Sanctuary: Safe Haven

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.

Canna stared in disbelief. "It's not going to fight?"

Abaddon smirked. "No. It knows better. A catastrophe-class like this understands survival. It knows that a battle with me is a death sentence."

The massive beast, still wary but resigned, let out a soft growl, its eyes never leaving Abaddon. It had made its decision. Rather than challenge them, it would submit to a force greater than itself.

"This one will serve you master," Abaddon said, turning to Canna. "When a creature is smart enough, it knows when a fight isn't worth it. That's how you handle them master."

Canna, though still impressed by the encounter, couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. A catastrophe-rank monster had just submitted without a single blow being exchanged. It was a testament to the immense power that Abaddon wielded, and Canna was beginning to understand just how much potential he had with a creature like this on his side.

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Their next stop was in a more serene, golden-lit region of the forbidden lands. Flying over the calm landscape, Canna noticed a change in the air—it was softer here, more peaceful, as if the land itself was imbued with a sense of tranquility. Abaddon didn't seem phased, but Canna could feel the difference in energy. Whatever was ahead carried a different kind of power.

They landed gracefully in a wide, open field bathed in the glow of a setting sun. It was here that the second catastrophe-class creature awaited them. Unlike the feral beast they had just encountered, this one was bathed in light, a majestic celestial figure that seemed to radiate an aura of divine peace. Towering over 230 feet, its body was covered in radiant white feathers, each one shimmering with a golden hue. Its wings stretched out to unimaginable lengths, casting a serene shadow over the land below.

Canna felt a strange pull toward the creature—a mixture of awe and hesitation. This was no mindless monster. The creature's very presence exuded wisdom, power, and grace. Its glowing amber eyes focused on them, but there was no hostility in its gaze, only a calm, knowing awareness.
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Abaddon remained unfazed. "This one is different," he said. "A being of light and healing, but don't let that fool you. It's every bit as powerful as the last, if not more."

Canna was captivated by the creature's beauty, but beneath that elegance, he could feel the immense power simmering just below the surface. It radiated a protective energy that made Canna feel as though he were standing before a divine guardian rather than a mere beast.

"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.