Dedicated to: FoFo916753188Nov,FENG6149170452017 and JANFAR8. Thank you all for the power stones.
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"What does man love more than life,hate more than death or mortal strife,that which the contented men desire,the poor has,the rich requires,the spendthrift saves,the miser spends and all men carry to their graves?". We read the inscription on the wall simultaneously.
"This is getting serious and tedious". Arianna complained.
"Wow,you rhymed serious with tedious. What an achievement". I said dryly.
"Whatever".
We sat down and reasoned. Traded ideas,shared thoughts yet nothing. Nothing. We were starting to give up and go home but we had come way too far. Melvin even tried the computer in the library's first room. There was no internet connection.
"Bummer". Melvin kicked the table hard. "This is becoming useless. What's the point of all the puzzles we have been solving uh,if in the end we have to lose hope and go home". He lamented.
"A little more patience".
"How much more time Aodh? I don't know I am starting to get discouraged".
"Just a little more. Give me a few minutes of silence,I swear I'll figure it out". I promised.
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"Bingo". I exclaimed,a smile on my face.
"I'm pretty sure the answer has nothing to do with a dog". Ian dumbly replied.
"No numskull,it's nothing".
"Still doesn't add up".
"The answer is nothing".
"How so?". Maurice asked.
"Man loves nothing more than life,hates nothing more than death or mortal strife,the contented man desires nothing,the poor has nothing,the rich requires nothing,the spendthrift saves nothing,the miser spends nothing and all men take nothing to their graves".
"Wow,I might have underestimated you. You are smart". Arianna complemented.
"I'm top three in my class".
"So what now?".
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The question lingered for minutes. Everyone was not sure how to answer. I looked at Melvin who had asked the question and I couldn't read what was going on in his mind.
"I don't know, what do you think?". I asked.
"I can't even figure a way to interpret the riddle. It doesn't make sense".
"It will if we think it through".
"So what do you think?".
I was a bit doubtful on whether I should answer and how I should.
"I don't know.....". I hesitated. "You don't want to know what's going on in my mind right now,trust me you don't".
"Well some has to answer the question". Arianna chipped in.
"I know but...". I hesitated yet again.
"Scarlett,if you know something just spill it already".
"I think maybe there's nothing here to explore or find out about. We have been solving riddles since forever and the answers has led us to another riddle, hypothetically this riddle should too. I think since the answer is nothing then there is nothing mystical or mysterious about this place".
"It can't be". Arianna broke down.
"Well it is".
"Wow,this is the best and worst experience of my entire life". Ian spoke.
"Let's get out of here". Arianna dragged Ian by the wrist. Ian hesitated and looked back at me. "You're okay on your own". He said half asking half stating.
"Yeah". I merely replied.
"Aodh....".
"Is this you being nice?". I couldn't help but be sassy. "You've literally never noticed me and we have most subjects together".
He left Arianna's side and walked slowly to me. I held my breath as he came closer.
"Are you angry at me?".
I didn't reply. I was scared I would embarrass myself.
"Why? Because I never noticed you?". He persisted.
"Whatever,just let me be". I walked away from him.
He grabbed my wrist and gently whispered. "I would love to hang out with you when we get back to school". U swallowed hard.
"Sure". I was excited,it was a feeling I don't usually experience. If there was anything good thing that came out of this stupid adventure,it was bonding with Ian.
We walked out of the building after a brief lunch break. I had a lot of essentials along and still had bread for about three people and hard boiled eggs,even bacon and enough water.
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"Wanna explore?". Ian asked and I could see that he meant it.
"Sure".