The System's Knowledge

The system showed another pop-up window. Thank god it wasn't another voice message. I was beginning to grow tired of it.

<The system now has 'Basic Artificial Intelligence'.>

<With the BAI system, the system can directly reply to any questions asked through the 'Visual Response system'.>

Impressed by this feature, I spoke, "Nani? All my questions will be solved?!"

And with my statement, the previous translucent windows faded away as a new one made its way in my field of vision.

<The system can answer all questions in consideration of the system's knowledge. If the system is unaware of a certain answer, the system will reply with 'No Answer'.>

"So you're telling me, you can answer all questions, but only based on your current knowledge?"

I put my right hand on my chin while my left hand supported the right by holding the elbow. With this gesture I went into a state of deep thought, "Hmm..."

After what I believed was clear sequence of questions in my mind, I began my questioning, "So what is the system's limit in terms of knowledge?"

<The system can only function with the knowledge obtained by the user. The system can applify any knowledge the user has already obtained through direct or indirect means.>

So it's just like any other VRMMORPG, huh. I see. So that's how it's going to work. I won't be able to gain knowledge of anything I haven't seen or haven't witnessed. Which basically makes this system inefficient as hell since I don't even know where I am.

But moving on to the next question, "How can I close the pop-up windows without another window popping up in its place?"

<To close the Visual Response Window(VRW), the user must swipe his/her hand through the VRW.>

After reading the pop-up, I moved my hand through the air to slap the pop-up, and man did it feel good. It almost felt like I had slapped the system. But beyond all emotional mindsets, the window did indeed disappear just as the system stated.

"Now for my next question, can I see a virtual map of the location?"

<To access the map, the skill [Mapping] must be obtained.>

<[Mapping] can only be obtained from humans based on current knowledge.>

"Wait. How do you know that?"

<After killing a member of a particular species the user can gain all knowledge the member possessed till the time of death through the system.>

"Oh God, why did it have to get this dark this fast?"

Then shortly after, I moved on to a topic I noticed hidden in this pop-up.

"So does that mean that I can gain skills from killing any creature?"

<No Answer.>

What the... Why would the system reply with such a statement after literally giving me the answer indirectly?

Hmm... Could it be that there are certain species who I can't obtain skills from? I wonder.

Ah, but moving on, "How can I stop the system from replying to a question? Say I'm talking to someone else through some miraculous method, how would I prevent the system from talking to me?"

<The system can be switched off by saying 'System Off' in any language.>

<Saying 'System On' brings the system back online.>

"I see..."

Then, with my series of questions coming to an end, I asked a few final questions, "So, who created the system? And who brought me here?"

<Knowledge inaccessible.>

<Knowledge forbidden.>

As the two windows popped up simultaneously, my mind raced through the doubt that the one who brought me here didn't do so for my benefit. And clearly, someone was behind all this.

But then soon after, I realised the essence of what I really needed to know now.

"How did I not realise this earlier?"

"System, tell me where I am."

<Different species have different names of places.>

<Which species do you wish to gain this knowledge from?>

Below this statement, there were three button like icons present.

<Based on skeleton knowledge.>

<Based on animalis regnum.>

<Based on human knowledge.>

I was no expert in what 'animalis regnum' meant, but with the straightforward assumption that it referred to animals, I went ahead and clicked on the third option.

<Based on human knowledge, you are now present in 'The Dreadful Forrest(A)'>

Well, though the interrogation was long, at least I now knew where I was.

But wait. How does that information help me? Why did I think it would be helpful to know where I was?

My relieved face slowly transformed into one that was both confused and depressed.

"Ah. Now I feel like an idiot."

--------------------------------------------------------------

Species: Lesser Lich

Title: [Slayer]

Level: 230

Rank: B

Status: Unknown

Soul Count: 17

Pet(s): [BDSM]

Skills: [Calculative thinking(2)] [Anger(2)] [Poisoner(1)] [Endurance(99)] [Tamer(1)]

Equipment:

Swords: [Poise]

Armour: [Leather Boots] [Leather Glove]

Shield: [Dominator's Shield <deactivated>]

Tools: None