"But how did you guys come up with such crazy ideas of going after the gems? I'm just curious," Luca asked.
Elizabeth smiled confidently. "We wanted to unlock the goodness magic so that this evil systemic disguise could finally be uprooted once and for all."
"Okay, that's a good initiative. Now that you're fully equipped, do you have any other places to go or missions to attend? We could lend you a hand," Luca suggested.
"Yeah! We have the Mansoon basements. That's where they found us before transferring the gem from the Chillbi desert zones," Jasmine explained.
"Found you out? Can you explain that more?" Luca pressed.
"Well, our best guess is that the monitoring spirits either talebared on us or set us up to the authorities while we were searching for the other gem near a historical site in Chillbi desert. I'm not sure if the gem was exactly at the site or nearby, but Tiffy's dad—who has an executive ally in council meetings—warned us that the government was coming after us. We ran nonstop after hearing that," Jasmine narrated.
"We came across Kabaka village suddenly, where we received a warm welcome, upgraded weapons, magical supplies, maps that led us here, and other miscellaneous packages. After unlocking the puzzle box inside the historical site, it pointed us to the Mansoon basements as the next clue, where the next gem might be found."
"Wow, let me take a moment to process all that," Luca said, pausing to think.
"So, that means secret societies, in partnership with the government, transferred the desert relics after hearing you stole the first ones and were hunting for others. By luck, they didn't secure this place as tightly as expected—though there were many guards. I've never seen such an army of guards before. But since you bypassed everything to steal the orange gem and puzzle books, I'm sure they'll tighten security even more," Luca reasoned.
"That's why we need to get back to Mansoon basements. We know what awaits us there—the navy guards plus vast hybrid and mutant armies. It sounds challenging, but we have to plan carefully. If we rush in raw, they'll finish us raw. Don't underestimate the monitoring spirits' powers that overwhelmed us back in Chillbi desert," Jasmine warned.
"Okay, so what's the plan? Any ideas, guys?" Mikal asked.
"I think we should divide ourselves accordingly: some to deal with spirits, some with the navy and hybrids, and others to sneak into the basements," Nick suggested.
"Adding to that, I think we should set traps for them," Luca said.
"Set traps?" a few exclaimed ominously.
"Yeah. The divide-and-conquer rule. Even though there are traps in place, we can use those traps against them," Luca explained.
"Do you mean lure them toward the traps to entrap them?" Jasmine asked, curious.
"I know they can fly easily past traps, but if we secretly adjust their traps when no one is around—change their positions where they'd never expect—then, since they travel in groups, we can catch many at once. We attack the entrance guards while they're distracted," Luca clarified.
"So first, we need to observe the pathways they prefer to walk rather than fly. Then, quietly and quickly, reposition the traps when no one's watching," Nick added.
"I think we should maintain constant communication. Security will tighten now that we have two gems. Also, we must find ways to hide the relics in case we get arrested. We'd rather find a way out of jail than hand everything over to the government. Otherwise, our work would be futile," Elizabeth advised.
"Elizabeth, don't say that. Stay positive about the mission! But you're right, we need backup plans to hide the relics," Nick said.
"Perhaps I could keep them safe for you—if you trust me," Luca offered.
They all paused, exchanging puzzled looks, unsure whether to trust Luca.
"I think we should give Luca a chance. But where exactly would you keep them now that you're part of this journey?" Nick asked suddenly.
"If we get the relics, I'd fly to my safe den or hide them underneath my thick skin. You guys could help stitch a pouch through the thick layers to store the relics safely. Don't worry, it would be painless," Luca suggested.
"I like that idea. Mikal here can help with the stitching. What about communication devices? Should we search the underground basements again?" Elizabeth suggested.
"That's a great idea! Okay, Mikal and his aides will work on stitching the pouch on Luca, while the rest search the underground basements for communication devices," Nick decided.
The group split up. Nick led some to explore the basements on dragons, while Mikal and a few stayed behind to perform the procedure on Luca.
When they arrived, Nick saw the bleak site marred by lava. "Okay, guys! The air quality isn't good due to recent volcanic activity. We need to break the entrances open to improve circulation," Nick instructed.
They broke down the entrances completely, then entered.
"Let's find anything useful—communication devices, binoculars, walkie-talkies," Nick urged.
They searched the rooms thoroughly before regrouping in the library.
"What did you find?" Nick asked.
"I found ten walkie-talkies. Not enough for everyone, but a start," Tiffy said.
"You could have taken more! We're more than ten, you know!" Nick complained.
"Don't worry, we'll fetch more," Tiffy replied.
"I got night-vision binoculars in my backpack," Jasmine added.
"I have electric tasers and a fire extinguisher. The tasers can neutralize mutants when combined with water from the extinguisher," Lama explained.
A brief silence followed.
"That's it, then. We'll work with what we have. You all seem well-prepared with your backpacks full. Let's regroup with the others," Nick concluded.
Upon returning, Nick asked, "Finished with Luca's surgeries?"
"Yes! The relics are safely stored in the pouch. I left a little space so we can drop new relics in easily. Luca is recovering well," Mikal reported.
"Great! We got lucky finding some useful gear in the basements. Now we need to assign roles before heading to Mansoon," Nick said.
"Elizabeth, would you lead this mission?" Mikal asked.
"I'd be honored," Elizabeth replied.
"Alright, Elizabeth's leader. Please assign specific roles," Nick encouraged.
"Okay, Nick and Tiffy will be our main thieves, so we back them up in every way. Jenny and William will set up traps first, then we all launch the offensive attacks once we find ideal locations. Jasmine and John will attack from mid-air with grenades and sniper shots to cover us. Mikal and Lama will alert us of incoming navy guards while setting gas bombs along their paths to buy us time," Elizabeth detailed.
"Good plan. Before we move out, we should consider camouflaging. The dragons are vulnerable to shots now that security's tight," Nick suggested.
"We'll trek in pairs while dragons cover us from air attacks by vampires and outnumbering hybrids. Their fire breathing should keep attackers at bay," Elizabeth replied.
"Okay, let's move before sunset!" Nick urged.
They mounted dragons and flew to a hill overlooking the heavily guarded basements.
"Look, guards are patrolling with weapons. Security is tight—armed to the teeth," Elizabeth observed.
"Let's wait for nightfall and monitor their movements. Luca knows the trap locations," Nick added.
"I'll move in with Jenny and William. I've studied the area and know the traps," Luca said.
Night fell. Guards moved deeper into the forest, leaving only a few behind.
"I know their footpaths now," William whispered.
"Okay, Jenny and William, move out while the rest cover you," Luca instructed.
Using Tiffy's sniper guns, Jasmine and John covered the trio's advance.
"Take your positions!" Jenny called over walkie-talkie.
They relocated the traps while Jasmine and John fired sniper shots at approaching hybrids.
"All done. Thanks for the cover! We're heading back to join you. Keep backing us up!" Jenny reported.
They returned safely.
"What's next?" William asked.
"We'll create a commotion to lure them back to camp," Elizabeth said, throwing grenades with her dragon's help near the camp.
The loud explosions drew hybrids back, who were caught in the relocated traps.
"Now, let's move closer!" Elizabeth commanded.
Mikal and Lama moved to the navy base entrances to set bombs. John and Jasmine took sniper positions. Elizabeth, Nick, and Tiffy moved forward to launch a fusillade.
Nick and Tiffy led, with Elizabeth covering behind. Dragons helped fight flying hybrids, while all stayed in constant communication.
Using tasers and extinguishers, Elizabeth, Nick, and Tiffy neutralized tough mutants much efficiently.
"We're in!" Tiffy reported over walkie-talkie.
"Jasmine and John moving closer to cover you," John replied.
"Cover us at the entrances with the dragons! I repeat, cover us!" Elizabeth ordered.
"Copy that," Jasmine answered.
"Mikal and Lama, we've got company! Navy soldiers are approaching. We're setting bombs but don't know how long we can hold them!" Mikal said anxiously over the radio.
"Roger that! We'll be quick!" Nick replied.
"This is our final mission to grab the relics. We'll move as fast as possible!" Tiffy added.