The Cipher: Locks and Keys

Lockey's mind was filled with questions about the mysterious card he had discovered, its symbols weighing heavily on his thoughts. The previous night's revelations left him with an unsettling sensation that clung to him as he prepared for the journey to school.

Standing at the bus stop, Lockey couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation amidst the happy faces that surrounded him. Their cheerful expressions seemed to mock his own despair, and he longed to escape the relentless cheerfulness. As the bus arrived, he quickly boarded, grateful for the refuge it provided. Settling into a seat, he pulled his jacket collar up, attempting to block out the view and focus on the enigma that lay within his grasp.

Upon arriving at the school, Lockey made his way through the entrance, A tall, slender man with a white mustache greeted the students, instructing them to find their names and class numbers on the screen. As a large green screen lit up, Lockey scanned the information, his gaze landing on his own details:

GREEN SCREEN:

First Name: Lockey Second Name: Unknown Age: 15 Height: 5'7" Class: 1A

With a deep breath, Lockey steeled himself for the day ahead, his mysterious past and newfound powers hanging heavily over him. "Hopefully I get what I cam here for" he muttered under his breath, stepping further into the unfamiliar world of the Fairy Tail Guild High School.

With a deep breath, Lockey steeled himself for the day ahead, his mysterious past and newfound powers hanging heavily over him. "Hopefully, I get what I came here for," he muttered under his breath, his resolve unwavering as he stepped further into the unfamiliar world of the Fairy Tail Guild High School.

As the clock struck the hour, the exam frenzy began, and students filed into their respective classrooms. Lockey settled into his seat, watching as the exam papers were distributed. The invigilator announced the start of the test, and the room filled with the sound of shuffling papers and nervous whispers.

Lockey glanced at the questions, eyebrows raised in surprise. "Seriously?" he mumbled under his breath. This exam was as easy as stealing candy from a baby, or in his case, unlocking doors with keys.

The invigilator announced that they had three hours to complete the test. Lockey raised his hand, drawing the teacher's attention. "Yes? How can I help you?" the invigilator asked, peering at Lockey over their spectacles.

"I'm done," Lockey declared.

The invigilator looked at him in disbelief. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that," they said, adjusting their glasses.

Too cool for repetition, Lockey stood up and marched to the front of the class, slapping his completed paper onto the teacher's desk. The entire class erupted in a cacophony of whispers, and Lockey could sense their disbelief as he leaves the class, smirking. Who needs three hours when you could do the thinking yourself, right?

After acing the exam with a speed that would make Usain Bolt envious, Lockey bolted straight for home, not bothering to stick around for the aftermath. Just as he was about to disappear into the distance, a voice called out to him, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. "You're amazing!" the person panted, skidding to a halt beside Lockey. "Finishing the exam so quickly? That's incredible!"

Lockey, never one for small talk, left without a word, leaving the guy with a bewildered look on his face. Even his smile was kind of weird, Lockey thought as he continued on his way.

Just as he was settling into the sweet solitude of his walk home, Lockey's phone buzzed with a notification. He glanced at the message, his curiosity piqued. "Come check your results tomorrow," it read. Lockey couldn't help but raise an eyebrow—that was quick. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to get his results so soon after writing the exam.

"A fresh start," I thought as I poured a cup of tea and settled into my favourite armchair. "Let's see what this day brings." I aimlessly flipped through the TV channels but couldn't find anything that piqued my interest. The nagging feeling that I was forgetting something lingered, yet I couldn't put my finger on it. Suddenly, it dawned on me—the results! How could I have forgotten something so important?

I glanced at the clock—10:30 AM. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks as I stared at my phone, displaying the arrival time of 9:30.

I hurriedly dressed and rushed out the door to catch up with my bus.

As I entered the hall, I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze upon me. Their whispers filled the air, "He's the one." Curiosity turned to understanding as I spotted a large screen—undoubtedly the place where our results would be displayed, but why were they out in the open for all to see?

I scanned the board, searching for my name among the list. Starting at the top, I finally found it, occupying the highest spot. "I guess that explains the stares," I thought to myself, understanding now why everyone's attention was fixed on me.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow students—I stand before you to announce the top five exceptional students who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, resilience, and academic excellence throughout the year. Their scores not only serve as a testament to their individual achievements but also inspire us all to strive for greatness in our own endeavors.

Without further ado, let us reveal the names and scores of our distinguished scholars:

Lockey – 100%, Rina Rouge– 97.5% Adam Viscount– 96.8% Isabella Garcia – 96.2% Ethan Brown – 95.7%

A resounding round of applause for their outstanding performances!

"In recognition of their incredible accomplishments, I am thrilled to announce that each of these exceptional students will be awarded full academic scholarships to pursue their dreams at the prestigious universities of their choice. We have no doubt that their passion for learning and unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to propel them forward on the path to success." Mr Golder announced with excitement.

"As we celebrate their achievements, I would like to invite our top five scholars to attend a special meeting , where they will have the opportunity to connect with esteemed alumni, mentors, and industry leaders who will share valuable insights and advice for their future endeavours."

"Before we conclude today's event, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate the entire attendee class who failed the exam. Your tireless efforts, perseverance, and growth throughout your time here have laid the foundation for a brighter future. As we mark the end of your time at our esteemed institution, may you embark on your next journey with the knowledge that you will always be a part of our family."

"As we close this chapter, let us remember the friendships we have forged, the lessons we have learned, and the memories we have created together. To our exceptional top five scholars and the entire graduating class—we wish you all the best as you venture into the world, making your mark as future leaders and innovators." As he ended his speech

Thank you all for being a part of this momentous occasion, and congratulations once again to our outstanding top five achievers. Here's to a bright and promising future for us all

As instructed by the headmaster, the selected students gathered in a room. Lockey found himself lost in thought, mulling over the strange events that had brought him to this point. A familiar voice broke through the quiet murmur of the crowd.

"Hey, you remember me?" the voice inquired, stirring recognition in Lockey's mind. He turned to face the speaker, a hint of disappointment surfacing as he recognized the kid from the day before. Choosing not to engage, Lockey remained silent.

"I'm Adam," the boy continued, undeterred by Lockey's lack of response. "You must be Lockey, right?" He paused, anticipating an answer, but Lockey refused to give him the satisfaction.

The room buzzed with hushed whispers, the tension growing as some students began to question the results of the exam. "Is it even impossible to get a perfect score," one muttered. "He must have cheated." Adam studied Lockey's face, concern etched in his features. "Don't let them get to you," he offered, attempting to diffuse the mounting tension. "They're just upset that you took the top spot."

Lockey could feel Adam's gaze boring into him, hoping for any sign of acknowledgment. "I guess you're not the type to open up to strangers," Adam said with a resigned sigh, an enigmatic smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "But I won't give up that easily."

The top five scholars, including Lockey and Adam, were given a tour of the school, exploring the vast halls lined with ancient tomes and wise tutors. Adam continued to trail Lockey, desperate for a conversation. "Aren't you excited for school to start?" he inquired, only to be met with Lockey's resolute silence. "Guess you're still not in a talkative mood, but I won't give up just yet," Adam said with a smile, his persistence unshaken.

As they wandered the corridors, Lockey couldn't shake the unsettling sensation of someone glaring at him with malevolent intent. "Hey, you!" a furious voice called out, causing Adam to flinch, mistakenly assuming he was the target. "Not you, idiot!" the enraged student barked. "I'm talking to Mr. Perfect over there."

Lockey turned to face the confrontational student, whose eyes burned with anger and disgust. "How the hell did you manage a perfect score on that exam?" he hissed, a menacing grin spreading across his face. "Tell me the truth—did you cheat?"

Unfazed by the accusation, Lockey chose not to dignify it with a response. He merely turned his back on the agitated student, prompting an even more furious reaction. "Did you just turn your back on me?" he seethed, his anger mounting with each passing moment of Lockey's silence.

Adam, noticing the volatile situation, cautiously intervened. "He can't actually speak," he explained, a shiver running down his spine. The belligerent student, his eyes narrowing, replied, "I see. Well, if he can't speak, then he can at least show respect." He glared at Lockey, expecting submission. "Why don't you bow in apology for disrespectfully leaving my side before I was finished talking?"

Sighing with annoyance, Lockey finally broke his silence. "This is pointless," he stated flatly.

A stunned silence filled the room. The angry student, taken aback by Lockey's sudden willingness to speak, narrowed his eyes. "So, he can talk," he muttered.

Adam, attempting to mitigate the rising tension, found himself caught in the crossfire as the enraged student refocused his anger. "I guess I'll just have to deal with you both, since you're clearly best friends," he growled.

Word of the confrontation spread rapidly among the other new students, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers. Whispers filled the air, some acknowledging the reputation of "the great Ethan," while others noted that two of the top five scholars were involved.

Gazing coolly at the fuming Ethan, Lockey's frustration mounted as he considered the possibility of missing his favourite television show. With a sense of urgency, he approached the tall, slender student.

Lockey swiftly stepped forward, grabbing Ethan's wrist and twisting it behind his back. He leaned in close, his voice low and dangerous. "If you value your reputation, I suggest you back down," Lockey hissed, exerting just enough pressure on Ethan's wrist to make his point clear. "I'd hate for rumours to spread about how the great Ethan was bested by a silent newcomer."

Ethan, his eyes wide with surprise, attempted to wrench his arm free. However, Lockey's grip remained firm, a clear demonstration of his resolve. After a tense moment,

Ethan relented, his anger dissipating into a scowl. "Fine," he spat, stepping back and massaging his sore wrist. "But don't think this is over."

As the crowd began to disperse, Adam stared at Lockey in awe. "I knew you had it in you!" he exclaimed, a mixture of admiration and relief flooding his voice. Lockey simply nodded, his thoughts already turning to the enigmatic events that had led him to this moment