"No, I can't go out the front gate." He said to himself, looking at the dense forest around. He decided to go through the forest, tracing the paved road and using it to guide him out. The trees could give him cover, but he could also get lost if he dared to go in too deep.
Meanwhile, Theodore was still contemplating Lilly's options but leaning towards joining to gain freedom later…
After a cautious journey through the dense forest, Matthew emerged, sweaty but safe, on the outskirts of the university campus. Towering trees stood sentinel at the edge of the forest, their branches filtering the sunlight through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the well-worn path.
As he stepped into the open, the main campus of the university sprawled before him, ornate buildings with spires reaching toward the sky adorned the landscape, ivy-covered walls hinting at centuries of academia. The grounds were meticulously manicured, a vast courtyard hosting students engaged in scholarly pursuits, their fervor palpable in the air.
Matthew, with a mix of awe and disbelief, took in the grandeur of the university. Wide pathways, lined with benches and blooming flowers, led to imposing structures that seemed to whisper the tales of countless scholars who had walked these hallowed halls. The library, a colossal structure with towering bookshelves visible through the windows, beckoned like a sanctum of wisdom.
As he observed the students bustling about, the diversity of the campus struck him. Robed figures engaged in animated discussions, groups huddled around ancient-looking texts. The architecture seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, creating an environment that felt both timeless and cutting-edge.
Overwhelmed by the grandiosity of the university, Matthew couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected spectacle before him. His initial plan of escaping the mansion had brought him to this bastion of knowledge. The sweaty tension of his escape now transformed into a curious excitement, and a sense of opportunity sparked in his eyes.
Intrigued, he took a hesitant step onto the campus grounds, feeling like there was so much that he hadn't seen or experienced in his life, Matthew felt as if he was missing out on life.
'Get it together, now is not the time for this, I have to get out of here before they start looking for me.' Matthew thought to himself.
In this huge institution, he was clueless on how to navigate his way towards the exit of the university, and trying to search for it on his own might waste a lot of time, time that he had none to spare. He decided to ask someone.
"Excuse me," Matthew called out to one of the lone students walking.
"Yes?" The young man dawned in a simple get-up, a shirt, and comfortable trousers stopped and looked at who called out to him. "How may I help you?"
"I'm looking for a way out of the campus, if you don't mind, can you point the way out for me?" Matthew asked as politely as he could.
The young arched a brow at Matthew, he found it weird that a gardener of the university was asking him for directions. It wasn't weird for people to lose their way on the campus, but that usually only happens to the new students. 'Perhaps he's a new staff.' The young man wondered before pointing the way out to Matthew.
"Thank you, you are a lifesaver." Matthew thanked with a huge smile on his face as he began walking towards the direction that was given to him.
Matthew jogged a little, mixing his pace with walking and it didn't take long before he saw the gates of the university. He felt like his freedom was within hands reach and he increased his pace, wanting to leave the university.
He passed by a few security personnel, but none of them paid attention to him, his disguise didn't call for attention as it was normal for the gardeners of the university to come and go as they pleased.
The moment Matthew stepped out of the gates, the smile on his face expanded and his face beamed with excitement. The university's gates weren't far from the crux of the city. Matthew quickly looked for a secluded place to hide and get changed. He disposed of the gardener's disguise in an alley.
Stepping out of the alley, Matthew found himself in the heart of the bustling city. Tall structures loomed above, their facades adorned with intricate designs, hinting at a prosperous society. The streets, alive with the rhythmic clatter of hooves and the occasional rumble of carriages, were filled with elegantly dressed individuals.
He strolled amidst the crowd, observing the diverse designs of carriages, each drawn by horses of varying breeds, showcasing the city's wealth. People conversed in hushed tones, their attire reflecting lushness, and the air was tinged with an undercurrent of sophistication.
After navigating through the well-dressed throng, Matthew began his quest for the black market. He asked discreet questions, blending into the urban setting. Eventually, a whispered rumor led him to the entrance of a shadowy alley, concealed from the prying eyes of the affluent.
Entering the clandestine place, Matthew discovered the black market, a hive of illicit transactions hidden beneath the city's veneer of prosperity. Vendors in dimly lit stalls peddled mysterious artifacts, and the air was laden with the scent of secrecy.
Determined, Matthew continued his exploration. Soon, he came across an inconspicuous entrance to an auction house. Curiosity piqued, he stepped inside, greeted by the subdued hum of conversations and the occasional clink of glass.
Approaching the auctioneer, Matthew initiated a conversation. "Excuse me, sir. I'm new to this city, seeking something unique. Any idea where I might find rare items?" He inquired.
The auctioneer, a middle-aged man with a discerning gaze, replied, "Ah, looking for something special, are you? We've got a diverse collection. What's your fancy, stranger?"
Matthew leaned in, his voice low. "I've heard whispers about mystical artifacts. Know where I can find them?"
A sly smile crossed the auctioneer's face. "Mystical, you say? Follow me, discreet inquiries happen in the back room. Keep your questions sharp, and your coin sharper."
Guided by the auctioneer, Matthew ventured into the depths of the auction house, ready to unravel the clandestine secrets hidden within the city's shadows.