The Mystery Mavericks: Volume 1

CHAPTER THREE: THE CAMPUS HEIST

NEIRA

I COULDN'T believe it. Did I hear correctly? We just signed the agreement form and now there's a case to be solved? This can't be happening so soon. Wala man lang kaming training para sa unang kaso na 'to. I mean, handa naman ako pero—ay ewan ko ba— hindi pa rin ma-process ng utak ko na susubo agad kami sa isang kaso.

My heart raced as Detective Apollo began to explain the details of the case. "A series of valuable items had been stolen from several offices on campus, including a rare collection of ancient coins and a one-of-a-kind diamond necklace." Pagk-kwento nito habang ibinibigay sa'min ang folders na hawak niya.

"The university administration was in a state of panic, with the campus police unable to find any leads. That's precisely why Professor Collins has assembled your team, to assist in solving the case and finding the culprit." Bumalik siya sa pwesto niya kanina at umupo. "Naniniwala si Collins na may kakayahan kayong lampasan ang pag-iisip ng mga pulis base sa kanyang nakalap na mga impormasyon tungkol sa inyo."

I begin to scan the folder's contents, revealing a list of stolen items from various university departments. The list was extensive and included rare books and manuscripts from the library, precious gems and jewelry from the art department, priceless artifacts from anthropology, expensive scientific equipment from the biology and chemistry labs, valuable paintings and sculptures from the fine arts department, antique maps and globes from the geography department, and even valuable musical instruments from the music department. I can't believe it! The thief had spared no department in their brazen heist.

"Your task is to uncover the perpetrator of this daring theft. I'm sure once the identity of the thief is determined, it may be easier to locate and recover the stolen item." Si Professor Collins naman ang nag-salita. Nagpalit sila ng posisyon ni Detective Apollo. "I will divide you into two teams, and Detective Apollo will be joining one team. So, each team will consist of three people."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I swallowed, my hands clenched and my breathing quickened. The telltale signs of nerves were evident as I tried to maintain my composure, but my body betrayed me. Ang tanging nararamdaman ko ngayon ay kaba. Totoong kaso 'tong papasukin namin, hindi ko alam kung magagawa ko ba ng tama ang gawain ko.

I took a deep, steadying breath, feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. My heart pounded in my chest, but I refused to let my nerves get the best of me. This was my chance to shine, to prove my worth. I had to show Professor Collins and the rest of the team that I was up for the challenge. With a steely determination, I pushed aside any lingering doubts and channeled my focus into the task ahead. It was time to step up, to show them what I was made of, and leave no room for doubt. I was ready to rise to the occasion and make my mark as a member of the Mystery Mavericks.

Professor Collins gestured towards Zeke Vengeance and Crystle Silvermist, who were both eager and determined. "You two will be accompanied by Detective Apollo," he said, his voice commanding attention. "Your investigation will focus on the music department, geography department, and fine arts department. When you find something, all of you will gather here, and we will discuss it." The mention of the departments sent a shiver down their spines, knowing that they were about to delve into a complex and challenging case.