Samael's remaining days in the sanctuary were full of peace. He relished the quiet it gave and the safety along with it. He knew that such commodities were nothing but luxuries most of the time he could not afford.

  Once they leave this place, he will be once again thrown into a world full of death and vile corruption where many suffer, yearning for an escape that may very well never come.

  To make matters worse, his presence is now known. He knows the enemy knows he is a big threat, if not the biggest, with his ability to kill and close rifts.

  After their stay here, they'll travel to the next Sanctuary of Oros, where Icarius's friend will teach them the way of elemental control. That being said, this was the most productive trip Samael had experienced yet. Not only did he learn blade unity, smithing, runic imprinting and even kill path.

  Frankly, Samael does not know what else he can learn from the man Icarius praised. The Void is a complex element that is so complicated it feels simple.

  But he can only see what surprises will unfold for him. That being said, Ajax had also progressed rapidly, and he'd also learnt the kill path without many issues.

  With the help of Olaf, they were given the rights to access the teleporters of this sanctuary, which should bring them straight towards Oros. The reason being, Oros is a highly guarded sanctuary that is meant to be the final shield.

  Should humanity fail, that is where everyone will go. Meaning, its safety cannot be compromised no matter the reason. Even high-ranking lords cannot enter it without the permission of the High Table.

  However, that doesn't mean Oros is a city locked away and caged. No, Oros does have a population and a city, but its routes and trades are highly protected and confidential.

  Unfortunately, when asked about the area, even Olaf cannot discuss any detail about the sanctuary. It is so hidden even some people believe it's nothing but a myth.

  Standing before the gates of the portal, Samael shared one last look at Olaf as he hugged the old man.

  "Keep yourself safe, old man," Samael muttered as the runes in the portal began to ignite blue, casting shadows on the room.

  "I should be the one saying that to you," Olaf hissed back, yet a soft smile lingered on his lips. "Good luck, boy."

  Samael showed a faint smile as he nodded at the man.

  As the lights began to vanish, Samael recounted the meeting before their departure.

  "So our next stop is Oros?" Samael asked.

  "Yes, the final sanctuary," Olaf said.

  "When will we depart?" Ajax asked.

  "Tomorrow at dawn," Olaf said. "You'll be using the Rift gates."

  "How close will it get us?" Ajax asked.

  "Close? No, it will bring you directly to Oros," Olaf said.

  "Directly?" Samael asked.

  "Yes, directly," Olaf replied. "Oros isn't exactly a normal sanctuary."

  "How so?" Samael asked.

  "Well, for one, Oros is what you'd call a secluded fortified bunker," Olaf said.

  "How so?" Samael asked. When he tried to read about Oros, he never really found much information about the place aside from it being one of the sanctuaries and dubbed as humanity's final defence.

  "I can't tell you that," Olaf said.

  Samael nodded. It truly was an interesting place.

  "Now, continuing, Oros is known as the last bastion of humanity, a place to go to if all else fails, meaning its security is our topmost priority," Olaf said. "That is why there are so few ways to get in. The only reason we have one is because we supply the place with armaments and defences."

  "Icarius won't be coming?" Samael enquired.

  "No, but don't worry about Nova; we had warned him beforehand of your arrival a few days prior," Olaf said. "In fact, he's a little excited to meet you both."

  "...?" Ajax's head tilted a little.

  "Well, he's heard plenty of your accomplishments, and, well, to put it in simpler terms, you'll be the first visitors in a very long time," Olaf said. "Don't worry though; unlike us crazy fools, he's a lot more tamed."

  Samael sighed in relief. This travel of theirs had bought many fruits but also showed them how crazy people can get. Oddly enough, most of them were people who held power. Is that what it does?

  Samael shivered.

  As the light of the portal began to fully submerge them both, he shifted his gaze forward as he took a deep breath.

  Oros, here they come.

  Then everything went white.

  Samael felt his body being thrown around like a ragdoll as he felt his stomach turn and toss. He couldn't help but release a grunt as he almost tasted what he ate a few hours prior.

  For a few moments, he felt no ground below his soles until the blinding light finally subsided and the scent of leaves and moss hit him square in the face.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  As the lights of the rift gate finally faded and Samael's vision was restored, he took a second to check if he was fine after the jump, and it seems to be the case.

  Looking around, Samael saw they were inside what appeared to be a massive hall made of stone. There were massive weight-bearing pillars all over the place with large banners hanging upon them. The symbols were unique, with what appears to be a sand clock with a crown above it.

  There was the lingering scent of metal and that same leafy smell permeating the air, and there were multiple large crates of what appeared to be fresh weaponry straight from Erdun. But unlike the warmth you'd typically feel in Erdun, Oros seems a little colder.

  Shifting his attention forward, Samael locked eyes with a man a few inches from his face, startling him as he flinched a little.

  "Enjoying the view?" The man asked. He had dirty blond hair with green eyes. He had a fairly slim but toned build and wore a robe of sorts that is comparable to priest clothing. However, he also had something that caught Samael's attention.

  He had a nasty burn scar over his left eye, changing the tint of his eye colour a little bit brighter.

  Samael nodded hesitantly as his brows furrowed.

  "Ah, my apologies if I startled you," the man said as he straightened his back. Extending his hand forward, he released a gentle smile. "My name is Nova, Nova Kairos."

  Samael and Ajax exchanged glances.

  A chuckle escaped Nova's lips. "I take it you are Samael and you are Ajax?"

  The two nodded in unison.

  "Very well," Nova said. "I welcome you in Oros, humanity's final bastion.

  ***

  Walking along the cobblestone paths of Oros, Samael and Ajax couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable. Not because the place was extreme or dirty, no, but rather because of the peace.

  Yes, Oros felt extremely peaceful.

  Samael had been through almost all sanctuaries, and all of them had one thing in common. The people laughed everyday yet behind those laughs were fear and doubt they'd live to see the next day.

  However, in Oros, the people genuinely smiled and laughed, bartering and singing even.

  The atmosphere was light and vibrant, the surroundings green and the infrastructure humble, but they carried with them a sense of tranquillity many homes don't.

  Samael cannot help but think to himself. Would the world be like this if abominations did not exist? Would peace such as this be everywhere?

  Seeing their curious and surprised gazes, Nova smiled. "You must be wondering how it is so... peaceful."

  Samael and Ajax gazed at the man. Yet remained silent.

  "No, I won't judge you because honestly? Oros is a weird place, and many before you had thought the same," Nova held his chin. "Oros is... a haven amongst a world of fire and brimstone, death and corruption."

  "How?" Samael blurted out. He had seen the efforts of thousands of men to try and achieve something like this, but never once did they get the results they desired.

  "That is because Oros is located in the mountains and is just an overall stronghold," Nova said. "In the north stand the towering mountains, and the only way for enemies to pass through and get to us is through a special path hidden that only the High Table knows."

  "You don't get abomination attacks?" Samael asked.

  "Well, we still do get abomination attacks every now and then, but they're mostly mild and barely felt here. In fact, the warriors of Oros use such opportunities to show to the populace we are capable of fighting back," Nova said. "Though, I have to say, your arrival here brought some excitement for the people as they've heard the tales of the mighty shadow saint and the hound."

  Samael and Ajax cleared their throats as they felt a little conscious.

  Nova laughed out loud as he wiped the tears off his eyes. "Oh man, you guys really are what Icarius told me."

  "Like what exactly?" Samael asked.

  "Like lost children," Nova said.

  Samael and Ajax looked at each other.

  Them? Children? Icarius must have inhaled too much of his scented candles to think or even see that.

  "But I am a little interested in the more recent rumours I have heard," Nova blurted out as he waved at the passing citizens. "Something that goes along the line of the youngest grandmaster blacksmith to exist."

  It already spread here? Samael's forehead creased.

  "Well, judging by your expression, I'd reckon it's true then," Nova said. "But don't worry; I won't be forcing you to make weapons or something. It's just surprising to hear someone finally topped off that old gremlin."

  "Where are we going?" Ajax interrupted.

  "Just like what Icarius predicted, always efficient," Nova said as he chuckled. "Well, where else if not home?"

  Samael's and Ajax's brows furrowed.

  After some more walking, they eventually stopped by the side of the road in a hilly area filled with lush greenery and humble houses. There Nova brought them to his own, a simple, arc-shaped wooden cabin with a brown wooden fence.

  Samael could feel the peace permeating the air and could hear the sound of someone moving about within.

  "Come," Nova said as he opened the fence for them.

  For a moment, Ajax and Samael felt uncertainty but muscled through and pushed inside.

  "Ah, please remove your shoes; my wife had just cleaned the floor," Nova said as he took off his own before going in. "I'm home!"

  Samael cleared his throat as he too did the same and went in, revealing the wooden interior of the place, where the only lighting was the natural sunlight pushing through the windows and the small lanterns by the wall.

  There was also that ravishing scent of food lingering in the air as footsteps neared them.

  "Welcome home," greeted back someone. A beautiful woman adorned in a fine white dress that hugs her slender figure. However, Samael was not fooled. Behind such a gentle demeanour was the aura of someone dangerous, someone capable of great chaos.

  I wonder if I'll win against her?

  "Glad to be back," Nova said as he hugged the woman tightly.

  Silvana chuckled under his embrace. "You were gone for a few minutes! You're overreacting."

  "Was I? Felt like years," Nova grinned.

  "You're too cheesy!" Silvana broke free of the man's grip. "I take it these are your guests?"

  Samael stared at the two as he was reminded of Lilith. How he wished he could hug the girl as such. How nice would it be? Would he look as content as Nova did?

  "Ah, yeah, where are my manners? Samael, Ajax, this is my wife, Silvana, the official saint of this sanctuary," Nova pointed at the woman.

  "Hello Ajax and Samael, you can just call me Silv and drop the honorifics. In this place, everyone is family," she said. "Ah! The food's ready; come, come."

  "Oh, that's great; I'm famished!" Nova said as he followed after the woman.

  Samael and Ajax stared at each other before they too followed close.

  Sitting down, Silvana began to serve them food as Nova happily devoured whatever was on his plate.

  "Soooo, I take it you guys are here because of what Icarius said? Something about training...?" Nova asked as he continued to stuff his face.

  "Yes..." Samael answered as he watched how fast Nova ravaged his plate. For someone as slim as him, he sure ate fast!

  Ajax simply sat at the side, not even touching his food.

  "You eating that?" Nova asked.

  "When do we begin?" Ajax asked instead as Nova shrugged and took his food for himself.

  "Well, we can begin anytime. But I think I should tell you first what I'll teach you," Nova said as he flushed a massive steak down his throat. "Man, that was good— oh yeah, it's nothing too hard. Just a few things to get you going."

  "Those are?" Ajax asked.

  "Well, hard to tell. Elements and the proper use of them are subjective to every individual," Nova answered. "Rather, I'll be tutoring you boys personally to improve upon your elements."

  It seems similar to Ishkar.

  "That being said, to do that, I am going to need to see you two in action," Nova said as he cleared his throat down with water. "But, light forbid, I'm not doing it today. Instead, I think you two need some rest after all that happened."

  "We're fine; we're not... used to being comfortable," Samael muttered.

  "Clearly," Nova said. "But my answer remains the same. Tomorrow we begin; today you two rest."

  Samael looked out the window. Somehow, the sounds of birds standing over the branches made him feel somewhat sleepy.