Sanctuary: Safe Haven-Chapter 343: Caught In The Fire III

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The fighters of the Empire of Talan fled in disarray, resembling a limping dog with its tail between its legs. Their meticulously planned raid on the marshlands had fallen apart at the seams, undone by the presence of the white-haired figure who had turned their well-orchestrated assault into a catastrophe. Canna, with his calm and calculated strikes, had shattered their ranks effortlessly. Now, the once-proud Empire’s soldiers ran, their hopes dashed against the reality of what they had faced.

Canna stood tall amidst the aftermath, his troops assembling below him. His white hair shimmered in the sunlight as he surveyed the marshland below, still crawling with monsters. His forces, seasoned and battle-hardened, were ready for more. Canna couldn’t help but smile as the adrenaline from the skirmish coursed through him.

"Sorry for the late notice, everyone," Canna called out, his voice carrying over the chaotic battlefield. His eyes gleamed as he gestured to the monsters still lurking in the swamp. "But since you’re already here, you might as well work off that rest. Stretch those beer bellies!"

Laughter erupted from his troops, a collective rumble that echoed through the marshlands. Without hesitation, the sanctuary’s forces sprang into action, descending upon the remaining marsh monsters with relentless fury. The ground quaked as they clashed with the beasts, the air filled with the sounds of weapons striking flesh, roars of monstrous pain, and the crackle of magic being unleashed.

Mortem flew to Canna’s side, his dark robes flaring as he landed. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he surveyed the battlefield. "Master," he said with a low chuckle, "our timing couldn’t have been better. Without us, the Earth Drake would have been hunted down like a common beast."

Canna nodded, his gaze shifting to the hulking figure of the wounded Earth Drake in the distance. "I agree. It seems we arrived just in time." He paused, scanning the area. "Where’s Noctis?"

Mortem grinned, his eyes flickering with amusement. "Already ahead of you, as always. He’s gathering information on the attackers. So far, we’ve learned they’re from an empire called Talan. Beyond that, details are still sketchy."

"Talan, huh?" Canna murmured thoughtfully, filing the name away. His eyes drifted to the Earth Drake, which was still locked in a battle with pain, a massive wound gaping in its side. The Emperor Boar that had attacked it had been enormous, but the damage it had inflicted was even more terrifying.

Canna made his way over to the Earth Drake, his brow furrowed as he examined the wound. "That looks bad," he muttered to himself. He raised his voice slightly as he addressed the drake. "Call your young. The sooner you’re healed, the better."

The Earth Drake’s breathing was labored, its massive body trembling slightly. It made no effort to respond with words, instead releasing a low, vibrating hum that reverberated through the ground. Moments later, four smaller Earth Drakes emerged from the shadows, followed closely by a true-calamity Earth Drake, the size of a school bus. The four smaller ones were about the size of large cars, and they encircled their mother protectively.

The Earth Drake’s golden eyes flickered toward Canna, and with a deep, rumbling voice, it growled, "Harm them, human, and I’ll make sure you suffer a pain so great, you will beg for death."

Canna met the Earth Drake’s gaze, unflinching. "Don’t worry," he replied calmly. "They’re under my protection now. I’ll make sure they’re safe. But for now, you need to rest."

The drake closed its eyes, exhaustion overtaking its immense form. Canna wasted no time. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a portal leading back to the sanctuary. Terrofang, the crimson gorilla, stepped forward to lift the massive creature. His muscles bulged with the effort, and even his immense strength was tested by the weight of the Earth Drake. Seeing this, Aurelis moved to assist, and together they managed to lift the drake toward the portal.

"Flora," Canna called over his shoulder, summoning his healer. "I need you to heal her. Take them to the barren lands of Verdant Peaks. His magic should still work there, even if he’s out cold."

Flora nodded, her movements graceful yet determined. She stepped through the portal, guiding the smaller Earth Drakes and the true-calamity drake into the sanctuary. Healing magic radiated from her hands as she tended to the creatures, ensuring their safety and recovery.

With the Earth Drake safely sent to the sanctuary, Canna turned his attention back to the battlefield. His troops were still engaged in heated combat with the marsh monsters, but the tide had clearly turned in their favor. Sanctuary warriors clashed with the remaining beasts, cutting them down with ease, their strength and coordination unmatched.

Canna watched the scene unfold with pride. His people were stronger than ever, their skills sharpened by countless battles. The sight filled him with satisfaction, but he knew it was time to wrap things up.

"The portal’s open!" Canna called out, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "Head back when you’re done here. Noctis’ clones are watching the borders. If there’s any threat, they’ll force-teleport you back. Otherwise, enjoy yourselves!"

The sanctuary’s warriors cheered in response, their spirits high as they continued their assault on the remaining monsters. Canna, along with his guardians, turned and stepped through the portal, returning to the sanctuary. As they disappeared into the shimmering vortex, Canna knew there was much to discuss. The appearance of the Empire of Talan and their assault couldn’t be ignored.

Canna’s mind buzzed with thoughts as he made his way through the sanctuary. He now had a catastrophe-ranked being under his care, the mighty Earth Drake. Although the drake was severely injured, Canna was confident that with time, it would recover and regain its full strength. The addition of such a powerful creature was a huge boon to the sanctuary. And beyond that, the battle had provided his warriors with valuable experience, giving them the chance to fight out in the open once again. For Canna, there was never such a thing as too many mana stones!