Jacob's declaration shook everyone's minds, not because he was willing to destroy the Ice Fiend Locusts by himself, but because of the implication behind his ambiguous words before the declaration.
After all, they knew what it meant to be rewarded by the Star Network or, more accurately, by SAAI. Furthermore, if there were really a reward involved, by the magnitude of the difficulty, it would be anything but ordinary, and this made the Quasi Legends' hearts race.
'Why did he reveal such information? Either he's leading us all by provoking our greed, or he's simply too arrogant and confident that no one would compete against him. Whatever the case is, I can't ignore his words since he's too mysterious. If he could even predict the actions of Zodiac Plains Enforcement, then our plans need to change...' Diminutive thought grimly as Jacob's words forced him to think in another direction and made the goblin deter a litter.
Even Asher has the same trail of thoughts as Diminutive, and he starts to regret agreeing to that damn lunatic.
"If there's nothing else, you all may leave now. I'll be moving soon, so if you excuse me, I will need to make a little preparation." Jacob didn't wait for anything and directly declared the end of his meeting.
He knew if he had to pretend to be in a hurry if he wanted them to buy his words. So, the more agitated he seems, the more they will believe in his words.
Diminutive was the first snapped out of his thoughts when he saw Jacob had already stood up and about to walk away, he hurried spoke out, "W-wait, your excellency!"
Jacob's lips curled up slightly, but no one could see his sly grin. He turned around and coldly asked, "Do you have something to add, Mr. Diminutive?"
"Ahem, please forgive Skyfall. He was just too excited and spoke out of line." Diminutive quickly showed his fox tail and berated Skyfall, making the elf's expression darken slightly. But Diminutive didn't care as he continued righteously, "How could we just remain sitting while you're going to fight for the fate of the entire galaxy's sake? After all, we still have our contract and, moreover, our integrity as the inhabitants of the lesser galaxy of Taurus. "Still, since you are going alone, we all respect your gallant spirit. But still, I think it won't hurt to have backup. So, representing the entire Treaty, I would like to offer our service as your backup. We'll only move on your command if you need us, or we'll be just bystanders." The Treaty members were speechless, and some of them were clearly unwilling since, despite the potential rewards involved, they knew they needed to be alive to enjoy them.
Furthermore, their confidence was at an all-time low after learning about Jacob's mysterious means and unfathomable prowess. But they couldn't speak against Diminutive since they knew this sly goblin might look weak, but he was a terrifying existence in his own right. Veronica had already warned them about it.
"This guy lies like drinking water. Well, it's not like it's not going in my favor.' Jacob thought as his devilish grin widened.
"No need; I don't want anyone near that fog island. You're not getting in my way will be your help to me." Jacob directly rejected it since he couldn't agree right away. He continued in an irrefutable tone, "And don't worry about the Legendary Key. Right after I am done with the Locust Army, you can have its location."
Now, Diminutive really started to believe that Jacob knew something about the rewards. He even mused that all this massacre was done to trigger this exact event, and Jacob's end goal was always this 'reward.'
However, he couldn't think of any other reason to make Jacob agree to let them participate. He knew Jacob was wary of him, and he had every reason to be. After all, he knew if it were him, he would've also been planning to sabotage the other party to claim this reward.
So, Jacob's cold stand against their participation was completely justifiable. Not to mention, this also further congeals Jacob's claim. If he had agreed to their help, Diminutive's entire thought process would've been the opposite of what it is now.
"Please allow us to be your backup, Sir Crimson!" Veronica suddenly stepped forward and solemnly requested before Diminutive could come up with some good excuse.
Veronica took a deep breath when she sensed Jacob's cold gaze suddenly locked on her and continued, "I promise you that no one will sabotage your plan in any way. In fact, we should all sign a new oath contract to make sure of it. It's not like I don't trust you, but your security is very important to us, especially since you have the legendary key. So, please accept this little request of mine!"
Diminutive was impressed by Veronica's reasoning and even thought that he should've treated him more gently. But all that goodwill vanished the moment she brought out the oath contract in this. He cursed her for being so foolish and not knowing when to think for herself. After all, why would they risk being only reinforcement if there's nothing to gain, especially that mysterious reward that Jacob was unwilling to share with them?
But he couldn't retort since it would only prove Jacob's worry justifiable, and he clenched his fist and hoped Jacob would disagree since this way, he could at least continue with the early plan.
Furthermore, he can't sign this contract because it would conflict with another more powerful contract that he had already signed.
Jacob secretly appreciated Veronica even more, as this woman was not only powerful and hiding herself too well under Diminutive's nose, but she seemed to be adamant about doing anything to break free from the goblin's clutches. Even if it's meant to make a deal with the Devil.
Seeing that Jacob didn't refuse instantly this time, Diminutive started to sweat, and he wasn't alone. Asher also frowned grimly as he stared dagger at Veronica for suggesting something so ridiculous.
"If that is the case, then..."
"Wait! Mr. Crimson, is your Star ID Faceless Ancient?"
Before Jacob could agree, Asher suddenly spoke, drawing everyone's attention. Jacob's eyes went sharp, and faint killing intent surfaced in them when he looked towards the barbarian!