Sanctuary: Safe Haven

Chapter 373 Catastrophe Class Subordinates

After a much-needed rest, Canna and Abaddon took to the skies, soaring high above the landscape of the forbidden lands. The wind whipped around them as they flew, cutting through the thick air that seemed saturated with untapped mana. Below, the land sprawled in every direction, an untamed wilderness filled with dangerous creatures.

Noctis' clones had explored most of the area, yet there were still vast regions cloaked in mystery. Powerful presences blocked them from venturing too deep, but Abaddon, flying effortlessly beside Canna, remained unfazed. "I already know where we need to go," he said calmly, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

They ascended higher, cutting through clouds and watching as the landscape morphed beneath them. Canna could sense the heavy aura emanating from the places they were heading toward—powerful forces, the kind that could not be trifled with lightly.

"Are you certain about this?" Canna asked, though there was a part of him that felt the thrill of facing such colossal beings.

"Absolutely," Abaddon replied without a moment's hesitation. "These creatures are catastrophe rank, yes, but they're smart enough to know that a fight against me is suicide." He glanced at Canna. "You will see soon enough master."

Before long, the first target came into view.

In the distance, a massive figure moved slowly through a plateau. Its colossal form dominated the landscape, standing at a towering 170 feet tall. The beast's physique was a perfect blend of feral elegance and raw power. Even from the skies, Canna could see the intricate, shifting patterns on its fur—a mix of golden-brown, white, and black—glimmering faintly under the sun. Its wolf-like head turned upward, locking eyes with the two figures in the sky, its glowing amber gaze brimming with both wisdom and menace.

Canna felt a wave of awe at the sight. This was a catastrophe-rank monster, one capable of crushing armies with its sheer might alone. He could feel its presence bearing down on him like a mountain, and yet, Abaddon seemed completely at ease.

They descended, hovering just above the plateau where the towering beast stood. It regarded them with caution, claws digging into the earth as it prepared for a possible confrontation. But it made no sudden moves.

"You've been watching us," Abaddon said, his voice calm but commanding. "You know who I am. You've felt my aura, haven't you?"

The creature growled low, the earth beneath it trembling slightly. For a moment, Canna thought the beast would attack, but then, just as quickly, it lowered its head slightly—a reluctant gesture of acknowledgment.

"Why have you come?" a deep, resonant voice echoed in Canna's mind, causing him to freeze. It wasn't spoken out loud, but it was the celestial creature speaking directly into his thoughts.

"You know why," Abaddon answered aloud, his voice steady. "We're here for you. You're powerful, yes, but your strength is wasted here. Serve my master, and you will protect far more than just this land."

The creature's amber eyes narrowed slightly, considering the proposal. "I do not serve lightly," it said. "My power is to protect, not to destroy."

Abaddon's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Protection and power are not mutually exclusive. If you truly want to safeguard the land, then you'll need the strength to back it up. Serve him, and your power will protect far more than just this patch of earth."

The celestial beast remained silent for a long moment, its wings gently shifting in the breeze. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, it lowered its head. The golden light around it dimmed slightly, a gesture of acceptance.

Canna let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "It... it agreed."

Abaddon nodded, his expression satisfied. "It understands. Strength doesn't always mean destruction. It's the power to protect that matters."

With both catastrophe-class creatures now submitting to him, Canna felt a surge of confidence. These beings were more than just monsters—they were guardians, forces of nature, and now, they would serve as pillars of his growing power.

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The flight back to the base was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Canna knew that with these new allies, the Hope Clan's foothold in this dangerous world was only getting stronger. And with Abaddon's guidance, there was no telling how far their influence could spread. The forbidden lands, once filled with unknown dangers, were slowly becoming a place of untapped potential under Canna's control.

Now, more than ever, the future of the Hope Clan looked brighter.@@@@