this just a little too ridiculous?

Or rather—

——It sounded absolutely amazing!

Steven's eyes lit up.

This was exactly the kind of fun he had been looking for!

What could be purer than the sheer joy of racing around on office chairs?

Sometimes, happiness was just that simple.

No need for extravagant decorations or elaborate setups—

Just pure, mindless fun.

And what could be more reckless and fun than an office chair race?

"Blaze, you really get me. There's no way I'm missing this! When does it start? Where do I sign up?"

Steven rubbed his hands together excitedly.

There was zero chance he was sitting this one out.

Good thing Blaze had told him—otherwise, he really might have missed it.

Blaze grinned and threw an arm around Steven's shoulder.

"I knew you'd be up for it. The race is happening this afternoon, and sign-ups are now. But just so you know—there are no prizes. Even if you win, don't expect any grand rewards."

Steven raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? So that means the competition isn't exactly fierce, huh?"

A lack of prizes meant fewer participants.

Most likely, this was just a casual competition between a handful of Elite Operators for fun.

Blaze sighed, her grin fading slightly.

"Yeah, exactly. We call it the 'Third Annual Rhodes Island Championship,' and technically anyone can join, but in reality, it's just a handful of us. Most people are too busy or just don't have the energy for something like this."

That was the harsh reality of their work.

For most people on Rhodes Island, survival took priority over fun.

At best, this race was just a way for the Elite Operators to make the best out of a tough situation.

But Steven wasn't having that.

"That won't do at all!"

He clapped his hands together.

"This is exactly the kind of thing Rhodes Island needs more of! Everyone should be able to join in the fun! If the problem is the lack of prizes, then leave it to me—I'll handle both the rewards and the promotions!"

A big, ridiculous event like this deserved to be properly celebrated!

Sure, Rhodes Island was a medical facility, but even a hospital could organize entertainment events every now and then, right?

This place, while decently humane, still felt too lifeless at times.

If something as simple as an office chair race could bring joy to people, then why not go all in?

And he was the kind of person who, once he had an idea, he made sure it happened.

Slapping his chest confidently, he turned to Blaze.

"Come on, let's go. I'm taking care of this."

Blaze blinked in surprise.

"Wait, you're actually offering prizes? What could you possibly be giving out? This is just some dumb little game between us Operators."

Now she was the one feeling a little overwhelmed.

Why was he suddenly so invested in this?

Wasn't he taking this a little too seriously?

But Steven just flashed her a grin.

"Happiness is better when shared, Blaze. Just leave everything to me."

Without another word, he grabbed her arm and started marching toward Kal'tsit's office.

He had a plan.

If he offered a healing potion as the grand prize and covered all the drinks and snacks, there was no way this race wouldn't become a massive event.

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