The days following the successful ritual were filled with heightened activity and a growing sense of urgency. Elara and her team were acutely aware that their recent advancements had not gone unnoticed by the dark forces. The intelligence gathered from scouts had confirmed their fears: the enemy was regrouping and preparing for an offensive.
The camp's atmosphere was a mix of diligent preparation and simmering tension. Elara, Cedric, Morgana, Elias, and Aric worked tirelessly to refine their strategies and fortify their defenses. The dark clouds above seemed to intensify, casting a persistent shadow over their efforts.
One evening, as the camp bustled with activity, Elara gathered her core team around the central fire. The flickering flames illuminated their faces, reflecting the gravity of their situation.