Guldrin’s Gluttony: Family Bound by Speed & Food

(Bonus Chapter Due to Power Stones, Thank You to all who support my work! Special Thanks to all who have given me reviews. Thank you, your support keeps me going.)

Lying on the couch, Guldrin started to light a cigar, but a single glare from Shizuka stopped him. "My apartment, my rules. No smoking inside, if you want to smoke, use the balcony. But as of now, I am banning your smoking till you heal some, can't have you coughing and opening your wounds or straining yourself walking to the balcony."

Guldrin frowned, muttered under his breath but still listened, "Fine, your house, your rules." Seeing he acquiesced, she beamed a smile, "Good, good," She nodded, and her breasts shook making Guldrin gulp and Shizuka giggle, "For such a brave and reckless boy, you sure blush easy." With that, she walked away, leaving Guldrin alone with only his thoughts and the flashing message in his mind.

'Okay, now to address this notification.'

"Ding, Congratulations, you have leveled up. Level 3 has been reached, you are rewarded 5 unassigned attribute points and one skill point."

'Interesting, so I can receive 5 attribute points and 1 skill point each level… With my fighting style, I need more DEX and AGI… So one in DEX, and two in AGI, leaves me with 2 more… Intelligence really helped last time… But what about magic, will that improve my Gluttony? Well, one way to find out…' 

His decision finalized, he added his points and summoned his attribute screen.

[Attributes:]

[Strength: 8] (Average Human: 5)

[Endurance: 11] (Average Human: 5)

[Dexterity: 9→10] (Average Human: 5)

[Agility: 8→10] (Average Human: 5)

[Intelligence: 11] (Average Human: 5)

[Charisma: 8] (Average Human: 5)

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

[Magic: 1→3] (Average Human: 0)

[Unassigned Attribute Points: 0]

Once the changes solidified, Guldrin felt his muscles tighten, reaction speed heighten and his control over his body improved. Opening and clenching his fist, he could practically sense the change that took place. Where there used to be a feeling of lag, now it was instant. Pulling out a knife, he twirled it in his hand and smiled, "Nice, that is new… Wish I wasn't so injured, and I could test out the changes in my body…"

"Ding, Gluttony cooldown has been refreshed, please consume sustenance to remove the risk of debuff application. "

Guldrin rolled his eyes but summoned a lump of cooked lynx meat, 'I always thought it was weird to eat something so similar to cat but… I am hoping to get a skill related to agility or dexterity through continuous consumption.' With that, he ate the meat, feeling the warm juices on his tongue and savoring the near-rabbit flavor.

"Ding, Gluttony has been satiated, user has gained +1 to AGI. Please continue to feed your Gluttonous needs. Gluttony is on cooldown for 24 hours."

[Agility: 10→11] (Average Human: 5)

'Not what I wanted, but nice all the same. Anything is better than nothing. Seems the increase in magic correlates with what I get from its use… Good to know.'

Meanwhile, Shiro was also looking at her screen, since they shared experience, she has also reached level 3 and has received 10 free attributes points and skill points. 

Shiro sat cross-legged on the floor near the window, her brow furrowed in concentration as she reviewed her status screen. The faint glow of her interface reflected in her determined eyes. She glanced briefly at Guldrin, who was savoring his newfound agility and strength, then focused back on her own choices. She knew every point she assigned mattered, especially in a world where survival depended on fractions of a second and inches of precision.

"Alright, let's see," she murmured under her breath. "Strength isn't my forte, and with Guldrin around, I don't need to rely on brute force. Agility and Dexterity will be my focus. But... I need to be smarter too, more resourceful."

She tapped her screen decisively, assigning her points:

+3 to Dexterity to improve her precision and control.

+3 to Agility to enhance her speed and reaction time, matching Guldrin stride for stride.

+2 to Intelligence to bolster her ability to plan and adapt.

+2 to Magic, curious to see how it might unlock new abilities.

[Attributes:]

[Strength: 5] (Average Human: 5)

[Endurance: 6] (Average Human: 5)

[Dexterity: 6→9] (Average Human: 5)

[Agility: 5→8] (Average Human: 5)

[Intelligence: 8→10] (Average Human: 5)

[Charisma: 7] (Average Human: 5)

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

[Magic: 0→2] (Average Human: 0)

[Unassigned Attribute Points: 0]

When the changes took effect, a wave of sensation swept through her body. Her reflexes sharpened, and her mind felt clearer, and more focused. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she picked up her weapon, a lightweight short sword she had crafted before the start of the apocalypse. With newfound dexterity, she twirled it effortlessly, feeling the balance and weight as if it were an extension of herself.

"Not bad, But the baton is still the best choice for me," she whispered, a spark of pride in her voice. She glanced back at her skill point allocation screen, her eyes narrowing as she considered her options.

There were three new skills available for her level:

"Blade Dance" A skill that allows for a fluid, whirlwind-like attack, ideal for taking on multiple foes.

"Eagle Eye" Enhanced precision and situational awareness, making her nearly impossible to ambush.

"Mana Thread" A utility skill allowing the user to manipulate thin, nearly invisible threads of mana for makeshift weapons, enhancements, traps, bindings, or delicate tasks.

After a moment of deliberation, Shiro chose 'Mana Thread'. The potential for versatility was too good to pass up. In a world where adaptability was key, having a tool for both combat and utility felt like the right call.

She activated the skill, and faint strands of glowing mana began to form between her fingers, shimmering like spider silk. She twisted her wrist, and the threads responded instantly, weaving into patterns at her command. "This… this could be really useful," she murmured, already imagining ways to set traps, reinforce defenses, or even use the threads offensively.

Guldrin watched her with a faint smirk, his cigar was still untouched thanks to Shizuka's rules. "You've got some ideas and tricks up your sleeve, don't you?" he teased, though his voice carried genuine pride.

"Always," Shiro replied without missing a beat. Her mana threads snapped taut between her fingers, then dissolved into nothing as she dismissed them. "But I'll need more practice. This skill has a lot of potential if I can master it."

While Shiro refined her abilities, Guldrin turned his attention to his own skill points. His options were no less enticing:

"Devourer's Essence" An upgrade to his Gluttony skill, allowing him to absorb not only sustenance but also fragments of skills or traits from his prey.

"Combat Instinct" Heightened reflexes in battle, granting a split-second advantage during critical moments.

"Steel Resolve" A mental fortitude skill that reduced the effects of fear, pain, and mind-affecting abilities.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the chaotic world they were navigating. Each option had merit, but Devourer's Essence stood out. If he could absorb even fragments of his enemies' strengths, it would give him an ever-evolving edge. Though he would have to consume them, that was a small price to pay for something so useful, if he was to live in a world of monsters, then a monster he would become.

"Alright," he muttered, selecting the skill. The interface glowed briefly, confirming his choice. A subtle shift coursed through him, like an invisible current of energy weaving into his core. He flexed his fingers, feeling an almost predatory edge to his senses.

"Another step closer to staying alive," he said, grinning at Shiro.

"Don't get too cocky," she replied, smirking. "You're still injured, remember?"

"Details, I just wish I would have thought to upgrade my skill before using it and putting it on cooldown for the day" he shot back, but the weight of her gaze kept him from pushing his luck.

Meanwhile, Shizuka bustled around the apartment, setting up a small first-aid station and sorting supplies. Takashi and Rei kept watch by the windows, scanning the streets below for any signs of movement. Saya had taken over the dining table, sketching out potential escape routes and supply locations based on her knowledge of the city.

"Hey, Shizuka mentioned her 'Friend' Rika has a stash of weapons here, right?" Shiro asked, breaking the relative silence.

"Yeah," Guldrin replied, leaning back into the couch. "We're going to need them. The stuff we have now won't last long against hordes, or worse. I mean, if we can make it back to our base, we have many more weapons and supplies, but to do that… We need to lose Takashi, he has made it abundantly clear he won't listen and firmly disagrees with our methods. So I have no interest in allowing him to stay with us… Plus, even if we don't have family, the rest do… They most likely want to find them and make sure they are okay."

The group exchanged uneasy glances. The unspoken understanding was clear: zombies weren't the only danger out there. Other survivors, desperate and ruthless, could pose just as much of a threat, and dangerous teammates were just as bad if not worse.

"We need a plan," Shiro said firmly. "Not just for supplies or weapons, but for long-term survival. This apartment is safe for now, but it won't stay that way. We need to think ahead."

Guldrin nodded, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. "Agreed. First things first, we get Rika's stash. Then we figure out how to rid ourselves of Takashi and whoever else wishes to go with him… I want to keep Kohta for sure, his knowledge of weapons and tactics will be invaluable. Rei, her leadership skills could be helpful, Saya, seems to be adjusting well, and Saeko, for sure, will be a key player, and she is most likely to have no desire to find her father. Being a sword master, Mr. Busujima should be the safest in this new and dangerous world."

Shiro nodded in agreement, her fingers absentmindedly weaving mana threads as she processed the situation. "It's not just about who we do and don't want to keep," she pointed out. "It's also about who's willing to adapt. People like Rei might have the skills, but if they can't let go of personal grudges or old-world attachments, they'll be a liability."

Guldrin smirked at her insight. "Exactly. Takashi's got guts, but guts won't save you if you can't think on your feet. Kohta, though, he's the kind of guy we need. Someone who knows his limits but pushes them when it counts. The rest... we'll see. Not to mention, if I recall, he spoke about when he went to a military training camp in the U.S.A. last summer. If his nail gun shooting can be compared to his actual capabilities… Then we could have a capable shooter on our team."

At the window, Rei bristled, having overheard part of their conversation. "You're talking about leaving people behind like it's nothing," she snapped, turning to face Guldrin and Shiro. "They're not just pawns on a chessboard. They're people."

Guldrin raised an eyebrow, his tone calm but firm. "People can get you killed if they're not ready for this world. I'm not saying we abandon anyone who's willing to adapt, but I'm not dragging dead weight around either. This isn't about kindness; it's about survival. If someone doesn't want to be a part of the way we are doing things, the door is right there, or they can wait till we find a safe bastion of humans to leave them. Their choice."

Rei clenched her fists, anger flickering in her eyes, but Saya cut in before the argument could escalate. "He's right, Rei," she said, her voice sharp. "This isn't about playing hero. If we don't think strategically, we're all going to die. You saw what happened to everyone else at school. They hesitated. That's all it took."

The mention of everyone else made her think of Hisashi, making Rei flinch, her anger momentarily replaced by grief. Guldrin softened slightly, his voice taking on a more measured tone. "Look, I'm not heartless. But I've seen what happens when people refuse to adapt, this isn't the world we knew, and it is just going to get worse. If we're going to make it, we need a team that's strong, smart, and focused. If that's not you, you're free to go. No hard feelings."

The room fell silent, tension thick in the air. Takashi, standing by the window with his bat resting on his shoulder, finally spoke up. "And who made you the leader, huh? You think just because you've got some fancy tricks, a gun, and a bad attitude, you get to decide who lives and who dies?"

'I have a bad attitude? I thought I was being reasonable?' He thought to himself and Emily meowed while rolling her eyes, 'Only you would think that way… This is Japan, they don't think like Americans.'

Shiro's eyes narrowed, her mana threads flickering to life as if responding to her emotions. "He's not deciding anything for you, Takashi," she said coolly. "You're free to do whatever you want. But if you think you can lead better, prove it. Show us a plan that works."

Takashi opened his mouth to respond but hesitated, realizing he had nothing to offer. His frustration was palpable, but he said nothing, instead turning back to the window.

"Thought so," Shiro muttered under her breath, dismissing her mana threads with a flick of her wrist; surprisingly, no one had seen this action, and her mana threads were still undiscovered.

Shizuka, sensing the rising tension, clapped her hands together with a bright smile that was at odds with the grim atmosphere. "Alright, enough bickering! We're all tired, and we need to focus on staying alive, not fighting each other. Let's take a break, okay? I'll make some tea!"

Guldrin shook his head, chuckling softly despite himself. "Tea, huh? Sure, why not? Nothing like a nice cup of tea to forget about the zombie apocalypse." 

The light-hearted comment broke some of the tension, and the group reluctantly settled down. Shizuka busied herself in the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune that somehow managed to be both comforting and unsettling in the circumstances.

As they waited, Guldrin leaned toward Shiro, lowering his voice. "We need to move sooner rather than later. Staying here too long is just asking for trouble. The city is going to be a boiling point for danger, if we stay, either the zombies or rouge groups are going to become a problem."

Shiro nodded, her expression serious. "Agreed. Once we get Rika's stash, we regroup and reassess. But we need to do it carefully. If we draw too much attention, we'll have more than just zombies to worry about."

"Speaking of which," Guldrin said, his gaze flicking to Takashi and Rei. "We need to be ready for the possibility that they'll try to take over or split the group. If it comes to that, we can't let it slow us down."

Shiro's eyes hardened. "Understood. Let's just hope it doesn't come to that."

The two exchanged a brief but meaningful look, their unspoken understanding solidifying their partnership. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together, stronger for their shared determination.

As Shizuka returned with a tray of steaming cups, her cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the grim reality, Guldrin took a moment to appreciate the fleeting sense of normalcy. It wouldn't last, but for now, it was enough. Taking a sip of the tea, he noticed it was hot and not ice-cold sweet tea, this made him internally chuckle. 'Not like home, that's for sure. Nice though.'

As the tea steamed gently in their cups, the uneasy calm in the apartment was palpable, you could almost taste the tension in the air. Takashi, his bat resting on his shoulder like a symbol of defiance, couldn't let the issue drop. The tension was evident in the tightness of his jaw and the fire in his eyes. He leaned forward, addressing the group, his voice louder than necessary.

"Look, I don't know about the rest of you, but I didn't sign up for some dictatorship," he began, shooting a pointed look at Guldrin. "This isn't a video game. These aren't pawns or stats we're dealing with. We're people. And people don't get left behind just because they don't meet some arbitrary standard."

Shiro scowled, "If it were a game you would be losing, or riding a bus… Not like you have done anything but argue and complain… Oh wait, you almost got us killed too… Forced Guldrin to put his life on the line to fix your fucking mistake of ringing the dinner bell and pulling full agro when you are but a noob."

Rei ignored Shiro and nodded immediately, her loyalty to Takashi unwavering despite her own inner turmoil. "He's right," she added, her voice quivering but resolute. "We've already lost so much. We can't lose what makes us human. If we start turning on each other, we're no better than those things out there."

Kohta adjusted his glasses, frowning but not yet speaking. Saya, sitting at the dining table with her map still spread out, rolled her eyes. Saeko, silent and poised in the corner, watched the unfolding scene with a measured, unreadable expression.

"Alright, Takashi," Shiro said coolly, setting down her cup. "If you're so sure about your way, let's hear it. What's your plan? How do we get food, not just survive but thrive, deal with the hordes, and keep everyone safe? What's your strategy?"

Takashi faltered for a moment, clearly caught off guard. "We... we stick together," he said, as though the words alone carried weight. "We don't leave anyone behind. We fight for each other, not for some survival-of-the-fittest crap. If we act like a team, we'll figure it out."

Guldrin smirked, leaning back on the couch and folding his arms painfully across his chest. "That's not a plan, Takashi. That's a feel-good slogan. How exactly do you intend to handle the hordes? Or worse, other survivors who don't care about your 'teamwork'? Because trust me, they're out there, and they're not going to hold hands and sing kumbaya. What about when you meet a group you can't reason with, and they tell you to leave Rei with them? How will your friendship and teamwork bullshit work then?"

Takashi's jaw tightened. "Not everything needs to be about brute force or cold logic. Sometimes you just need to believe in each other. Believe in people, not everyone is a monster like you." His voice cut through the air, and Guldrin was getting mad, but using his training, he kept his cool and didn't snap.

"Believe in each other," Shiro repeated, her tone dripping with skepticism. "That's your solution? Hope and faith? I hate to break it to you, but hope doesn't stop bullets, and faith doesn't outsmart a horde. If you think we are monsters, what about you who nearly killed us? What about how you constantly undermine Guldrin when he is the reason YOU are safe."

"Maybe you're not wrong, maybe he has kept us alive." Rei snapped, standing up and glaring at Shiro. "But compassion and loyalty matter. You two talk like everyone else is just dead weight. That's not how you build trust. That's not how you survive as a group."

"Trust has to be earned, I am speaking as I see it. How many zombies have both of you killed? What have you contributed? Rei, you have at least done something… Takashi has done nothing and even tried to let that Pedo-Shido come with us. At least you didn't fight against my choice to keep him out, but Takashi nearly had a meltdown." Shiro shot back, her mana threads flickering to life again in subtle response to her rising frustration. "And loyalty doesn't mean dragging everyone else down because you can't let go of your high school idealism."

"Enough!" Takashi shouted, slamming his bat against the floor. The sharp sound made everyone flinch. "This isn't about idealism. It's about doing what's right. If we start leaving people behind, then what's the point of surviving at all? What's the point of living if we throw away our humanity?"

There was a long, tense silence. Rei stood beside Takashi, her arms crossed in defiance. But the others didn't move to join them.

Saya broke the quiet with a disdainful snort. "You talk about humanity like it's some sacred thing," she said, her voice cutting. "But what good is humanity if it gets us all killed? You're clinging to the past, Takashi. This isn't the world we used to live in. You either adapt, or you die. It's that simple."

Kohta adjusted his glasses again, clearly uncomfortable. "I... I mean, Takashi has a point about not abandoning people, but Saya and the others are right too. This world is different. We have to think practically."

"Exactly," Guldrin interjected, his voice calm but firm. "This isn't about being cruel. It's about being smart. The more liabilities we have, the harder it is for all of us to survive. If you want to take care of everyone, fine. But don't expect the rest of us to follow you off a cliff."

Saeko finally spoke, her voice smooth and deliberate. "Takashi, your intentions are noble. But noble intentions alone won't save us. Strategy and adaptability are what we need. If you can't provide that, you're not leading; you're risking all of our lives. Ideals like yours will get us killed, and we will have no one to blame but ourselves for following you. Shido deserved to die, and would it have been me holding the gun, I would have pulled the trigger… Would you label me deranged and a monster, as you have both Shiro and Guldrin?"

Takashi looked around the room, his frustration mounting as he realized he was losing the argument. Even Kohta, who seemed torn, wasn't fully siding with him. Saya and Saeko were openly critical, and Shiro's sharp, confident demeanor made her a natural rallying point for the group. Even Rei, his most loyal supporter, looked uneasy as the weight of the group's judgment began to press down on them.

"So that's it, huh?" Takashi said bitterly, his voice thick with anger. "You're all just going to follow them? Turn your backs on everything we're supposed to stand for?"

"We stand for survival," Shiro said bluntly. "If you can't get behind that, maybe you're the one who doesn't belong here."

The words hit Takashi like a physical blow. He looked at Rei, hoping for reassurance, but her hesitation spoke volumes. For the first time, he realized just how isolated he was. His idealism, once a source of strength, now felt like a weakness in the face of the harsh reality they were living in.

Takashi clenched his fists, the bat still trembling slightly as he gripped it tightly. His gaze darted around the room, searching for any sign of support, but all he found were averted eyes or resolute stares. Even Rei, the one person he believed would always stand by him, couldn't meet his gaze.

He straightened, masking his frustration with a defiant glare. "Fine," he spat. "I'll go on my own if I have to. At least I won't have to listen to this... this nonsense about 'survival above all else.' I'd rather die with my humanity intact than live like a monster."

'Was I ever human in this life to begin with? My status shows Origin and two other hidden… I would guess if I was able to see them, it wouldn't be Human…' Emily wished she could speak on the matter as Guldrin's inner monologues, but rules were rules and this was Guldrin's job to find out.

Shiro leaned back, her eyes narrowing. "Your choice. But don't expect us to come running if you end up in trouble." She turned her focus back to the map Saya had spread out, clearly dismissing him. "We have enough to worry about without chasing after someone who refuses to adapt and would rather get people killed being an idealistic fool."

Rei hesitated, glancing between Takashi and the group. Her brow furrowed, conflict written all over her face. "Takashi... wait," she said softly, her voice trembling. She stepped closer to him, placing a hand on his arm. "Let's talk about this."

He softened slightly at her touch, his frustration briefly melting into vulnerability. "Rei, you don't have to stay here. Come with me. We'll figure it out, just the two of us."

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she shook her head. "I can't, Takashi. I... I believe in you, but this isn't the way. You're not thinking straight. Running off alone won't solve anything. It'll only make things worse, for you… and for me."

His eyes widened in disbelief. "Rei... you can't mean that. You're choosing them over me?"

"I'm not choosing sides," she said firmly, though her voice cracked. "I'm choosing what I think is best for all of us. And right now, that's staying with the group. Please... don't do this." While she may have hard feelings for Takashi after what happened, she still remembers all the time they spent together and how they grew up as best friends. This only changed when she got a boyfriend and Takashi distanced himself from her.

Takashi's expression hardened, hurt giving way to anger. He shook her hand off and stepped back. "If that's how you feel, then I guess I really am on my own."

He turned and walked toward the door, his bat tapping against the floor with each step. Rei followed him, her movements hesitant, as if torn between her loyalty to him and her growing understanding of the situation.

The group watched in silence as the two disappeared through the door. Saya sighed, rolling her eyes. "Good riddance," she muttered under her breath, though there was a tinge of unease in her tone. Kohta looked down at his hands, fidgeting nervously.

Shizuka, ever the optimist, offered a small smile. "Maybe he just needs some time to cool off. He'll come back."

"Maybe," Guldrin said, his tone neutral. "While I am not upset to see him leave, I do feel it was dumb not to wait till we found a safe haven for him to stay at. I didn't have any intention of forcing him to leave… But if that is what he wants… Then I am not going to stop him."

—

–

-

Outside, Takashi walked with purpose, his steps quick and angry. Rei followed a short distance behind, her hesitation evident in every step. He finally stopped at the edge of the parking lot, turning to face her. "Well? Are you coming with me or not?"

Rei looked at him, her heart feeling like it was breaking at the sight of his desperation. "Takashi, please. You don't have to do this. Just come back inside, and we can figure this out together. At the very least, eat something before you leave."

He shook his head. "No. I'm done with them. They don't understand. They've already given up on what it means to be human. I won't let them drag me down."

"Takashi..." Rei's voice was barely a whisper. She stepped closer, placing a hand on his cheek. "You're better than this. I know you are. But you're not thinking clearly right now. Please, don't let your pride get in the way. Did you not see those bandits? They had guns, ones you see from cops; can you guess where they got them? They either killed someone, or the police flipped and gave them to them… Either way, they are dangerous, we have no way of knowing who is good and who is bad… Please… I… Don't want you to die out there… At least here, I believe we will be safe."

For a moment, it seemed like her words might reach him. His expression softened, and his hand twitched as if he might take hers. But then the walls went back up, his anger and frustration overtaking his better judgment.

"I can't," he said firmly, stepping away from her touch. "If you won't come with me, then I'll go alone. I'll show you all, I won't die, I will save everyone without losing my humanity and becoming a monster!"

Rei watched him for a long moment, her heart aching. Finally, she nodded, her decision made. "If that's what you need to do, then I won't stop you. But... I can't follow you, Takashi. Not this time."

She turned and began walking back toward the apartment, her shoulders trembling with suppressed emotion. Takashi stared at her retreating figure, his chest tight with a mix of anger and despair. He had been so sure she would choose him, that their bond would be unshakable. But now, as he stood alone in the fading light, he realized just how precarious his position was.

-

–

—

Back in the apartment, Rei reentered, her face pale and drawn as if she lost something precious. The group looked up as she closed the door behind her.

"He's gone," she said simply, her voice hollow.

Shiro's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something, maybe sympathy, or perhaps understanding in her eyes. "And you're back," she said. It wasn't a question, but her tone held a note of approval.

Rei nodded, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched the door frame. "He... he wouldn't listen. I tried."

"You made the right choice," Saeko said softly, stepping forward and placing a comforting hand on Rei's shoulder. "He needs to figure this out on his own. We can't afford to be divided."

Guldrin nodded, his gaze steady. "We move forward. If he comes back, we'll deal with it then. For now, we stick to the plan. But make no mistake, if he comes back, it is temporary, and he will be left at the next safe bastion of humanity. He walked out, and doesn't get to try to come back and be a part of the group."

Rei sank into a chair, her head in her hands. "He won't come back… He is thickheaded and strong-willed, and once he makes a decision; good or bad, his pride won't let him go back on it. I just hope he'll be okay."

"We all do," Shizuka said, her cheerful tone tempered by genuine concern. "But we can't control what he does. All we can do is keep moving forward."

As the group settled back into their preparations, the weight of Takashi's absence hung heavy in the air. But for the first time, there was a sense of unity among them, a shared understanding that survival required difficult choices and unwavering resolve.

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

[ I need a list of potential classes that would be interesting to see. Please don't hesitate to drop your ideas and I will add them to my pool of options. I will spin the wheel in 4 days, please give me ideas, they can be anything as long as they aren't God-like powers, evolving into that degree is fine, but no immediate God-Protagonist. ]