Ashley jotted down a few more notes, just to have a sense of completion, making special note of the fact that the last number was weird on purpose. He knew it!
Then he turned his attention back to the professor... and the box. A box that someone had to be brave to come try and open?
Also, what did the box have to do with numbers? Did it have a numbers code? He was curious, but didn't know if he would like to try and deal with that. Still, she'd asked for a few volunteers... so he raised his hand. What was the worst that could happen?
Well, it could blow up, probably. But at least that would be cool?
"I'll try it..." he said, trying not to sound uncertain about it.