Before long, the sun sunk below the horizon, and day turned to night. Ackster watched the garden and backyard through his window, but he didn’t make a move yet. Since Andrea Phileam had asked him to wait half an hour, that was what he would do. There was no reason for him to trust her or that she would actually help him. But there was also no reason for her to use such a roundabout method if she wanted to prevent him from escaping.

Eventually, even before half an hour had passed, Ackster noticed a change in the movements of the guards. In the beginning, it was so subtle that he first doubted his insight. But as time slowly passed, it became clear that the guards were gradually diverting from their assigned routes and leaving openings in the perimeter.

Ackster was too far to tell for certain, but it didn’t look like the guards were even aware of what was going on. They either chatted in low tones like they had done the previous night or were completely silent as they walked around the estate.

Andrea was apparently more skilled at magic than Ackster had first thought.

The book only mentioned that she was a fairly accomplished water mage that was strong enough to protect the Phileam House so that they didn’t need to hire a knight. So, Ackster was a little surprised at how Andrea manipulated all the guards to clear a path for him using what had to be magic.

There weren’t any flashy effects or spells flying around visible to the naked eye. But the only explanation for the guards’ movements was some kind of magic. It was as if an invisible puppeteer was secretly controlling the guards like they were nothing but puppets.

Ackster was slightly excited at the thought of actual magic. Who didn’t dream of being able to do something like that?

Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to dally, and when the moment came, he opened the window and slipped out. Since his arm still felt soft, he put most of his weight on his uninjured arm as he hung from the windowsill.

Unlike last night, when he had to be extremely careful and watch for even the smallest openings, Ackster didn’t have the same worries this time. He let go of the window and landed on the ground without making any noise before instantly crouching and sneaking through the lawn.

He still had to make sure to cover his tracks, but he passed through the lawn in only a fraction of the time it took him the previous time.

And with agile movements, Ackster jumped up and over the wall before stepping onto the streets of the city.

Ackster still watched his surroundings to see if there was anyone keeping watch, but he couldn’t detect anyone, and he stopped wasting time.

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Although there was still one night left, excluding the current one, the guard would surely be tightest then. So, Ackster wanted to find what he was looking for before that. And less time spent in the city meant more time searching for his objective, which would increase his odds of finding it.

Ackster had already devised a method and memorized the route from the Phileam estate to the north gate. He only had to waste a few minutes getting a new shirt from a nearby clothesline.

If he bought clothes again, rumors would surely spread, and if someone, by chance, caught sight of his hair and eyes, suspicions might arise. Ackster had to fake his death flawlessly. Even the slightest mistake or hint that he was still alive might have The Hero breathing down his neck in only a few days.

Ackster dirtied his shirt and hair after stashing his proper clothes in the same place by the fountain before making his way to the gate.

There was a little less traffic this time, and Ackster arrived in front of the booth without barely having to wait. The same guard as last night greeted him.

“Mas, was it?”

“Yeah.”

“Going out for herb harvesting again?”

“Yeah.”

“And you expect to be back tonight, right?”

“Yeah.”

The guard looked up from his clipboard and looked at Ackster with clear eyes.

“I heard you had some trouble last night. My offer still stands. If you need help, come find me.”

“Thanks.”

Ackster accepted the guard’s sincerity with a nod before turning around and walking out the gate. He couldn’t help but feel a little curious about the guard’s willingness to help. But it wasn’t something he could afford to waste time or effort on when he was busy saving his life by faking his death.

However, he put the guard’s words on his mind as he ignored the other guards’ annoying gazes. If the guard really meant what he said, it might come in handy if he survives The Hero, after all.

After walking a few meters past the gate, Ackster was enveloped in the darkness of the night with nothing but the light of the moons and stars to guide his way.

His eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, and when they did, he held nothing back and started sprinting.

Ackster had done some preliminary scouting last night, and he could save time by running instead of walking, especially on the road. The only thing he had to worry about was encountering other travelers that would take note of a young man running away from the city and spreading those rumors as soon as they enter the city.

However, luck seemed to be on his side as he didn’t encounter anyone going in the opposite direction even until he reached the forest.

As he looked into the darkness of the forest, the memories of last night flashed in Ackster’s head, and his hands trembled. He nervously swallowed the saliva in his already dry mouth.

Ackster clenched his fists tightly and took a deep breath. He had to move forward. And so he did.

Ackster walked forward, deeper into the forest.