The next few days were filled with various activities for Raven, Meredith, Ben, Lucas, and Maya.
They began to grow closer as they had to get together frequently to complete additional assignments from Professor Lorry.
Between the stacks of ancient books, spontaneous jokes, and tense moments while compiling research, they found a rhythm and cohesiveness that made the days feel lighter.
That afternoon, they decided to meet at a small café near campus after class.
The cool air made the café feel cosy. They sat in a corner, ordering coffee and chocolate cake to get rid of their sleepiness after a long lecture.
"Phew, finally got out of the most boring class. My eyes are so sleepy from earlier." Ben stretched his body that felt so tired.
"Hmm, yes. I'm the same, I don't know why this course feels so boring." Meredith replied to Ben's words, "It's even more fun when we do the project from Professor Lorry," she continued.
"You're right, Mer. But I really didn't expect this project to be this complicated," Lucas said, stirring his coffee. "We feel like detectives investigating a mystery case in a haunted library."
Raven chuckled, placing her notebook on the table. "Well, at least we can support each other. If it wasn't for you guys, I would've given up."
Maya grinned. "Well, that's what friends are for, right? We're all here for you, Raven." She then raised her coffee cup, as if giving a toast. "To us and the most absurd project in Professor Lorry's class!"
They all laughed and raised their cups. In the midst of the fun, Ben suddenly said, "Speaking of projects, have you ever felt something strange in the library?"
They were all silent for a moment, remembering the tense moments in the old library. Meredith swallowed and said quietly, "How weird, Ben?"
Ben shrugged. "I don't know... Maybe it's just my feelings. But, I felt like someone was watching us that time."
Raven felt her hair stand up, remembering the cold sensation when she held the old book of ancient symbols. However, she tried to smile. "Well, maybe it's just your feelings, Ben. We were just in a quiet, dark place."
Lucas nodded quickly, as if calming himself. "That's right. Don't be so paranoid. After all, we're all there together."
Meredith looked at them with eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Hey, why don't we make tonight an exploration session, instead? We can pick up some extra reference books and see if the symbol has any other meaning. Who knows, we might even get a clue."
Maya looked interested, while Ben looked a little hesitant. "Wait a minute, are you saying we're going back to the library tonight? Aren't you guys scared that there might be something there?"
Raven smiled a little, feeling challenged. "Come on, this is our chance to finish this project well. If we work together, there's nothing to be afraid of, right?"
That night, they reassembled in front of the old campus library. The building looked even more eerie in the dark, with only the moonlight illuminating the hallway leading to the entrance.
Raven and Meredith walked first, while the others followed with hesitant steps.
As they entered, the creaking sound of the door rang out loudly. Old shelves full of thick books greeted them, enveloping the room with the distinctive smell of dust and weathered paper.
"Alright, let's start here," Raven said, opening their notes and starting to search the shelves for books related to ancient mythology and symbols.
Suddenly, there was a rustling sound in the corner of the room. They stared at each other with wide eyes, their bodies frozen for a moment.
"Eh... it's just a mouse, right?" whispered Maya, her voice sounding shaky.
Lucas tried to remain calm, though his eyes blinked rapidly in the direction of the sound. "Yes, yes. It's definitely just a mouse. Just relax."
However, Raven felt drawn towards the sound. Cautiously, she stepped closer to a bookshelf that looked a little older than the rest.
When her hand touched one of the books, she felt something strange-the book seemed to be attached to something.
"Guys... look at this," Raven called softly.
They all approached, looking at the book curiously. When Raven pulled it, there was a small click, and suddenly, the bookshelf moved slowly, as if opening a secret door.
Everyone was startled and stepped back. "What... is this?" asked Meredith in a trembling voice.
Ben swallowed, feeling between fear and curiosity. "Are you sure we should go in?"
Raven nodded slowly, her eyes twinkling. "This... this could be a big clue. I think we should see what's inside."
With cautious steps, they entered the narrow passage behind the bookshelf, walking down a dark and winding path.
Occasionally, they would see strange symbols carved into the walls. Lucas whispered to Raven, "You're not mistaken. This is the symbol we're looking for, isn't it?"
Raven nodded. "Yeah, right. Looks like we're getting close."
Finally, the hallway led them to a small room filled with faint light from candles arranged neatly in the corners.
In the centre of the room, there was an old wooden table with a piece of ancient manuscript lying on it.
Maya held her breath. "Oh my... This is like a secret research room."
Ben began to examine the manuscript, while Meredith tried to observe the candles that looked as if they had just been lit. "Who was here last, huh?"
Lucas swallowed and approached Ben. "What does it say, Ben?"
Ben frowned, trying to make sense of the writing in the manuscript. "It looks like... it contains instructions on a ritual or some kind of spell to unlock access to secret knowledge. Look at these symbols, similar to the ones we found."
They all looked at each other, feelings of nervousness and curiosity mixed together.
"I don't know if this is true or just a coincidence," Raven whispered, "but it seems like this is more than just a normal college project."
Suddenly, another rustling sound came from the hallway, making them all jump.