Chapter 29: Don’t ask me. I don’t know

"Fuck you!" Nova commented angrily and launched forward again, not ready to back down even though her knee was still bleeding.

The figure vanished, reappearing directly behind Nova just before she could reach her, stretching out a hand to grab Nova’s neck from behind. But a devilish smirk appeared on Nova’s lips.

She suddenly altered her attack, bending low to seamlessly evade the outstretched hand meant for her throat. Floating backward in the same fluid motion, she drove her dagger deep into the figure’s stomach.

"Never mess with me in your next life," Nova commented.

Releasing her grip on the knife embedded in the figure’s stomach, she wrapped both hands around her neck, dragging her forward to deliver a ruthless knee strike to her chest before flinging her backward.

Nova stood straight, staring at the figure as it immediately steadied herself.

"Seems like I was wrong—there’s no next life for you," Nova stated in irritation, extending her hand as her dagger flew back into her grip.

The gaping wound on the figure’s stomach stitched itself together in seconds; not a single drop of blood escaped from the injury.

"I seem to be even more wrong. I shouldn’t have forgotten that aside from the fact that you aren’t afraid of death, you’re such a cunning thing," the voice commented.

Nova snorted coldly. "Cut the crap or you’ll die early," she hissed, accelerating toward the figure once more.

She leaped high into the air, aiming a lethal strike straight at her head. But before she could connect, a massive sword materialized out of thin air, blocking her attack with a heavy metallic shockwave.

"Really annoying!"

Both Nova and the figure complained about each other at the exact same time. The figure gripped the broadsword, driving a forceful kick toward Nova to force distance.

Nova evaded instantly, flying directly above the figure to slam her elbow down onto the back of her neck before snapping back to create space.

The figure touched her neck, staring at Nova. Flipping the heavy sword in her grip, she took a step forward—then suddenly paused.

Nova was primed for her next assault, but seeing her halt, she smiled coldly. "I’m not the type to give up until my opponent is dead. I have to end you today," she said, her smile turning dark.

The figure hissed, and the sword in her grip vanished into nothingness. "Fighting you is like fighting the wind. I think being shameless is the best method to defeat you. Any further damage you inflict on me now will be transferred directly to your husbands," she commented, folding her arms across her chest.

Nova’s jaw dropped in speechlessness. "This is the second time you’ve threatened me today!" she commented in irritation, her body coiled to attack regardless.

The figure lightly shook her head. "I expected you to be smarter than this," the voice commented, a subtle mocking edge to her tone.

Nova inhaled deeply, allowing her daggers to dissolve into blue light. "Whatever is going on here, don’t involve my husbands. It’s disgusting using someone’s weakness as bait just to break them," she said, her voice calm but vibrating with suppressed fury.

"You are very stubborn. If I don’t do that, how will you obediently listen to me?" The figure commented with a snort. "Don’t worry, your husbands are part of the System missions. They are safe—at least for now. And that’s assuming you don’t set them on fire yourself," she added.

Nova cast an annoyed glare at her. "Who am I?" she questioned.

A long silence stretched between them before the voice finally replied. "Let me introduce myself. You can call me Anah. I’m your System—I’ll put it that way for now. And the world you’re currently in is a past world where the System is at its weakest. Your mission is to eliminate future threats and obstacles to the System. Of course, there are also important items you must collect. As for what to collect, who to eliminate, and what to do, the missions will dictate that later on as you complete each one," the voice explained.

"Is that what I asked you?" Nova’s tone was laced with so much frustration she felt like pouncing on her and beating her until she couldn’t speak.

The figure completely ignored Nova’s question and continued. "You have successfully bound with System Code 02, named Andrew, which brought the System missions to life," she explained, walking toward the large, translucent blue screen. "Your first target is the Sunny family. They possess something that will surely benefit you. Full details will be provided when you are ready to accept the mission," she said, turning her head toward Nova.

"But don’t forget—you only have one year for each mission. As for who you are..." There was a long pause before the voice continued. "Hmph, don’t ask me. I don’t know," she said.

Nova clenched her fists tightly. "So useless," she commented.

"The tasks aren’t an order—I am very well aware of your personality. The tasks are a challenge for you. Whether you still want your husbands to live extra years or gain wealth, it’s completely up to you," Anah said.

"A challenge with threats, you mean? Never mind—you’re no real threat, as far as I can see. Why is your name the same as this body’s previous name?" Nova asked, pointing at herself.

"The name was vacant, and I chose it," Anah replied simply.

Nova stood dumbfounded, completely speechless. "Fine then... what is the reward for completing the missions?" she asked.

"You will receive your reward after you complete the mission. Don’t ask me what it is—I don’t know," Anah replied.

Nova was thoroughly pissed off. "Is there any simple thing you actually know?" she questioned.

Anah stared at Nova. "Your eyesight just recovered and you’ve already abandoned your glasses. I’m telling you, you should get your glasses back. Your vision might have recovered, but you still can’t escape wearing them," she informed her.

Nova rolled her eyes. "I know that. I’m done with you," she stated.

With that, the infinite space vanished, and Nova found herself standing back inside the room.

She took a deep breath before opening the door and stepping out. "Where’s Raymond?" she murmured.

"Investigating a crime scene," Anah’s voice echoed softly.

Nova nodded. "Let me visit the Andrew guy then," Nova murmured. "Get me a perfect bike," she ordered.

"Don’t you think you should change your outfit first?" Anah’s voice echoed again.

"Mhm." Nova looked down at herself, realizing she was still wearing the oversized shirt Alan had given her. She opened the door and re-entered the room to change her clothes.