To the south

Seemingly aware of Adrian's skepticism, the hairy person spoke up, "Escaping from it wasn't easy for me either, and your caution is understandable. However, that's the way it happened. It's up to you to believe me or not."

"His voice is peculiar. Is it gender-neutral?" Adrian pondered, noting the uniqueness of the hairy person's speech.

Unable to discern the gender of the hairy person from their voice, Adrian couldn't help but inwardly shake his head in confusion.

"I don't care who you are or how you survived. I'll go my own way, and I don't want you tagging along," Adrian declared with a resolute tone, signaling that he wasn't open to further persuasions. 

Nodding, the hairy person replied, "That's fine and understandable. I wouldn't have trusted anyone either after encountering the skinwalker. I'm heading to the north anyway. If you decide to visit a city, you should... wear something and go south."

Upon hearing this, Adrian looked down and realized that he had not been wearing any clothes since he arrived. Although not entirely naked, it appeared as if he was clad in a bodysuit similar to that of a swimmer.

Nodding at the hairy person, Adrian tilted his body and started to fall off the cliff without any resistance. As he was descending, Adrian pondered whether he should trust what they had said or remain wary.

Just as he was about to hit the ground, Adrian noticed a shadow beneath the dead body down there, cast by the sun. Swiftly, he willed himself to enter the shadow.

In response, Adrian's body became ethereal and entered the shadow, effectively saving him from the impending collision with the ground.

Upon entering the shadow, Adrian swiftly emerged from another one with the same speed.

'This is indeed a useful ability. I could have achieved something similar with my werewolf genetics, but this is quite enjoyable."

Adrian couldn't help but ponder the various uses of his shadow abilities, yet he refrained from letting it go to his head. He remained aware that this form wasn't truly him.

Reluctant to admit it, being a werewolf felt like his destiny, and Adrian was determined to prove himself as one. He harbored a desire to show his family that their unjust rejection had no basis.

Walking downward with the snow still present, Adrian began contemplating his next steps and what actions he should take.

'Let's assume the shard is what She wanted to take from the temple, but for what purpose? Shouldn't She talk to me after I've achieved my goal?'

Uncertain of his next move, Adrian deliberated whether to follow the advice of the hairy person and head south or retrace his steps in the direction he came from.

Uncertain if returning would be a wise choice, Adrian hesitated. The memories of his imprisonment lingered, and the fear of getting caught again deterred him from revisiting that place.

'Not having information is frustrating. I don't even know where I am.'

Continuing to contemplate his course of action, Adrian dove into the shadows. After a brief period, he reemerged at the base of the cliff, having traversed the entire distance in a matter of seconds.

"Not sure what's in the south, but oh well, south it is then because I don't know anything." Adrian decided, opting for the westward direction in the absence of clear information.

And so, Adrian embarked on his new journey, choosing to head towards the south, not so eager to discover what lay ahead in this unfamiliar territory.

*****

"I'm not entirely certain why it's happening, but I've heard it's a riot incited by an individual believed to be a 5-core level core bearer of the moon lineage," explained the girl with her hair neatly tied in a bun, her scholarly appearance emphasized by glasses and a stern expression.

Her name was Abbey, and she was the newest addition to Alaya's team. As an elemental, she specialized in manipulating sound, with expertise in sound scrying.

"This information is enough. We can proceed with our plan now," declared Alaya as she began packing her backpack.

There were seven figures present, including Alaya and Abbey. This constituted Alaya's new team, assembled for certain ventures known only to her. Her team members were oblivious to her plans, merely following through due to the attractive compensation.

Apart from Abbey, Alaya, and the red-haired Sun Believer albeit fallen one, the remaining four members each possessed unique specialties.

Lucas, at the age of 31, was a figure with distinct features and a unique presence. His short stature and a bit of extra weight gave him a rounded and approachable appearance. His hair, a rich shade of yellow-brown, fell in loose waves around his face, offering a warm contrast to his mastery over the element of earth.

Lucas's eyes, deep and expressive, carried a shade reminiscent of fertile soil, reflecting both wisdom and a hint of timidity. His facial features were gentle, with a slightly rounded nose and a thin beard that framed his face, adding to the overall amiable aura.

Dressed in earthy tones, Lucas often wore practical and comfortable clothing, favoring shades of green and brown that resonated with his elemental affinity. His attire was both functional and unassuming, mirroring his modest personality.

Lucas's mastery over the element of earth was evident in subtle ways. When he moved, there was a groundedness to his steps, and those who observed him might have noticed a faint aura of earthy energy. His abilities manifested in the capacity to manipulate soil, rocks, and the very ground beneath his feet, showcasing a deep connection with the natural world.

Despite his mastery over the formidable element of earth, Lucas was known for his timid personality. He spoke softly, choosing his words with care, and often avoided confrontation. His reserved nature, however, concealed a well of knowledge and strength, especially when it came to matters related to the earth and its secrets.

Jayden, in his prime, had a striking and energetic presence. With a good height and an athletic build, he exuded an air of strength and agility. His hair, a unique blend of blue and silver, fell in tousled waves, adding a touch of vibrancy to his overall appearance.

Dressed in a sleek tracksuit that matched the colors of his hair, Jayden's attire not only accentuated his athletic physique but also hinted at the dynamic powers he possessed. The fabric clung to his form, allowing for a full range of movement, a clear indicator of his active lifestyle.

The tracksuit, adorned with subtle lightning motifs, hinted at the nature of Jayden's extraordinary abilities. As a master of lightning, his powers were both visually captivating and formidable. The energy of storms seemed to emanate from him, and the air around him occasionally crackled with the anticipation of electrical discharge.

Jayden's eyes, often reflecting the color of a stormy sky, held a spark of excitement His facial features were sharp and defined, conveying a sense of confidence that matched his physical prowess. A pair of earphones often rested around his neck, ready to provide a soundtrack to his energetic lifestyle.

His powers, harnessed from the energy of lightning, allowed Jayden to manipulate and control electrical forces. From creating dazzling displays of light to harnessing bolts of lightning for offensive purposes, he was a force to be reckoned with. 

"Are you all prepared?" inquired Alaya, scrutinizing each member. Determined to avoid any mishaps this time, she made it clear that there would be no leniency for those who failed. Observing nods, she turned her attention to the two individuals positioned at the rear.

"Both of you understand the gravity of this mission better than I do, so brace yourselves," she asserted.

Chris exuded anger through his expression, while Emilie maintained her customary stoic demeanor, responding with a simple nod.