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

"The timing of your jokes is poorly chosen—it only makes our communication more difficult," Kal'tsit said, lightly coughing to dispel the awkwardness. She then straightened up and met Steven's gaze with a serious expression.

"I have already explained my purpose. In return, Mr. Steven, could you clarify your reason for coming here? What are you trying to achieve?"

Her eyes revealed a clear sense of wariness. Perhaps at first Kal'tsit had come solely for Gladiia, the Abyssal Hunter by Steven's side. But from the moment she saw Steven, her focus shifted.

Even Dario of the Iberian Inquisition could sense the dense aura of death around Steven, an aura so thick it felt like it had been cultivated by slaughtering an entire world. Kal'tsit, who had lived longer and seen more than Dario, couldn't possibly overlook it.

What's more, she could sense something even more terrifying from Steven—something that only clung to those who had bathed in the blood of Feranmuts or entities akin to gods.

This meant that, despite his casual demeanor and constant joking, the man before her might be more dangerous than the monsters lurking in the depths of the sea.

Based on his actions thus far, Kal'tsit could deduce that Steven's logic and behavior were often unpredictable. He was not a bomb with a known fuse; rather, he was a bomb whose fuse had been removed—its detonation unpredictable.

What worried Kal'tsit most was that she had no way to control or contain this ticking time bomb.

While she could collaborate with Iberia's Inquisition and the Aegir Abyssal Hunters against the threats from the sea, and rely on various national organizations to handle the monstrous abominations on land, Steven was an entirely different matter.

Although she hadn't witnessed Steven in action, the primal fear emanating from Mon3tr toward him was unmistakable. Mon3tr, a creature that didn't even flinch in the presence of entities like the flaming titan of Surtr, or the Feranmut of Operator Mostima, had instinctively cowered before Steven.

And Kal'tsit's intuition told her that provoking him was not an option. The consequences of angering this man were likely beyond what this land could endure.

If things went wrong, she couldn't count on Gladiia—the amnesiac Abyssal Hunter who clung to Steven with childlike dependence—to mediate. In all likelihood, Gladiia would simply throw wood on the fire while Steven burned the world to ashes.

This was why Kal'tsit had tolerated Steven's jokes and banter thus far.

"No need to be so formal. If you'd like, you can just call me Steven," Steven said with a grin. "As for my purpose… hmm, it's mainly to help this girl recover. Beyond that, I haven't really thought about it. Maybe just wander around and enjoy some interesting sights?"

Scratching his head, Steven seemed genuinely unsure of his larger goals. For now, he figured he'd let this world gradually accept his presence and then dive into some carefree adventures.

"Oh, by the way," he added, "about ten minutes ago, my greatest desire was to touch those cat ears on your head. But don't worry, I've since transcended such worldly cravings."

With hands clasped together like a devout monk, Steven spoke with an air of sincerity. Surely Kal'tsit would be moved by his honesty, right?

"…"

Kal'tsit, who had been analyzing the implications of Steven's mention of "interesting sights," was momentarily dumbfounded by his sudden confession.

Was that really something he should just blurt out? Even if it were true, shouldn't he have kept it to himself?

"Should I thank you for restraining your desires instead of developing the natural aversion any woman should feel toward such comments?" Kal'tsit replied, breaking her silence after a brief pause.

Despite everything, she chose to respond in her own way.

This man might be dangerous, but their interactions thus far suggested he wasn't as perilous as he seemed. While difficult to communicate with, Steven was still capable of dialogue. And in a way, he was surprisingly agreeable.

At least for now, Kal'tsit hadn't observed anything in his actions that matched the aura of carnage surrounding him. He seemed more like an eccentric chatterbox than the bringer of doom.

"Fair enough. That's entirely your choice," Steven said, seemingly surprised at her calm reaction. He dropped his playful gestures and shifted to a more neutral expression, looking a bit disappointed.

If she wasn't going to react, then there was no fun in it for him.

"So, when do you plan to bring this Abyssal Hunter to Rhodes Island for treatment?" Kal'tsit asked after a moment of thought. "Our aircraft is stationed nearby, and we can leave at any time."

Having deliberated on how to handle the enigma that was Steven, Kal'tsit ultimately made a risky decision.

Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't allow someone as dangerous as Steven anywhere near Rhodes Island, even if it was for Gladiia's treatment.

But risk often comes with reward. Kal'tsit's intuition told her that forming a good relationship with this mysterious individual could yield benefits proportional to the danger he represented.

She had seen this before with another enigmatic figure from Yan.

While Kal'tsit wouldn't have taken this gamble in the past, Rhodes Island's current situation left her no choice but to take such risks for its survival.

"Wait, when did I ever say I'd go with her?" Steven asked, clearly caught off guard by her invitation. "She's the one with the problem, not me."

Hearing his response, Kal'tsit sighed internally. She suspected Steven would be reluctant, but there was no way she'd allow him to walk away that easily.

"Rhodes Island won't stay in Iberia for long. If she were to come alone, I don't believe you would trust us with her care."

"Moreover…" Kal'tsit hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I hope Rhodes Island can earn your goodwill and friendship, Mr. Steven."

Steven's expression turned oddly contemplative upon hearing this.

Wasn't he supposed to be the out-of-place, isolated traveler that everyone looked down on, creating opportunities for him to shine later on?

Why were things so different? The Inquisition's High Inquisitor treated him politely, and now even this cryptic cat-eared lady was extending an olive branch.

"Do I really seem that impressive?" Steven wondered inside his mind, his gaze turning skeptical.

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