'Alice again?' I was shocked by her sudden request.
I didn't immediately believe her words. I was just engaging in this conversation solely to gather information about my mother. If I sensed anything suspicious, my plan was to activate Mind Shock and then use my suggestion ability when she was at her most vulnerable state.
'Maybe I could use this to my advantage,' I thought to myself. I had numerous questions for her—about the door, my mother, and that foundation.
"Why should I help you?" I asked, my voice firm and arrogant. I wanted to establish that I was in control of this conversation. That she needed me, but I didn't necessarily need her.
"What do you mean? OPPA, Alice is your ..." She wanted to say something but ended up stopping midway.
"She's my what?"
"I can't tell you, but we really need to save her." She tried to explain herself.
"Then, I won't help her," I warned.
She was shocked by my words and paused for a moment.
"OPPA, if you don't save her now, then you will regret it after you unlock that door!" She started to walk closer to me.
"Stay back," I commanded, keeping her distance.
The air felt tense, and I remained vigilant, uncertain of her intentions.
'I don't have plot armor like those naive MCs, so better be safe than sorry,' I thought to myself, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the situation.
She stopped and looked troubled by my words.
"OPPA, you're being mean to Sister Alice!" She pouted her cheek.
"Hey, I don't even know you, so stop acting like we are close," I reprimanded her.
"Prove it, and I will help you," I began to converse with her again.
I don't think I would lose to her if I get really serious. With Aegis and Telekinesis, the moment she attacks me, I would stop her movements momentarily and then crush her using the six hands of my projection.
But I'm really curious to know if she was really telling the truth or not.
"I can't tell you much because I'm under oath to Aunty. But if you want proof, then this is the only thing I could give you," she replied as she pulled out her wallet. Then she picked up a photo.
The photo suddenly vibrated and shot through the air, but I was able to stop it with Telekinesis.
"This..." I was stunned to see the picture.
It was me and six other girls. I could recognize three of them in the photo. Alice was there, and this violent girl, but the last one was someone I only recognized on TV. It was Sung Hei, AKA the Song Goddess of Asia.
I attempted to scrutinize the picture for any irregularities, I found none. Then, as I delicately flipped the photograph, my eyes caught a detail etched in my memory—my mother's unmistakable handwriting and signature.
'Why can't I remember everything about all of this?' I asked myself. After increasing my intelligence, I could recall everything that happened to me in the past in detail, but there were still some things that seemed to be blocked.
"Do you believe me now, OPPA?" she asked again, her voice now more calm.
[Ding]
[Save Alice from Cerebrum]
[Reward +15, 0000 EXP, +20 Attribute points. + 20 Skill Points + 5 Domination Points]
'So, the system really wanted me to save Alice,' I mused inwardly after seeing the mission again. Seeing this, now I was a bit more sure that this girl was telling me some truth, and was not that hostile.
If she was really after me, then her speed alone was enough to take me down if she tried to assassinate me. But she did not do it, meaning the chance of her going after my head was low.
"Alright, I will help you, but you at least need to tell me what you can say. I'm not comfortable with working with someone I barely remember or know," I replied,
"Okay, OPPA!" She nodded, excitement lighting up her face after hearing me committing to save Alice.