The air was thick with dust and the scent of old stone as Canna stood before the massive, ancient doors. The iron hinges were rusted, and the wood, though reinforced with steel, had seen centuries of neglect. With a grunt, Canna pushed against the doors, the creaking sound echoing through the vast, empty corridor behind him. Slowly, the ancient barriers yielded, revealing the darkness beyond.
As the doors swung open, a wave of cold air swept out, carrying with it the feeling of something powerful and ancient lying in wait. Canna took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He had been prepared for many things, but the sight that greeted him was beyond anything he had imagined.
The room beyond was cavernous, its ceiling lost in shadow, supported by enormous pillars carved with intricate patterns. But what truly commanded Canna's attention were the three colossal figures encased in massive cells of reinforced crystal and enchanted steel, their forms barely visible through the dense fog that clung to the floor.
The first to catch his eye was a serpent of unimaginable size, coiled tightly within its confines. Its scales shimmered with an ethereal light, shifting in hues of blue, violet, and silver, like the stars in the night sky. Its eyes, twin moons of cold light, opened slowly, fixing on Canna with an intelligence that sent a shiver down his spine.
Lumivyre, he thought, recalling the name that he had read on the codex provided to him by Tonitrum back when he was at the dungeon. The Celestial Serpent, a being said to have been born from the essence of the cosmos itself.
Next to Lumivyre, encased in another colossal cell, stood a creature of pure, primal might. A gorilla-like beast with crimson fur that seemed to glow with an inner fire, its muscles bulging with barely-contained power. Its fists were as large as boulders, its eyes burning with a ferocity that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Terrorfang, the Primal Titan. Canna could scarcely believe he was seeing the legendary beast in the flesh. Stories of its strength, of its ability to shatter mountains with a single blow, had always seemed like exaggerations—until now.
The third cell held a creature of radiant beauty and overwhelming presence. A lion with a mane of golden flames, its fur shimmering like liquid sunlight. It moved with a grace and speed that belied its immense size, its eyes glowing with the light of a thousand suns.
Aurelis, the Solar Lion, Canna knew instantly. A beast of legend, said to embody the very essence of the sun, with power over light and fire that could rival the gods.
Canna stepped forward, his boots echoing in the vast, silent chamber. The three beings watched him intently, their eyes following his every move. There was no hostility in their gazes, only curiosity and a deep, ancient wisdom.
For a moment, Canna was at a loss for words. These were not mere beasts; they were intelligent, sentient beings, each with a power that could reshape the world. To see them imprisoned like this, bound by magic and steel, stirred something deep within him—anger, and perhaps something more.
Canna nodded. "I would. You deserve to be free, to choose your own path. If you wish to leave and never look back, I will not stop you. But if you choose to stay, to fight by my side, then together we can reshape the world into something better than the one that bound you."
Aurelis stepped forward, its golden eyes narrowing as it studied Canna. "And what would you ask of us, should we agree to follow you?"
Canna met the lion's gaze, his expression serious. "Only that you fight for what is right. That you protect those who cannot protect themselves. And that you never let anyone bind you again."
There was a long silence as the three beings considered his words. Then, slowly, Lumivyre uncoiled further, its body glowing with a soft, celestial light. "Very well," the serpent whispered, its voice like the first stirrings of the night. "We shall consider your offer."
Terrorfang rumbled in agreement, his massive fists tightening as he shook off the weight of ages. "You have our attention, Canna. We will listen to what you have to say."
Aurelis's mane flared brightly, casting light across the chamber. "And if we find your cause worthy," the lion said, "we will lend you our strength."
Canna let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with both relief and determination. "Together, we will create a sanctuary where beings like you are not chained or shackled, but free, to do whatever you wish of doing."
As he spoke, the seals and bindings around the three creatures began to glow, the ancient magic unraveling at his words. The air crackled with energy as the bonds that had held them for centuries started to weaken.
One by one, the seals broke, their light fading as the magic dissipated. The three beings stepped forward, free at last.
Canna watched as they moved, stretching muscles long unused, their power radiating outwards in waves. He felt a connection forming between them, a bond of trust and mutual respect.
"Welcome to your new lives," Canna said softly. "Help me on my quest to create a one of a kind sanctuary."
And as the three beings nodded their agreement, Canna knew that this was just the beginning of a new era—one where the might of Lumivyre, Terrorfang, and Aurelis would no longer be caged, but would blaze across the world in a surge of power and freedom.