The sanctuary was bustling with life, the tranquil atmosphere contrasting sharply with the intensity that now filled Canna's heart. He had just successfully integrated Stormtusk's herd into his domain, Stormbringer was also flying around the domain, stretching out his wings and everything seemed to be moving in the right direction.
His sanctuary was growing stronger every day, but Canna knew he couldn't rest yet. There was more to be done, more allies to find, more challenges to face.
As if sensing his thoughts, Kael approached Canna, his expression serious. In his hand, Kael held a small, stone artifact. Canna glanced at it curiously, recognizing its design, but not immediately placing its significance. When Kael handed it to him, Canna took it carefully.
"This is a communication stone, right?" Canna asked, tilting his head slightly. "Why give it to me now?"
Kael sighed, running a hand through his hair as he replied, "They've been trying to get in touch with us for some time now. If I hadn't personally checked, we might have missed the messages entirely. There's news, Canna—about the Kingdom of Arenthia—and a cry for help from my homeland, Avaloria."
Canna's eyes widened, the mention of Avaloria snapping him into focus. He quickly poured his mana into the stone, and the air around them seemed to thicken with tension as the messages began to play.
The first voice was unmistakable, one that Canna recognized immediately. It was the King of Avaloria, and his message was brief but filled with desperation. "We need your help, we're being invaded!" The message cut off abruptly, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. The second message followed almost immediately, and this time it was the Grand Mage of Avaloria, his voice strained with urgency.
"Don't come here, Canna. Not even you, Kael! These invaders... they're... " The message cut off again, leaving Canna staring at the stone in shock. A long pause followed before the final message played, but this time, something was different.
It was the King's voice again, but he sounded weaker, as if barely clinging to life. His final words were chilling: "Veiled Order..."
Kael lowered his head, his shoulders heavy with the weight of what they had just heard. Canna, however, was already on edge, his mind racing. The room's atmosphere shifted, growing darker, more oppressive. The very air seemed to hum with the energy of his rising anger.
"Everyone, prepare for battle," Canna's voice rang out, cutting through the silence like a blade. It was a command, absolute and unyielding. No sooner had the words left his mouth than he vanished from the room, leaving Kael blinking in surprise.
The entire village was soon buzzing with the sound of preparations, a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere that had filled the sanctuary just moments before.
The Verdant Wardens, too, prepared for battle, but Canna had issued a specific command: only Flora would join him. The rest were to remain behind and protect the sanctuary. Flora understood the importance of this mission and prepared herself mentally for what lay ahead. She knew this would be unlike any battle they had faced before.
Mira, sensing the tension, clung to Liora, who was tasked with watching over the child in Canna's absence. Nyx, ever protective, remained hidden in Mira's shadow, ready to act should the need arise.
Canna, having reappeared in the heart of the sanctuary, took a deep breath. The reality of the situation was heavy, but he knew there was no time to hesitate. The kingdom needed help. The people of Avaloria, the place Kael called home, were in danger. He had to move quickly.
With one last look around, Canna gave his final orders. His voice was calm, but the urgency in it was unmistakable. "We don't have time to waste. We leave for Avaloria. Now."
His subordinates, now fully armored and ready for battle, gathered around him. Grimruk, Vorgrim, Mortem, and Flora—all stood ready, their expressions hardened with resolve. Tiberius, too, had joined them, his eyes burning with the fire of determination.
Canna turned towards the horizon, where the dark clouds of impending war seemed to gather. "Let's move out."
In a flash, they were gone, teleporting through the portal that Canna had opened. Their destination: the Kingdom of Avaloria. The mission: to save it from the Veiled Order.
But as they journeyed through the dimensional rift, Canna couldn't shake the feeling that this battle would be unlike any other.
As they arrived on the outskirts of Avaloria, the air was thick with the scent of burning wood.
The stage was set, the players assembled. And as Canna and his companions stepped into the war-torn landscape, they prepared themselves for the inevitable battle.