Today, Jacob came out of the Dark Room to meet with a visitor, who was none other than Dark Earl Heath. But he wasn't wearing his armor; instead, he was in formal attire. Jacob was in his usual windbreaker as they were sitting around a table with expensive magic liquor.
"How may I help you, Dark Earl," Jacob asked in an impassive tone.
It was the third day since he had shifted to this place, and truth be told, he was extremely busy running between the dark battle arena and improving his blueprint. He had already gotten the materials he had purchased from the dark shop.
Once he was done finalizing the blueprint, he was going to start the creation process. The delay was because of the magic materials involved, and he was using the nightmare realm to speed up the process.
Yet, he had to leave because of Heath, and he couldn't do anything about it since the investigation was still going on.
Heath smiled politely, "It seemed I'd interrupted you, Dark Viscount. For that, I'll apologize. I'm here for two things. First, the investigation involved with the Star Hackers is complete, and you'll get the rewards and a complete report on the investigation from Dark Rose within three days.
"Thanks to your help, we managed to sniff out six more spies of the Star Hackers from Jethro's men. But it's a pity the four of them committed suicide when they got the winds of our men closing in on them, and two of them managed to escape. But they'll meet the same fate soon."
Jacob nodded as he was expecting this much, but he was still a little spectacle about the ATLAS's capability. He didn't expect that he had infiltrated this deep into the Dark City; he couldn't imagine what it would be like in the other organizations.
"What the second matter?" Jacob asked.
Heath was secretly surprised by Jacob's lukewarm reaction as he was expecting the man to be at least somewhat afraid or demand protection from the Dark City. But Jacob didn't even seem bothered, as if this didn't involve him in any way.
Still, he didn't show it and continued to the main objective of his visit, "The second matter is actually an invitation from Dark Marquis Fulwood. His Highness has specially prepared a banquet in your honor tomorrow evening."
Jacob frowned a little as he didn't want to meet this Fulwood at all, and that's why he was avoiding him from the start. His reason was simple: he didn't want to be involved in the politics of the Dark City or waste his precious time.
That's why he had caved himself in the dark room when he arrived here so that no one would bother him, yet now it can't be avoided anymore since it will draw Fulwood's irony, and he can't be bothered to take care of that guy if he turned out of be a vengeful idiot.
Furthermore, after showing his prowess, he knew that the higher-ups of the Dark City would not leave him alone, especially the Dark Duke Clans. Zoe had already warned him before.
If he hadn't come in contact with the Dark Room, he would've long left the moment Star Hackers targeted him. Now, he didn't want any trouble, at least not until Autarch completes its evolution.
"Alright, I'll be there to thank his highness for this favor." Jacob nodded without beating around the bush.
Heath smiled contently as he was afraid Jacob might decline, which was no good for him.
"Very well, a carriage for you will arrive here to pick you up in the evening. I won't take any more of your time." Heath stated before he bid farewell and left.
Jacob didn't see him off and headed towards the Dark Room again. But just two hours later, he received an unexpected call from Zoe.
'Did something happen in the dark kingdom?' He was uncertain as he picked up the call.
"Mr. Jack, I was summoned by Dark Duke today, and he was inquiring about you…" Zoe didn't beat around the bush and directly reveal what happened at the Dark Palace with a somewhat frosty tone.
Jacob grimaced as he was expecting the attention of Dark Duke, but it was still too soon, and with how Zoe was describing it, he could tell this interest might not be a good thing.
"You did well by sticking to the plan. As for why he was interested in me all of a sudden, it has something to do with the attack on me by the Star Hackers. It seemed my prowess had drawn his unwavering interest." Jacob stated impassively that this wasn't worth hiding from Zoe.
She was a valuable pawn in the Dark Kingdom, and if she hadn't told him about this, he would've been in the dark. Now, he can be wary of Dark Duke.
Zoe was startled by unexpected news and quickly asked with a hint of worry, "Why would Star Hackers attack you in such a manner? What do we do?"
Jacob was her only hope to achieve her lifelong goal, and if the star hackers targeted him, it was nothing but bad news for her since she had already turned cold to her family. She knew that without someone like Jacob, it would be nearly impossible to claim the seat of Dark Duke.
"Let me worry about the Star Hackers. They can't do anything to me while I'm still in the Unique Plains. As for the Dark Duke, continue what you're doing and tell me if something like this happens again.
"Oh, and tell me about this Dark Marquis Fulwood. It seemed I have to be prepared for a banquet…" Jacob asked with squinted eyes.
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The next evening, a luxurious giant carriage drawn by magic beasts arrived at Jacob's estate right on time.
Jacob, in purple formal attire, embarked on the carriage as they headed towards the Dark Marquis Fulwood estate, which was very close to where Jacob's estate was located since they were in the same level of area.
Upon arriving at the fully lit Dark Marquis Estate, Jacob saw many carriages were already there.
'It seemed I'm not the only one invited.' He thought while disembarking his carriage.
A butler was waiting for his arrival and then respectfully led him inside the lavish mansion, which was like a small castle at least two times bigger than Jacob's.
The moment he entered, a servant loudly announced, "The guest of honor, Dark Viscount Faceless Ancient, has arrived!"