Sanctuary: Safe Haven

As the meeting between Canna and Kael progressed, Kael's excitement was palpable. He had been refining his ideas for days, and now, as he laid them out before Canna, the plan was finally taking shape. It was bold, ambitious, and if executed correctly, it could revolutionize the sanctuary's operations both within and beyond its borders.

"We're calling it 'The Noctis Network,'" Kael began, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "There are three main points to the plan."

Canna leaned forward, intrigued by the potential of what he was about to hear.

"First," Kael continued, "is the defense of the sanctuary itself. While you are essentially omnipotent within the sanctuary, Canna, there will inevitably be times when you're not here. And although we've fortified our defenses, we can't ignore the fact that there are beings out there capable of spatial manipulation—beings who might try to bypass our physical barriers.

With Noctis's abilities, we can ensure that nothing goes unnoticed. His clones will be stationed throughout the sanctuary, constantly scanning for any disturbances. If anything—or anyone—tries to breach our defenses, we'll know about it instantly."

Canna nodded, already seeing the advantages. The sanctuary had always been a safe haven, but this would take their security to an entirely new level. It would be like having a thousand eyes watching over every corner, every shadow. Even if a being capable of spatial jumps tried to enter, they'd be detected before they could pose a threat.

"Second," Kael went on, "is the exploration outside the sanctuary. We have a lot of adventurers in our ranks—people with experience, people who've spent their lives exploring the unknown. What I'm proposing is that we use Noctis to scan the areas outside the sanctuary.

His clones can scout the surrounding regions, and if they find anything worthy of investigation—be it a threat, a resource, or something we haven't encountered before—we can deploy our people to check it out."

Canna listened intently as Kael laid out the concept. "Imagine this," Kael continued, his voice steady. "Remember Dot and his father? What would have happened if you hadn't been there? They would have been killed, and their village would have been razed and it's people dead. With the Noctis Network, we can prevent tragedies like that from actually happening.

Noctis can detect potential dangers before they escalate, and we can send in our forces as shock troops, ready to neutralize the threat or assist those in need."

Canna's thoughts flickered back to that moment with Dot. The memory of their village almost being overrun by monsters, and the idea of preventing such situations in the future was undeniably appealing. However, a concern gnawed at the back of his mind.

"This all sounds promising, Kael," Canna began cautiously, "but what if the threats are too powerful? I'm not sure my people would be willing to take those risks, and what happens if they encounter something beyond their capabilities?"

Kael gave a knowing smile, shaking his head as he ruffled his hair. "Canna, you're underestimating your own people. They've trained themselves relentlessly to get where they are now. We wouldn't send just anyone out there. We'll select the most capable, those who have proven their strength and resolve.

And once they're selected, they'll undergo a specialized training program—one designed to push them to their limits, to test their survival instincts, their combat skills, and their ability to think on their feet. Remember, most of these people were adventurers long before they joined us. They know the risks better than anyone."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Canna mulled over Kael's words. He had seen firsthand the dedication and determination of the sanctuary's inhabitants. They had trained day in and day out, many of them transforming from ordinary beings into formidable warriors. Maybe it was time to trust in their abilities more fully.

"You're right," Canna conceded after a moment. "They've earned the chance to prove themselves. Mortem," he called out, his voice echoing in the chamber.

From the shadows, Mortem appeared, his presence as imposing as ever. "Yes, Master?" he responded, his tone respectful.

"Call Vorgrim and Grimruk here," Canna instructed. "I need to talk to my warriors."

Mortem nodded and vanished as swiftly as he had appeared. Within minutes, the door to the war room opened, and in walked Vorgrim and Grimruk, both radiating the aura of seasoned fighters. Vorgrim, with his battle-worn armor and stern expression, embodied the relentless spirit of a warrior who had seen countless battles.

Grimruk, the formidable black orc, carried an air of raw power and discipline, his gaze sharp as he took his place beside Kael.

"You called for us, my liege?" Vorgrim asked, his voice deep and steady.

"Yes," Canna replied, his tone serious. "Kael here has proposed a new initiative—something we're calling the Noctis Network. It's a plan to use Noctis's abilities to protect the sanctuary and explore the world beyond our borders. But to make it work, we'll need to assemble a new force—a select group of our strongest and most capable warriors."

Grimruk's eyes gleamed with interest. "A new force?" he echoed, clearly intrigued.

Kael took over the explanation, outlining the plan in more detail. "The idea is to form specialized teams. We're thinking three-man squads for reconnaissance missions and full five-man teams for larger operations. These groups will undergo a rigorous six-month training program, led by you two, Vorgrim and Grimruk.

The training will be intense—designed to simulate the worst conditions they might face out there. Survival, combat, strategic thinking… they'll be tested on all fronts."

Vorgrim nodded approvingly. "I like it," he said. "These warriors have grown strong, but they need to be sharpened further if they're to handle the unknown. I'll make sure they're ready."

Grimruk crossed his arms, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'll break them down and build them back up. Only the best will make it through."

Canna couldn't help but grin at their enthusiasm. "I knew I could count on you two. We'll need to choose the right people for this—those who have the strength, the skill, and the will to face whatever's out there. We'll start the selection process immediately."

Kael nodded in agreement. "I'll finalize the details and make sure everything is ready. This initiative has the potential to change how we operate, Canna. It's a big step, but I believe it's the right one."

As the meeting continued, the group delved into the specifics of the selection process. They discussed potential candidates, strategies for the training regimen, and how to best integrate the Noctis Network into the sanctuary's existing operations. The room buzzed with energy as ideas flowed and plans were made.

The selection process would be rigorous, with Kael, Vorgrim, and Grimruk overseeing every step. They would start by evaluating the current roster of warriors, identifying those who had consistently demonstrated excellence in their training and missions. Those selected would then face a series of challenges designed to test their physical and mental endurance.

They would be pushed to their limits, forced to adapt to changing circumstances, and to prove their ability to work as a cohesive unit.

Vorgrim and Grimruk were particularly excited about the training phase. They planned to take the recruits deep into the wilderness, far from the safety of the sanctuary, where they would be exposed to the harshest conditions. They would be hunted by creatures, forced to survive with limited resources, and challenged to complete difficult objectives under extreme pressure.

Only those who could endure the "hellish training," as Grimruk called it, would earn the right to become part of this new frontier force.

Canna would play a central role in overseeing the initiative, ensuring that the squads were not only prepared but also aligned with the sanctuary's values and goals. He would work closely with Kael to monitor the progress of the trainees, offering guidance and support where needed.

Kael, for his part, would focus on the logistics—ensuring that the Noctis Network was properly integrated and that the new teams had everything they needed to succeed.

As the meeting drew to a close, the excitement in the room was undeniable. They were embarking on something new, something that had the potential to redefine the sanctuary's future. The Noctis Network wasn't just a plan—it was a vision for a stronger, more secure, and more proactive sanctuary.

When the meeting finally ended, Canna stood at the head of the table, looking at the people who had become his closest allies. "We're stepping into a new era for the sanctuary," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "Let's make sure we're ready for whatever comes our way."

With that, the group dispersed, each person eager to begin their part in the plan. The sanctuary was about to enter a new phase, one where its inhabitants would not only defend their home but also venture out into the world to explore, to protect, and to ensure that no one would ever have to live in fear again.

And so, the Noctis Network was set into motion—a plan that would transform the sanctuary from a place of refuge into a beacon of strength and hope for all who sought it.