[Scene: School Courtyard – The Next Day] The group gathers around the journal during lunch, brainstorming ideas to unlock it.
Amara: "We could pick the lock. Do any of you know how to do that?"
Leo:[deadpan] "Yes, because lockpicking is a totally normal skill we all have."
Jace:[grinning mischievously] "Let me try. I've got paper clips and a lot of determination."
Jeremy sighs as Jace fumbles with the lock, managing only to bend the paper clips into unusable shapes.
Amara:[laughing] "At this rate, we'll be here for years."
As they bicker and joke, Jeremy notices something strange—the symbols on the journal's cover seem to shift when touched by sunlight.
Jeremy: "Wait. Look at this."
He tilts the journal so the sunlight catches it, and the symbols glow faintly, rearranging into a new pattern. The group stares in awe.
Amara: "What… just happened?"
Leo: "Okay, I take it back. This is cool. But what does it mean?"
The mystery deepens, and the group's excitement grows as they realize this journal might lead them to something far bigger than they anticipated.
[Scene: Myrathis High School – A Week Later] The week passes uneventfully for Jeremy and his friends. School continues at its usual bustling pace, with classes, club activities, and endless homework. The mysterious journal remains locked, and though the group jokes about it, their enthusiasm to unlock its secrets has waned a bit.
During lunch, the group gathers at their usual spot in the courtyard. Leo strums a lighthearted tune on his guitar, while Jace tries to balance a carton of milk on his head to amuse Amara. Jeremy quietly watches, enjoying the humor but still distracted by the journal tucked away in his backpack.
Jace:[grinning as the milk carton wobbles dangerously] "I'm telling you, guys, I have the coordination of a ninja!"
Amara:[laughing] "Yeah, a very clumsy ninja."
The carton tips, spilling milk all over Jace, and the group bursts into laughter. Even Jeremy can't help but chuckle.
Leo:[smirking] "And there goes your ninja credibility."
Jace sighs dramatically, pulling a napkin out of his pocket.
Jace: "Laugh it up. One day, my skills will save all of you, and you'll be begging for my help."
Amara rolls her eyes and turns to Jeremy, noticing his distant expression.
Amara: "You okay, Jeremy? You've been awfully quiet."
Jeremy hesitates, then pulls the journal out of his bag and sets it on the table.
Jeremy: "I've been thinking about this. It's still locked, and I feel like it's… important. Like there's more to it than we realize."
The group leans in, their curiosity reignited.
Leo:[teasing lightly] "So, we're back to playing mystery hunters? Fine by me. Anything to break the monotony."
Jace:[grinning] "Alright! Let's crack this thing open!"
[Scene: School Library – Later That Day] The group gathers in the library, surrounded by ancient books and modern holographic displays. Jeremy lays the journal on the table, and Amara flips through a stack of old reference books for anything resembling the symbols on its cover.
Jace stands by the grandfather clock, poking at its carvings.
Jace: "I'm just saying, what if there's some secret button we're missing? Like in those spy movies."
Amara:[without looking up] "You've been watching way too many movies."
Suddenly, one of the holographic assistants, Mr. Page, flickers to life nearby. The group freezes as the animated figure scans them with an exasperated expression.
Mr. Page:[sighing] "You again? Let me guess, trying to solve another riddle?"
Jeremy:[nervously] "Uh… yes?"
Mr. Page:[crossing his arms] "Well, you're in luck. I might be able to assist—if you pass my quiz!"
Jace:[grinning] "A quiz? Easy. Hit us with your hardest question, Mr. Page!"
The hologram waves a hand, and a holographic quiz board appears.
Mr. Page: "Question one: What has to be broken before you can use it?"
Jace: "A promise!
Amara: "No, it's an egg. The answer's an egg."
Mr. Page:[nodding approvingly] "Correct. Question two: The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?"
Jeremy speaks up, his voice quiet but confident.
Jeremy: "Footsteps."
The group stares at him, impressed.
Leo:[grinning] "Look who's the riddle master now."
Mr. Page:[smiling slyly] "Very good. Last question: I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?"
The group falls silent, pondering the riddle. Finally, Jeremy looks up.
Jeremy: "An echo."
The hologram beams.
Mr. Page: "Bravo! You've proven yourselves worthy of a hint."
The hologram points to the journal, and the lock clicks open on its own. The group stares in awe as Jeremy slowly lifts the cover.