Jacob's words were like a bomb in everyone's mind because Jacob directly hit the nail when he tempted them with the location of the legendary key.
Jacob knew the entire unique plains were stirring because of the missing legendary key. As the opening time of the path of legend was drawing near, the hidden experts who were eying a higher realm of power would naturally not sit still.
His conjecture became more solid after he learned that so many Quasi Legends were suddenly making moves. Although revealing the clues about the legendary key would put him at huge risk, he was now confident in escaping with his life from any kind of threat in the Unique Plains.
Moreover, the purpose of only revealing the part about how he knew where the legendary key was but not that he already had it put a layer of protection on him. If they wanted the legendary key, they wouldn't make a move until they didn't want to lose their only lead. Even if they were greedy and attacked him while thinking that he had it, after witnessing Jacob's prowess and his mysterious depth, he was sure they wouldn't act against him unless they wanted to put their lives at risk. And he knows damn well that a Quasi Legend won't take unnecessary risks for other's sake after reaching his point of power.
He was especially confident after observing Diminutive. This kind of sly goblin wouldn't take a risk going against someone like Jacob, who literally exposed everything about him that he had been hiding all this time.
As Jacob expected, Diminutive was the first one to compose himself after hearing the part about the legendary key and said solemnly, "Your excellency, your offer is indeed templating, but forgive my lack of respect when I say I can't trust you with just your words.
"If you can give us something that makes us believe, you have my word that we'll help you with everything we have. Of course, if you want to join our little group here in the venture of the dangerous path of legend, I'll be happy to give you the leader's position. I'm sure everyone will be happy to follow someone powerful like you, unlike a weak little goblin like myself, who is too afraid to lead them!"
Diminutive's submissive attitude shocked everyone, especially when he casually offered the Treaty of Legends' leader position. This also proved that he was the true leader in the shadows while the Queen was a figurehead, or they were deliberately hiding Diminutive's strength as a trump card.
However, no one retorted because they knew Jacob was unfathomable at this moment, and even this shadow leader of theirs was sucking up to him right now. It made them even more apprehensive of Jacob.
Nonetheless, just as Diminutive stated, if Jacob really comes on their side and knows where the legendary key is or already has it, then all the trouble they were going to have would be resolved.
Moreover, they will also gain a terrifying existence like Jacob. It was far better than following this sneaky fellow around who might sacrifice them for his own gains; at least Jacob would be there to keep Diminutive in check.
"Tsk, tsk, although his words are submissive, and he only wants to confirm whether I have the key in my possession or not. Not only that, but he clearly didn't want to show his true abilities, and by putting me on the spot, he could scheme all he wanted.' A hint of coldness crept into Jacob's eyes as his lips rose slightly, 'Well, it's not like I hadn't expected it from someone like him, and he didn't know he was just digging his own grave...'
"Oh, you're doubting me? Well, it's to be expected, I guess, since you can't take a stranger's words seriously." Jacob nodded in understanding before he dismissively stated, "Although I don't have the key in my possession right now since I can just take it whenever I want, truthfully, I've left it alone all this time because I'm not interested in the path of legend. Nonetheless, to make you guys believe what I just said, how about we sign a Zodiac Oath Contract? I'll let you pen the terms so you won't think I'm leaving some loophole to exploit you."
This time, Diminutive didn't respond for some reason, as he was starting to have some doubts about Jacob's confidence.
His sharp eyes flashed with a hint of uncertainty as he mused, 'Does he really know where the legendary key is?' He seemed too confident as if he weren't afraid of signing the oath contract at all.
'Moreover, if he's revealing this important information just like that, then this could only mean that something is even more important to him than the legendary key.
'No matter what, since he held the initiative, I can only be in a lost position. And here I thought I could do anything in the unique plains. Just where did this monster pope off from? I need more information about him before I can't take the risk of going against him.'
"Old man Sylas, if I agree with His Excellency, do you have any problem with that?"
Diminutive suddenly put Sylas, who had been silent all this time, on the spot, startling the old man. Jacob looked towards the old man with a hint of dark anticipation as if he wanted him to make a move while he was secretly sneering at Diminutive's rookie attempt at 'Flying a Kite.'
"N-no. I have no problem with this senior. It seemed my descendants have offended this senior unknowingly." Sylas quickly backed down.
Demanding justice from this unknown monster, wouldn't he be courting death? Although his faith and power were important, they were not as important as his old life, which he cherished the most.
"Tsk, I forget he's the biggest coward of them all when it comes to facing danger. In a time like this, I really missed that muscle-brain idiot; he would've jumped on this trap, and then I could've measured his strength even more.
'Although his power is unfathomable, there is no doubt. But he's in the unique plains, so he's not at his peak. Curse these damn rules, only allowing unique rank people into the conflict plains. Even if someone used the same method to enter the conflict plains, they would be slapped to death by this guy. Guess I have to give in for now...'
Feeling bitter, Diminutive finally nodded, "Since no one has any problem with his excellency, then let's sign this contract right away. Please give me your Star ID so that I can send you the contract."
Jacob had already expected this before he dismissively replied, "There's no need for a digital contract; I've already had a physical one. Oh, and don't forget to put a condition that only 'Real Bodies' could sign this contract, not any kind of 'substitutes, servants, or slaves.'
"Since this is somewhat of a big matter, I think you would agree with me if someone between us turned out to be only a puppet, right?" Jacob casually said in a friendly yet chilly tone.
"My thoughts exactly!" Diminutive agreed with a chuckle as if it was only nature yet inside, he cussed, "This crafty fox!'