Arknights:The Madman Doctor Strikes Again!

Although W wasn't exactly a pushover, compared to a seasoned fox like Kal'tsit, she was still a bit green.

Whether mentally or physically...

W did try to resist, symbolically at least, but in the end, Kal'tsit had her neatly subdued without much effort.

Together, Kal'tsit and Jay escorted W to a little interrogation room deep within Rhodes Island.

"Awooo! Awoooooooah! Awoooooooahh!"

Not long after, a string of bizarre cries echoed from the room, sounding suspiciously like Tom from Tom and Jerry.

After quite a bit of back-and-forth, W finally gave in and surrendered.

Through their conversation, Kal'tsit managed to extract a decent amount of intel from W about Talulah. More importantly, it became clear that W shared a common enemy with Rhodes Island: Kazdel's Regent Theresis, and Talulah of the Reunion Movement.

The enemy of my enemy could very well become an ally. As long as W agreed not to harm the Doctor, Kal'tsit was willing to let her join Rhodes Island. After all, talented people like her were rare.

To deal with Talulah, Kal'tsit and Jay came up with a plan send W back to Chernobog under the guise of a Sarkaz mercenary, let her lie low, and assist Rhodes Island at a critical moment during the confrontation.

Of course, carrot and stick went hand in hand.

W wasn't walking away empty-handed either. Kal'tsit promised her that once everything was settled, she would tell her the truth behind Theresa's assassination.

With W's matter temporarily resolved, it was time to deal with Rhodes Island's larger crisis.

Both Reunion and Rhodes Island were infected organizations. But now Reunion was using the infected's name to justify rampant violence. That alone put the two on opposing paths.

And after the bloody clashes in Chernobog, war between the two sides had become inevitable.

That afternoon, Kal'tsit summoned all operators to the indoor plaza of Rhodes Island.

The plaza was enormous, capable of holding nearly everyone on the landship. Usually, it served as a gym and recreation space, but whenever major decisions or events occurred, Kal'tsit would use this venue for announcements.

"I believe most of you have already heard what happened in Chernobog from the returning operators..."

On the stage, Kal'tsit stood before the microphone, calmly explaining the truth behind recent events to the assembled operators.

Jay and Amiya stood behind her, representing Rhodes Island's leadership.

There was good news and bad news.

The good news: every operator sent to Chernobog had returned alive, and they had successfully rescued the Doctor.

The bad news: Rhodes Island, a medical institution meant to serve the infected, was now entangled in a direct conflict with Reunion. Escalation was inevitable. The upcoming battles would only grow harsher and more dangerous.

The moment war was mentioned, the entire plaza fell into a heavy silence.

Kal'tsit knew it was a grim topic, but she also knew it was one they had to face head-on.

"Doctor, say a few words. There are many new faces here. This is a good chance for everyone to get to know you. Even if you've lost your memory, being a commander means standing on the front line of morale."

After finishing her part, Kal'tsit turned and looked at Jay.

"And don't go saying anything reckless. We need every operator focused and ready for the brutal fight ahead."

"Got it," Jay replied, stepping forward. Public speaking wasn't really his thing, but as the Doctor, he had no excuse to dodge it.

As he walked to the podium, Jay scanned the crowd. Hundreds of operators stood below. Some he recognized. Most were unfamiliar.

While Jay observed them, they were also watching him with curiosity.

The veteran operators who had fought with the Doctor in Chernobog held him in high regard. ACE, Scout, Dobermann, and the others had made it out thanks to his efforts.

But the newer recruits weren't as impressed. To them, Jay was just some stranger with a fancy title.

Over on the edge of the crowd...

"Hope this Doctor doesn't end up bossing us around too much."

"Franka! Keep your voice down!" Liskarm whispered hurriedly.

Franka and Liskarm were from BSW, Blacksteel Worldwide, and not permanent Rhodes Island members. Still, they often worked closely with the landship.

"I know, I know. But have you seen the guy? He always looks so serious. I bet he's gonna be another Kal'tsit, loading us up with endless work. Ugh, terrifying."

"Be serious, Franka. This is part of our job at BSW..."

Elsewhere in the plaza, a small group of young operators whispered among themselves.

"Fang, Beagle, what do you think the Doctor's gonna say?" Kroos asked, tail twitching.

"My guess? He'll tell us to start extra training tonight," Beagle muttered. "You know, more sweat during drills, less blood on the battlefield..."

"Training again? Seriously? I'm so tired. I didn't even sleep well last night!" Kroos groaned.

"Kroos! Don't say that! We're about to fight some really scary Reunion thugs!"

"Yeah, but I really, really hate war..."

Meanwhile, near the plaza's entrance...

"Whoa... this place is packed. Is this the cafeteria? No? Too bad..."

Ethan had snuck in unnoticed, thanks to his innate stealth. He used to be part of Reunion, but defected after getting fed up with the terrible food and hearing rumors about Rhodes Island's much better meals.

Even now, Ethan wasn't sure if he wanted to stay. What if life here was even worse? Endless overtime, intense pressure, no entertainment...

He was still mulling it over when he stumbled upon this assembly. Might as well stay and listen.

...

Jay cleared his throat, coughing lightly.

The plaza quieted immediately. Every operator turned to face him with full attention.

Now came the big question: What should he say?

Just then, Kal'tsit's calm but firm voice rang out from behind him.

"Doctor, I forgot to mention. With battle approaching, I suggest you order everyone to begin group combat drills immediately after the meeting."

Clearly, she was worried he might go off the rails again and say something absurd.

"I understand," Jay nodded.

But then, his system chimed in his mind.

[Please select one of the following options.]

[Rational Option]Follow Kal'tsit's advice and order everyone to begin group training drills.Reward: All Rhodes Island operators gain +20% stress, +5% combat ability.

[Madness Option]Loudly declare a party tonight!Reward: All Rhodes Island operators lose 50% stress, gain +100 bond with the Doctor.Special Bonus: Operator survival rate increases by 30% for the next month.

Note: Increased bond passively boosts combat strength. 100 bond equals approximately 7% increased combat power.