Jacob looked at the reward list with glowing curiosity, and his eyes stopped on the Scorching Blades of Aries Legacy and Aries' Will Twin Sword Set. He had personally witnessed the twin swords in Aries' hands in the murals. From both general descriptions, he could only imagine how powerful this legacy and treasure were since they were created after Aries and probably complement each other.
Furthermore, he was a dual wielder himself, but his Deceptive Swords Style was rather unique. It was created in ancient times during the era of martial arts in his world and passed down from generation to generation in his wife's clan, the Proulx Clan.
If not for his talent, Mr. V wouldn't have passed it down to him, and only he knew how much hardship he had to go through before that old man was willing to teach it to him.
Moreover, his wife was even more proficient than him in this sword style, but because of his dreams, his priorities weren't martial arts. He only learned martial arts out of his needs and to earn money in his youth when he was poor yet proud and didn't want an easy way to the top.
Because of his obsession, he wanted to create everything himself without any help, but as he grew old, he learned the ways of the world and changed himself. But his obsessions and pride never changed.
This was also Jacob's biggest regret in his final years. He had been blinded by his obsessions and pride and ignored everything until nothing was left, and everything he ever wanted to be seemed meaningless to him. In the end, all he wanted was to live another for 'that' promise.
Jacob's eyes remained on the Scorching Blades of Aries Legacy for some time before he decided to look away. Even if this was a King State Legacy, his Deceptive Swords Style was enough for him, and he also wanted to stick with it and even surpass it, even to the same heights as Aries's sword style.
The next thing that caught his attention was the Map of the Blazing Constellation, and when he read its description, his eyes instantly glowed when he read the 'Yang Fire' on it.
Jacob still remembers when he came in contact with the Yin Ice. Immortika also mentioned Yang Fire and how rare they were. Furthermore, the yin ice was still assimilating his water magic core, changing it.
'If Yang Fire is also the same, then it'll be extremely beneficial for my fire magic core. Not to mention, since this map is in the section of a legendary king state treasures, the Yang Fire has to be even more powerful. I've already had many treasures and with the legendary keys, I'll get more. So, I should pay attention to special items like the Astral Lightseed…'
"I chose the Map of the Blazing Constellation!" Jacob quickly made his choice, as he declared before he glanced at the Vampire Princess, who was not far away; she happened to be looking his way and paying attention to him.
Resentment and envy shone in her eyes furiously when she heard Jacob choosing a treasure that should've been her without his interference. But he quickly suppressed it when she saw Jacob was looking her way and focused on the translucent white parchment in her hand as dark words continued to appear on following her will and soul force. It was a soul contract.
At this moment, a crimson scroll suddenly appeared in front of him, and with his quick reaction, he stowed it away without giving Gracey any chance to take a careful look. He decided to study it once he was alone, and then he looked at the information on the projection, which had changed.
"Map of the Blazing Constellation (Treasure Map): Advanced Legendary King State Rank
"Introduction: Legends say this map was left behind by the Aries Zodiac itself and marks the path to the fabled Yang Flames, an ancient fire essence known for its unmatched purity and destructive power over all elements!
"Treasure Map: Only those who have mastered the law of fire and possess the fiery indomitable will can fully decipher its secrets. The map will also react to the holder's soul force, revealing hidden secrets and the exact coordinates of the Yang Fire!
"Additional Effect: Meditating with this map can help the holder comprehend the Fire Law up to Legendary King State Proficiency!" Jacob was astounded when he saw the exact details of this map, and when he saw its additional effect, he was even more surprised. Although he didn't know yet about the laws, he could easily guess that just this single ability was enough to make this map a priceless treasure, even if someone couldn't decipher it. He was even more pleased with this choice.
At this moment, another announcement was made, drawing Jacob and Gracey's attention instantaneously. "The Third Reward: An Ascension Permit has been given!"
At this moment, the Ascension Permit, in the shape of a ring, appeared. This was the true object of interest and also the reason for Gracey's willingness to compromise so much since she didn't want to take any risk with this.
Jacob didn't directly take it but merely glanced at Gracey, and he couldn't help but admire her control over her emotions. She was probably suppressing her urge to attack him and take the ascension permit, which was right in front of her eyes. But their early exchange and Jacob's confidence served as a great deterrent.
"Soul Contract is ready; please check it," Gracey impassively said as she flickered the translucent parchment filled with words toward Jacob. Her eyes were affixed on the ascension permit, and since Jacob hadn't directly grabbed it yet, she felt somewhat relieved that he was willing to follow through with this deal.
Jacob easily caught the soul contract and skimmed through it. The terms and conditions were the same, and he even caught sight of a loophole: They would not harm each other in the 'Path of Legend,' not 'Ever' or after 'leaving' the path of legend. He knew this woman was planning her revenge, but he didn't mind, nor did he expose her since things were going exactly as planned.
The next moment, Jacob input his soul force into the contract; it was the only way to sign a soul contract, and the translucent contract instantly started to shimmer with a mystical white light.
Gracey's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, 'He didn't find that loophole? I guess he's too drunk on his power and victory. What a fool… to think I have to yield to him?'
Although she was relieved, she was more furious, and her determination to hunt Jacob down once they left the path of legend became even more solid, almost her obsession.
Jacob then sent the soul contract on her way since now it was Gracey's turn to input her soul force before the soul contract took effect. If she tries to change anything on it, it'll be destroyed. This means that the content of the contract was absolute once one party signed it.
Gracey didn't hesitate, either. She directly used her soul force on the contract, and the next moment, the contract shone brilliantly before it burst into white particles. Afterward, two ethereal white streaks bolted in Jacob and Gracey's direction.
No one dodged them, as they both allowed them to land on their glabella before they vanished into their souls. Gracey didn't react much, but Jacob was closely paying attention as he observed the moment the soul contact entered his spiritual nebula. A powerful, mysterious power suddenly started to take effect.
But at this moment, his cursed heart suddenly came alive and started to pulse with crimson light on its own. Suddenly, that strange power seemed to be with a predator, and it instantly erased before the cursed heart went dormant again as if nothing had happened!
Although Jacob had expected this much, he was amazed and delighted when he witnessed his cursed heart in action for the first time.
But he didn't have time to celebrate. He looked at Gracey and saw her calm, which meant she didn't discover it at all.
Jacob then quickly acted, pushing the ascension permit towards Gracey without any hint of worry and saying, "This is yours now."
Gracey was again astounded by Jacob's move. She expected him to demand her Domanial Neckless first, but when she thought about the soul contract establishment, she knew neither she nor Jacob could go back on their words.
Glaring indignantly, she grabbed the ascension permit and felt a huge weight lifted from her shoulder. But it soon turned into unwillingness and resentment as she removed a black necklace with a gray crystal etch on it. It was the Domanial Neckless, a Legendary Noble Rank Treasure!
"Hand it over!" Jacob coldly said when he saw her hesitation and reluctance.
"Fine!" Gracey murderously retorted before she sent it towards.
The moment he grabbed it, Jacob directly sent it to his infinity pendant, so even if she had some connection with it, it would break directly.
The very next moment, Jacob noticed a change in Gracey's eyes, but it was too late for her as he directly uttered, "Slumber Hex!"