Sanctuary: Safe Haven

Canna could already tell—this Astraeus was a disaster-ranked being. His mere presence radiated a menacing power that could crush anyone who stood in his way. The towering minotaur stood before Canna, his eyes glowing with suspicion and authority.

Astraeus spoke directly, locking his fierce gaze onto Canna. "Since Sygon has chosen you, that means you are capable. But if you save us, we will owe a large debt. Are you planning on putting collars on our necks, forcing us into slavery? If so, I will crush you here and now. My people have already endured enough suffering."

Canna met Astraeus's stare without flinching. He knew this wasn't a threat born from arrogance, but a warning—a leader protecting his people. Canna respected that. As a fellow leader, he understood the responsibility that came with it.

"I am Canna Yakane. I have no interest in enslaving your people or anyone else. I came here because Sygon pleaded for his clan's salvation, and he offered me his loyalty in exchange for your safety," Canna said calmly.

Astraeus's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. He looked over at Sygon, but his face remained unreadable. Canna continued, his tone firm but understanding, "I understand your concerns. If I were in your position, I would be just as cautious. But I have no ulterior motives. Once your people are safe, you can return to your former glory.

You may come to my sanctuary, recover, and when you're strong again, you're free to leave. I ask for nothing more."

The two leaders stared at each other in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Astraeus was weighing Canna's words, searching for any sign of deceit. Finally, he lifted his massive axe and let it drop to the ground with a heavy thud, the sound reverberating through the crevice.

"Prepare your things" Astraeus ordered the rest of the minotaurs," Astraeus then looked at Sygon. "I thank you for bringing our savior, but I wish to speak with him alone."

Sygon, although surprised, looked to Canna, who nodded in approval. With that, Sygon turned and joined his people, helping them gather what little they had left in preparation for their departure.

Astraeus took a step closer to Canna and then gestured for him to follow. "This is not the place to talk. Come with me," he said in a low, commanding voice. After walking a few steps, Astraeus paused and glanced back. "I wish to speak to you alone, without your... subordinate in the shadows."

Canna chuckled, impressed by Astraeus's awareness. "You heard him, Mortem. Stay with Sygon for now." From Canna's shadow, a black, ethereal form slowly manifested before taking shape as Mortem, who gave Astraeus a narrowed glance before vanishing into the shadows of the crevice. Astraeus merely grunted and continued walking, leading Canna deeper into the settlement.

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They soon arrived at a large stone room. The walls were carved with intricate depictions of minotaur history—scenes of battles, rituals, and the rise of powerful leaders. Canna, however, could not decipher the meaning behind the carvings, but he sensed the depth of the history they represented.

Astraeus sat across from Canna, his massive figure dominating the room. "I'll get straight to the point," Astraeus said, his tone serious. "I will take Sygon's place as your subordinate."

Canna raised an eyebrow, surprised by the offer. "And why would you do that?" he asked.

"Sygon has endured more than enough for this tribe," Astraeus continued, his voice filled with both regret and admiration. "He has completed his mission. He is a worthy leader, and he shall take my place as the head of the minotaurs. There is no need for him to suffer further."

Canna exhaled a small breath of relief. "Astraeus, let me tell you something—I don't particularly enjoy serious talks," he said with a smile. "Second, I'll leave that decision to Sygon. From the beginning, I never forced him to submit. He offered it of his own will."

Astraeus's voice lowered, carrying a weight of regret and responsibility. "I must confess, the trials faced by Sygon were far beyond what any leader should ask of his kin. His fur, unlike ours, is white—a mark that set him apart from the start, treated by many as an outsider within his own tribe.

We thrust upon him the missions no one else would dare accept, the sort of challenges that no ordinary warrior could withstand."

He paused, the sorrow evident in his gaze. "In our tribe, the burden of such dangerous tasks traditionally falls to those deemed expendable. Sygon was sent to the edges of death time and again, not because he was the strongest among us then, but because I believed it would keep the rest of us safe. That was my failure as a leader."

Astraeus's voice grew heavy with emotion. "Each harrowing experience was a weight he bore alone. He faced monsters more terrifying than any we had known, endured conditions that would break the spirits of the mightiest among us. Through these trials, he was forged into something greater than any leader I could hope to be."

Looking down, Astraeus clenched his fists. "It's this very hardship that honed his strength and resolve. Now, he stands as the strongest among us, not just by fate but by the continuous test of his endurance and will. I have come to realize that he deserves to lead, free from the shadows of past torments. That's why I am asking you, as a leader to another, to grant him the freedom he has earned.

Should he choose it, I am prepared to take his place and bear the burdens he should never have had to shoulder alone."

Canna gave a small nod, his voice sincere. "Okay then."

The conversation ended as quickly as it began, both leaders understanding each other without the need for further words.

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Two hours later, the minotaurs had gathered. From the youngest child to the most seasoned warrior, they stood together in a large, open area. The warriors were armed and armored, their weapons gleaming in the dim light of the torches. Astraeus stood at the front, his towering figure a beacon of strength for his people.

Sygon gave Canna a nod, indicating that everyone was ready to depart.

Astraeus turned to Canna. "What's your plan? There are strong beings above, and the moment they notice a large group moving, they will follow. I can hold off other disaster-ranked beings to buy time, but do you have forces waiting for us? My people are not strong enough to fight their way out."

Canna glanced at Sygon with a curious look. "You didn't tell them?"

Sygon blinked, confused. "Tell them what, master?"

Canna sighed deeply, shaking his head. He could hear Mortem's voice in his mind, a dry chuckle accompanying his words. "They are warriors, after all, master. Their brains are often limited."

Turning back to Astraeus, Canna smirked. "I was wondering why all of you were wearing armor and weapons. No need for any of that." He raised his hand, summoning a large, swirling red portal in the air before them.

"Welcome to my sanctuary," Canna said, his voice warm but full of authority. The minotaurs stared in awe, their eyes wide with disbelief. Even Astraeus, who had maintained his composure throughout their encounter, was momentarily taken aback by the sight of the portal.

The journey to safety had begun, and for the minotaurs, this marked the beginning of a new chapter—one of healing, strength, and rebirth under Canna's protection.