Sanctuary: Safe Haven

A few hours had passed since the initial chaos in Clan Varran's base, and the usual hustle and bustle had returned. People were walking through the courtyards, the clang of weapons being sharpened and warriors sparring filled the air once more.

Orders had come directly from the clan leader to resume all activities, and the previously shut gates had been hastily repaired—though they remained closed to outsiders. Inside, however, life carried on as if nothing had ever gone wrong.

But the mood in the high chambers was different. The clan leader, Kargan, and his vice-leader Lira had just received a full breakdown of what had transpired in their absence. In their eyes, it was a mess. No, it was a disaster.

Clan Varran was the second strongest clan in the entire kingdom, a prestigious name that had commanded respect and power for generations. Yet now, an unprecedented internal problem had emerged, threatening their image. And at the center of it all was one man: Canna Yakane.

First, there was the issue of Canna becoming an "important guest" of the clan, a status bestowed upon him by none other than Saint Dravos, Kargan's own father. And as if that wasn't enough, an elder of the clan—Varya—had been assigned to him, not as a mere escort or guard, but as his personal guide. It was unheard of.

Second, Varya had lost a bet to Canna, and the terms of that bet? Kargan and Lira, the highest-ranking members of the clan, were now required to give Canna a personal tour of the entire clan base. Dravos, of course, had insisted on joining, leaving Kargan with no choice but to comply. The clan leader could only shake his head in disbelief.

All he wanted was some rest after their long expedition, but instead, he found himself stuck with this ridiculous task.

The next day arrived.

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Canna stood at the entrance of the clan base, casually dressed in the same simple clothes he had worn when he first entered the kingdom. His appearance was in stark contrast to the formal attire of Kargan, Lira, Dravos, and Varya, who were all standing with him.

Kargan and Lira looked like they hated every moment of this ordeal, but they had no choice—this was a promise made by one of their own elders after all.

The morning sun bathed the large stone gates of the clan base in a golden light as the group set off on their tour.

"So, what's first?" Canna asked with a smile, walking barefoot as always, seemingly unconcerned with the tension in the air.

Kargan sighed. "Let's get this over with," he muttered under his breath before turning to face Canna. "Welcome to Clan Varran. As warriors, our base is centered around the art of combat and discipline. Our buildings reflect that, and as you'll see, we are very proud of our facilities."

Dravos chuckled softly, enjoying his son's discomfort. Varya remained silent but attentive, ready to fulfill her duty as Canna's guide.

They walked through the expansive courtyards until they reached the first building.

1. The Grand Hall of Ancestors: Kargan gestured to a massive stone structure with tall pillars carved in intricate designs. "This is the Grand Hall of Ancestors," he explained. "It is where we honor the warriors who have come before us, those who built the foundation of our clan. Every member of the clan is expected to come here regularly to reflect on their heritage."

The building was imposing, with walls adorned with the names of legendary warriors etched into the stone. Canna took a moment to admire the craftsmanship but moved on quickly. His interest seemed more focused on the people around him rather than the ancestral legacy.

2. The Forge: Next, they arrived at the forge, a large, industrial-looking building where blacksmiths hammered away at weapons and armor. "This is where we craft all of our weapons and gear," Kargan said. "Our blacksmiths are some of the best in the kingdom."

Canna peeked in through the large doors, watching as molten metal was poured into molds, sparks flying as hammers struck steel. The weapons being forged looked impressive, but Canna just nodded, appreciating the efficiency.

3. The Armory: Directly connected to the forge was the armory, a place where all the weapons were stored. Rows upon rows of swords, axes, spears, and shields lined the walls. "All of our warriors are equipped from here before battle," Lira added. "Each weapon is custom-made for the wielder."

Canna ran his fingers along one of the racks, admiring the variety of blades. "Not bad," he muttered, glancing at Dravos, who simply smirked.

4. The Library of Combat: "This is the Library of Combat," Varya said as they approached the next building. It was a large, multi-story structure filled with scrolls, tomes, and books on combat techniques and strategies. "Warriors study here to refine their skills."

Canna shrugged. "I usually just go with the flow in fights, but I guess this is useful." He glanced at Kargan, who was barely holding in his frustration.

5. The Hall of Trials: The Hall of Trials was a circular building where members of the clan could challenge one another in duels. "This is where our warriors hone their skills in one-on-one combat," Kargan explained. "It's where disputes are settled, and where rankings are earned."

Canna's eyes lit up slightly at the mention of duels. "Interesting," he murmured, but didn't say much more as they continued the tour.

6. The Alchemy Lab: Next was the alchemy lab, a quieter building where potions and other concoctions were brewed. "We rely on our alchemists to keep our warriors healthy and strong," Lira said. "They create healing potions, stamina elixirs, and even poisons."

Canna gave a slight nod but didn't seem overly interested.

7. The Barracks: "This is where the rank-and-file warriors sleep," Kargan explained as they passed by the barracks. Rows of simple, sturdy buildings housed the clan's warriors. "It's a simple place, but it serves its purpose."

Canna simply glanced over, not particularly intrigued by the barracks.

8. The Training Grounds: The group arrived at the training grounds next. This was a vast open area filled with warriors sparring, practicing techniques, and perfecting their combat skills. "We pride ourselves on our training regimen," Kargan said. "It's one of the reasons we're the second-strongest clan in the kingdom."

Canna gave a low whistle as he observed the intensity of the training. "Not bad," he said. "I've seen tougher, but this is good."

9. The Elite Quarters: "This is where the highest-ranking members of our clan reside," Lira added as they approached a more ornate building. "Only those who have proven their strength are allowed to live here."

Canna seemed uninterested in the living quarters, waving his hand for them to move on.

10. The Arena: Finally, they arrived at the last stop of the tour: the arena. Or at least, what was left of it.

The once-grand arena, a place where only the most elite members of the clan fought, was now reduced to rubble. The stone walls were crumbling, the floor was cracked, and debris was scattered everywhere.

Kargan's eye twitched at the sight of it. This was the pride of their clan, and now it looked like a disaster zone. The cost to repair it would be astronomical.

Canna scratched his head. "Oh yeah," he said casually. "I forgot about that." He turned to Kargan and Lira with a grin. "I might have gone a little overboard with the training."

Kargan could feel a headache coming on as he stared at the ruins of the once-glorious arena. He opened his mouth to speak, but Dravos clapped him on the shoulder with a hearty laugh.

"Don't worry, son," Dravos said, grinning from ear to ear. "It's just a building. We can rebuild it. Besides, it was a good fight."

Kargan shook his head in disbelief, wondering just how much longer this tour would last.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om