Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) are decentralized networks where mobile nodes communicate through radio waves without fixed infrastructure. However, they are susceptible to security attacks like the black hole attack, where malicious nodes claim optimal routes to intercept packets. This paper focuses on detecting black hole attacks within MANETs using a hybrid routing protocol. Specifically, the Modified-Zone-Based Hierarchical Link State (M-ZHLS) routing protocol is proposed and evaluated against existing protocols using simulations in NS2. The proposed method employs on-demand topology information transmission and utilizes techniques like expanding ring flooding for route discovery. Simulation results demonstrate that M-ZHLS outperforms existing protocols by reducing average delay by 5%, lowering routing overhead by 4%, and increasing delivery ratio by 4.5%. Future work aims to further enhance network performance in real-time environments.