The next day dawned bright. By midmorning, everyone had gathered at Tiffy's place, ready for the desert journey.
"Has everyone prepared their friends and family psychologically for this?" Nick asked as they settled down with their heavy backpacks.
"Well, my parents and friends just know I'm pursuing military studies," Elizabeth said. "Since I'm in college, they don't stress about my whereabouts. Whether I visit or not during semester breaks, they see me as an adult now."
The others chimed in with similar justifications.
"Elizabeth's right," Jasmine added. "Maybe we should at least alert them if we graduate—assuming we survive this mission!"
"What about Jenny—and your baby?" Nick suddenly turned. "Where we're heading is dangerous, and we all know a mother and baby shouldn't be separated."
"I've stocked up on alternative baby feed," Jenny replied confidently. "I can't just stay behind."
"As you wish," Nick said. "But we'll need to stop by some shops before we head into the desert."
"Jenny, can we loan some supplies off you—just for this trip?" Lama asked cautiously.
"I'll cover this round," Tiffy offered. "Don't worry, Jenny."
"Alright, let's go. We have no time to waste," Nick ordered.
They stocked up heavily, then boarded hired private choppers bound for the Chillbi Desert.
---
Four hours later, the choppers landed in a vast, barren stretch of sand.
Tiffy reassured the team, "Don't worry about the return trip—I've got contacts. We're covered."
"Wow. We're literally in the middle of nowhere," John muttered.
Nick pulled out a map and the misplaced puzzle book pages. "The book pages gives a general idea of the gem's location, but not specifics."
"What about online searches?" Elizabeth suggested.
Nick scrolled on his device. "Got something. South of here is a hidden, government-preserved historical site. It's restricted—visitation is by online application only."
"So we're technically trespassing," Jasmine observed. "What's in there?"
"It's an underground cave filled with ancient artifacts, tombs, and preserved writings," Nick said.
"But we need printed access cards to even get near it," he added grimly.
"That sounds highly secure," Elizabeth said. "Why require printed passes unless the place is heavily guarded?"
"So what's our plan? We're just going to storm the site?" Tiffy questioned.
"We might have to. But we'll be overwhelmed if we're not careful," Nick warned. "And these desert hybrids—word is they're immune to our UV-infused weapons."
"What?" William exclaimed. "Then how do we fight them?"
"I brought poisonous gas bombs," Nick said. "As long as they breathe, we can take them down."
"Smart thinking, Nick," Jenny praised.
"But we need to use them sparingly," Mikal advised. "Let's stick to martial arts and swords unless we're overrun."
---
The sun beat down mercilessly.
"Let's adjust our attire for the heat," Nick suggested. "Jenny—what's that? I didn't notice it earlier."
"It's a foldable baby trolley with a solar-powered AC unit," Jenny explained. "Side pockets for baby feed and diapers. The girls and I bought it together."
"That's genius. But how will you fight while watching the baby?" William asked.
"That's where you all come in," Jenny said. "I'll need cover. Combating while handling a baby is no joke."
"Fair enough," Nick nodded. "Girls watch Jenny's back. Guys, we're the front line."
"Don't get tired of doing good, team," he added. "In due time, we'll reap the gems—if we don't give up. We're just an hour from the site."
---
Suddenly, three of them collapsed.
"Oh my God—William, John, Lama!" Jasmine cried out.
As the others rushed to them, Elizabeth spotted the culprit. "It's a cobra! Quick!"
Nick fired a few rounds. The snake slithered away.
"They're unconscious—does anyone have a first aid kit?" Jasmine asked frantically.
Tiffy stepped forward, pulling out a medicine pouch. "I brought tranquilizers that neutralize snake venom. Just in case."
She quickly administered the antidote. Within minutes, the men stirred back to consciousness.
"I've got bandages too," she added. "This desert's crawling with danger. We have to be alert."
They helped the men hydrate and recover before continuing their journey.
"Tiffy, you're tougher than you look," John said, impressed. "Where'd you learn all this?"
"Taekwondo," she answered. "I trained as a kid and joined the college club. Never entered competitions, but it made me strong."
"What about you guys?" she asked.
"We're from a military school," Elizabeth explained. "Nick trained us in martial arts—YouTube tutorials, mostly. But it worked."
Tiffy turned to Elizabeth. "So how does my husband coordinate with all of you? You guys kinda broke out of the camp."
"Nick leads group studies and sports. He and Jenny are our unofficial leaders."
"Unofficial, huh? Do you party outside school?"
"No. But senior students sometimes sneak out."
Tiffy smirked. "Jenny, just curious—who's your baby's father?"
"My boyfriend. He lives outside. We meet during semester breaks. Why?"
"Just wondering. You and Nick seem… close."
"No sneaking involved," Jenny replied firmly. "We lead and cheer the team. That's all."
"Actually, sports inspired us," Lama said. "They built our confidence to fight hybrids."
---
Soon, they arrived at the site, marked by a massive sign: WELCOME TO CHILLBI UNDERGROUND HISTORICAL SITE
"This looks more like a prison," John muttered. "Heavily fenced. Masked hybrid guards everywhere."
"So what now?" Jasmine asked.
"There's no way we're getting in," William said, discouraged.
"No! We didn't come all this way to give up," Elizabeth said. "Think—there must be a way!"
"What if we steal a guard's pass?" Tiffy proposed.
"Go on," Nick encouraged.
"One of us steals a pass and disguises as a guard. Once inside, that person plants a bomb on the water tank above. Then, they cause a distraction to gather the guards nearby. When the tank explodes, it'll flood the area—then we strike."
"Smart. I'll do it," John volunteered.
The hybrids had masks only over their noses; their heads were exposed, showing immunity to UV.
"Jenny, cover me," John whispered.
Tiffy readied her anchor rope and aimed at a lone hybrid near the washrooms. With a precise shot, she snagged its foot and silently dragged it toward them. The team knocked the hybrid unconscious and stripped its uniform and neck pass.
John, now disguised, entered the compound. He wore a hat like the other guards, avoiding suspicion. At the tank, he quietly attached a bomb and texted the group.
Then, he raised his voice. "Everyone, come here! I found a suspicious phone!"
The guards gathered. "Check it out—someone's spying!"
Just then, Tiffy pressed the detonator.
Boom!
The tank exploded, flooding the area in a wave of water.
"Go, go, go!" Nick shouted.
The group stormed in. As the guards struggled in the flood, Nick's team struck with swords and gas bombs. John was quickly rescued.
More hybrids emerged. Gunfire erupted. The team took cover behind unconscious guards and fought back with stolen weapons. It took several bullets to bring down the tough-skinned enemies.
Nick then snuck to the underground entrance and tossed in three gas bombs. He slammed the door shut.
The bombs exploded.
"Cover your noses!" Nick shouted.
"I have masks!" Tiffy ran to grab them.
Everyone retreated to the washroom area where their supplies were stashed.
They had won the battle at the desert gate. The real mission lay underground.