After Jacob replied to Hallberg, he didn't receive any more messages, which was nothing but good news for him, and he focused on the third auction post, which was being dominated by Lucy!
However, after three minutes, he saw an unexpected notification.
"Timeless Dark Tree has sent you a Star Friend Request
"Accept/Reject/ Ignore"
Jacob was somewhat surprised since he had never seen this star ID before, but since it could send him a Star Friend Request, then it was clearly a 2-star privilege star ID like him.
But he was about to ignore it when a message also popped up, which made his eyes dilate with shock.
"Timeless Dark Tree has sent you a Mail!"
"Read!"
"(NOTE: Timeless Dark Tree has used Star Privilege to send an unignorable Mail Request. Timeless Dark Tree Star Privilege is higher than You (Faceless Ancient), Mail can't be ignored or minimized, Star ID can't be blocked!)"
"A 3-star privilege holder!" Jacob was really surprised when he saw this unignorable mail, which he hadn't seen in years.
Even the three hegemonies' leaders didn't have 3-star privilege, yet this unknown fellow popped out of nowhere.
But now, he had no choice but to see this mail, and it wasn't like he was interested in knowing just who this person was who had a "Timeless Dark Tree (New Message): I'm the Dark Marquise; Mr. Ancient just said you have an intriguing deal for me?"
3-star privilege and wasn't one of the three leaders of the hegemonies.
"Timeless Dark Tree (New Message): I'm the Dark Marquise; Mr. Ancient just said you have an intriguing deal for me?"
'The hell?' Jacob frowned in disbelief as this unexpected realization dawned upon him.
"Was my conversation with that jackal been monitored by this Dark Marquise?" Jacob muttered as he thought this was the only explanation for this guy's prompt response.
Furthermore, Jacob didn't even say those words sincerely at all, and he was just taunting the guy since he thought Hallberg would never let him come in contact with his superior unless he wanted to lose his reputation.
Yet, he was proven wrong by this Dark Marquise, and it appeared that the Dark City works in quite a peculiar pattern. Even someone like Hallberg, who had a pretty deep enmity with him, was behaving there, which was quite unexpected in Jacob's opinion.
Nevertheless, it didn't mean he was going to believe in Dark City's people. That mistake was only one time, and being selfish is the only way to go in this world.
Jacob replied.
"Faceless Ancient to (Timeless Dark Tree): How do I know you are not just another goon like that little jackal, Hallberg?
"Timeless Dark Tree (Reply): Despite Mr. Ancient's intellectual prowess, you can't even figure out that a 3-star privilege Star ID is not something that just anyone can have. Or perhaps, you weren't expecting me to make contact at all?"
Jacob squinted his eyes when he read this irrefutable reply. He has indeed thought of this and knew not just anyone can have a 3-star privilege Star ID in this place. Or at least not a mediocre person like a goon.
"Faceless Ancient to (Timeless Dark Tree): So, his majesty, the Dark Marquise is really interested in a terrorist like me, huh? I must say, I'm extremely humbled by your lordship's attention."
"Timeless Dark Tree (Reply): You are indeed a unique one, Mr. Ancient. But we both know you are far from being a terrorist. Instead, you are a cornered fox who is trying to retaliate against other foxes who like to bully the weak ones.
"Faceless Ancient to (Timeless Dark Tree): Oh, you have quite a humor.
"Timeless Dark Tree (Reply): It's more like insight. Anyhow, I can tell, you and Dark Earl Hallberg has enmity, which he refused to tell me. Instead, he can rather be in prison for ten years. I don't know what happened between you two, but I can assure you, Dark Earl Hallberg didn't represent the whole Dark City. So, I sincerely hope you could give us another chance with an open mind and give me a chance to show you what the Dark City is truly about and how we are different from the three hegemonies."
Jacob merely sneered at the Dark Marquise's typical recruitment speech.
"Faceless Ancient to (Timeless Dark Tree): I think I'm good wherever I am right now.
"Timeless Dark Tree (Reply): Very well, it's your choice, but know this, Mr. Ancient, if you ever change your mind, I'll be right there for you, and the Dark City doors will always be open for you. Once you see the true Dark City, you'll come to understand that Dark Earl Hallberg is nothing. Anyhow, I respect your choice. Now I would very much like to hear about that deal of yours."
Jacob was speechless by Dark Marquise's optimistic attitude, but there wasn't any fault to pick in his words. If anything, this guy had a point about the Dark City's strength, and if he judged the entire organization on just one rotten bastard's merit, he would be a petty-minded person.
Nevertheless, trust was long past him, and the only thing left were mutual benefits. Since the Dark Marquise seemed to be in charge of the Epic Plains Dark City, then his reach was far deeper than the three leaders of hegemonies.
If he can form a mutual partnership with him, he might not even need to worry about finding resources at all.
"Faceless Ancient to (Timeless Dark Tree): I'm an individual of my words, Dark Marquise. I might not join the Dark City, but I can still sell Dark City my products exclusively. In return, I want cutting-edge knowledge and resources. If you can provide me with that, the Atomic Grenade is just the start.
"Timeless Dark Tree (Reply): I can agree to resources, but cutting-edge knowledge is out of the question. You should understand that each organization has its own rules, and we only reward our members with knowledge. You can state some other demands, but knowledge is out of the question.
Jacob frowned as he was afraid of this exact thing. Right now, his ZC problem was solved, and even the resources weren't a top priority anymore. What he lacks now is knowledge to increase his understanding of magic!
That's why he was going to the Vile Witch Layers in the first place.
"Faceless Ancient to (Timeless Dark Tree): I don't want exclusive knowledge of Dark City. I know my limit. I just want knowledge that is not related to Dark City. Furthermore, I will even take the three hegemonies' knowledge."
Jacob replied decisively and waited patiently, and the reply finally came.
"Timeless Dark Tree (Reply): Is that so? You are quite bold, Mr. Ancient. But this is the exact thing I like about you. But you still need to show me that the risk is worth it before we finalize our deal!"