Chapter 48: The Missing Man
"Alright, just wrapping things up," the admin staff said as she handed Matthew a small envelope. "You’re now officially listed under Dr. Muni’s internship program. This is your registration number, and these are your locker keys." She placed the tagged keys on top of a printed form and slid them across the desk.
She reached for another envelope. "This is your monthly stipend check. Starting next month, we’ll deposit it directly, your ATM card will be issued then. I’ve already scanned your passport, so when Dr. Muni travels, we’ll handle the tickets and arrangements on our end."
She tapped a small packet of documents beside it. "Everything you need is in here—schedules, contact numbers, guidelines. If you have questions, call us or Dr. Muni directly."
Matthew nodded and accepted the keys, check, and paperwork without saying much. The woman behind the desk kept talking, explaining the procedures, contacts, and stipend details, but Matthew barely heard any of it. His head was pounding.
He cursed inwardly. Dr. Muni just actually led him to this building and then left without telling him what to do! What the heck is wrong with that old man!? Matthew wondered inwardly. He didn’t even ask Matthew if he wanted to be his intern!
Sadly, the ache in his head had returned, and all he could think of was his sleep. The borrowed energy he’d absorbed earlier was gone. He had already tried searching for any lingering ghosts along the hallway, but found nothing. Not even a flicker.
That didn’t make sense.
This university was one of the densest places, full of ghosts. It had more dead, lingering in its halls than half the locations in the black market. And yet now, when he needed just one, the place felt bone-dry.
He didn’t believe it was a coincidence.
Pocketing the check and slipping the paper into his bag, he left the registration building and walked down the steps. Each movement sent a dull throb into the base of his skull. All he wanted now was to lie down.
But just before he reached the path to the parking lot, Matthew came to a halt.