After a while, a deafening explosion echoed from the north. At first, I struggled to believe it was real, but that disbelief only lasted for a few seconds.

"I must move!"

I exclaimed.

Quickly regaining my senses, I started running as chaos erupted around me. The sounds of whips and the voices of other prisoners blended together, creating panic amongs everbody in the mine, be it guards or prsioners.

Some prisoners attacked the guards with their pickaxes, while others dashed around like frenzied animals. In seconds, the scene transformed into a swirling dust cloud.

"Aggghh!"

"Die, you wretched prisoner!"

Amidst the chaos and noise, I pressed forward. As I ran, a guard fell in front of me, struck in the head by a pickaxe blow.

A wicked smile briefly crossed my face.

The guard's skull was shattered, and he lay lifeless on the ground.

Seeing this brought me a measure of relief, as it helped alleviate some of the pent-up anger that had been building during the past three months.

"I can't afford to waste time on emotions right now. I need to be fast. The other guards will call for reinforcements soon."

Grimrock Mine Prison fell under the direct control of Lord Lenod in Whiterock City, one of the eastern cities. When trouble arose in Grimrock Mine, the first responders were the Whiterock Guards. Compared to the prison guards, these soldiers were better trained and equipped.

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Regular prisoners like me stood no chance against the guards' unit.

The mine prison was only a twenty-minute journey from Whiterock City, which could be reduced to two to five minutes with horses.

"Just two more minutes."

I locked my gaze on the circular opening in the northern area and kept running with all my might.

Once I reached the hole, without looking back, I darted through it and started navigating the narrow, dark tunnel.

If it weren't for Eval's words, finding and deciding to use the hole would have seemed improbable.

"I hope the old man is looking out for himself.

After a five-minute sprint, I reached the end of the tunnel and emerged into the open air.

I hesitated for a moment, taking in the vast expanse of dense forest before me.

"This should be Whiterock Forest. I need to head south. The towns and cities in the south have uneasy relations with Whiterock City and Lord Lenod."

"The guards or Whiterock military forces won't be eager to go south."

With a quick plan in mind, I pushed my tired and exhausted body forward, determined to keep moving. My gray, ragged clothes were drenched with sweat, and my already weak physique was pushed to its limits.

But none of that mattered. With my mind and heart set on true freedom, I had no time to worry about such conditions.

Fueled by the strength derived from my determination, I continued southward for three hours without stopping.

After three hours, I took a deep breath. My face seemed as though it had aged ten years due to fatigue.

"I need to rest now."

Swallowing hard, I found shade under a tree, closed my eyes slightly, and broke into a tired grin.

"I've escaped."

"I'm finally free."

Before drifting into sleep, I whispered a few words to myself and succumbed to slumber due to exhaustion.

After a while, I suddenly opened my eyes.

"Thump, Thump, Thump."

I quickly looked around, trying to calm my rapidly beating heart.

"It wasn't a dream."

"I really managed to escape from the prison!"

With a wide grin, I scanned my surroundings and took a deep breath.

I wanted to keep rejoicing, but the rumbling in my stomach reminded me of how hungry and tired I was.

"I need to find something to eat."

I grumbled and forced myself to get up.

"First, I need to find a water source. That way, I can drink water and maybe try to catch some fish."