Guldrin’s Gluttony: Family Bound by Speed & Food

As if preordained, on the third anniversary of his arrival to this world, the system awoke him early, 'Ding! Congratulations on surviving in a world unknown for 3 years. New functions have been unlocked, Please strive to survive and thrive to unlock more functions!'

'Ding, Status, has been unlocked; please say Status to display your Status screen.'

'Status?'

[Name: Guldrin **** ********* Toretto]

[Race: ???] 

[Bloodline: ???, ???, Origin]

[Age: ???]

[Level: 1]

[Class: None]

[Exp: 0%]

[Skills: Seven Cardinal Sins (Semi-Sealed)]

[Equipment: None]

[Inventory: None]

[Companions: Emily, (Unable to locate others)]

[Titles: The One Chosen By %#@%*&@%, Emily's Beloved, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, Gutter Rat, Little Tinker, Kid, Blank]

[Interdimensional Travel (NEW)]

Guldrin stared amazed and shocked at the display hovering before him, the dark black and purple light of the status screen, casting an otherworldly glow in his vision. Though looking around, he noticed the light was only in his eyes. Rushing to a mirror, he saw his eyes were glowing slightly. His blue eyes had become sky or neon blue, the difference was baffling. He could feel a strange energy radiating from it, an inexplicable pull in his chest. His fingers hovered over each ghostly line, his eyes moving carefully through the words and symbols.

[Status Screen Details]

[Name: Guldrin **** ********* Toretto]

Despite its cryptic censoring, his name stood out boldly. An identity lost or obscured in this world, he would finally have an idea of where he comes from, as both a Toretto and… something else. Whatever the asterisks hid, it made him wonder if his true identity was tied to his past lives in ways he hadn't yet uncovered. Whatever it was, he had a link and would follow it until he learned what he had forgotten.

[Race: ???]

This question mark was intriguing, almost taunting him. He wasn't human, at least not entirely, or even at all, something deep inside him stirred at the implication. Perhaps his unusual memories, instincts, and even abilities were tied to this unknown race, waiting for the right moment to reveal itself fully.

[Bloodline: ???, ???, Origin]

It's another mystery but with a hint of depth. He had multiple bloodlines, each possibly linked to ancient powers or beings. He felt that Origin hinted at something primal, perhaps connected to the raw, untamed memories resurfacing from his past life as Snake and the unique blend of knowledge that kept emerging at strange moments. Though he felt instinctively it was something more, something way more complex and in-depth.

[Age: ???]

His age was an enigma, even though he knew he was 14 by earthly standards, this screen implied that his age might be relative, stretched across timelines, realms, or lifetimes. 'What am I?' He questioned as he stared at the '???'.

[Level: 1]

It was a humbling reminder of how much room he had to grow. Despite his skills and the dangers he'd faced, he was only at the beginning of his journey. This Level 1 felt like a challenge, urging him to move forward, to test the limits of his potential. Shiro had taught him about systems in games, and he wondered if this was similar. With this thought, he pictured the Level expanding and saw an attributes section. Placing this at the back of his mind, he continued to explore the other sections.

[Class: None]

The lack of a class was both freeing and strange. He wasn't bound to a specific role yet; the path was his to choose, molded by his actions, choices, and battles to come. It said it would be influenced by his actions, choices, and personality. As of now, he had none, but he had a feeling that would change soon or soonish.

[Exp: 0%]

Clean slate. Fresh start. The journey he would embark on, whatever it was, would bring him new experiences that would fill this empty bar. He thought he would have gotten at least a little Exp for killing Lance, as that is how it worked in Shiro's games; but reading further, he saw that it was locked until now and any exp gained was forfeited. He wasn't happy about this but knew there was nothing he could do about it.

[Skills: Seven Cardinal Sins (Semi-Sealed)]

A flash of recognition. He'd felt hints of these "sins" the subtle power of his Gluttony, the wisdom imbued in his instincts. Yet now, they were defined, and named. Seven powers connected to primal forces he only half-understood. Semi-sealed meant that some abilities were accessible, but others lay dormant, awaiting his growth or certain triggers. He remembered looking into Gluttony before and found that it was associated with demons or human indulgences which lead to corruption. Was he a demon; was that one of his bloodlines? Is he… Evil; or was Shiro right that there is no good or evil?

[Equipment: None]

He'd built tools and gadgets for himself, but nothing here classified as "equipment." Was this a hint that he'd gain unique, powerful gear in the future? His Chevelle might count as one in a sense, yet it remained grounded in this world. His mind raced with possibilities of what kinds of weapons or items he might come across. Frowning, he expanded the Equipment section and saw a silhouette of a humanoid body, similar to those video game character sheets. 

'So it is a representation of my gear? Does my clothes not count? What about if I hold a weapon?' He wondered as he picked up a multi-use pocket knife he had bought over the years and saw it appear in the weapon slot.

[Equipment: Swiss Army Knife]

He tried putting it in his pocket and noticed it didn't disappear from his Equipment, 'Useful, so I can keep track of my gear this way… So if say someone pickpocketed me, I would notice the change instantly.' He tested it by dropping the knife and a pop-up appeared before his eyes.

[Inventory: None]

Empty, like an invitation to acquire items that would aid him in future travels. Perhaps this function would eventually grant him access to a space where he could store things beyond the limits of his pockets or bags. Shiro explained it like this when she showed him games and anime. She even used DnD as a good example by showing him a bag of holding. So if it works as she said… He thought about adding the knife to his inventory and low and behold it disappeared. 'That will be very useful… I can store tons of supplies for my mission this way.'

Companions: Emily, (Unable to locate others)

Emily, his trusted kitten, and steadfast ally, appeared here as his one companion. Unable to locate others intrigued him, did it mean there were potential companions scattered across worlds or dimensions, waiting to join him on his quest? Though, what a Companion was is anyone's guess.

'Emily, can you explain why you are listed as my companion?'

She meowed and looked at him as if thinking, and having an unheard conversation with someone, and then she nodded, 'First, I will tell you the limited information I can say… I am Emily, a system spirit bound to you for eternity. No, I am not a parasitic system as Shiro talked about, I am a fully dedicated system for you, never will I steal your powers for a higher being, nor will you lose them… Well… Maybe they will be sealed, but they are bound to your soul. If they are sealed, you will be given compensation till you can use whatever it was that was sealed. For example, the memories you have were sealed, as compensation, you have received the ability to spin a gacha to gain a single ability. But back to your question, a Companion is a female; yes a female, no males can bond with you. Anyway, a female enters a cosmic contract with you to be you for eternity, they will be bound to you till the end of time. Think of it as marriage that never ends…'

Her tails swished in the air as Guldrin processed her words, all while wearing a Cheshire grin. It took Guldrin a little while to comprehend the gravity of her words, but once he did, Emily didn't let him ask questions and continued, 'Yes, we are married. No, my original form isn't a cat. No, I can't show you my form, you will have to progress immensely in order to unlock my real form. But that is for later, for now… I recommend you bond with Shiro, she is already becoming a Yandere and you will never get rid of her, and Gods help you if you tried.'

'If she agreed, she would gain access to the system, all its abilities and functions. Even if she died, which I don't believe would happen, she will find you in her next life. She will be incapable of falling in love with someone else, her soul will remember you. Now, that is all I can say on the matter, and also, since I know you will ask; No I don't know anything about your real family or where you came from, yes I know the hidden parts of your name, but I can't tell you. So, don't ask and keep exploring the system.'

Guldrin wanted to ask more but knew it wouldn't lead to anything productive, so he looked at the next part of the system.

Titles: The One Chosen By %#@%&@%, Emily's Beloved, ???, ???, ???, ???, ???, Gutter Rat, Little Tinker, Kid*

These titles read like pieces of a story only he knew. Some titles, like Gutter Rat, the name he was called when he first awoke in this world, and Little Tinker, reflected his early days, while others, obscured by symbols, hinted at grander things, connections to higher powers, and destinies far beyond his understanding.

After absorbing all of this, he refocused on the newest addition:

[Interdimensional Travel (NEW)]

He tapped on the function, curiosity sparking in his eyes. A new screen opened, revealing lines of text and information about this function.

Interdimensional Travel: Allows travel between different worlds. World travel is restricted based on access level, personal level, and mission status. Currently Level 1 worlds are available.

Notice: Missions and quests may be assigned by MOTHER for purposes of survival, learning, and growth. Companions may be selected to join you on your journeys, though some restrictions may apply.

A soft chime sounded as a new message appeared.

[New Quest Available!]

Quest Name: "Trial by Fire; or DEAD as it is."

Objective: Enter the portal of the designated dimension. Survive, thrive, evolve, conquer. Time will stop on the original world until return.

Requirements: Kill 500 Zombies, build a thriving base, and gain loyal followers x5. Completion will unlock the return function both ways and synchronization of time flow.

World Level: 1

Destination: High School of the Dead; Crossover.

World Details: Unavailable. This is a Level 1 world designed to test basic survival skills and adaptability in hostile environments. Any other details must be discovered by the user.

Quest Rewards: Based on Score; To be revealed upon completion.

Guldrin's pulse quickened as he took in the details. The system was offering him the chance to travel to another world, a world he knew nothing about other than its ominous name. High School of the Dead sounded like a place riddled with danger. Yet, the thrill of the unknown and the potential to learn, grow, and test himself against new threats called to him.

A small prompt appeared at the bottom of the screen:

You may choose one companion for this quest. Alternatively, proceed alone. (Emily is excluded since she will travel with the user at all times.)

Guldrin stared at the screen, his heart pounding. The implications of the quest were massive. It wasn't just about survival, it was about thriving in an unknown, hostile world. The requirements alone made his breath catch.

Kill 500 zombies. The number wasn't just overwhelming; it spoke volumes about the nature of the world he was about to enter. Zombies. Creatures out of nightmares, relentless and merciless. To survive, let alone thrive, he'd need to adapt quickly, think strategically, and fight relentlessly. But killing that many? It was a task that would push him to his limits. Sure, he has been training, but how does that translate into, he could survive long enough to do so in a world where a single bite or scratch could turn him? He felt overwhelmed but calmed down recalling all the trials he faced as Big Boss and how he always got through it. 'I can survive, focus on my training, don't let my emotions overwhelm me.' With his breathing under control, he focused on the next requirement.

Building a thriving base was an entirely different challenge. A base, it is a sanctuary, a place of safety in a world gone mad, a place where he and his could feel safe. Thriving, meant creating a foundation where life could be rebuilt, no matter the chaos surrounding him. Resources, defense, leadership, it would all fall squarely on his shoulders. And then there was the requirement to gain loyal followers. Not just allies or people seeking safety, but true loyalty. It meant inspiring trust, respect, and unwavering commitment. These weren't things that could be forced; they had to be earned. Though he created a faction of loyal followers before, it wasn't easy, he had many more resources and contacts to rely on. This time, he would be freshly dropped into a world where he knew nothing, or anyone, other than Shiro, should he bring her.

His eyes flicked back to the system's prompt glowing faintly on the bottom of the screen, offering him a choice, to take one companion or proceed alone. His mind immediately went to Shiro. She was loyal, resourceful, and endlessly supportive. Emily's earlier comment about her attachment, and the growing signs of a Yandere streak, it made him smile faintly, but it was also a stark reminder of just how deeply she cared. The thought of putting her in danger, of exposing her to a world like this, made him hesitate.

But then again, Shiro wasn't fragile. She had a sharp mind and an even sharper will. If anyone could adapt to the horrors of an unknown world, it was her. Still, could he live with himself if something happened to her? Emily's earlier words echoed in his mind: She's already becoming a Yandere. You'll never get rid of her.

Emily whacked him in the face with her tail after leaping onto his shoulder, her voice snapping him out of his thoughts. "You're overthinking, as usual," she said, her tail flicking in his face with amusement. "Shiro would probably throw herself through the portal even if you didn't pick her. But that's your choice to make. Just don't forget, she's already made hers."

He stared at the list of options again. Emily would be going with him regardless, but his other options are unavailable. That left him with two choices: Shiro or no one. The idea of going alone wasn't without appeal. Fewer people to worry about, fewer distractions. But solitude came with its own set of risks, especially in a world as hostile as the one described in the quest.

"Emily," he asked quietly, "if I take Shiro, will she be able to handle it? I mean, really handle it."

Emily tilted her head, considering his words. "Shiro's stronger than you think. But this isn't just about her, it's about you, too. Do you trust her to watch your back? To be your partner in something this dangerous? Though, the real question is, will you marry her for eternity? To be a companion and have the chance to follow you, she must agree, as do you." What she didn't mention was the system could read him heart and didn't need his desire to be expressed.

The question hung in the air. Finally, he made his decision.

The system hummed softly in acknowledgment, and the screen shifted. A new section appeared, detailing recommended preparations for his journey. He read through it carefully. Gather equipment, familiarize himself with his skills, review his status, and prepare mentally. Straight-forward instructions, but the weight of them wasn't lost on him. He needed to be ready. Once he stepped through that portal, there would be no turning back.

His first priority was gear. The Swiss Army knife in his inventory wasn't going to cut it, pun intended. He needed something more durable, more lethal. The garage was his first stop. Over the years, he'd stockpiled tools and scraps, things he could use for tinkering. Now, those same tools might save his life. Loading up, he brought his impact sockets, screwdrivers, hammers, and everything he could need to craft and do maintenance for most tasks. 

He tested each item in his hand, trying to imagine fighting off a horde of the undead. The weight of the crowbar felt right, its solid metal giving him a sense of security. He added it to his inventory, watching it disappear with a satisfying ding. The hammer and wrench followed their outlines, appearing in his equipment section. These would work for most purposes, but he needed real weapons, thankfully, he had stopped at a pawnshop over the years and bought multiple combat knives for his CQC training.

 He couldn't forget his pistol, though he had been using Lance's Smith & Wesson 4566, but Guldrin had gotten a Heckler & Koch Mark 23 since that was his go-to weapon as Big Boss, it was a struggle, but after multiple trips to sign in to the town pawnshops, he was able to acquire the 5x multiplier and received a perfect condition MK 23. Since they use the same caliber, he was able to use it interchangeably; though, no one knew he had ammo for it, and Letty had been cautious to ensure he didn't have access to any.

Next, he turned his attention to his skills. The system had mentioned that his powers were semi-sealed, but the system didn't leave him entirely defenseless. Gluttony had already shown itself throughout his life that was evident, other than his constant need to feed and consume, he had received a single benefit. He needed to understand it better, to push its limits and see how far it could go.

Back in the backyard, he focused inward, summoning the status screen he focused on the Gluttony sin and a new sensation appeared. A dark aura flickered around his hands, barely visible but undeniably there. It wasn't the first time he felt this urge and now that he understood it a bit more, he felt he could experiment. "Gluttony activate." Guldrin muttered and Emily's laughter filled his mind, 'Guldrin, hahaha, ahaha, you don't have to speak your ability to make it work… You aren't a shōnen anime protagonist. Just feel it, understand it, and will it to work. Or, simply activate it by mentally touching the skill in the system window. But that is boring and could cripple your progress by relying on the system.'

Over the years, Guldrin has amassed many different kinds of meat to eat. Anything from, snake; which tastes like chicken. Spiders; don't ask. Mountain lion, cricket, and even black bear. This stemmed from an accidental consumption of a black widow. Following this he was rushed to the hospital by Mia, but what drew Guldrin's attention was the message saying he had gained poison resistance and increased his dexterity. This was an eye-opening moment, and he began stockpiling crazy kinds of food to consume and improve his body.

Now that he understood more about his Gluttony, and felt he didn't need to eat it to consume it; he approached the giant freezer and held a black bear filet in hand before activating Gluttony and Disintegrated it into nothingness. 'That is terrifying but so cool! It is like those animes! But… Isn't this a villain's template? Meh, don't care, labels are nothing to me.'

"Ding, Strength has been increased by 1, Gluttony is fulfilled and is on cooldown for 24 hours."

[Attributes:]

[Strength: 6→7] (Average Human: 5)

[Endurance: 10] (Average Human: 5)

[Dexterity: 7] (Average Human: 5)

[Agility: 6] (Average Human: 5)

[Intelligence: 5] (Average Human: 5)

[Charisma: 8] (Average Human: 5)

[Luck: ???] (Average Human: 1)

[Magic: 1] (Average Human: 0)

Over the years, Guldrin had trained his body and the evidence of his efforts was clear. To give a general understanding, Guldrin was far below average when he awoke in this world. Throughout the years, his body had improved, his reflexes heightened, his senses sharpened, hand and eye coordination improved, and finally, his skin and bone frame had begun to fill out a bit. However, he didn't plan to build muscle like he had as Big Boss, instead, he was going for the lean and toned build. Now don't let that fool you, he wouldn't lose out on strength, but his training reduced the bulk in his body and went for the more compact.

 Now the magic, he could only guess he would learn more about that in the future, but for now he was certain his Gluttony counted for this. He didn't know why he thought this, but that didn't change the way he felt.

Having seen this before, he nodded, storing the information for later. It wasn't much, but it was something. Over time, he'd refine it, and make it more efficient. For now, it was enough to know that he had a way to consume food to strengthen his body, even in a world as barren as the one he was heading to. The darker parts wondered if he could do that to a human, but even if he felt he should have been repulsed by the idea; instead, he felt it was something he would try eventually.

(Give me your POWER, Please, and Thank You! Leave reviews and comments, they motivate me to continue.)