Sanctuary: Safe Haven

While Canna was dealing with Tonitrum, dealing with challenges and mysteries known only to him and his closest subordinates, life in the Sanctuary carried on with a sense of vibrant routine. The inhabitants of the Sanctuary, from the youngest children to the oldest guardians, thrived in their new environment, enjoying the peace and opportunities that Canna had provided.

The heart of the Sanctuary, known by its codename "Amazon," was a vast, revitalized area. It was three and a half times larger than the Amazon rainforest on Earth, and though only 62% of the area had been revitalized, it was already a massive expanse of lush, vibrant life.

This was where Canna and his closest allies spent most of their time, and it was an area that hadn't yet been given an official name. Still, everyone in the Sanctuary knew that this was Canna's true home within the domain.

Amazon was alive with activity. The skies above were dotted with children and adults alike, flying gracefully using wind magic. Some preferred to slide effortlessly across the earth, manipulating the ground beneath them to move like waves.

Others demonstrated incredible speed, darting through the forest with agility and grace, while a few more adventurous souls leaped through the air, using magic to propel themselves to great heights. However, the most common and beloved mode of transportation was the ground hogs.

The area where Canna stayed the most was nestled in the middle of a combined forest nurtured by the Verdant Wardens and Sylphirs forest. This forest was unlike any other, with trees that seemed to hum with life and leaves that glowed faintly in the evening light. There were no formal roads or pathways—just vast stretches of soft, green grass.

Everywhere one looked, groundhogs—both green and brown—were being ridden by people of all ages. In some spots, children could be seen lying in the grass, snuggling up with the groundhogs, their laughter echoing through the trees.

The children of the Sanctuary numbered over 20,000, all of whom Canna had saved from the kingdom of Arenthia. These were children who had been rescued from dungeons, orphanages, and slums—places where hope had been scarce and survival had been a daily struggle. But now, they had found a new life in the Sanctuary, and they had adjusted remarkably well to their new reality.

In one corner of the area, there was a large, metal container with the word "Treasury" emblazoned on it. Unlike traditional treasuries, this one was open to anyone—no guards, no surveillance, nothing to prevent access. Inside the container were hundreds of thousands of mana cores, each one glowing with magical energy.

The mana cores varied in rank, from low-level ones to incredibly powerful ones, and they were all just lying there for anyone to take.

This open treasury had puzzled the inhabitants at first. In the outside world, mana cores were incredibly valuable, often sold for substantial sums of money. Absorbing mana cores was one of the few ways to advance to a higher rank in magical or physical prowess. So why would Canna leave such a fortune lying around for anyone to use?

Canna's answer had been simple: "Anyone can take them, use them, and get stronger. However, I advise you to at least master the basics and get accustomed to your current rank before trying to jump to the next one. Also, keep in mind that Vorgrim will know if you're just absorbing mana cores without training properly. Find out for yourself what happens if Vorgrim catches you."

Vorgrim was the head of Canna's army and the most respected figure in the Sanctuary, aside from Canna himself. He was responsible for overseeing all combat training, ensuring that everyone in the Sanctuary was not just strong but disciplined and skilled. His presence alone was enough to keep everyone in line, and his reputation for pushing people to their limits was well known.

When the children and other inhabitants had settled into their new lives in the Sanctuary, many found themselves drawn to different roles within the community. Some developed an interest in smithing and went to study under the dwarves, learning the art of forging weapons and armor.

Others gravitated toward the maintenance team, clothing production, or various non-combatant roles essential to keeping the Sanctuary running smoothly.

However, the majority of the children were inspired by Canna himself and his subordinates. They wanted to become stronger, to hone their skills, and one day, to be of use to Canna in his grand endeavors. These children had experienced unimaginable hardships in their past lives—slavery, starvation, and despair.

But those experiences had also ignited a fire within them, a desire to never feel helpless again. They wanted to be warriors, defenders of the Sanctuary, and possibly, future leaders who could change the world just as Canna had changed their lives. Discover more content at empire

Vorgrim played a crucial role in nurturing this fire. He was not just a trainer but a mentor, guiding the children through rigorous training regimens that tested both their physical and mental limits. He taught them various combat arts, from swordsmanship to archery, to unarmed combat, ensuring that they were well-rounded fighters.

But more than that, Vorgrim instilled in them the importance of discipline, honor, and the responsibility that came with power.

He would often remind them that strength was not just about defeating an opponent but about protecting those who couldn't protect themselves. Under his watchful eye, the children learned to channel their past traumas into fuel for their training. Every punch they threw, every spell they cast, was done with the determination to never be victims again.

Vorgrim's training was grueling, but it was also transformative. The children grew stronger, not just in body but in spirit. They became a cohesive unit, supporting each other through the challenges and celebrating each other's victories. Vorgrim made sure that no one was left behind, that everyone, regardless of their background or initial skill level, had the chance to rise and shine.

As days turned into weeks, the Sanctuary thrived under the care and guidance of Canna's closest allies. The children who had once been victims of a cruel world were now warriors in the making, each one carrying a spark of hope and the dream of a brighter future.

And while Canna dealt with Tonitrum as well seeking knowledge and allies to further his cause, the Sanctuary remained a place of growth, strength, and unyielding hope.