This was far from all.
The Earth Sanctum was built from massive stones and adorned with lush vegetation. This fortress appeared to be an extension of the earth itself. Its foundations were rooted deep in the clouds, with mighty trees growing from its walls and vines creeping along its pathways. It exuded stability and strength.
The Light Sanctum was a radiant structure that shone with a blinding brilliance, constructed from pure, crystalline materials that refracted light into dazzling rainbows. It looked like a palace of light, with transparent walls and spires that glowed with an inner luminescence, casting a serene and holy aura.
The Lightning Sanctum crackled with energy. This fortress was a storm captured in solid form. Its towers were made of dark, metallic materials that conducted electricity, with bolts of lightning constantly arcing between them. The air around it was charged with static.
The Darkness Sanctum was cloaked in shadows, appearing enigmatic and foreboding. Its black stone walls absorbed light, creating an aura of mystery and intimidation. Dark tendrils seemed to move along its surfaces, and eerie lights flickered from within.
The Ice Sanctum was a magnificent citadel of ice, its walls sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. Towering glaciers formed its battlements, and intricate ice sculptures decorated its halls. The air around it was crisp and cold, and every surface glistened with frost.
Atticus was thoroughly awed.
He tried to comprehend just how these structures were constructed. They were grand and magnificent.
“Was it worth the wait, young master?” Atticus heard Dario’s smug voice from his side, but he was enjoying the sight far too much to care.
After a few moments, he spoke, “Where are we now?”
They were high above the clouds, making it impossible to see what was below. Since they had mentioned it, Atticus knew they were in sector 3 but not where exactly.
It was the captain who responded before Dario could, earning a glare from the man, “This is Ravenspire, young master.”
“I see,” Atticus muttered, turning his gaze downwards and looking at the clouds below them. Just like before, the screen had expanded, showing the outside from every angle.
‘I wonder how Mum is doing,’
It had been a year since Atticus had seen Anastasia, and if he had to be completely honest, he missed her a lot despite her being so protective.
Atticus carried his gaze away, his thoughts firming. He would see Anastasia when the time came, but for now, there was only training and getting stronger.
The airship moved slowly above the clouds and towards the enclave of sanctums. Each of the elemental sanctums was separated, but at the same time, they were collectively grouped together, the entire space enclosed in a dome of shimmering green light.
There were no lookouts nor were there guards around.
Many would see that as them being overly confident about themselves, and truly, Atticus had initially thought that too. But this was far from the truth. Dario was glad enough to explain.
In truth, anyone who wanted to invade any of the elemental sanctums would have to be the most foolish individual to ever walk the planet.
Every single person in the elemental sanctums was at the very least a master+ rank, with a few grandmasters collectively. And they weren’t just normal master+ ranks; they were the elite of the elite.
Only those with a profound grasp of their elements, those with enough talent to reach the peak of master+ rank and attempt to form their domain, thereby becoming a grandmaster rank, were the individuals attending the elemental sanctums.
Unless it was raided by an army of grandmasters, anyone else would only be on a death wish.
The Aegis airship phased through the green dome as though it were an illusion and continued its movements. Atticus’s gaze narrowed slightly as he noticed the direction the airship was heading in.
‘Fire first, huh,’
Just as Atticus was about to ask a question, he abruptly heard someone speak, startling him.
“Atticus,”
The sound had been incredibly close to his right ear, and there was no mistaking the voice: Magnus.
Atticus turned and saw a very tiny orb of lightning, so small that he had to strain his eyes a bit to see it.
The voice continued:
“This will be where most of your training on your elements will take place. I’m sure you’ve been briefed on what these sanctums represent and their purpose already, so I shall skip that part.
“Your objective is simple: learn and advance more in each of your elements, apart from lightning, by going to and graduating from each sanctum. I believe there’s no need to remind you about our very limited time frame, and so in lieu of this, I shall give you a total time of three months. During this time, forget about everything else and focus only on your elements.”
Atticus gazed around him and saw that he was the only one who could hear Magnus speak. The others were still admiring the view. If any of them realized that Magnus was currently speaking while they were chatting without any care in the world, they would freak.
But Atticus’s demeanor didn’t even show a hint of change, his gaze forward as he nodded subtly.
Feeling Atticus nod, Magnus continued,
“The normal duration spent learning at the elemental sanctum is always years, but I believe you can do it in the speculated time. The first element will be fire. Instructions have already been given; just disembark from the airship and begin your journey.”
“One last thing: allow your Ravenblade to enter your shadow and take him with you. You might feel as though you don’t need any protection, but he will come in useful in other trivial or not matters.”
Atticus released a deep breath before nodding his head seriously. He had three months to learn seven elements to an acceptable level and then probably a bit more time with Magnus to learn the lightning element.
Atticus had no idea if it would be possible, but what he did know was that it was necessary.
He would achieve this goal and move forward.