Sanctuary: Safe Haven

Throughout that day, Canna found himself entrenched in an endless stream of reports from his subordinates, each more detailed than the last. Despite being exhausted from his previous ordeal, Canna remained attentive, taking in all the information presented to him. It surprised him how much had transpired in his absence, and it seemed as though the sanctuary had not only survived but thrived.

First, the base was standing tall and proud. The dwarves and researchers had completed their work, securing the defenses, and bolstering the stronghold that now stood as a testament to the sanctuary's power. The warriors had grown significantly stronger, Valra's earth dome continued to shield them, and the overall morale was high. It was exactly what Canna had hoped for.

Second, Abaddon, his most recent demon subordinate, had proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. According to Mortem and Noctis' reports, once the pseudo-archdemon set foot on the battlefield, monsters had no chance. They were reduced to nothing but smoldering ashes, leaving behind only their mana cores as a grim reminder of their existence. Abaddon's raw power made him a devastating asset to Canna's forces, and his presence alone sent a message to any that would dare threaten the sanctuary.

Third, the shock troops that Canna had tasked with finding the ocean had finally completed their mission. They had reached the distant shorelines and were standing by, awaiting his command. This was an essential step in one of Canna's major plans—to integrate the Azure into the sanctuary by creating a portal that would allow the ocean to flow freely within their domain.

Fourth, despite the base being completed and fortified, there remained a mountain of administrative tasks. There was the ranking system of the guild, the issue of expanding their influence, and the sheer amount of paperwork required to make everything function smoothly. As Canna sat at his desk, thumbing through the many documents and requests that had piled up, he couldn't help but sigh. It was a lot to manage, and for once, he felt the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him.

While Canna scanned through the various tasks ahead, Ameena, his demon strategist, and Abaddon, the mighty demon warrior, remained silent. Milo, the small flying demon beast, fluttered playfully around him, trying to lift Canna's spirits with its antics. But even Milo's exuberance wasn't enough to relieve the strain.

After what felt like half a day, Canna finally leaned back in his chair, his mind heavy with the obligations of running a guild and managing the sanctuary. It wasn't just about protecting his people anymore—it was about expanding their reach, solidifying their power, and making sure the sanctuary would stand the test of time.

He sighed deeply, looking at the towering stack of papers in front of him. "There's so much to do..." he muttered under his breath. He had never been one to shy away from hard work, but he couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. He couldn't possibly ask Kael for help—Kael was already burdened with the day-to-day operations of the sanctuary. The last thing Canna wanted to do was add more to his plate.

Sensing his troubled thoughts, Ameena stepped closer and spoke softly. "Master," she began, her voice calm and measured, "may I ask a question?"

Canna looked up, meeting her crimson eyes, and nodded.

"I would like to assist you," Ameena continued. "But in order to do that, I need to understand what you're currently trying to accomplish. What is it you seek to achieve, Master?"

Canna ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on him. "I created this guild to spread our influence," he explained, "but that's only a part of it. My real goal is to reach the ocean and complete the Azure of the sanctuary. There's so much to do before we can even get there, though."

Ameena nodded thoughtfully. "May I take a look at the documents you're working on, Master?" she asked. "Also, I have a skill that can allow me to read your memories, if you permit. This would save us time and help me understand the full scope of what you're trying to accomplish."

Canna hesitated for a moment but then nodded. Ameena stepped forward, gently placing her hand on Canna's forehead. A soft pink glow emanated from her fingers, and within moments, Canna felt his exhaustion taking over. He closed his eyes as sleep enveloped him, allowing his mind to drift into much-needed rest.

Canna didn't know how long he had been asleep, but when he finally stirred, the first thing he saw was Milo, hovering excitedly above him, chirping and flying in circles as if it had been waiting for him to wake up.

Canna chuckled softly, still groggy. "Hello, Milo. Have you been waiting for me all this time?" he asked, patting the small creature on its head. Milo nodded happily in response, its tiny wings flapping even faster.

As Canna sat up, Ameena's voice broke the silence. "Master, I've had time to review your goals and the current state of the guild. Might I make a suggestion?"

Canna nodded, his head clearing as he listened.

"You should focus on your original goal—reaching the ocean," Ameena advised. "I understand that your plan is to open a portal and allow the ocean's waters to flow into the sanctuary. However, I believe there is a better alternative."

Canna raised an eyebrow. "What do you suggest?"

"Rather than simply drawing in the water, why not seek out a catastrophe-class or demigod-ranked being from the ocean?" Ameena proposed. "If you were to contract with such a powerful entity, not only would you gain more from the ocean, but you would also have a guardian watching over it, much like Arborath and Valra. The benefits of such an arrangement would be far greater than simply acquiring water."

Canna pondered her words. It was a solid idea, and it made sense. Contracting with a being of immense power from the ocean could provide long-term protection and resources for the sanctuary. "You're right. If I can secure a contract with a being like that, it would be a game changer."

"Additionally," Ameena continued, "I would like to offer my assistance in managing the guild. If you permit, I would take the role of Vice Clan Master and oversee the day-to-day operations. That way, you can focus on the larger goals without being burdened by the minutiae."

Canna nodded again, feeling the pressure on his shoulders lighten. "I accept your offer. You're right—there's far too much for me to handle on my own. I trust you'll manage the guild well."

"Thank you, Master," Ameena said, bowing slightly. "I will ensure that Clan Hope rises to the top. However, I will need your assistance with one thing. We should maintain an open portal between the sanctuary and the forbidden grounds so that our warriors can train there regularly. That way, we can maximize the efficiency of their growth."

Canna considered her suggestion and nodded in agreement. "That would certainly be more efficient. Let's make it happen."

"Oh, and one more thing," Ameena added, a slight smile on her lips. "Before you head to the ocean, I asked Abaddon for a favor. It should help you in your journey."

Canna stood up, his resolve renewed. Milo fluttered around him, his excitement palpable. "Let's go see what Abaddon has in store for us, then," Canna said, his voice filled with determination.

With Ameena by his side and his new goals set in motion, Canna was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The ocean awaited, and so did the next chapter of Clan Hope's rise to power.