Leo stood his ground as Drake turned to face him, his sinister smile sending a shiver down Leo's spine. The chamber echoed with distant noises from Sofia's diversion, but Leo's focus was entirely on Drake and the strange artifact that glowed with an ominous light.
"Drake, it's over," Leo said, trying to project confidence despite the growing sense of foreboding. "You can't keep chasing power at the expense of everyone else."
Drake chuckled softly, his eyes narrowing. "Power is everything, Leo. It's what separates those who make history from those who are forgotten." He gestured to the artifact, which pulsed with dark energy. "This is my key to a new beginning. You won't stand in my way."
Leo tightened his grip on his sword, ready for whatever Drake might do next. "You're playing with forces you don't understand. The vortex almost destroyed everything, and you want to open another one?"
Drake's expression hardened. "The vortex was just a failure of method, not intention. I know what went wrong, and I won't make the same mistake twice. With this artifact, I can control the power of the portals, bend them to my will."
Leo knew he had to act quickly. If Drake activated the artifact, the consequences could be catastrophic. He lunged forward, his sword aimed at the artifact, hoping to shatter it before Drake could use it.
Drake anticipated the move, deflecting Leo's strike with a flick of his hand, sending a burst of energy toward him. Leo staggered back, feeling the impact in his chest. It was clear that Drake's powers had grown since their last encounter.
"You can't defeat me, Leo," Drake taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Your power is limited, but mine has no bounds. I'm destined to reshape this world in my image."
Leo's mind raced as he recovered from the blow. He needed to keep Drake talking, to buy time for Sofia, Owen, and Evelyn to gather information or find a way to disrupt the artifact's power. "Why do you want to reshape the world, Drake? What's the point of all this destruction?"
Drake's eyes blazed with intensity. "Because this world is broken, corrupt. The Reclaimers are nothing but relics of a failed past. With the power of the portals, I can create a new order, one where I'm in control. No more chaos, no more disorder—just my vision of perfection."
Leo knew he couldn't let Drake's vision become a reality. He lunged again, this time aiming for Drake's staff, hoping to disarm him. But Drake was quick, sidestepping the attack and retaliating with a burst of energy that sent Leo crashing into a nearby wall.
"You're a fool, Leo," Drake said, his voice cold. "You could have joined me, been a part of something greater. But you chose to be a pawn in someone else's game."
Leo struggled to his feet, feeling the pain in his ribs from the impact. He knew he couldn't defeat Drake in a straight fight; he needed to find another way. "I'm not a pawn, Drake. I'm fighting for something bigger than myself."
Drake sneered. "Big words for someone who's about to lose everything."
As Drake raised his staff to strike again, a burst of light filled the chamber. It was Evelyn, her healing powers amplified to create a blinding flash that momentarily stunned Drake. Leo seized the opportunity, charging at Drake with his sword drawn.
Drake recovered quickly, but the flash had disoriented him enough for Leo to get in close. He struck at Drake's staff, knocking it from his hands and sending it skidding across the chamber. Drake's expression turned to fury as he lunged at Leo, engaging him in hand-to-hand combat.
The two clashed, exchanging blows as they moved through the chamber. Drake's anger fueled his attacks, but Leo's determination kept him going. He knew he had to keep Drake away from the artifact, which continued to pulse with dark energy.
Just as Drake gained the upper hand, Sofia and Owen burst into the chamber, weapons drawn. Sofia struck Drake from behind, stunning him long enough for Leo to gain the advantage. Owen raced to the artifact, using his tech skills to try and disable its power source.
Drake roared with rage, realizing that he was outnumbered. He unleashed a wave of energy that sent Sofia and Owen flying, but it also destabilized the artifact. The chamber trembled as the artifact's energy became unstable, threatening to collapse the entire structure.
Leo knew they had to act fast. He lunged at Drake, knocking him to the ground and pinning him there. "It's over, Drake!" he shouted, his voice filled with authority. "Your plans are finished!"
Drake struggled against Leo's grip, his eyes burning with hatred. "You haven't won yet," he growled. "You can't stop me!"
Leo tightened his hold, refusing to let go. "We just did."