Sanctuary: Safe Haven

The next day arrived swiftly, and preparations for the domain merge were already underway. Canna had made sure the sanctuary's inhabitants were aware of what was to come, though he kept the finer details to himself. Most of the work was happening on Arborath's side.

Ever since the tiny turtle made the decision to entrust his domain to Canna, Arborath had entered a deep trance, mentally preparing for the significant event.

It was no small feat to merge one's domain with another—especially when it involved powerful plants, ancient trees, and a living ecosystem. While Tonitrum's domain had been mostly barren when Canna inherited it, Arborath's was lush, rich with life, and filled with rare species that had never been seen by anyone outside the shell's realm.

The balance between such different spaces would be delicate, and Arborath was intent on ensuring everything was seamless.

When Arborath finally opened his eyes from the trance, he found Canna standing next to him, ready. The tiny turtle blinked slowly before speaking.

"My apologies, young Harbinger," Arborath said, his voice slightly strained. "This is my first time doing such a thing. Unlike Tonitrum's domain, which is largely land and space, my domain is… different. I've cultivated rare and powerful plants, trees, and creatures, all under the care of my Blossom Shells. I'll be ready in about half a day. For now, alert your subordinates.

The domain extension will be felt far and wide."

Canna nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll let everyone know. Take your time, Arborath. There's no rush."

As Canna left Arborath atop Sylvanar's cocoon to continue his preparations, he sent out a telepathic message to all his subordinates, warning them of the upcoming changes. He wanted the inhabitants of the sanctuary to be aware, but not alarmed. This would be a significant event, but nothing they couldn't handle. His connection to the sanctuary was strong, and he would ensure a smooth transition.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Canna's mind buzzed with excitement as he prepared for the merge. The idea of gaining access to Arborath's domain—rich with flora and fauna—would be a huge step forward in his goal to revitalize the sanctuary. The barren lands could finally be given life, and the addition of the Blossom Shells would bring new strength and diversity to the sanctuary's ecosystem.

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Meanwhile, Arborath floated in his usual spot atop Sylvanar's cocoon, a small smile playing on his ancient face.

This was the perfect opportunity for his race to survive and thrive. He hadn't told Canna the full reason for parting with his domain, not out of deception, but out of necessity. It was his way of ensuring the future of his kin—the Blossom Shells.

After all, a domain is tied to the soul of the being that owns it. The more a being cultivates their domain, the larger it grows, and the stronger the connection to their soul becomes. It's a reflection of their power. In Arborath's case, his domain had grown immensely over the millennia, filled with rare plants and creatures that couldn't be found anywhere else. But there was a catch.

If Arborath died, everything and everyone inside his domain would die with him. It was a cruel reality, and it was the very reason he never allowed others to live within his domain. He couldn't risk the lives of his people, no matter how tempting it was to offer them a paradise to call home.

However, Canna's domain was different.

It wasn't just Canna's domain; it was also Tonitrum's. Arborath had sensed Tonitrum's lingering mana in the air the moment he stepped foot in the sanctuary. Tonitrum hadn't fully relinquished control of the domain to Canna, which meant that even if Canna were to fall, the sanctuary would revert back to Tonitrum's control. And the likelihood of Tonitrum dying?

Arborath chuckled to himself—such a thing was near impossible.

Tonitrum was a primordial dragon, one of the most powerful beings to ever exist. According to Canna's stories, Tonitrum had only been imprisoned, not killed. No one, not even the gods, had the power to truly end a primordial dragon's life. So, in Arborath's mind, it was a safe bet to entrust his domain to Canna. If Canna fell, Tonitrum would take over.

And in the meantime, Arborath's people would have a chance to thrive, free from the threat of annihilation.

With this in mind, Arborath's preparations became even more urgent. He wasn't just helping Canna out of a sense of debt—he was ensuring the future of his race. The Blossom Shells would have a new home, one that was protected by a being who understood the importance of preservation.

Arborath had watched Canna closely during the sanctuary tour, and he had seen a genuine desire in the young Harbinger to create a place where all creatures could coexist and thrive. It wasn't just a sanctuary in name—it was a true haven for those who sought peace and protection. Arborath knew Canna would do right by his kin.

The tiny turtle floated higher, his gaze drifting over the sanctuary. The streams, the trees, the bustling inhabitants—it was a far cry from the barren land it had once been. He could see the effort Canna had put into restoring the place, and it filled Arborath with hope for the future.

"Almost ready," Arborath whispered to himself, feeling the connection to his domain begin to loosen. Soon, it would be time to hand over control to Canna.

As Arborath worked, Canna continued his rounds, making sure everything was in place for the domain merge. He checked in with his subordinates, ensuring they were prepared and that the inhabitants of the sanctuary were aware of the upcoming changes. There was a sense of excitement in the air, as many of the creatures and people in the sanctuary had grown curious about the merge.

Finally, after hours of preparation, the moment arrived.

Arborath floated down from Sylvanar's cocoon, his tiny form glowing with a soft green light. He hovered in front of Canna, who stood ready, his face serious but hopeful.

"It's time," Arborath said simply. "The merge will take place now. Prepare yourself, young Harbinger."