That evening, Elizabeth received the text from Nick. After reading it, she replied, thanking him for his efforts. Later, she met Jasmine in the backyard for their usual extended night practice.
"Nick just texted me tonight," Elizabeth said. "He told me about his visit to the step uncle who is the commander. The uncle mentioned he gave out our names to the owner of the nearby metallic industry. That means maybe this weekend we should visit the industry, posing as science project students recommended by Captain James."
"Wow, that's really good news! So, how do we proceed from here?" Jasmine asked eagerly.
"It's up to us to push the research further. Getting raw materials is the first step. Do you know any welding experts or someone familiar with metallurgy?"
"My uncle works in a welding factory. I'll contact him once we have a plan for making those shiny knight armors!"
"Great! I'm glad you have that connection. Let's take it one step at a time — no need to rush."
They resumed their practice after Elizabeth's advice.
---
That weekend, the two girls toured the metal industry.
"How's your research going?" Elizabeth asked as they walked.
"Not much, just some YouTube tutorials and lessons. Hopefully, that'll help! What about you?"
"I did the same but watched different videos. I also drew diagrams to map out the steps. Don't worry — we'll work closely with your uncle, if he's free in the evenings."
"That sounds like a plan. Let's hurry to the industry!"
---
Upon arrival, the owner—who had been in touch with Captain James—welcomed them. The girls left with a couple of scrap metals in their large carrier bags.
Luckily, Jasmine contacted her uncle, who promised to visit that evening with welding tools.
---
That evening at Jasmine's home, her uncle arrived as promised. In Jasmine's room, they carefully studied their references and worked on the armors.
After two hours of hard work, they completed two shiny chest armors and two shield-like structures.
"Thanks so much, uncle. I was worried about our science project. I don't know how to repay you!" Jasmine said gratefully.
"It's nothing. Anything for my niece! I'm happy to help for free," her uncle replied.
After escorting him out, the girls tried on the armors.
"Wow, these look amazing on us!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"So, when do we start the forest trek?" Jasmine asked.
"As soon as tomorrow! It's the weekend, after all — and what better way to spend it than stealthily trekking the forest?"
"I know it's a protected zone. We'll have to sneak through the fences and be wary of wild animals. We must be careful."
"We could try to follow the footprints of hybrids, though I'm not sure how to find clues that way."
"Instead of arguing, let's use the phone's satellite map app to guide us through safe paths and look for clues."
"Good idea! Tomorrow, we meet at my place since it's closer to the forest. That way, we can start early," Elizabeth said before heading home.
---
The next day, the girls met in the afternoon. They packed their armor in backpacks and carrier bags and quietly left.
After a long walk, they reached the electric fence zone.
"How do we get past this?" Jasmine asked.
"I brought a fence cutter, just in case. Hold my bags while I work — it's insulated, so no worries," Elizabeth said.
She quickly cut through, and they slipped inside, moving deeper into the forest.
"Keep your phone map ready. Signals might get weak," Elizabeth warned.
For a while, their maps guided them along safe paths—until the signal was lost.
"Signal's down. No internet here!" Elizabeth said anxiously.
"That's a problem. We'll have to find our way ourselves," Jasmine replied.
"Any clues? Think we might find something?"
"I'm not sure. Let's stay optimistic. How about we leave landmarks behind so we can find our way back if needed?"
They marked the ground with sticks and carefully followed any footprints.
---
After some time, Jasmine spotted something.
"Hey, look! A big footprint!"
"That's odd. Definitely not from any wild animal — it must be a hybrid!" Elizabeth said.
"Quick, let's follow the other big footprints. They might lead us to clues!" Jasmine urged.
The trail ended at a camouflaged hole.
"Why is there a covered hole here?" Jasmine wondered.
"Should we uncover it?"
"No way. We don't know what's inside — it could attack!"
"How about we crouch and peek inside?"
"Good idea."
They stooped low and peered cautiously.
After a moment, they straightened up.
"I think there's a sleeping hybrid inside," Elizabeth whispered timidly.
"I have an idea — what if we capture it and interrogate it for clues?" Jasmine suggested.
"I hadn't thought of that. Do you think the government has tried that?"
"I don't trust the government—they might be involved in cartel business."
"So they wouldn't take action even if they knew?"
"They might betray us. We need to be secretive. If we get the four gems, we shouldn't alert the government yet. Those gems hold powerful magic, and many want them."
"Enough talk — let's plan how to capture the hybrid."
"We need strong ropes or chains to restrain it."
One girl stayed to watch the hybrid while the other ran to find supplies.
---
After half an hour, Jasmine returned, panting.
"I borrowed some gear from a classmate — a metal rod and three long ropes. We can use these to tie it up during interrogation."
The girls approached the hybrid's den and tried to wake it. The hybrid roared defensively but eventually was forced into daylight.
It lunged at them, but they dodged and managed to escape.
Under UV light, the hybrid began a painful chemical transformation, eventually losing consciousness.
"The transformation is real!" Elizabeth said.
"Quick, tie it to the nearby tree. I'll get water and snacks to revive it," Jasmine said.
They tied the hybrid up and waited.
Jasmine returned with refreshments.
"Let's try to wake it. At least it's still breathing," she said.
---
They removed the hybrid's shirt and gave it water and snacks. Gradually, it regained consciousness.
"Hey, it's waking up!" Jasmine said.
"Wake up! You're captured and will be interrogated. Cooperate and it'll be easy; resist and face consequences," Elizabeth warned.
Jasmine brandished the metal rod threateningly.
"I can make your forehead a mess if you don't talk!" she added.
The stranger sighed. "Alright, I'll talk. What do you want to know?"
"We want everything. The secret society, future plans, and how to find the puzzle book," Elizabeth said sternly.
---
The stranger explained, "I was recruited into a secret militia group that promised great things. Family NDAs are signed. After initiation, we're injected with a serum that lets us defend the forest at night—but we're vulnerable to UV light.
"No one knows the main bases of the four secret societies. They live temporarily in the forest.
"There's a witch named Jezebel who knows more about the puzzle book. She's very powerful but demands expensive gifts and chicken parts. She can foretell or enchant the future magically, but finding the book through her is a gamble.
"I can take you to her, but she doesn't know the exact location."
---
The girls exchanged looks.
Jasmine said, "Isn't that risky? We need certainty, not gambling."
Elizabeth added, "I'm scared of witches. Even with gifts, she sounds intimidating."
The stranger replied, "She's not as bad as you think. She's hospitable and will feed and water you. She just wants her rewards as thanks."