The Reclaimers' headquarters buzzed with activity as the team prepared to investigate the reports from the eastern border. Leo, now recovered from his ordeal with the vortex, joined Sofia, Evelyn, and Owen in a strategy session to discuss their approach.
"We need to move quickly and stay under the radar," Sofia said, pointing to a map on the wall. "Drake will be expecting us, so we need to be cautious. If he's gathering allies, we can't afford to confront them head-on."
Owen nodded, adjusting his glasses. "I've identified a few key locations where Drake might be hiding. We should start with the old ruins in the east. It's secluded and has a history of magical activity."
Leo agreed. "That sounds like the best place to start. We'll need to be careful, though. Drake's not going to make it easy for us."
The team gathered their gear and set off toward the eastern border. The journey was long, but they traveled quickly, avoiding populated areas to maintain a low profile. Along the way, Leo felt a sense of anticipation mixed with unease. Drake had proven himself to be cunning and ruthless, and he wouldn't hesitate to strike if given the chance.
As they approached the eastern border, the landscape became more rugged and desolate. The ruins that Owen had mentioned were nestled in a valley, partially hidden by dense forest. It was the perfect place for someone like Drake to gather allies without attracting attention.
Sofia led the way, her instincts sharp as they entered the forest. "Stay close and keep your eyes open. If Drake's here, we don't want to be caught off guard."
Evelyn walked beside Leo, her healing powers at the ready. "Do you think Drake has managed to rebuild his strength?" she asked, her voice low.
"I hope not," Leo replied. "But we have to be prepared for anything. He's resourceful, and he's not the type to give up easily."
As they reached the edge of the forest, they spotted movement among the ruins. Figures dressed in dark robes moved silently through the trees, their faces hidden beneath hoods. It was clear that Drake had indeed gathered allies, and they were patrolling the area.
"Looks like we found them," Owen said, peering through his binoculars. "There's at least a dozen of them. We need to find a way to get closer without being seen."
Leo scanned the area, his eyes narrowing. "We need to create a diversion. If we can draw them away from the ruins, we can slip in and find out what Drake's planning."
Sofia nodded. "I'll handle the diversion. You three get inside and gather as much information as you can. Be quick and stay quiet."
With a plan in place, Sofia moved to a different part of the forest, preparing to create a distraction. Meanwhile, Leo, Owen, and Evelyn crept toward the ruins, careful to stay out of sight. The dark-robed figures were vigilant, but the forest provided enough cover for the team to move undetected.
As they reached the edge of the ruins, Sofia unleashed her diversion. A series of loud bangs and bright flashes erupted from the forest, drawing the attention of Drake's allies. They rushed toward the source of the noise, leaving the ruins unguarded.
"Let's move," Leo whispered, leading the way into the ruins. The structures were ancient, with crumbling stone walls and overgrown vegetation. It was easy to see why Drake had chosen this place—it was remote and filled with hiding spots.
The team split up, each searching a different part of the ruins. Leo ventured deeper into the complex, his senses alert for any sign of Drake. The air was thick with tension, and every sound echoed ominously through the stone corridors.
As Leo turned a corner, he spotted a figure standing in the shadows. It was Drake, his eyes fixed on a strange artifact embedded in the wall. The artifact glowed with a dark energy, casting an eerie light across the chamber.
"Drake," Leo said, stepping forward. "This ends now."
Drake turned slowly, a sinister smile on his lips. "Ah, Leo. I was hoping you'd find me. You're just in time to witness the beginning of something extraordinary."
Leo tightened his grip on his sword, ready for whatever came next. "You're not getting away this time. We're going to put an end to your madness."
Drake's smile widened. "We'll see about that."