"Where did you hear about A.T.L.A.S?!"
Jacob was astounded by Sofie's strong reaction to A.T.L.A.S and replied coldly, "Why are you questioning me instead of answering? Do you think just because I treat you to a meal, you can talk on equal ground with me? Do you forget who is the slave between us?"
Sofie shuddered slightly as she felt a chill down her spine. She almost lost her composure. She quickly settled down and said, "Forgive me, I was surprised by the name A.T.L.A.S. Since only the upper echelon members of the three hegemonies are warned about them.
"A.T.L.A.S is actually behind the infamous Star Hackers! They had been active even before the Vile Witch's reign. Whenever a Star Hacker hacked someone's Star ID, they would always leave A.T.L.A.S's name behind like a symbol to let everyone knows it was their handy work.
"But, to not give the Star Hackers any fame, the three hegemonies always hide anything related to them, and those outlaws also didn't seem to be interested in fame. They only target high-level targets, and once they succeed, they steal their information and then use it to cause havoc.
"To this day, the only clue about the Star Hackers is ATLAS, nothing else," Sofie revealed with a hint of trepidation.
Jacob, on the hand, was shocked by this unexpected revelation. He never thought he had found such a big fish unknowingly. He was warned by Captain Free Sword to be aware of Star Hackers and not get involved with him, or he will suffer unimaginable consequences.
At that time, Jacob thought a newcomer like him wouldn't be able to provoke Star Hackers or even crossways with them. Yet, now, he had not only crossed ways with them, he even discovered two of their possible members!
Furthermore, if those two really belonged to the notorious group of star hackers, then this means they might really know about the whereabouts of the Vile Witch. That's probably why the Dark Mistress decided to meet with those two.
'If they are star hackers, then why in the world are they flaunting their identities? Aren't they afraid of SAAI spying? Because according to Captain Free Sword, those star hackers are absolutely taboo, and if anyone were caught red-handed, it would be over for them.
'But those two had sent this letter and claimed themselves to be affiliated with this ATLAS, yet no action was taken against them? Or do they actually not belong to them but are using their name to bait the City Lord out?
'Or it could also be that as long as they won't use items related to Star Hackers or their abilities, SAAI won't act against them. Just like right now, we are also talking about Star Hackers, but it didn't mean we are part of them…'
The more Jacob thought, the more he understood how SAAI works and what the criteria for it acting against someone. Although completely understanding a complex being like SAAI was not possible for Jacob at this point. But he could still guess how it acts.
In the end, he only reached the conclusion that without hard evidence, or something triggered SAAI's reaction, it won't do anything or interfere with the plains business no matter what.
But it was still his assumption, and he had to wait and see to find solid ground. Yet one thing was sure the Star Network was completely natural, and unless someone provoked it, they wouldn't interfere with anyone.
"Alright, I get the picture of what is happening. You can retune back to your city. I have something to take care of before I will find you later. In the meantime, you can keep collecting materials for me. Once I take care of my business, I'll contact you through Star Network. Leave your Star ID behind. I'll transfer the funds as well." Jacob solemnly stated, and Sofie had a sigh of relief since Jacob agreed to move from this place.
Although she didn't know what business he had but she didn't care as long as he didn't put her life in danger.
"My Star ID is Crownless Alchemist89!"
Jacob nodded, "Noted, just remember what I said about my Star ID. If anyone saw it, even if that's your closest kin, you have to kill that person right there and then!"
Sofie couldn't help but frown as Jacob again used his authority over her to install this command.
In the end, she had to ask, "Why are you so worried about your star ID? Are you by any chance a Star Criminal?"
She knew only those fellows would hide their Star IDs like this, and Jacob matched their profiles quite well. But at the same time, it also didn't make sense since a Star Criminal can't access their bank accounts.
"See for yourself. But you can't reveal or even say it out loud!" Jacob coldly stated before he used his magic to operate the star watch with his mind.
After searching for Sofie's Star ID, Crownless Alchemist89, he directly transferred 40 Million ZC to her Star ID and also added her as a friend for convince sake.
Sofie, at this moment, received a notification, and she knew it was Jacob's doing. She curiously saw the name of Jacob's ID, and the moment she laid her eyes on it, they went wide with disbelief and then terror!
"Faceless Ancient has sent 40,000,000 ZC to your (Crownless Alchemist89) Zodiac Bank Account!
"New Balance: 42,400,109 ZC
"Faceless Ancient, send you a Star Friend Request!
"Accept/Ignore/Reject"
Sofie thought she was hallucinating, and this was another Star ID with the same name as the most infamous person on the Epic Plains right now. However, there was no number or anything, and it was the same Star ID that struck terror in many people's hearts, and almost every power was looking for its whereabouts.
She then trembled and looked at Jacob as her entire demeanor changed now that she looked at this man who had enslaved her. She never imagined that the person who was making waves in the epic plains would be right in front of her all along, yet he was not the Golden Elf, or his eye were maimed!
The Faceless Ancient was playing everyone like a fiddle by hiding right where anyone least expected him to be!