[Scene: Library – Unveiling the Journal's Secrets] Inside the journal are faded pages filled with sketches, notes, and what looks like a puzzle made of interconnected symbols. At the bottom of the first page, a strange phrase is scrawled:
Journal: "The Gargoyle's Gaze will guide you."
Amara:[excitedly] "This is incredible. What does it mean?"
Leo:[grinning] "Probably more riddles. Great."
Jace:[dramatically] "Fear not, my friends! With my brains and your… well, everything else, we'll solve this in no time."
The group laughs, their camaraderie lightening the mysterious atmosphere. As they delve deeper into the journal, they realize this is just the beginning of another strange, exciting adventure—one filled with riddles, unexpected twists, and, knowing their luck, plenty of comedic mishaps.
[Scene: School Library – The Next Week] Days pass, and the journal's cryptic messages continue to gnaw at Jeremy's thoughts. Every lunch break, the group gathers to piece together the clues, each member contributing to their chaotic problem-solving attempts. The library becomes their unofficial headquarters—a mix of quiet mystery-solving and occasional hilarity.
One afternoon, while flipping through the journal, Jace suddenly lets out an exaggerated gasp.
Jace: "Wait, I think I cracked it!"
The group leans in, eager but sceptical.
Amara:[rolling her eyes] "Please tell me this isn't another one of your wild theories."
Jace:[pointing to a sketch in the journal] "Look at this! The Gargoyle's Gaze—it's pointing right at the east wing of the school. The treasure must be there!"
Leo:[dryly] "Sure, and next you'll say it's guarded by a fire-breathing dragon."
Jeremy: "Actually… he might not be wrong. Look at these arrows—they do seem to lead toward the east wing. Maybe we should check it out."
Amara sighs, gathering her things.
Amara: "Well, if we're going on another wild goose chase, we might as well get moving before the librarian kicks us out."
[Scene: East Wing – After School] The group cautiously makes their way to the east wing, an area of the school that feels eerily quiet compared to the bustling hallways they're used to. The gothic architecture here is more pronounced, with stone gargoyles perched along the high ceilings and dim lighting casting strange shadows.
Jace:[whispering dramatically] "This is it. The treasure awaits."
Amara:[smirking] "If by treasure, you mean dust and disappointment, then yes."
Jeremy examines the carvings on the wall, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns. One gargoyle seems different—its gaze is fixed downward, and its wings are slightly ajar.
Jeremy: "Guys, look. This one isn't like the others."
Jace eagerly reaches for the gargoyle, pressing its wing. The group holds their breath as the sound of stone grinding against stone fills the air. Slowly, the gargoyle shifts, revealing a hidden compartment in the wall.
Inside the compartment is… a single dusty envelope. The group exchanges bewildered glances.
Leo:[blinking] "That's it? An envelope? Where's the gold? The jewels? The dragon?"
Jace:[grinning] "Maybe it's a check for a million bucks. Open it!"
Jeremy carefully removes the envelope and opens it, revealing an old, folded letter. The parchment crackles softly as he unfolds it.
[Scene: Library – Decoding the Letter] Back in the library, the group sits in a circle, examining the letter. It's handwritten; the ink faded with age. At the bottom, a cryptic phrase stands out:
Letter: "To uncover the truth, seek the light where shadows fall."
Amara: "What does that even mean? Seek the light where shadows fall?"
Jace:[excitedly] "It's obviously a secret hideout! Maybe there's a hidden tunnel in the east wing!"
Leo:[smirking] "Or maybe it's just an old homework assignment someone forgot."
Jeremy stares at the letter, his thoughts racing.
Jeremy: "No… I think it's pointing to something specific. The library's stained-glass windows—they cast shadows everywhere. Maybe the clue is hidden there."
The group springs into action, moving toward the large stained-glass windows at the back of the library. As the sunlight filters through, casting colourful patterns on the floor, Jeremy notices a faint glow near the base of one window.
Jeremy: "There! Look!"
Amara crouches down and finds another hidden compartment, this one containing a small, ornate box. She carefully opens it, revealing… a set of tiny, mismatched keys.
Jace:[throwing up his hands] "Keys? Seriously? Where's the treasure?!"
Amara:[laughing] "Treasure hunts don't come with a guarantee, Jace."
[Scene: Jeremy's Room – That Night] Jeremy sits at his desk, staring at the keys. Despite Jace's disappointment, he feels like they're on the cusp of something important. He lines the keys up, trying to figure out if they match anything.
Suddenly, he hears a faint laugh—the unmistakable, mischievous cackle of Jack. Jeremy freezes, his heart pounding.
Jeremy (whispering): "No… it's just my imagination. It has to be."
But as he turns to look at his bookshelf, he sees one of the tiny keys glow faintly, its light pulsing in rhythm with the laugh.
Jeremy (thinking):This isn't over.