Just by taking a cursory glance around the area, Sandro was able to find three clues corresponding to three different pathways.
The first clue was a puddle filled with water near one of the paths. The area they were in showed no signs of faulty plumbing, nor had it rained earlier. Moreover, the puddle itself seemed to vaguely resemble an arrow. The next clue was a grouping of posters on a lamppost. Certain letters within the various posters were highlighted in bold. When Sandro took a closer look, the letters formed an arrow as well, pointing toward a different path. The last clue was an arrowed sign that gave directions to an open art space where people could paint on buildings.
Sandro recounted all the information he had gathered to Alexander. He had presumed the two of them would decide together which way to go. However, it seemed Alexander had already made a decision, simply stating, "We need to go down the path of the arrowed sign.''
That direct and confident decision made Sandro curious. He attempted to satiate his curiosity by asking, "How come you're so sure of your decision? It could just as easily be any of the other clues I found.''
Alexander proceeded to give a short explanation as he began to walk down the path he had chosen. "Simple. The signs were the first clue that led us to this area. It stands to reason another would lead us to the next location, while those other, more hidden clues are likely meant to lead us astray.''
Sandro felt the response made sense, and with his curiosity satisfied, he did not feel the need to refute Alexander.
The two ended up making their way to the open art space. The area was fairly busy, packed with people eager to look at the various artworks painted on the buildings. The area also had a large number of trees and natural vegetation, giving it a more organic feel.
While Alexander noticed that Sandro was examining the various artworks with great interest, he didn't say anything about it or show annoyance. He could tell Sandro was much more serious than before.
Alexander simply leaned against a tree as he watched Sandro examine the artworks. He didn't participate in the search, as he didn't think he'd be much help. Given that the clues they needed to find seemed to be rather obscure and insignificant, he felt he lacked the skill set to observe such minute details.
Sandro was exceptionally good at noticing small details due to his thought process, which allowed him to take in and analyze large amounts of information within an area using his five senses.
Some other Ascended might not have been able to find the clue as quickly as he did, given both his thought process and his background as an artist. The clue itself was a painting on one of the buildings. The painting depicted various buildings in the area in a black silhouette, with only certain windows highlighted in vibrant colors. What made this painting stand out to him was that, unlike the other artworks, which were made with much more color, this one was noticeably subdued.
Once Alexander noticed Sandro focusing on the painting of the buildings, something clicked in his head. His gaze locked on the building at the center of the artwork.
Alexander walked up beside Sandro, examined the central building, and stated, "We need to head to that building to find the next clue.''
Sandro turned his head to face Alexander and asked curiously, "Yeah, that's kind of obvious, but do you even know which building that is?''
Alexander nodded and replied simply, "Yes.''
With a mix of confusion and curiosity, Sandro followed up, "How exactly do you know that? Given how this place is laid out, it's difficult to navigate without getting to a high vantage point.''
Alexander gave another simple answer, "I did research beforehand.''
Sandro responded in a cheery tone with a hint of sarcasm, "It's not a very good answer, but I suppose it'll do. Anyway, let's make our way to that building, shall we?''
...
After traveling quite a distance, they reached a rather large office building with a pointed top. The building itself was impressively tall, towering over the many other buildings in the area and providing a clear view of its surroundings.
Upon entering the building, Alexander simply wanted to take the elevator up to the window depicted in the painting, as it was believed to be where the next clue would be.
However, Sandro decided to challenge him in a rather childish fashion, saying, "How about we take the stairs and see who can get there first?''
Even Alexander couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of the suggestion. He simply pressed the button for the elevator and, while waiting, replied, "Do as you wish.''
Sandro waited for the elevator to arrive and for Alexander to step inside. Before the doors could close, he spoke in an exaggerated tone, "I'll still get there faster than you!''
True to his word, Sandro did indeed make it to the window first. As an Ascended, he could travel faster than most unenhanced machinery.
By the time Alexander arrived, Sandro had already figured out the clue. When the elevator doors opened, Alexander was greeted by the sight of Sandro leaning out the window, his head resting on his arm. In a casual tone, Sandro stated, "It's an arrow.''
Alexander didn't bother asking questions, figuring the answer would be right outside the window. He walked up to it and was taken aback by what he saw.
From the angle the window provided, they could see the true layout of this region of the city—it was shaped like an arrow. Several prominent buildings formed the outer edges, while the inner shape was created by more uniform-looking buildings. The arrow pointed directly toward a series of new buildings under construction.
There was no doubt in Alexander's mind that the antidote was being held there. Staring intently at the construction site, he spoke in a serious tone, "We should take the rooftops now that we know the location of the antidote. It'll save us time.''
Still resting his head on his arm, Sandro replied as if he hadn't a care in the world, "I was going to suggest we take the roofs because it's fun. But sure, efficiency works too.''
Alexander sighed in exasperation at Sandro's antics.
Without another word, he leaped out of the window, clearing the gap to the rooftop of a lower building. As he landed, he dispersed the force with a roll. Sandro followed shortly after, but instead of rolling, he performed a cartwheel as he landed.