[Another system has just entered this world.]
Hearing 520's words, Yu Qingyu frowned. 'Another system? Does that mean there is another transmigrator here?'
[Yes.]
'Hmm… That kind of thing can happen?' Yu Qingyu was a bit surprised. 'Who are they?'
[Unfortunately, I have no access to such data. All the information about the hosts and their mission is confidential. I only know that the system 748 has appeared in close proximity, but I am unable to locate its host.] 520 explained.
'Is that so?' Yu Qingyu resumed brushing his teeth, relieved. It didn't seem like such a big issue. 'Should I try to make contact with them?'
[You can if you want to, but I would advise Host not to. There's no way of knowing what their mission might be. Potentially, it could be conflicting with yours.]
Yu Qingyu almost choked on the toothpaste foam. He started coughing so much that his eyes teared up. 'What? Conflicting with mine? That is allowed?' he asked once he finally managed to recover.
[Yes. Although it is extremely rare, it is possible for two systems with opposing missions to appear in the same world.]
This was quite shocking and worrying to Yu Qingyu. He realized how little he actually knew about the system and the whole transmigration contract. When it first appeared, 520 explained to him all the rules and requirements he needed to meet to turn back time, but that was about it. It never said anything about the worlds he would travel to, or the general purpose of the missions. He assumed it was to make those worlds better… That would especially be the case with the last one, where his actions saved the city. But if that was the case, why would another transmigrator get a conflicting mission?
There was a lot he needed to learn, but something else came to his mind. 'If their mission is against mine, then will I receive more points for completing it successfully? Since the difficulty will be raised?' he asked, biting his lip.
[Unfortunately, no.] 520 immediately crushed his hopes. [The value of the mission is calculated the moment it is created, and it cannot be adjusted later. Besides, the other host doesn't necessarily have a conflicting mission. It is just a possibility. It is just as likely that they have a similar mission, or a completely unrelated one. They might be taking part in the tournament, or they might be just a stranger living in the area. I am unable to tell.]
Yu Qingyu sighed. 'Alright then. So, I guess I should just stay on alert, just in case?'
[Yes, I believe that would be the best. If Host doesn't want his identity to be found out by the other host, it is important to stay in character.]
'Alright. That shouldn't be too hard.' Yu Qingyu finished washing up and went to bed.
Time passed by, but Yu Qingyu kept tossing and turning. He had difficulty falling asleep once again. His mind was occupied by what he had just learned.
'520? That system… 748, was it? Do you know it?' he finally asked.
[All the systems are connected, which is why I can sense their approximate location. However, if Host wishes to learn anything about 748, then you will be disappointed. The systems are all the same. Any differences are the result of adjusting to their assigned hosts and their missions.]
'Hmm…' Yu Qingyu rubbed his chin, thinking. 'So, does that mean that 748 can sense you as well?'
[Yes. And it will most likely inform its host as well.]
'Eh… Then I guess I really need to watch out, just in case…'
Yu Qingyu sighed and pulled the duvet up to his neck. Hopefully, he was worrying over nothing. He was so happy that he got such a nice mission this time… He didn't want any other transmigrator to ruin it.
***
Over the next few days, he was walking around constantly tensed, paying attention to everyone around him, trying to pick up on any unusual behavior. If he managed to locate the other transmigrator soon, and find out they were completely unrelated to his mission, he would be able to relax. He observed everyone in the office, but to no avail. He hasn't noticed anything suspicious.
As a result, he's been growing more and more restless with each passing moment.
"Is there something wrong? That's like a hundredth time you sighed today!" A slightly raspy voice suddenly pulled Yu Qingyu out of his thoughts.
He was sitting on a couch in Jiang Lu's house. Since it was Saturday and he had nothing else to do anyway, Yu Qingyu decided to call the original owner of the body's best friend and hang out.
His teammates were his biggest concern, as they could potentially hinder him the most if they got a conflicting mission. After all, the other team was going against him anyway, so it wouldn't change all that much, but if someone from his team tried to make them lose… That could turn out catastrophic.
However, he didn't have any opportunity to interact with any of them since 520 told him about the other system's presence, aside from a few messages in the group chat. The next training they had planned was only on Sunday. He was anxious to meet them, but he didn't want to risk acting out of character. And out of all the members, Jiang Lu was the only one Fu Zhiren used to hang out with regularly.
"It's nothing. Just some work stuff," Yu Qingyu waved his hand dismissively. "Better tell me what's new with you. Is Su Yongkan giving you a hard time?"
"Oh, don't even get me started!" Jiang Lu plopped down on the couch next to him with a deep frown on his face. "Do you know what he said yesterday? That even if I try for a year, I still won't…"
Yu Qingyu nodded his head, listening to Jiang Lu's rant. He put on an offended look to match his friend's feelings, even though he actually felt like smiling. He brought up this topic on purpose, to see how Jiang Lu would react, and he wasn't disappointed. Jiang Lu's actions, and how emotional he got talking about Su Yongkan, seemed genuine. Which meant that it was unlikely that he got replaced by a transmigrator.
That was quite a relief for Yu Qingyu. Jiang Lu was one of the crucial characters in his mission, and the only irreplaceable team member. After all, Yu Qingyu's mission was to "help Jiang Lu." He already confirmed it with the system. Everyone else could be kicked out of the team, but not Jiang Lu.
Feeling reassured, Yu Qingyu could finally relax a bit.