Sanctuary: Safe Haven

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Everything was going smoothly in the sanctuary. Preparations for upcoming events were underway, and the mood was light, especially for Canna, who allowed himself a rare moment of peace. Yet, the serenity was short-lived. An urgent report from Noctis shattered his brief respite.

"Tiberius' squad is under siege," Noctis relayed.

Canna's brows furrowed as he swiftly reined in his thoughts. "What's the situation?"

Noctis, hovering with a slightly concerned look, began the explanation. "They've requested immediate backup. They're in a small village called Norbury, northwest of here. Tiberius' team has been trailing a slave trader for days, but things took a turn—they made contact with a peculiar race: elves. Specifically, dark elves. They're embroiled in a war against the light elves of the region. The town itself is neutral, but suspicious reports have been filtering in for weeks. It's likely—"

Canna raised a hand, cutting Noctis off. "Enough details for now. Where's Dravos?"

"He's in the infirmary, recovering from a sparring match with Astraeus, the minotaur champion. Both of them are being treated."

Canna's face met his palm in a brief moment of exasperation. "Of course, they are… Call for Sygon and tell him to meet me at the sanctuary grounds. Also, summon Malon. He's been top in the last two hunts, hasn't he?"

Noctis nodded promptly. "Affirmative. Since you banned Mortem from participating, Malon's taken the lead. He's been requesting to join you on your travels. He's currently training the recruits with the other shock troops."

"Good enough," Canna said decisively. "Issue the summons. Meet back in five minutes."

Noctis gave a quick nod and disappeared into the air.

Exactly five minutes later, Canna stood in the center of the sanctuary grounds, his regal robes flowing like a breeze, adorned with silver designs and gold edges that caught the light. Beside him stood Sygon, the ever-loyal, and Malon, his top-performing warrior. Both men, fully armed and ready for action, radiated strength.

"This is a backup mission," Canna stated, his voice steady but commanding. "The shock troops can't teleport in; the location needs to be protected. Noctis relayed that they've encountered dark elves, and Tiberius' squad is in trouble. That's all you need to know. Let's move."

Without further ado, Canna summoned a crimson portal, the energy swirling like a storm. Together, they stepped through, emerging on the other side into chaos.

The village of Norbury was in complete disarray. Shouts of war, the clang of steel, and the crackling of spells filled the air as dark elves, towering at an intimidating 7 to 9 feet, clashed fiercely with humans. The streets were torn apart, and the flames of destruction illuminated the battlefield.

In the distance, Canna immediately recognized a voice he knew well. "They've got her! Someone, help!" Tiberius' desperate cry rang out amidst the chaos.

Canna's sharp eyes caught sight of Tiberius locked in combat with a dark elf wielding twin swords, barely managing to hold his ground. Farther away, a squad of dark elves moved in perfect diamond formation. At the center of the group, a massive dark elf carried a small, unconscious light elf girl on his shoulder. The sight sparked something within Canna—this was no mere battle; this was a raid, and they intended to take the child.

Canna acted without hesitation. "Malon, left flank. Sygon, right. I'll clear a path. Mortem, even up the field."

The orders were given with precision. Wind swirled around Canna as he summoned his magic, whipping up a gust that blasted away those unlucky enough to stand in his way. Malon and Sygon moved swiftly, engaging dark elves from all sides, their skill evident as they carved through the enemy ranks.

But time was slipping away. The dark elf carrying the elf child was making a swift escape, and Canna knew he couldn't waste another second. In a blur, he transformed into pure lightning, shooting through the battlefield like a bolt from the heavens. In mere moments, he appeared directly in front of the dark elf formation.

A powerful shockwave erupted from the leader of the group, sending allies and enemies alike tumbling to the ground. Canna barely managed to avoid the blast, his instincts saving him in the nick of time. Gritting his teeth, he unsheathed his scythe, aiming to disarm the dark elf in one swift motion. But as his weapon came down, the unmistakable sound of steel clashing against steel reverberated through the air.

The dark elf had parried him, meeting his strike head-on with a wicked smile.

This was unexpected.

Canna narrowed his eyes. Speed had always been his advantage, but this warrior had matched him—a rare feat. There was no time for hesitation. Lightning crackled around him as he unleashed a barrage of bolts. Forced to choose between the child and his life, the dark elf dropped the girl and dodged away. In that split second, Canna seized the opportunity, opening a portal beneath the unconscious girl and sending her directly to the sanctuary for safety.

The dark elf's eyes widened in disbelief. "OUTSIDER! I'LL KILL YOU!" he roared, summoning a massive greatsword, easily towering over Canna's scythe. Without warning, the dark elf charged with surprising speed, closing the distance between them in an instant.

The battle between them was intense, the clash of their weapons creating shockwaves that sent debris flying in every direction. The dark elf was no ordinary opponent. His greatsword was a blur of motion, each strike more vicious than the last. Canna's scythe danced in response, parrying and countering with precision, but even he could sense it—this dark elf was dangerous. His power was palpable, and each blow forced Canna to adjust, to reassess his approach.

Steel met steel again and again, the resounding clangs echoing across the battlefield. Canna's scythe moved with the fluidity of water, while the dark elf's greatsword came crashing down like thunder. Sparks flew with each collision, the air thick with tension.

For the first time in a long while, Canna felt a surge of exhilaration. This was a warrior worthy of respect, and the battle was far from over.

The two warriors, locked in combat, clashed with such force that the very ground beneath them began to crack.

And in that moment, Canna knew—this fight had only just begun.