Sanctuary: Safe Haven

It was the start of the fourth day, and Canna was sound asleep beneath a sprawling tree. The peace of the sanctuary seemed endless—until a sudden earthquake jolted him awake. His eyes snapped open, his heart racing as adrenaline surged through his veins.

He wasn't the only one affected; throughout the sanctuary, residents and creatures alike were waking up in a panic, bracing themselves for whatever disaster might have struck.

Before he could gather his thoughts, he heard Noctis's voice in his mind. "Master, it's Sylvanar. He was talking to Arborath a little while ago, and then he... started vibrating. And glowing."

"Sylvanar?" Canna asked, confused. Without hesitation, he teleported directly to Sylvanar's location, a mix of concern and curiosity on his face. Just as Noctis had said, Sylvanar was indeed glowing and trembling, his massive form shaking the ground beneath him.

The sanctuary's other guardians had already gathered around, except for the two dragons, Stormbringer and Stormrend, who remained asleep. Solara, always quick to respond, was the first to speak.

"Oh, Sylvanar is finally ranking up," she said casually, as if this were an everyday occurrence.

Canna teleported to Solara's side, his expression a mix of shock and excitement. "Ranking up? He's evolving to Disaster class as well?"

Solara bowed her head respectfully before answering, "Yes, Master. When one evolves to Disaster rank, the process itself becomes a disaster. Their evolution draws heavily on the mana around them, causing the very earth to tremble. Sylvanar's body is absorbing the ambient energy in the air, and this trembling is just the beginning.

He'll be cocooned in a protective shell, and it could take him anywhere between three to five days to complete the process."

As if on cue, Arborath, the tiny turtle who had been quietly observing the sanctuary, floated over to join the conversation. "That should do it," Arborath said with a satisfied tone. "He was already near the Disaster rank. I just gave him a little push."

At that very moment, the glowing ceased, and Sylvanar's towering form was slowly enveloped in thousands of vines, coiling around him like a protective cocoon. The once-glowing guardian was now hidden beneath layers of living vines, preparing for his transformation.

Canna turned to Arborath, still in disbelief. "I—uh, thank you," he managed to say, astonishment clear in his voice. Sylvanar was one of his most trusted guardians, and the thought of him reaching Disaster rank was both thrilling and intimidating. While Canna already had Solara as a Disaster-ranked subordinate, Sylvanar was the first among his original ranks to undergo such a transformation.

"It's nothing, young Harbinger," Arborath said, brushing off the thanks with a wave of his vine-like arm. Then, his tone shifted to something more serious. "Speaking of which, I've come to a decision."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Canna and the other guardians turned their full attention to the tiny turtle, sensing that something important was about to be said.

______________

"WHAT?!" Canna practically screamed, his eyes wide with disbelief. Arborath's words echoed in his head, and he struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "You're really thinking of doing that?"

Arborath nodded calmly, as if what he was suggesting was the most logical course of action in the world. "Of course, Harbinger. I have no use for it anymore, and truthfully, I haven't maximized its potential for centuries. I once considered populating it with creatures and flora, but I never found the right people to entrust with it.

Now, with you and your sanctuary… well, I see it as the perfect opportunity. This is also a way for me to repay my debt to Tonitrum."

Canna blinked, still processing the turtle's offer. "But… but, are you really sure about this? I know you have a debt to Tonitrum, but that was between you and him. This is huge. Did you really think this through?"

Arborath chuckled, his soft laughter carrying a wisdom born from eons of existence. "Yes, I've thought it through, young Harbinger. I shall entrust you with my domain, as well as my kin. The Blossom Shells will thrive here, and I believe they can assist you in restoring the barren lands of your sanctuary."

Canna stared at Arborath, speechless for a moment. Arborath's domain was a vast, living realm of its own, filled with amazing trees, plants, and untapped potential. For someone as powerful as Arborath to entrust something so monumental to him felt… surreal. But more than that, the Blossom Shells—creatures that had been central to Arborath's life for millennia—were being entrusted to his care.

"I… don't know what to say," Canna finally admitted, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "This is a lot to take in."

"Don't overthink it," Arborath said with a wink. "You've built something special here, something worth protecting. I'm just doing what any guardian would do: watching over those I care about and ensuring that they have a future. The Blossom Shells will do well here, and they'll be a tremendous help in revitalizing the land."

Canna took a deep breath, nodding slowly as the reality of the situation began to settle in. Arborath was right. The sanctuary was still a work in progress, and there were vast areas of barren land that needed life to thrive. The Blossom Shells were unique creatures, capable of spreading life and restoring the earth.

If Arborath believed they would thrive in the sanctuary, then Canna had to trust his judgment.

"Okay," Canna said, his voice steady now. "I'll take care of them. And I'll make sure the sanctuary is worthy of such a gift."

Arborath smiled, a warm and approving look in his ancient eyes. "I have no doubt you will, young Harbinger."

Canna couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in his chest. He had come so far since arriving in Sepra—building the sanctuary, gathering allies, fighting battles. And now, with the gift of Arborath's domain, the sanctuary's future seemed even brighter.

But as he stood there, looking at the tiny floating turtle that was once a colossal protector of a vast forest, Canna couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. There were still so many challenges ahead, so much work to be done.

Arborath, sensing Canna's thoughts, chuckled once more. "You're still thinking too much, young Harbinger. Let it unfold as it will. You've got time on your side, after all."

Canna smiled softly, nodding again. "You're right. I just need to take it one step at a time."

As Arborath floated higher, preparing to return to his favorite perch on Sylvanar's cocoon, he called down, "Just remember, young Harbinger… watch. There's more joy in watching than you might think."

Canna stood there for a moment, gazing up at the small turtle as he drifted away. He could still feel the lingering excitement of everything that had just happened, but beneath that excitement was something else—a sense of peace, a sense of purpose.

"Alright, Arborath," Canna whispered to himself, a smile tugging at his lips. "I'll keep watching."

And with that, he turned, already thinking of the next steps for his sanctuary and the future he would build—one that now held even more promise.