Sanctuary: Safe Haven

Canna and Abaddon returned to the sanctuary base, their two new catastrophic allies following closely behind. The air around them crackled with the immense power of the catastrophe-class monsters, but they moved with a certain grace, knowing they had accepted their place within Canna's ranks. The base itself seemed to hum with the power of the beasts, the dwarves, researchers, and warriors all feeling the presence of these new protectors.

Canna hovered just above the ground, his eyes focused on the towering creatures as he prepared to officially bind them to his Beast Covenant. The first creature, an imposing beast standing at a towering 170 feet tall, exuded both power and elegance. Its thick, luxurious fur was a blend of golden-brown, white, and black patches, the patterns shifting subtly in the light. Its long mane flowed from its neck, giving it an air of regal strength. With a wolf-like head and intelligent, golden-amber eyes, it looked both wise and deadly. Dark, twisted horns crowned its head, and sharp claws dug into the earth beneath it, its muscular form promising raw physical power.

"You shall be known as Vorthar," Canna said, laying his hand on the beast's head. The connection was immediate, and a wave of power surged between them as Vorthar was bound to Canna's class.

The second beast, standing even taller at 230 feet, was no less magnificent. Its radiant white feathers glowed with an inner light, casting a golden aura around it. Its massive wings, tipped in shimmering gold, spread wide, almost seeming to cover the base in their protective shadow. The creature's face was adorned with a crown of feathers, and a pulsing gemstone embedded in its forehead radiated celestial energy. Its amber eyes were filled with ancient wisdom, and its very presence seemed to calm the air, bringing a sense of peace and healing.

"And you shall be named Natori," Canna declared, gently placing his hand on the radiant beast. The celestial energy around it pulsed as Natori accepted the bond, joining Canna's growing roster of powerful allies.
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With both beasts now officially bound, Canna turned to them and outlined their duties. "You will safeguard the base and alternate shifts with the other guardians. When it's not your turn, you're free to enter the sanctuary, rest, or explore as you please. You are now part of the Hope Clan."

Both Vorthar and Natori gave low growls of acknowledgment, their immense forms towering over the base as they listened to their new master's instructions.

Canna then summoned a portal, and from it, a tiny owl—the familiar form of a Noctis clone—fluttered out, followed closely by Astraeus, the minotaur champion. Astraeus bowed deeply to Canna before stepping forward to address the catastrophe-class monsters.

"This is Astraeus, my subordinate and a minotaur champion," Canna introduced. "He will give you both a tour of the sanctuary. After that, a Noctis clone will explain the rules of the sanctuary, and you're free to do as you please."

Turning to Astraeus, Canna added, "Make sure to give them a thorough tour. Oh, and when you reach Verdant Peaks, check for any pregnant Blossom Shells. They're multiplying again."

Astraeus nodded with a grunt and turned to lead the two massive beasts through the portal, the tiny Noctis clone flying beside them, guiding the way.

___________

As the creatures left, Abaddon flew over to Canna's side. His expression was serious, as always. "Master, we have a situation. One of the catastrophe-class beasts is on the move, and it's heading directly for us."

Canna raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. "On the move? Toward us? Why?"

Abaddon shrugged slightly, his voice calm. "I'm not entirely sure, Master. These forbidden lands are home to over a hundred catastrophe-class monsters, each guarding their own territory. It could be expanding its domain, hunting, or simply curious. But it's on the way here."

Canna's grip tightened around his Bloodfang Scythe. "Let's go check it out," he said, summoning his lightning and taking off into the sky with Abaddon following closely behind.

___________

As they soared westward over the forbidden region, Canna spotted something in the distance. At first, it was no more than a small dot against the horizon, but it grew larger at an alarming speed, closing the distance between them in moments.

Abaddon's eyes narrowed, focusing on the rapidly approaching figure. "It's a griffin," he muttered. "But not just any griffin. This one's evolved—bigger, faster, and far more dangerous."

The griffin rapidly grew in size as it approached, its colossal wings stretching out, easily spanning over a hundred feet. Its golden feathers glimmered under the sunlight, and its powerful presence rippled through the air. It moved with incredible speed, cutting through the wind like a bolt of lightning. The pressure from its aura alone was enough to shake the skies.

"I don't think it's here to talk, Master," Abaddon said grimly. "Let me handle this."

Without waiting for a response, Abaddon flew forward, intercepting the griffin's path. In the blink of an eye, the two collided midair with a deafening crash, the impact creating a shockwave that rattled the air around them. The griffin let out an ear-piercing screech and lunged at Abaddon with razor-sharp talons, each swipe powerful enough to cleave through mountains.

Abaddon dodged the first strike with ease, but the griffin wasn't done. It unleashed a devastating breath attack, a cyclone of wind and force that tore through the clouds. Abaddon twisted through the air, evading the attack, but the moment the griffin landed on the ground, the earth beneath it exploded, forming a massive crater.

Canna watched from above as the battle unfolded, his eyes wide. The griffin was fierce, its moves capable of destroying entire kingdoms. It swiped at Abaddon with unmatched speed, its talons carving deep gouges into the ground. Its wings sent gusts of wind so powerful that they ripped trees from their roots.

Abaddon, however, was unphased. He blocked the griffin's strikes with effortless grace, taking the attacks head-on without a scratch. Each of the griffin's kingdom-shattering blows was met with calculated deflection.

The griffin let out another screech and charged again, but Abaddon was ready. In one swift motion, he ducked under the beast's outstretched talons, then drove his fist into the side of the griffin's head with a bone-cracking impact. The griffin staggered, its vision blurred by the force of the blow. Abaddon didn't stop there—he grabbed the beast by its neck, lifted it effortlessly into the air, and with a mighty throw, sent the griffin crashing into the ground.

The defeated griffin skidded to a halt, dazed and weakened. Its once-imposing form now lay at Canna's feet, wings spread out limply on the ground.

Abaddon descended slowly, landing beside Canna with a calm expression. "This beast is strong, Master," he said. "You should bind it. It would make a valuable addition to the clan."

Canna looked down at the massive griffin, impressed by its sheer power and speed. With a nod, he placed his hand on the griffin's head. "Your name shall be Swiftwing," Canna declared. "Your speed and power will serve the Hope Clan well."

The bond formed instantly, and Swiftwing's amber eyes glowed softly in acceptance. Another catastrophe-class beast had been added to Canna's ever-growing army.