In the meantime, the secret societies held an emergency meeting involving senior government officials at one of their covert headquarters. Tiffy's father's close ally, Janssen—a Cabinet Secretary—was present at such high-level assembly.
Brewster, the Secretary Chief, stood at the front of the dim-lit chamber and began:
"Council members, government officials, ladies and gentlemen present. I regret to begin this session on a grim note. It has come to our attention that soldiers under Captain James, along with certain allies, have escaped on a dangerous mission to steal the four sacred gems and locate all four lost puzzle books—or fragments, to be exact. Captain James claims he cannot reach the students via phone, and we've been unable to trace their devices. They've already seized the black gem and puzzle pages from the Meloni District—one of our permanent camps. How they found such a clandestine location is unclear. Possibly magic was involved."
He paused solemnly.
"Our intelligence reports, via a monitoring spirit, confirm they've breached the Chilli Historical Site, targeting a puzzle box hidden underground by the Aries sub-clan, beneath what is now Room 48. I suspect they're currently excavating the underground tombs—probably guided by clues from the library. Our guards are compromised."
Brewster's tone hardened.
"We must act swiftly. If they solve the puzzle box, they'll draw dangerously close to acquiring the second gem. I propose we move the green gem to the most secure facility we have—the Mansoon Basements. It's near a navy base and protected by a large military force. Secondly, I propose we terminate the intruders. They've jeopardized the fragile balance of our secret coexistence."
He paced slightly, then added, "The puzzle box requires knowledge of pure science—set theory, mathematical logic, and intricate conundrums. Whether they can unlock it remains uncertain, but we cannot take that risk. We must eliminate them before they advance further. All in favor of these actions, raise your hands."
Most attendees raised their hands in agreement.
"Then it's settled," Brewster concluded. "At dawn, we dispatch our mutant hybrids—enhanced beings, powerful and difficult to subdue. Let's proceed with determination... and discretion."
The council soon dispersed after discussing additional confidential matters. Outside, Janssen made a discreet call to Tiffy's father, Jack.
---
Call Between Allies
"Hello, Jack."
"Hey, Janssen. How are you?"
"My day's been chaotic—handling bursaries and local government matters. Yours?"
"Same here, but I've just come from a confidential council meeting."
"A secret meeting? But you're in the executive—why so covert?"
"It wasn't just government. This involved the secret societies. I wish I could tell you more."
"Come on—I'm your ally. Please share. I promise it stays between us. I'll even pay you if you don't trust me!"
"I'm really not supposed to—"
"Please. Double the offer."
Janssen sighed. "Fine. It's about a group that escaped from Sultan Military Camp—soldiers under Captain James. They've teamed up with others and are on a mission to collect all four gems and puzzle books. They've already taken the black gem and puzzle pages from Meloni. Now they're at the Chilli Historical Site, trying to find a puzzle box that could lead them to the green gem."
"Treasonous behavior," Jack muttered. "But isn't termination too extreme? Can't they be arrested?"
"Jack, those gems hold immense power. If they solve the puzzle and seize the second gem, it could disrupt the balance of the four clans. That's treason—and we can't afford leniency."
"I understand, but still… capital punishment? That's not justice."
"Treason is treason. We can't show mercy."
"I see where you're coming from. Thanks for trusting me with this."
"Of course."
---
Jack Warns Tiffy
Jack quickly called Tiffy using her secret number.
"Guys, silence—it's my dad," Tiffy told the group. She answered, "Hi, Dad! I've missed you. I'm here with Nick and Elizabeth, watching over him while the rest are out searching for... the puzzle box."
"You whispered that... so you know already. But before anything else—what happened to Nick?"
"Nick was injured when part of the building collapsed. We were investigating cave writings when spirits and awakened zombies attacked us. But he's healing—Elizabeth and I are keeping him company."
"I'm glad to hear that. Listen, you need to leave tonight. The Secretary Chief has authorized mercenaries—mutant hybrids—to eliminate your group by dawn. I'll try to help from my end. I'm contacting my ally to find the puzzle box's exact location. You don't have much time."
"Thanks, Dad! Please hurry. We'll leave soon. I love you."
"I love you too. Stay safe."
---
Second Call: Puzzle Box Location
Minutes later, Jack called again.
"Hello, Dad! Any clues?"
"Yes. It's in Room 48. Focus your search there."
"Room 48—got it. Thanks, Dad! Keep close to Janssen if anything else comes up. I love you!"
"Love you too. Come home safe."
Tiffy turned to Nick. "You rest here. I'm telling the others."
"No problem. I'll keep an eye out."
---
Team Gathers
Tiffy hurried to the excavation site.
"Tiffy, we heard about the mercenaries and the puzzle box," Jasmine said. "Do you know which room?"
"Yes—Room 48. We need to move fast. Night's approaching."
"Then let's go!" Lama urged.
"You know, your dad just saved us," William added. "Both with the warning and the room clue. But we'll also need to prepare aqua-UV weapons. If mutants are coming, water and hydration are critical."
"He's right," Elizabeth said. "Let's locate an oasis or underground water source after this."
"I understand your concern," Tiffy said. "But right now, survival means escaping—not fighting."
"Let's just get that puzzle box," Elizabeth agreed. "We can't waste time."
"You have tools, right?" Tiffy asked.
"Swords, daggers, and our hands," John replied. "We'll make it work."
"Great. Let's go!"
They reached Room 48, marked with the Aries symbol. Excavations began. While digging, Jenny paused.
"I'm sorry—I have to leave. I need to check on my baby."
As she left, Tiffy whispered to Elizabeth, arms folded.
"Be honest—do you think Jenny's baby is Nick's? I keep having doubts."
Elizabeth looked uncomfortable. "Honestly, I don't know. But Tiffy, I'm afraid of how you react... especially after everything in high school. You poisoned me, remember?"
Tiffy sighed. "I was overreacting. I'm just protective of Nick. I'm sorry. The poison was non-lethal—just mild blood abnormalities. I hope you can forgive me."
"I forgive you," Elizabeth said cautiously. "But what if I'm the one who unlocks the goodness magic by kissing Nick?"
Tiffy paused, thoughtful. "Then... I'll be a witness—as long as it doesn't interfere with my marriage."
Elizabeth smiled slightly. "Fair enough. But popularity changes people. If Nick becomes a hero... would he leave you?"
"If he wants a divorce, I won't stop him. But just know—"
"Know what?" Elizabeth interrupted sharply.
John, overhearing the tension, interjected. "Everything alright, ladies?"
Tiffy nodded. "Yes. Just a misunderstanding. I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I'll be a better teammate."
Elizabeth softened. "I hope so. Your attitude's exhausting."