"Guys, we have no time!" William urged. "These hybrids regain consciousness fast after being knocked out. We need to drag them into the floodwaters and keep the electricity flowing—it'll buy us time!"
Without hesitation, the group worked swiftly. They dragged the unconscious hybrids into the shallow, murky flood area. John hurried to cut a wire from a nearby transformer and laid it across the water. Sparks flickered as jolts of electricity rippled through the water. The hybrids' twitching bodies proved the current was doing its job.
John, the last to descend from level ground, moved carefully and finally joined them safely in the basement.
Tiffy rummaged through her pack, pulled out a padlock, and secured the entrance behind them. Then she handed out three bright flashlights. "You guys never learn—always be prepared, in and out of season! I picked that up in Girl Guides club back when I was a kid."
"Thanks, Tiffy," Elizabeth said. "Your prep. skills might just save us. But we need to figure out how to neutralize those mutated hybrids in case we face more ahead."
"She's right," Nick added. "But while we're here, we should look for clues. The power's out—we might find something in books or documents left behind."
Suddenly, a swarm of bats swooped past them, screeching. The group ducked in alarm, but the bats changed direction and vanished into the shadows.
"Okay, that was unexpected," Jasmine muttered. "The last time I saw bats like that was at Tiffy's Halloween party. You think they're spying spirits or something?"
"I think Jasmine might be onto something," Jenny said, cradling her baby in the stroller. The baby started crying, the sound echoing through the dark hall. "Animals can be manipulated by clans. With the right spells, bats, mice—any creature—can be used as spies. That's how I trained my mice."
"Wait, you've done magic before?" Nick said, surprised.
"I didn't keep it from you," Jenny explained. "I just… grew up curious. With all the witchcraft around our zones, I started training cats, dogs, even mice using spells. One mouse helped me steal the first relic."
"Then it's possible creatures are spying on us," Tiffy said. "We need counter-magic—something to confuse or ward off these spirits."
"I heard from a local spell-seller that once a spirit gets inside a creature, it's almost impossible to expel it… without a rite. Something about 'they've got friends, but they can't invite them.' Not sure what that means."
"Enough with the stargazers and false prophets," Tiffy said firmly. "I don't believe in horoscopes. I believe in faith—the kind that brings hope to those who wait. In one pure, true God."
"Well, someone's sounding a bit divine," Nick teased.
"Okay, let's stay focused," Elizabeth interjected. "No more debates. We need to find clues."
They continued in silence until they reached a darkened room with a faded sign.
"This must be the library," Nick said, pointing. "There's a schedule pinned beside the door."
"Is it open?" Jasmine asked, noticing a mailbox nearby.
John checked the mailbox. "Nothing here. Try pushing the door."
Nick gave it a frustrated kick. Luckily, the old wood gave way, creaking open.
Using their flashlights, they stepped into the cramped space.
"Ugh… I've got claustrophobia," Elizabeth whispered. "This architecture—it's just… creepy. Sharp edges, weird corners. It messes with my head."
"I get it," Jasmine said, comforting her. "Just stay close. Let's search for anything useful."
"Everyone, grab a few books," Nick instructed. "Focus on myths, history, anything linked to our mission. Share findings later."
The group fanned out, each diving into dusty tomes. The books ranged from philosophical records and ancient civilizations to cryptic magical texts.
An hour passed before Nick gathered them again.
"Alright, what've we got?"
"I found something!" Elizabeth spoke first. "The hybrids can be neutralized by mixing UV chemicals with water. Their dry skin absorbs water, which weakens them. UV exposure finishes them off."
"But we just used up water," Tiffy said. "Where will we get more in this place?"
"According to this," Jasmine jumped in, "UV energy can be trapped using photovoltaic cells. You run it through chemistry-based transformations, and voilà—UV chemicals. No idea how witches figured that out, but here we are."
"As for water," Elizabeth said, "unless there's an oasis nearby… we might have a problem."
"Any other finds?" Nick asked.
"I read about the monitoring spirits," Tiffy said. "They're demons—immortal beings that possess animals or humans. They jump from host to host unless cast out through rites involving ashes and spells."
"Sounds exhausting," Jasmine sighed. "They just keep returning. Like news reruns at 7 and 9 every night."
"No, Tiffy's right," Nick insisted. "We trap the creature hosting the spirit. It buys us time. They'll move on if their spy host gets stuck."
"But what if they break free?" Tiffy added. "That's why we need effective traps—and maybe some tracking."
"Could Jenny's mice be used like tracking devices?" Jasmine asked.
"Yes," Jenny nodded. "If we catch a bat, I can mount a trained mouse on its back. My mice can detect each other over long distances. Once we track one back to its source, we'll be closer to the second gem and relic book."
"Do you know anything about the spells or traps needed?" Nick asked Tiffy.
"I found references to cave writings," she replied. "They hold ancient knowledge—rituals, traps, all of it. If we explore the deeper sections of the building, we might find them."
"Before we head off," Nick asked, "anyone else find anything?"
"I did," John said. "About something called 'pure science.'"
"Pure science?" the group echoed.
"It's a backup method," John explained. "The second gem—the green one symbolizing air—was ground into powder and mixed with magic. They left behind a puzzle box, a scientific one. If solved, a magical map appears on a monitor showing the relic's location. It disappears soon after."
"Where is this puzzle box?" Nick asked.
"It's buried underground, near the tomb of the most respected clan leader. The location changes with each new council cycle."
"That's going to be hard," Tiffy muttered. "We don't even know the current council leader."
"That's why Jenny's tracking plan could help," John added.
"I agree," Nick said. "We can't rely on just one method. We need both magic and science. Diversify the risk."
"So where do we even start?" Elizabeth asked.
"We interrogate a villain," Nick said, tightening his fists. "Someone who knows enough to lead us to the council—or the puzzle box."
"That might actually work," Elizabeth nodded.
"Before we do anything else, though…" Jenny said, digging into her bag. "Let's refuel."
The group sat quietly in the dusty library, sharing snacks and gathering their strength for what lay ahead.