Cynthia continued her diligent studies in the library, her mind occasionally drifting to thoughts of Ekene. As she daydreamed, a sudden, loud noise resembling a forceful impact on a table jolted her back to reality
"Who is there?" Cynthia asked, her voice echoing through the seemingly empty library
No answer came. With caution, Cynthia stood up from her seat, determined to investigate the source of the noise. Her heart pounded in her chest as she slowly approached the table, searching for any sign of a person or an object that could have caused the sound. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, she breathed a sigh of relief
Just as Cynthia turned around to return to her seat, her eyes widened in shock and fear at the sight of something utterly terrifying
Meanwhile at the administration office, Ekene and Samuel anxiously awaited Mr. John's response to their request for a personal investigation into the snake infestation. The School Dean carefully read through the letter before addressing the boys
"I see," Mr. John said, his expression unreadable. "You want to conduct personal investigations on the shocking appearances of snakes, huh?"
"Yes, sir," Ekene and Samuel nodded in unison
"Hmmmm. I'm sorry, but you can't conduct such an investigation," Mr. John declared
"But sir, our lives are in danger," Ekene pleaded. "We've already lost two students in just two days. We could lose more if we don't act fast"
"I understand how you feel and why you want to conduct investigations," Mr. John acknowledged sympathetically
"So, can we?" Samuel asked, a glimmer of hope in his voice
"My answer remains no!" Mr. John said firmly, dashing their hopes
"Sir, why?" Ekene asked, frustration mounting
"Any student caught conducting investigations will be expelled from the school." Mr. John explained
"What?" Samuel snapped, unable to hide his anger
"Now, leave my office!" Mr. John ordered, his patience wearing thin
"Sir, please," Ekene pleaded politely, desperation creeping into his voice
"Leave!" Mr. John reiterated, leaving the boys with no choice but to leave, their plans for an investigation in tatters
Dejected and disappointed, Ekene and Samuel made their way back to the hostel, their conversation filled with frustration and concern for their fellow students
"This school is a joke," Samuel fumed, "People's lives are in danger, but they aren't doing anything about it. They don't want us to do anything either"
"Well, we'll keep trying," Ekene vowed, refusing to give up
"Maybe we should report the school to the police," Samuel suggested, "What do you think?"
Samuel's question hung in the air as Ekene's expression turned serious, his focus seemingly shifting elsewhere
"Dude, are you listening?" Samuel asked, trying to regain Ekene's attention
"Bro, return to the hostel without me," Ekene instructed, a sense of urgency in his voice
"Where are you going?" Samuel inquired, growing more concerned by the second
"I'm going to the library. I have a very bad feeling about that library," Ekene explained, his concern for Cynthia evident in his tone
"What do you mean? What's wrong?" Samuel pressed, eager to understand the source of Ekene's worry
"Cynthia might be in danger," Ekene stated, an unspoken understanding passing between the two friends
"Then let's go together," Samuel asserted, recognizing the gravity of the situation
"Alright," Ekene agreed
The boys wasted no time, making a beeline for the library. As they raced across the campus, they steeled themselves for whatever danger might await them, determined to protect Cynthia and unravel the mysteries that plagued Divine Gift University
Back at the library, Cynthia found herself in a precarious situation as a massive viper coiled around her body, rendering her immobile. With her hands and legs bound by the snake's powerful grip, only her head remained free as she struggled in vain to break free
Unexpectedly, the viper loosened its hold on Cynthia, presenting a fleeting opportunity for escape. Seizing the moment, Cynthia managed to wriggle free from the snake's grasp. To her surprise, the viper slithered away as if pursuing something else, leaving her alone in the library. Just as Cynthia caught her breath, Ekene burst into the room
"Ekene," Cynthia called out tearfully, her voice trembling with relief and fear. She rushed into his arms, sobbing. "I was so scared. I thought I was going to die"
"It's alright, Cynthia." Ekene reassured her, holding her close.
As their embrace broke, Ekene looked deeply into Cynthia's eyes, his concern evident, "Pack your things. We need to get out of here now!"
"Alright," Cynthia agreed, sniffling as she wiped away her tears and returned to her seat to gather her belongings. Ekene, satisfied that Cynthia was momentarily safe, stepped out of the library
Outside, the Viper had tracked down a basket filled with onions and garlic. As it prepared to strike, Samuel cunningly severed a rope restraining a large rock, sending it crushing down onto the snake's head, crushing it instantly
Curiously, Samuel approached the lifeless viper, confirming it was dead. Moments later, Ekene came rushing towards Samuel
"Is it dead?" Ekene inquired, his gaze locked on the lifeless viper
"Yeah, I think so," Samuel replied
"To be sure, I suggest we burn it," Ekene proposed, unwilling to take any chances
"Alright," Samuel agreed, eager to eliminate any potential threat
As the flame consumed the dead snake, Cynthia bolted out of the library, her fear still palpable. Together, the three friends left the library, united by their harrowing ordeal and determined to uncover the truth behind the snake infestation that continued to plague Divine Gift University