Sanctuary: Safe Haven-Chapter 379: Ocean Expedition!

Canna stepped through the portal, and as soon as he emerged, the salty scent of the sea hit him like a wave. He inhaled deeply, savoring the freshness of the ocean air, something he’d never experienced before, not even on Earth. Back then, he’d only read about the sea in books or watched it in films, but now, standing here on the shoreline, it was entirely different—a raw, powerful presence that invigorated him.

He stood still for a moment, taking it all in. The sound of waves gently crashing onto the shore, the call of distant seabirds, and the vast expanse of water that seemed to stretch on forever. The sea was beautiful, more breathtaking than anything he’d ever imagined.

Canna glanced down, feeling the coarse sand beneath his feet. His boots were off, discarded to the side, and he couldn’t help but smile as the warm grains slipped between his toes. He walked along the shoreline, letting the cool water lap at his feet, feeling the pull of the ocean as each wave receded back into the depths. For a few moments, he lost himself in the tranquility of it all.

Behind him, three shock troops, kneeling, caught his attention. They had accompanied him here, completing their mission of scouting the ocean for the Clan Base.

Canna gestured for them to stand. "You did well," he said, his voice steady with gratitude. "Thank you for your efforts. Head back to the Clan Base, and take on new missions. You’ve earned a break."

The three shock troops nodded respectfully, their faces showing relief as they bid farewell, heading off towards the portal that would take them back.

Canna turned back to the sea, his eyes scanning the horizon. The azure waters sparkled in the sun, and in the far distance, he spotted small boats, tiny dots against the endless blue. He knelt down to the water, cupping it in his hand and raising it to his lips. The saltiness hit him immediately, and he spat it out with a chuckle, amazed at how this vast body of water could taste so different from what he knew.

After walking for a bit longer, Canna sat down in the sand, letting his thoughts wander. The sand was warm beneath him, the ocean breeze soft against his face. This was a new chapter, and it was time to think about the next steps. He could see boats out in the distance, and for a moment, he considered renting one to explore the ocean properly. But the efficient way would be to fly out and survey from the skies. As he debated his options, a voice broke through his thoughts.

"You’re new around here, aren’t you?" A woman’s voice, old and kind.

Canna turned to see an elderly woman approaching, a large basket slung over her shoulder. She stopped a few feet away, offering him a warm smile. "Care to try some dried fish? Just caught and dried this morning. It’s good, I promise, and only three coppers."

Canna reached into his storage ring, pulling out a gold coin. He held it out to her, and her eyes went wide with shock.

"I— I don’t have change for this!" she stammered, trembling as she reached out for the coin. To her, a single gold coin was more than she earned in weeks.

"No need for change," Canna replied, smiling warmly. "Instead, why don’t you tell me more about this food? It’s my first time having dried fish. Do you have anything else to sell?" Find your next read at novelbuddy

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The old woman blinked, overwhelmed by his generosity, but quickly regained her composure. "Oh, of course! My name’s Alma. If you follow me, I’ve got plenty more at my house. You’ll love it, I’m sure!"

"Canna," he introduced himself, standing up and brushing the sand off. "Lead the way, Alma."

Alma beamed, leading Canna away from the shoreline and into a nearby village. As they walked, Canna noticed how simple the village was, yet it had a charm to it. Wooden shacks lined the streets, and the salty smell of drying fish lingered in the air. People worked tirelessly, carrying baskets of fish from the shore to their homes or to small restaurants that seemed to be everywhere. Canna took in the scene, thinking about how this simple port village was full of life and productivity. Perhaps, if he played his cards right, he could import some of this seafood to the sanctuary. It would be a nice change for the warriors, and a sub-goal began forming in his mind.

They reached Alma’s house a few minutes later. It was small and modest, with seaweed drying on racks outside and fish strung up neatly on lines. Two young children tended to the drying process, working with quick, efficient hands.

"These are my grandchildren," Alma said proudly. "They may be young, but they know how to make the best dried fish around."

Canna smiled, offering the children a nod of acknowledgment. They quickly scampered inside at Alma’s urging, and moments later, the old woman invited Canna into her home.

The interior was as modest as the exterior, with simple wooden furniture and candles providing the only light. There was no luxury here, but the warmth of the home was undeniable. The air smelled of fresh herbs and fish, a humble yet comforting aroma. Canna sat on the floor, taking in the surroundings as Alma disappeared into the kitchen to help her family with the meal.

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Meanwhile, far from the serene port village, a different kind of battle was unfolding. Grimruk, the black orc who had once pledged himself to the sanctuary, fought fiercely alongside two shock troops. The three of them were locked in combat against a group of mercenaries, each one skilled and ruthless, but none a match for the sheer ferocity of Grimruk and his companions.

It had been months since Grimruk had set out on his mission—to find his tribe, the black orcs. His search had led him across dangerous lands, and now, he was finally closing in on a solid lead. But mercenaries and slave traders had been hounding him, seeking to capture him for the bounty on his head. Black orcs were rare and prized for their strength, and these mercenaries saw Grimruk as a golden opportunity.

Unfortunately for them, Grimruk wasn’t about to be captured.

With a mighty swing of his axe, Grimruk cleaved the last mercenary in half, panting heavily from the exertion. He glanced at the shock troops, who nodded in silent understanding. There was no time to rest—they had to keep moving. His tribe was out there, and nothing would stop him from finding them.

Together, Grimruk and the shock troops pressed forward, determined to complete their mission, no matter the cost.

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Back at the village, Canna sat cross-legged on the floor of Alma’s home, sipping on a bowl of soup made from freshly caught fish. It was simple but delicious, and as he listened to Alma and her family talk about their lives, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. For now, he would enjoy this quiet moment before returning to the challenges that lay ahead.

But soon, it would be time to move again. The ocean held secrets, and Canna was determined to uncover them.