Ethan stared at the four options, pondering over them. Each option had its advantages and disadvantages. But the allure of exploring the wild couldn't be resisted.
Hence, he opted for the final option.
The wolf-kin weren't the strongest, the most numerous, or the most advanced. But there was something in them. Perhaps it was the trust these creatures had in themselves, or the bond they shared.
Still, something about them fascinated him.
Ethan's finger hovered in hesitation for a brief moment before he proceeded to select the fourth option.
[Selection: Wolf-Kin]
[Warning: The chosen race is considered an unstable emergent faction. Divine intervention may have unforeseen effects.]
[Yes] [No]
Upon selection, the letters became bold as a warning flashed on the screen.
However, Ethan let out a grin as he proceeded to confirm.
[Selection Confirmed]
Upon confirmation, small particles of light rose around him. The particles had intricate patterns carved on them and drifted around him like fireflies. Ethan looked around, his eyes glistening in astonishment.
The light then surged downward from his position in the void: descending like meteor trails toward a cold forested mountain range.
Meanwhile, in the real world.
Kael, the leader of the pack, was awoken from his slumber as he sensed something. His ears twitched as he heard a low growl. The others around him seemed unaware of the sound and were sleeping without issue.
The growl was faint but audible.
He looked at one of his kin, the one with the sharpest hearing of them all. But she seemed to be unaware of the noise.
Then he looked into the distance, where two of his kin were standing guard.
"Kael, you're awake."
One of the wolf-kin addressed him as he went out.
"Yeah, I don't feel like sleeping," Kael responded. Though he sounded calm, he couldn't help but feel concerned.
"Hahaha… Did you have a nightmare?"
The other wolf-kin chimed in.
"I doubt a nightmare's enough to keep him awake…"
The two began to converse among themselves, and the moment started getting livelier around them. Kael, however, couldn't get rid of the noise he was hearing.
But seeing how those two before him were unaware of the sound, he couldn't help but wonder if he was having some problem.
'Am I the only one who's hearing this sound?' He wondered.
"It's alright, Thran, Braka. You two can go ahead and get some sleep. I'll keep watch now," Kael said as he suggested the two get some rest.
"You sure, Kael? I mean, our shift isn't over," Thran responded, sounding rather hesitant.
"What's there to worry about if Kael's saying it?" Braka was quick to respond, finding a way to dodge this tedious task of guarding.
Well, he looked like he could use some sleep, and he wasn't the diligent one. Hence, when an offer this enticing came his way, how could he pass it up?
"You just want to avoid your job and sleep, don't you?" Thran retaliated.
"What do you mean, avoid the job? I'm just agreeing to Kael, that's all."
The two began to argue, and the argument got heated. Thran didn't want to burden Kael with the task he wasn't even supposed to take. Kael worked hard whenever the pack was in trouble. He worked hard to secure the food and protect the pack.
Hence, he didn't want to burden Kael with more responsibilities.
On the other hand, Braka was young and immature. Though he respected Kael, he disliked working in general. However, when it came to fights, he was one of the most enthusiastic among the tribe.
"It's alright, Thran. Get some sleep for now. I don't feel like sleeping, and it would be a waste of manpower to have all of us stand guard," Kael said, his voice calm and soothing.
Out of respect for Kael, Thran wanted to offer to stand guard alongside him. But he knew that Kael wouldn't let him. Hence, he refrained from offering his services.
"See, you should have just agreed from the beginning," Braka revealed a smug smile.
Thran felt his nerves twitching upon hearing his smugness. But before he could speak, Kael said, "We'll be moving from here tomorrow. So, I'm hoping Braka that you don't doze off during the journey. You got it, right?"
Though Kael sounded calm, Braka knew that if he lazed around tomorrow, he wouldn't easily let him off the hook. This was more like a warning than a suggestion.
"We can count on you, right, Braka?"
Braka felt a shiver run down his spine as he heard those calm and composed words coming out of Kael's mouth. Thran, on the other hand, couldn't help but muse on the situation.
With that said, both Thran and Braka stepped inside the cave to sleep.
Kael stood at the entrance of the cave, the crisp air filling his lungs.
The moon shone, spreading its dim ethereal light across the vast expanse, while a few wisps of clouds drifted around it. The night was serene and calm.
Kael, however, couldn't help but feel unsettled. Just like the pouring raindrops stirring the calm of the pond, Kael's peace of mind was being stirred.
Just what was this noise, and where was it coming from?
Though Kael was unsettled, he couldn't keep pondering it. Hence, he withdrew his worries and began to ponder the journey ahead.
"Winter is about to come. We need to find a place we can call home before winter arrives," Kael frowned as he stared into the distance.
During the winter, it would get even harder to secure food, and their current place wasn't suitable for them to survive the harsh winter.
Hence, he couldn't help but feel worried about their survival.
"We have lost our home, and we can't return either. Even if we return, Vaegor wouldn't let us live, and we don't have enough manpower to resist."
Kael began to recall the event that led to their exile.
Kael raised his hand and ran his finger through the scar on his face. Frowning, he let out a sigh, reminiscing about the moment he got scarred. "I'm no match for Vaegor…"
While frowning, something alerted him.
Kael stood and assumed a defensive position.