Jacob looked at Hallberg, who was bowing his head in apology. He knew with Hallberg's current status; it was quite a big deal for him to lower his head in front of him.
"Since no harm was done, and His Excellency has already taken care of the matter, let's consider it over." He stated impassively.
Although he got to know why Water Wave tried to take a shot at his life, the entire thing was filled with ambiguity. Especially the part when she said it was the disc that intensified her emotions and made her do it.
If Jacob had known the disc's entire functions, he would've scoffed at her accusation. But the thing is, he had no idea what kind of functions this disc had, and he really doubted that it might have some kind of effect on Water Wave's brain. Or the Killer Skull Society might have some way to control it remotely.
Whatever the case was, Jacob needed to test this thing thoroughly, and he was even glad that Water Wave was the one who tried it first, not Hallberg.
Because if the disc really can mess up with the brain, then he won't be able to explain himself if Hallberg was the one who lost his mind. Still, he will not be talking that disc out anymore, not until he knows its full deal or if it was absolutely necessary.
Hallberg looked at Jacob and sighed again with a hint of complication, "You are not what you appeared to be. Let's go. We should have a serious conversation now."
Jacob nodded in agreement, and he knew it was time to talk business after what had happened. He wasn't in the mood to have a tour around, nor was Hallberg.
Hallberg, in a sullen mood, led Jacob to another luxurious hall where another table was filled with beverages waiting for them. It was clearly prepared beforehand.
Hallberg sat on the seat and instantly poured himself a glass of purple color ale and gulped it down without even a second delay.
"Sigh…" He exhaled sharply before he looked at Jacob, who was sitting in front of him without moving.
"That really ruins the mood, huh?" Hallberg bitterly lamented before he said, "So, why were you looking for me? If there's anything I can do to make amends, I won't hold back."
Jacob didn't get to the point; instead, he replied ambiguously, "As I said before, no harm was done. I shouldn't have brought that thing out despite knowing the people of Rare Plains weren't ready for it.
"Anyway, I can see Your Excellency is more interested in me than I am in you. I hope you can satisfy my curiosity about why did you give me this chance despite knowing what I'm capable of.
"Like right now, you appeared to want my forgiveness more than anything. I would like to know what you seek from me so we can move on with our conversation without being wary of each other intentions."
Jacob plainly laid it down as he didn't think there was any need to beat around the bush anymore. He had an advantage over Hallberg, which he clearly wasn't expecting, but it didn't mean he won't use it just because he might be at fault.
Jacob had learned the hard way about the art of negotiation, and kindness or remorse has no place in it.
Hallberg chuckled wryly as he said, "I guess there's no point in hiding it anyway. I was interested in you first because of your 1-star privilege, which led me to believe that you were the mysterious champion of Rare Plains Trial.
"But it was only a fleeting interest until you abruptly became the Alchemy Guild Leader, which was quite unexpected given the old man Braylon's astute personality.
"However, you then abruptly vanished for almost two years, and when you appeared again, you caused another huge event over a week ago. Trust me what you did; I don't think anyone in my position didn't want to befriend you or at least know if you are an enemy or friend."
Jacob nodded in understanding as he would've done the same if he was in Hallberg's position, but it was not this simple, not by a long shot, because Hallberg was not just anyone. He was the Dark Earl of the Dark City!
"Then what do you think? Am I an enemy or friend?" Jacob asked in a subtle tone.
Hallberg looked deeply into Jacob's impassive eyes before shaking his head, "I don't know if you're a friend or not, but I do know you won't become an enemy if I don't give you a good reason for it."
Jacob nodded without denying Hallberg's claim and said sharply, "That's right. So, tell me the real reason you want me here?"
Hallberg was startled before he wryly asked, "It's not enough?"
Jacob shook his head, "It's a good judgement of character, not a reason. If you know I don't have a reason to be your enemy, you could've just stayed as far away from me, and there's no reason to invite me into your house, which is a risk, not inquisitiveness."
Hallberg's eyes shimmered with a sharp glint as he drank another glass of ale and laughed suddenly, "You know, now that I think about it after meeting you, it was a right decision to invite you here. Alright, I'll give it to you straight; I want to issue a Dark Mission to you."
Jacob cocked an eyebrow as it was somewhat unexpected, "What kind of Dark Mission? Since you know my capabilities, you won't give me something trivial."
Hallberg nodded, and without hiding it further, he revealed, "It's actually an escort mission, and the reward will be the Dark Baron Title and 1 Million ZC."
Jacob's eyes narrowed as the rewards were quite enticing that even he felt compelled. Just the title of the Dark Baron was enough to make almost all the people in the dark city crazy.
However, this will also make this escort mission just as dangerous as well.
"Continue," Jacob stated impassively, as he still wanted to know the details before he would reject or accept it.
Hallberg revealed with a hint of a smile, "The Escort Mission is actually escorting me to the Epic Plains!"
