Jacob was floored by this sudden news from Nyx, and he didn't know if he was hearing it right, but he knew it was really happening.
"Is that even possible? Shouldn't he be dead if he didn't have the Dreamscape Realm?" Jacob questioned Nyx with disbelief as he had heard multiple times that Dreamscape Realm was a very important part of the soul, so important that without it, one would die eventually.
But now, he was hearing that Asher didn't have the Dreamscape Realm at all, which was simply incomprehensible. He would've understood if Nyx said that she couldn't infiltrate his Dreamscape Realm, which means he was extremely powerful. But this was completely different, and it made Asher even more mysterious and dreadful.
"Your guess is as good as mine. I haven't encountered this situation before, so we need more input on this before we can reach some conclusion. If anything that made sense in this situation, it would be he's only a segment of a complete soul, which I don't know if it's even possible. But whatever the case is, you should be careful of that creep." Nyx solemnly warned as she was also clueless and as baffled as Jacob at this moment.
Jacob's expression only grew warier as he looked at Asher and said, "I appreciate your information, Mr. Asher. But this still doesn't explain why you think I'm this Faceless Ancient who's becoming a Dark Prince Contender?"
Jacob knew the first part of Asher's context was a complete lie; he wasn't chosen to be a Dark Prince Contender, and Asher was up to something which he had to know, and making more talk might shed some light on this strange development.
A peculiar glint flashed past Asher's eyes as he became calm, and at this moment, he suddenly said something unexpected, "Please forgive my rudeness, Mr. Crimson. Truth be told, since Faceless Ancient has been selected as a Dark Prince Contender, he has to be powerful and talented.
"But this person has been missing for many years, and now, from Dark Duke Tomas, I have found very interesting things about him. It was also he who steered me in your direction, and it seems he jumped the gun and made me antagonize you for no reason.
"I'll punish him for this misunderstanding now that I know you are not the Faceless Ancient. Furthermore, since I still need to find him, I'll not be joining your cause, and I'm leaving the Treaty as well since Dark City came first. I hope you understand and forgive my early rudeness.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to break this news to my associates before I start searching for him again. It's really a pity that I won't be able to witness your grandness. If you need anything from the Dark City, please don't hesitate to contact me; my Star ID is 'Bull's Blessing.' Farewell, Mr. Crimson."
Asher abruptly changed his entire tone, and without explaining himself or making things completely clear, he decided to leave as if he was really mistaken suddenly and was sure that Jacob wasn't the person he was looking for.
However, Jacob furrowed his brow in grimace because every word Asher said was a lie, except for his decision to leave the Treaty. But Jacob didn't stop Asher because he knew confronting a soul puppet would be meaningless.
If anything, Asher would become alert if he found Jacob had seen through his lies and might hide. Furthermore, he still was thinking about Nyx's words, and he didn't want to admit it, but he was now somewhat afraid of Asher, and the danger his senses picked up early was something he wouldn't ignore, period.
'Could it be that his early talk confirmed that I'm Faceless Ancient? But how?' Jacob thought gloomily, 'Whatever the case is, I need to be prepared for what is to come, at least until I get the Locust Queen and complete the Longevity Schema. At that time, Crimson would cease to exist!'
"Nyx, if I'm not wrong, whatever his plan is, he won't make his move alone and might seek some helpers, and Diminutive is most likely on top of this list. Probe information out of him; I'm giving you permission to bring froth your nightmares!"
Asher didn't know that he had fully alerted Jacob despite being extremely discreet. Even though he knew Jacob might suspect him because of his abrupt departure, he would've never imagined that Jacob could see through lies.
Although he got what he was looking for, it came at the price of compromising their secrecy.
Asher quickly left the chapel, where he was confronted by the Treaty members, especially Diminutive.
But to everyone's surprise, Asher directly told them that he wouldn't be a part of the treaty anymore. The reason he gave them was the same one he gave Jacob. However, he didn't tell them the details about the Dark Royal; he only told them it was extremely important and couldn't be put on hold.
Yet, what surprised everyone and made Veronica suspicious was Asher's request for Diminutive to have a private conversation, which the goblin agreed to without hesitation, causing more confusion.
Asher led Diminutive far away from the Holy Mountains. After making sure no one was in the vicinity, Asher directly took out an array plate and activated it, creating a powerful barrier around them.
Diminutive didn't move because he had his suspicions ever since Asher confronted Jacob and waited for Asher to do whatever he was doing, and another reason was that he was just a soul puppet.
"Alright, I don't like to beat around the bush, so I'll be straight with you. I was informed that you are also a part of the 'plan,' and I am, too. And I know you have already guessed it, so let's get to the point." Asher impassively stated as he looked towards Diminutive.
Diminutive was slightly astounded when he noticed that Asher was completely fearless. After he found out how he really was, it didn't seem to deter him at all like the other members of
the Treaty.
Now that Diminutive thought about it, he never paid Asher any attention at all, which was very strange, and now that he knew he was also included in this plan by this 'existence,' he was sure that Asher was most likely someone like him who was hiding his truth strength. Asher seems to not care about Diminutive thoughts about him as he continues, "Everyone in this wants something, and I'm really surprised that one person could get so much attention from dormant beings who didn't even show their faces for hundreds of years." Asher sighed, a little skeptical, before his eyes shone with creepy coldness, "I have confirmed Crimson's star ID. He is the Faceless Ancient. So, now we can all start the next part of the plan without worrying about getting the wrong person. The Plan will start...!"