Sanctuary: Safe Haven

Canna woke up with a lightness to his step, a spring of excitement buzzing through him. The night before, he had stayed up late poring over the reports and information that Noctis had gathered. The more he read, the more impressed he became by his shadowy companion's incredible skill.

Noctis had delivered invaluable details about the guilds, clans, and the royal family of Kharath, painting a vivid picture of the power structures and personalities at play in the kingdom. Canna couldn't help but feel a sense of pride; Noctis had once again proven to be an indispensable asset, saving him a lot of time.

Among all the information, one particular piece had caught Canna's attention—the third strongest clan in Kharath, Clan Skarn. His curiosity was piqued because Clan Skarn specialized in beast taming, something that resonated deeply with Canna, given his own connection with powerful creatures. The idea of meeting other skilled beast tamers intrigued him. What kind of creatures did they command?

How had they earned their reputation?

This would be Canna's first time visiting such a large and bustling kingdom, and he fully intended to take his time here, savoring every new experience. He wasn't in any rush—after all, he had a sanctuary to return to when needed.

Canna's plan for the day was simple. He would blend in. He didn't want to draw attention by wearing his usual regal sanctuary attire. Instead, he decided to wear something more common, clothes that ordinary people of the kingdom might wear. Thanks to the seamstress back at the sanctuary, he had a set of clothing that fit in with the kingdom's fashion. Experience exclusive tales on empire

It was simple yet comfortable—plain trousers, a dark tunic, and a traveling cloak.

As for his companions, Nyx, the ever-watchful shadow bear, would accompany him, but stay concealed in Canna's shadow. The plan was to avoid suspicion, and while Mortem would normally insist on coming along, they agreed it was best to keep things low-key for now.

Mortem didn't like the decision, of course, but this wasn't about confrontation—Canna had no malicious plans for Kharath, only curiosity and intrigue.

According to Noctis' report, the kingdom of Kharath was home to around 50 million inhabitants. It was a sprawling kingdom, full of life, culture, and opportunity. Though Noctis couldn't pinpoint the precise level of power each individual held, he did note the presence of at least three saints, individuals whose power was equal to disaster-ranked beings.

That fact alone suggested the kingdom's strength, and Canna couldn't help but wonder how many more powerful figures lay hidden within its walls. Still, there was no need to overthink it—he wasn't there to start any trouble after all.

The morning passed smoothly. Before leaving, Canna took some time to center himself with his usual breathing exercises. He stood in the heart of his domain, surrounded by towering trees and the peaceful hum of nature. The fresh air filled his lungs as he focused his mind, clearing away any lingering thoughts of battle or conflict. Nyx remained quietly in his shadow, ever-present but silent.

Once Canna felt fully in tune with his surroundings, he prepared for his journey.

As he made his way through the sanctuary, he stopped by to say goodbye to some of his people. Kael was, as usual, waiting for him with a list of things that needed handling while Canna was away. Canna, with a relaxed smile, waved him off. "You've got this, Kael. I trust you."

Kael sighed, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. "Of course. As always, you leave me with all the responsibilities," he muttered, though there was a hint of fondness in his voice. He watched as Canna strode off, giving a quick nod before heading back to his own tasks.

With everything in order, Canna summoned the red portal. The swirling, crimson energy surrounded him as he stepped through, leaving the sanctuary behind. On the other side, he emerged into a dense forest, the kind that stretched for miles along the northern border of the kingdom. The air was crisp and cool, and the canopy of trees above filtered the sunlight into soft, golden beams.

It was a serene place, quiet except for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife.

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Canna began his journey north, taking in the forest's beauty as he moved at a steady pace. He walked for about three hours, enjoying the peace and solitude. The air was fresh, and the only sounds were the wind brushing through the trees and the distant chirping of birds. Despite the calm, Canna remained alert. He knew well enough that this kingdom was teeming with life—both peaceful and dangerous.

It wasn't long before the forest's tranquility was interrupted. In the distance, Canna heard the unmistakable sound of fighting. The clash of weapons, the crackle of energy, and the distant grunts of exertion echoed through the trees. Instantly, his senses sharpened. He could feel it—the fighters weren't weak. Their auras pulsed with strength, even though they were still far away.

Whoever they were, they were powerful, and their energy resonated strongly in the air.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Canna narrowed his eyes, curiosity piqued. This wasn't an ordinary scuffle. He quickened his pace, weaving through the trees with the ease of someone who had spent years navigating wild terrain. The closer he got, the stronger the aura of the fighters became, and soon enough, he reached the source of the sound.

At the edge of a small clearing, hidden behind the cover of the trees, Canna stopped. His sharp eyes took in the scene before him.

Two individuals were engaged in a fierce battle—or rather, a sparring match. Their movements were fluid and precise, each strike countered with equal skill. The intensity of the fight sent waves of energy through the forest, causing the trees to sway as if in reverence to their strength.

Canna watched in silence, observing their techniques, their speed, and the raw power they wielded. There was no doubt—these two were elite fighters, warriors who had trained for years, perhaps even decades.

As he watched, a small, amused smile crept onto Canna's face. This was turning out to be an interesting day indeed.