The next afternoon, Cologne Cathedral was bustling with tourists. Some were admiring the breathtaking architecture with their guides, while others simply took selfies and moved on. A few steps away, Meric, Lina, and Marlon gathered together. The cool air slightly calmed their excitement, but the thought of finding the hidden passage made them restless.
Meric stepped closer to Lina, offering a reassuring smile. "Are you ready?"
Lina took a deep breath. "I'm a little nervous, but I have to be. If this plan works, everything will change."
Marlon stood a little apart, his gaze fixed on the cathedral's grand entrance. "I still can't believe what we're doing," he muttered. "Using a school project as an excuse to get inside… This is just—so weird."
Lina smiled at him. "It's hard to believe, but we have to do it. And this is only the beginning."
The towering stone walls, magnificent stained-glass windows, and the cathedral's timeless beauty stood before them. But the children's eyes were locked onto a single point: the hidden entrance to the crypt.
Lina took the lead, walking toward the cathedral's interior. She wore a casual skirt, a t-shirt, and a comfortable jacket—perfectly fitting the role of an eager student. Meric and Marlon followed at a slight distance, watching intently. As Lina approached a guide who was speaking to a group of tourists, she smiled politely and spoke with careful confidence.
Lina: "Hello, my name is Lina. I'm working on a school project about historical sites. Could I ask you a few questions about the cathedral's crypt? Especially the old passages."
The guide smiled, clearly used to curious visitors. "Of course. But the crypt is off-limits. Only those with special permission can enter."
Lina tilted her head, pretending to think. "But in the past, some scholars were allowed in, right? I even heard that a historian went missing here once."
The guide's expression changed slightly, though he quickly regained his composure. "Yes… but after that incident, security has been much stricter. No one is allowed down there anymore."
Lina leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "But if someone, say, a research team, needed access, would there be any way to arrange a private meeting?"
The guide hesitated before nodding slowly. "That would take some effort… but perhaps I could help you get in touch with the right people."
Lina beamed. "That would be great! Thank you!" She quickly turned and walked back toward Meric and Marlon, a triumphant spark in her eyes.
Meric: "Nice work," he praised her. "Now it's our turn."
Lina nodded. "Let's check the door."
The three of them slipped toward the back courtyard of the cathedral. Lina had done her job, distracting the guide, allowing Meric and Marlon to move unnoticed. This section was reserved for clergy, an area rarely visited by tourists.
Marlon, always cautious, whispered, "Something about this feels… off."
Meric, unfazed, replied, "We're just checking. If the door is open, then we have a clear path."
When they reached the courtyard, they found an old door tucked away in the shadows. It looked abandoned, long forgotten. Meric carefully inspected it. "This is it. It looks sealed, but…"
Marlon shifted uncomfortably. "Wait—don't push it yet. If we do this—"
But Meric was already pressing against the door. Slowly, it creaked open. The air beyond was stale, heavy with the scent of dust and stone.
Meric glanced at the others. "Looks like luck is on our side." He took a step forward. "Let's go."
One by one, they slipped inside, stepping into a narrow, dimly lit corridor of stone. The walls were cold to the touch, and every footstep echoed ominously. Lina followed closely behind, her heart pounding.
The cathedral's secret was waiting for them in the darkness.