Shadows of Bureaucracy: The Dark Mystery

Chapter 14: The Labyrinth of Knowledge

The trio continued their journey across the campus, the strange symbol from the GPS image lingering in their minds. Their destination was the sciences college, where they hoped to obtain the next signature they needed. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the university grounds and adding an eerie atmosphere to their quest.

As they approached the imposing building of the sciences college, their anticipation mixed with trepidation. The structure loomed before them, its architecture a blend of modern design and classical elements. The façade was adorned with intricate carvings of scientific symbols and figures, a testament to the knowledge contained within. Emily wondered if the carvings obscured ancient spells.

Emily, Max, and Lila entered the building, their footsteps echoing through the cavernous halls. The interior was a maze of corridors, lined with glass-walled laboratories and classrooms filled with scientific equipment. The scent of chemicals and the hum of machinery filled the air.

Max glanced around, determined. "We need to find the department head and get that signature. Let's split up and cover more ground."

Emily nodded. "Good idea. We'll meet back here in fifteen minutes. Be careful."

The trio dispersed, each taking a different corridor in search of the elusive department head. The halls were eerily quiet, the only sound being the distant hum of machines and the occasional clatter of glassware.

As Emily wandered through the labyrinthine corridors, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced over her shoulder, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Determined to stay focused, she continued her search, peering into each lab and classroom she passed.

Meanwhile, Max found himself in a long, dimly lit hallway lined with doors. He tried several of them, but they were all locked. Frustration began to build as he realized how difficult it was to navigate the maze-like building. Just as he was about to turn back, he heard a faint noise coming from a door at the end of the hall.

Cautiously, Max approached the door and listened. The sound was a soft, rhythmic tapping, like someone typing on a keyboard. He hesitated for a moment before knocking. There was a brief pause, and then the door creaked open to reveal a bespectacled man in a white lab coat.

"Can I help you?" the man asked.

Max took a deep breath. "I'm looking for the department head. We need a signature for an important project."

The man raised an eyebrow. "The department head is in a meeting right now, but I can help you. I'm Dr. Jonas, the associate dean of the college. What do you need the signature for?"

Max quickly explained their situation, including their quest to uncover the truth behind The Founding Consortium. Dr. Jonas listened intently, his expression growing more serious with each word.

"The Founding Consortium? I've never heard of it!" Dr. Jonas declared loudly, glancing nervously around the room. Then, in a much quieter tone, he leaned in and whispered, "Be careful, there is so much you don't yet understand."

Just as Dr. Jonas finished speaking, a device on his desk began to light up and emit a low hum. His eyes widened in alarm. "What sort of dark magic are you using?"

Emily, who had just arrived with Lila, quickly interjected. "It's not dark magic. We're just trying to understand what's going on."

Dr. Jonas scrutinized them for a moment before nodding. "It's the institution. Be cautious. There are forces at play here that can detect even the slightest disturbance."

He reached for a pen and swiftly signed the document. "Take this and go. And remember, tread carefully."

Emily, Max, and Lila thanked Dr. Jonas for his help and quickly exited the office. As they walked through the corridors, Emily still sensed that they were being watched. "We need to stay vigilant," she said softly. "There's something deeply wrong here, and we can't afford to let our guard down."

Lila nodded in agreement. "The seven-pointed star, the strange occurrences—it's all connected. We just need to piece it together."

Max sighed, but there was a newfound determination in his eyes. "I want to know what he meant about the institution. Does he mean the university has its own magic?"