Chapter 3: Return to Base

The journey back through the portal was quieter than usual. The other Reclaimers were cautious around Leo, keeping their distance as if he were some kind of anomaly. Sofia walked beside him, her demeanor focused and authoritative, but he could tell she was uneasy.

Once they returned to base, a sprawling facility hidden in the mountains, Sofia led Leo to a secluded briefing room. The walls were lined with screens displaying data from the mission, and a large table stood at the center, cluttered with maps and reports.

"Sit," Sofia said, gesturing to a chair. "We need to talk about what happened back there."

Leo complied, his mind still racing from the events of the day. He could feel the energy within him, like a dormant force waiting to be unleashed. He had never experienced anything like it.

"Do you have any idea why you suddenly gained those abilities?" Sofia asked, her tone serious.

Leo shook his head. "No. I was struggling during the mission, and then I fell into a crevice. I found the artifact, and when I touched it, I felt this surge of energy. It was like I could see everything more clearly, move faster, and hit harder."

Sofia nodded, her expression contemplative. "Artifacts can be powerful, but they usually don't affect Reclaimers this way. We need to understand why this happened to you and what it means for our missions."

As they spoke, Owen entered the room, carrying a tablet with detailed data from the mission. He placed it on the table and pulled up a video of Leo's battle with the creature.

"Check this out," Owen said, pointing to the screen. "Leo's movements are off the charts. He's reacting faster than any Reclaimer we've ever recorded. It's like he has his own personal power boost."

Sofia crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as she watched the footage. "This could be dangerous. If Leo's powers are unpredictable, it could put the team at risk."

Leo felt a pang of unease. He didn't want to be a liability, but he also couldn't deny the rush of power he had experienced. It was exhilarating, and he wanted to understand it better.

"Do I still have a place on the team?" Leo asked, his voice uncertain.

Sofia regarded him for a moment before nodding. "Yes, but we need to keep a close eye on you. I don't want you taking unnecessary risks until we know more about your abilities. Understood?"

Leo nodded, grateful that Sofia wasn't dismissing him outright. "Understood."

Owen chimed in, his usual jovial demeanor tempered by the seriousness of the situation. "We'll run some tests, see if we can figure out what's happening. In the meantime, just take it easy, okay? We don't want you turning into a one-man wrecking crew without warning."

Leo chuckled softly, though he knew Owen was only half-joking. He would need to be careful, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of excitement. Whatever was happening to him, it was giving him the chance to become something more than he had ever imagined.