?The discussion and planning with Zoe lasted for over an hour before Jacob directly left the Dark City with Sofie. Zoe wanted to introduce Jacob to the Dark Council, but he declined since time was pressing.
He gave Zoe the coordinates of his ship, and she'll come when she is ready to depart. If anything, he directly bought all the titan iron from the Dark City since he's going to need it soon.
"What a mysterious man." Zoe couldn't help but mutter as she found Jacob quite terrifying after hearing about his plan. Even she didn't think of it like this.
Once she returned after bidding Jacob temporary farewell, she headed directly to a secret room and called someone.
Soon, a blurry, dark projection appeared in front of her, and a husky voice rang, "How did it go?" This person was one of the top figures of the Unique Plains and also Zoe's Grandfather, Dark Duke Tomas.
Tomas was the one who told Zoe to confiscate the medallion from Jacob by any means necessary, and he knew without even Zoe telling him about it. At that time Zoe was quite thrilled since Tomas contacted her on his own for the first time ever.
But she was only disappointed when she learned he didn't contact her to learn about her granddaughter's struggles or ask her to come back. Even her parents never contacted her.
However, she still foolishly followed his instructions, hoping to prove her worth. But after meaning Jacob, it was like a veil had been lifted over her eyes. She understands she was just a pawn of her family to be moved as they wish.
She replied respectfully, "I just met him, and he didn't have it."
"What?" Tomas's voice was icy, "Don't you make yourself clear enough? Don't tell me you don't even know how to handle this little matter. What were you even doing here all this time?"
Zoe's heart turned cold hearing Tomas's harsh voice. She coldly replied, "According to him, he was approached by a middle-aged man with a moon symbol on his forehead; I don't need to tell you what he was referring to. Furthermore, that man wasn't alone; he had surrounded himself with fifty people.
"He had no choice but to exchange it with a passage to the Unique Plains. How was I supposed to do then? You should know the Zodiac Night Federation is fastest in the Star Ocean, it's not my fault."
She responded according to what she had discussed with Jacob. Not only would Jacob overthrow the target on his back to the Zodiac Night Federation, but they would have a perfect reason that no one can find fault with. Now, if Dark Duke or anyone wanted that medallion, they could find the Zodiac Night Federation.
Just as they planned, Dark Duke's anger subdued a bit as he cussed, "Those unscrupulous bastards have no restraint! Again, they meddled in this matter. It seemed my dark cities are silent for too long, and they think we are toothless tigers."
After venting his frustration, he asked about Jacob, "What about that guy face whatever? How did you handle him?"
"He was pretty shaken up after his encounter with Zodiac Night Federation, so he begged him to join the Dark City for protection. So, didn't refuse him." Zoe stated.
"What a coward." Tomas scoffed, "You did the right thing. Since he's proficient in causing trouble, he'll be useful here as well. When will he leave?"
Zoe eyes shimmered coldly as she replied, "In a few months I guess, the Zodiac Night Federation gave him a specific time and route. Oh, and I'm going to come with him as well."
"No, there is no need for you to come. You have failed your mission, which means you still have not experienced enough." Tomas directly rejected her without hesitation.
"There is nothing here to experience anymore. I'm already at the border of unique rank, if I stay here I'll waste my time and talent." Zoe retorted with resentment.
Actually, she was in this state for decades now but never had the guts to say it. Her talent would be ruined in a few more years if she didn't grab this chance, and that was also one of the main reasons she agreed to work with Jacob.
"You will be at the bottom if you return. Think about it." Tomas coldly said as he clearly wasn't happy about Zoe talking back. He could sense she was different from before and more daring.
"I can live with that, but there is nothing for me here. I can do more there, and I won't be a burden to the clan." She replied without hesitation.
Even if Tomas had not agreed to this, she was going to do it. She didn't want to live in suppression anymore. Furthermore, Jacob's existence gave her confidence.
Tomas remained silent for a few moments before he impassively asked, "What if I won't allow it?"
Zoe's heart sank as Tomas was clearly bullying her; she took a deep breath and said, "Even without your support, I've already accepted the mission, and I'll leave with Faceless Ancient. I'm no longer a child, and I can make my decision."
"Hahaha…" Tomas suddenly burst into laughter, "Good! You at least have guts now. Very well come, I'll be waiting for you!"
Without waiting for Zoe's reply, the projection vanished. It was still not clear if Tomas was happy or furious. But Zoe didn't care and left to prepare. She still had many matters to tend to, like appointing a new city administrator. There were two people who were close to Dark Marquis's title, and whoever became first would succeed in her position.
---
After Jacob left the Dark City, he headed towards the Star Ocean direction. The epic plains right now were filled with chaos because of radiation and the Dark Beings' sudden war declaration. Many people were fleeing the epic plains.
Half a day later, Jacob and Sofie suddenly stopped because someone had blocked their path.
It was an old man in silvery robes with long white hair and gray skin filled with fish-like scales. His blue eyes were without any pupils and icy, and he had a crescent black moon symbol on his forehead.
Jacob was astounded since he instantly recognized that black moon symbol, 'He's a Zodiac Night Guardian Dark Marquis warned me about. But how did he find me?'