Guldrin’s Gluttony: Family Bound by Speed & Food

The moonlight painted the balcony in silver hues as Guldrin leaned against the railing, the faint crackle of his cigar breaking the stillness of the night. The faint aroma of herbs mingled with the cool breeze, a rare indulgence as he reflected on the day. His body ached, each scar and wound a testament to the battles fought, yet his mind was calm for the first time in hours. The city sprawled before him like a graveyard, its once-bustling streets eerily silent save for the occasional distant moan of the undead. In the distance, he could see a police blockade on the only bridge leading to the industrial shipping docks. 'Hmm, so, the police are still trying to handle the chaos.'

*BANG!*

'Unsuccessfully apparently…' He pulled out a set of binoculars and observed the situation. It looked like a single police officer had fired at an approaching zombie, the rest of the officers, were a hair's breadth away from firing as well. 'Oh, that doesn't look good… They won't last the night if this is their attempt… Well… At least the blockage will be clear when we return next…'

*BANG! BANG! BANG!*

The police opened fire and killed a few zombies, but their .22s weren't cutting it, the zombies charged and overran the formation. 'And that is that…' He put away his binoculars and continued to smoke his cigar as the ambient gunshots rang out.

The laughter from inside still echoed faintly in his ears. It was strange and comforting, to have heard joy amidst all this chaos. His thoughts lingered on the girls: their resilience, their fears, and the moments of humanity they clung to. Each of them carried their own burdens, and somehow, he had become their anchor. It was a role he hadn't sought, but couldn't walk away from. It was not new to Guldrin or, Big Boss to have a following, but a group of high school women? That was a new experience, so much so, that it was kind of overwhelming.

He took one last drag from the cigar, the ember glowing faintly, before he stubbed it out on the railing; the metal cigar was nice for ease of use, but nothing beats a real wrapped cigar, or blunt as the dealer calls them that he bought most of his supplies from. With a heavy sigh, he stepped back inside, the room's warmth embracing him like a forgotten memory. Shiro was already curled up on the makeshift bed, her small frame taking up a fraction of the space as she waited for him. Her eyes lit up as he approached, and she scooted aside, making room.

"You shouldn't smoke," she mumbled, her voice soft with drowsiness. "It's bad for you, Hubby-San."

"You have called me that a few times now, is this going to be a thing?" He asked, a slight amusement lacing his tone. She nodded, "Hubby is hubby, we are bound to each other." She didn't speak anymore, as if that was all that needed to be said, but waited for him to speak. 

Sighing, Guldrin looked at the outed cigar in his hand, "It was just one," he replied, sitting beside her and ruffling her hair. "And I needed it after today, I am nearly certain these aren't going to hurt me do to my enhanced stats, not to mention my multiple bloodlines."

'He is correct, a cigar will not cause any health issues for him or you, for that matter. Base human diseases and sicknesses are null and void now, especially if you both evolve further using those crystals. Speaking of,' Emily paused and held out a green crystal coiled in her tail, 'While you were unconscious I took this from the massive abomination you killed, though I suggest you consume more reds before moving to greens unless you absolutely have to. Think of it like those cultivation novels, you need a strong foundation before you move to the next stage or resources.' Guldrin placed the crystal in his inventory after promising Emily that he wouldn't use it until ready or if he had to with no other options.

Shiro huffed but didn't argue, instead tugging at Guldrin's arm until he relented and lay down beside her. The tension in his muscles eased as he sank into the stacked comforters, Shiro pressing against his side like a small heater. Her hand rested on his chest, and Guldrin couldn't help but feel content.

Guldrin lay there for a bit and then withdrew a red crystal from his inventory. "Here, before anyone else comes, I want you to consume the only other red I have. It is best if we both strengthen ourselves before allowing the others to gain abilities. I want to trust them, but this is only the first day, and we know nothing about them other than what we knew from school and your investigations… Disasters can bring out the worst in people, and it is better to be safe than to be sorry." Guldrin didn't give her a chance to protest, crushed the crystal in his hand, and shoved the dust in Shiro's mouth.

Shiro's eyes widened as the red crystal dust hit her tongue. The sensation was unlike anything she'd ever felt, a blazing burning warmth surged through her, spreading rapidly from her mouth to every fiber of her being. Her body trembled, her breathing quickening as the dust dissolved, and a powerful energy coursed through her veins. She clung tightly to Guldrin's shirt, her nails digging into the fabric as the transformation began. Guldrin could feel his ribs ache and wounds throb, but he gritted through the pain and allowed her to hold tight.

A low hum resonated in the air around her, almost imperceptible, but Guldrin could feel it. Emily's struggled to separate her feline form from being squished in between them, her voice chimed in, calm but firm. 'Don't fight it, Shiro. Let the energy flow naturally. This is your body awakening to the power within. Your first evolution is always the most intense.'

Shiro closed her eyes, her brows furrowing in concentration as she surrendered to the surge of power. Her small frame seemed to glow faintly, the aura around her shifting in color from a soft red to an iridescent silver, then settling into a deep violet. Her breathing slowed as the energy settled, but her grip on Guldrin tightened, her body wracked with a final shudder before she collapsed into his arms, panting.

Guldrin held her gently, his eyes scanning her for any signs of harm. "Emily?" he asked, his tone edged with concern.

'She's fine,' Emily reassured him, curling her tail. 'In fact, she's more than fine. Look closely. Her body is already changing.'

As the glow faded, subtle changes became evident in Shiro. Her once-round, youthful face now carried a hint of sharper, more refined features, as if her bone structure had been subtly reshaped for both beauty and efficiency. Her eyes, previously a red and gold, now shimmered with a faint ethereal golden hue, their pupils slightly elongated in a feline-like manner. Her hair seemed fuller, the white and pink more prominent with streaks of silver running through it that caught the dim light of the room.

Her body, while still petite, had gained a lithe elegance, the faintest outlines of toned muscle suggesting a newfound strength. Even her nails had transformed, sharper and stronger, almost claw-like but still delicate. When she opened her eyes, the golden hue seemed to glow faintly in the dark, giving her an otherworldly aura.

"I… I feel different," Shiro murmured, her voice soft yet carrying an undercurrent of newfound confidence. She flexed her fingers, staring at them as if seeing them for the first time. "Stronger. Faster. I… I can hear and smell things I couldn't before." Her nose wrinkled slightly, and she shot Guldrin a look. "You really need to lay off the cigars, Hubby-San."

Guldrin chuckled, relieved that she seemed unharmed. "Noted, but not gonna happen," he said, ruffling her hair again, though he noted the subtle strength in her grip as she pushed his hand away playfully.

Shiro sat up, her movements graceful, almost predatory. She tilted her head, listening intently. "I can hear… the girls in the next room. They're moving around, as if they plan on… Oh, Shizuka burped. And I can hear the sound of water dripping… it's so far away, but I can hear it." Her golden eyes locked onto Guldrin's, a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Is this what it's like for you all the time?"

"Not exactly," Guldrin replied. "Your senses will take time to adjust. But this is the start of something bigger. Your evolution will make you stronger, more capable of surviving… and protecting." His tone grew serious. "But it also comes with responsibility. You'll have to learn to control it."

Emily, still perched nearby, flicked her tail. "And this is just the beginning. She's only at the first stage of evolution to High Human, a cursed race due to its endless growth and potential. There's more ahead if she continues to grow, as is stated, this is just ¼, but for now, she needs to rest and let her body acclimate to the changes."

Shiro nodded, though her hands clenched into fists as if testing her newfound strength. "I can protect you now," she said, her voice determined. "Not just follow you around or hide behind you. I can fight beside you, Hubby-San."

"You're not ready for that yet," Guldrin said firmly, though his tone held a note of pride. "You've taken a big step, but there's more to fighting than just power. You need skill, strategy, and the ability to make tough choices. We'll train, but for now, rest." Pausing, he put a hand on his chin, 'I wonder, could I teach her to snipe like Quiet?' He pictured Shiro sniping targets from hundreds of meters away, 'Yes, I like this plan…'

Despite her protests, Shiro eventually relented, laying back down beside him. 

One by one, the others began to drift into the room, exhaustion drawing them together like moths to a flame. Rei settled near his feet, her arm draped over his legs, as if seeking some sense of stability. Saya hesitated, muttering something about there being no other options for safety, before she awkwardly lay on his other side, her back turned to him but close enough that her shoulder brushed his.

Saeko entered silently, her movements graceful even in exhaustion. She settled by his head, her hand brushing his hair in a surprisingly tender gesture before she rested her own head against his shoulder. His steady presence was both calming and commanding, a quiet reassurance that they were safe, at least for now.

Shizuka was the last to arrive, swaying slightly with a bottle of something clutched loosely in her hand. She giggled to herself, the sound light and carefree as she stumbled toward the group. Without a hint of shame, she stripped off her wet towel, muttering something about being too warm, and plopped down unceremoniously beside Guldrin, her head landing on his stomach. 

Kohta watched this and was oddly okay with it, as if none of this mattered, all while Guldrin was awkwardly confused and blushed. Even as Big Boss, he could only remember one time he slept with a woman, and that was Eva after he killed his mentor, The Boss. It was more comforting sex, that he later learned was to get his DNA and create the next generation of soldiers. Remembering this, he felt a pang of regret, he was never a father, and he didn't even know he had kids till a long time later, he met them, battled against them, and was forced to fight them as enemies, it was a sad existence; one he refused to repeat.

"Shizuka-sensei!" Saya hissed, her voice a mix of outrage and embarrassment. "Put something on!"

"Too late, she seems too far gone to follow basic decency," Guldrin muttered under his breath, though his exhaustion kept him from reacting further.

Shiro glared at Shizuka, her grip on Guldrin tightening possessively. "You can sleep here, but keep your hands to yourself!"

Shizuka giggled again, her cheeks flushed, likely from whatever she had been drinking. "Don't worry, Shiro-chan. Guldrin's all yours… for now." What that meant, was anyone's guess, but her stance was clear, she would lay with Guldrin tonight.

The night passed in a haze of warmth and quiet breaths, the small group huddled together in a way that spoke to their growing bond. Despite the awkward moments and Shizuka's questionable choices, they found solace in each other's presence. For a brief time, the horrors of the outside world felt distant, their fears dulled by the comfort of companionship.

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, Guldrin stirred, the weight of the others a surprising comfort rather than a burden. Shiro was still nestled against him, her small hand clutching his shirt. Rei had shifted in her sleep, one leg draped over his as she mumbled incoherently. Saya was sprawled awkwardly, her head resting against his shoulder despite her earlier protests. Saeko remained poised even in sleep, her breathing steady as her hand rested lightly on his arm.

And then there was Shizuka, her arms wrapped around his waist as if he were a giant teddy bear, her lack of clothing a problem he decided to address later… Well, maybe he wouldn't. She snored softly, her hair a wild mess, as she clung to him with a surprising amount of strength.

Guldrin sighed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "This is… not what I expected," he muttered to himself.

Emily meowed from her perch by the window, her expression somehow conveying both amusement and exasperation. "Get used to it, this is just the beginning," her gaze seemed to say.

Carefully, Guldrin shifted, trying not to wake anyone as he planned the day ahead. They needed supplies, the Humvee needed retrieving, and the dojo Saeko had mentioned could provide her with a proper weapon to showcase her skill. But for now, he allowed himself a few more moments of peace, the rare sensation of safety a balm to his weary soul.

As the group began to stir, the morning light casting a golden hue over them, the reality of their situation returned. The faint chirping of birds broke the fragile silence of the morning. Guldrin, already awake, carefully maneuvered out from the entangled limbs of the group. Shiro groaned softly but didn't wake, her hand briefly tightening around his shirt before falling limp. He stretched, his body groaning in protest from the previous day's exertions, but his mind was clear, and his mood surprisingly light. To his utter surprise, his wounds were healing much, much faster than they should have according to a normal natural healing rate. His ribs still ached, but the gashes that Shizuka had stitched closed had already begun to heal, as he could feel the urging itch coming on.

Stepping over the scattered bedding, Guldrin reached for the pack he'd left by the door. Pulling out a fresh cigar, more herbs rather than tobacco, he lit it with a flick of a match, the small flame illuminating his face for a moment before he puffed a slow cloud of smoke. The herbs had a calming effect, a mix he'd crafted long ago for moments like this, when the weight of leadership felt heavy and overwhelming. 

Smiling as a calm overtook him, he looked at the devastation that the city had suffered; the meteor shower had damaged buildings again last night, worse than the last, zombies littered the streets, some glowing signifying their advanced stages. "Hmm, this world will never return to normal… I need more crystals, if my group is going to survive, I am going to need to increase their strength."

The smell wafted gently through the room, a curious mix of earthy and sweet notes that began to rouse the others. He watched as Saya wrinkled her nose, her brow furrowing as she sniffed the air. Saeko stirred next, her sharp senses likely detecting the faint crackle of the herbs burning. Shizuka, oblivious to decorum as always, muttered something about pancakes in her sleep before rolling over onto Rei, who jolted awake with a startled yelp and was helpless as she was treated like a stuffed toy.

Guldrin chuckled quietly to himself, 'Death by boobular suffocation', the sight of the disheveled group a rare moment of levity. He tapped the cigar on the edge of the ashtray he'd prepared before the outbreak happened, a simple bleach-white skull with a closing lid, and headed toward the tiny kitchen. The supplies were meager, but he'd make do.

Opening cabinets and fridge, he found eggs, some canned goods, 'Who puts cans in the fridge?' and a surprisingly well-preserved loaf of bread. His hands moved with practiced efficiency, cracking eggs into a bowl while keeping the noise to a minimum. He had spent years cooking for himself as Big Boss now that he has a family, he cooks for others, a skill born out of necessity and honed in the oddest of circumstances, Mia would have him cook for customers, Letty because she could burn water, and Shiro because Guldrin's cooking is best' all different reasons, but important nonetheless.

The sizzle of butter hitting the pan was the first real sound of the morning, drawing the attention of the still-groggy group. Shiro padded over first, her hair a wild mess, but her red and gold eyes shined bright. She leaned against the doorway, watching him with a sleepy smile.

"Making breakfast, Hubby-San?" she teased, her voice soft with lingering sleepiness.

"Someone has to," Guldrin replied, flipping an egg with a deft motion. "Can't have you lot running on empty, especially with the day we've got ahead. A good breakfast can make all the difference."

Shiro's nose twitched as she caught the scent of the food, her stomach growling audibly. She blushed, looking embarrassed, but Guldrin only laughed, the sound low and warm. Remembering what the girls had said about him treating her like a little sister, she worked up the courage to kiss his cheek, "Thank you for breakfast." She blushed and turned away, missing the blush that mirrored her own on Guldrin's face as he kept cooking.

One by one, the others emerged, drawn by the promise of food. Saeko was the next to appear, her movements as graceful as always despite the faint lines of exhaustion on her face. She gave Guldrin a small nod of appreciation before taking a seat at the table. Rei followed, her hair sticking up in odd directions, but her eyes sharp as she muttered a quiet "good morning." She was clearly not a morning person, or the outbreak had taken a toll on her, probably both.

Saya was less composed, muttering something about needing coffee as she slumped into a chair. Shizuka stumbled in last, draped in a blanket like a makeshift toga doing nothing to hide her breasts, her hair an absolute disaster. She plopped into the nearest chair, yawning loudly and mumbling about dreams of maple syrup rivers.

Kohta had been awake since Guldrin smoked his cigar, instead of joining him, he worked on cleaning and preparing the guns. He loaded ammo in magazines, took guns apart, and did a thorough cleaning to ensure none would jam or otherwise endanger them when using said weapons. Kohta had finished his maintenance by this point and was doing a basic workout routine before joining them for breakfast. To everyone's surprise, he didn't even comment on Shizuka's lack of dress and prepared to eat like nothing was wrong. 

Unlike Guldrin who had blushed after getting an eyeful of Shizuka and kept working quickly, piling plates high with scrambled eggs, toast, and the canned goods he'd managed to warm up. It wasn't gourmet, but it was hot, filling, and exactly what they needed. 

As the group dug in, the atmosphere shifted. The weight of their situation lingered, but the simple act of sharing a meal brought a sense of normalcy. They laughed at Shizuka's half-asleep ramblings, teased Saya for her grumpy demeanor, and listened as Saeko shared quiet observations about their next steps. Rei seemed lost in thought, most likely thinking of Takashi.

Guldrin leaned against the counter, his own plate in hand, watching them interact. Despite the chaos and danger outside, this moment felt almost peaceful. He took a slow drag from his cigar, the herbs grounding him as he allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction. Shizuka noticed but chose to eat instead of complaining about him smoking in the apartment.

"Alright," he said finally, his voice cutting through the chatter. "We've got a full day ahead. Once we're done here, we're heading for the Humvee; Shizuka seems to be confident it is there, so if we can get us a proper working vehicle, then we would be fools to leave it. After that, we'll make our way to Saeko's dojo. Now that we have weapons, it is only fair to get Seako a proper sword to enable her to use her Busujima-style swordsmanship."

The group nodded, their expressions growing more serious as they finished their meals. Shiro stayed close to him, her golden eyes flicking toward the others as if gauging their reactions. Saeko met his gaze, her calm demeanor reassuring.

"The Dojo should still be in good condition," Saeko said. "It's isolated, and the walls are sturdy. But we'll need to be cautious. If it's been overrun, we'll need a backup plan. I don't believe anyone would have been there as the outbreak took place, but if someone has taken it over, then they will be armed with a lot of weapons."

"Agreed, we will need to be careful, but having guns should help us handle any unforeseen threats," Guldrin said. He glanced at Shizuka, who was still munching on toast with a dreamy expression. "Shizuka, you'll be driving the Humvee, you will need to stay in the middle." He handed her a simple revolver, "Saeko and I will take the lead, Saya, Rei, and Shiro will take up the rear. Kohta, you're on lookout duty, you should be able to provide overwatch from the balcony, use your choice of weapon, and get set up. Everyone, stay alert and stick together. No one goes off on their own. Kohta, shout if you need assistance, soon we will get some short-range communication devices, but after the phones have gone down, we will need to adapt."

The mention of roles snapped everyone to attention. Even Saya, who had been half-heartedly poking at her eggs, straightened up.

As they began to clean up, the room buzzed with a renewed sense of purpose. The camaraderie from the meal lingered, a quiet reminder that they were stronger together. Guldrin extinguished his cigar, the faint embers glowing briefly before fading into ash.

"Let's move," he said, his voice steady and firm. And with that, the day began, the weight of survival pressing down on them once more but tempered by the bonds they had begun to forge.

The air was heavy with tension as the group moved into action. Kohta took position on the balcony, his Knight's SR-25 nestled securely against his shoulder, its silencer ready to keep his shots from being heard. The others prepared themselves, checking weapons, adjusting gear, and silently steeling their nerves for what lay ahead.

Guldrin led the way, his combat knife gripped tightly in one hand and a Mk23 in the other, its silencer screwed on snugly. Saeko was beside him, her bokken poised like an extension of her body. Behind them, Saya clutched a handgun with visible trepidation, her knuckles white but her gaze resolute. Shiro followed closely, her movements fluid and catlike, a knife with mana threads wrapped around them in each hand. Rei kept her grip firm on her spear, its sharpened tip glinting faintly in the dim light. Shizuka, holding the .22 revolver, carried a small medical bag, her usually lighthearted demeanor replaced by quiet determination.

The hallway outside the apartment was eerily silent except for the occasional distant groan of the undead. Guldrin raised his hand, signaling a stop as they neared the stairwell. He tilted his head toward Kohta on the balcony, who gave a brief thumbs-up to indicate the immediate vicinity was clear.

Step by step, they descended the stairs, their movements deliberate and soundless. Guldrin took point, his heightened senses alert to every sound and shadow. To their surprise, the apartment was clear, and they exited with no issues. The first zombie they encountered was a lone figure in a torn business suit, shuffling aimlessly in the street. Before it could turn, Guldrin struck, his combat knife slicing cleanly through its neck, its head being sent flying. The body crumpled silently to the ground, and they moved on.

Kohta's spoke softly to himself knowing they couldn't hear him, so he made hand signs which Guldrin understood. "Three targets, northwest corner of the parking lot. Slow-moving, but one looks... off. It's glowing faintly."

"Understood," Guldrin replied in a flurry of hand signs. He turned to the group and motioned for silence, his expression grim. "Stay close. If it glows, we take it down fast and hard. No mistakes. The zombies are evolving, we can't risk what an evolved zombie can do. Glowing is the most prominent sign that I have noticed to indicate their evolution."

They moved toward the parking garage, sticking to the shadows and using every bit of cover they could find. Kohta's hand signs and Guldrin's instincts guided them, warning of clusters of zombies and directing them to safer routes. His precision was unmatched, and twice he fired his rifle, each shot a muffled *Psssst* that resulted in a zombie dropping silently to the ground.

As they entered the garage, the faint glow of the target Kohta had warned them about became visible. The glowing zombie was unlike any they had seen before, its eyes emitting an eerie blue light and its movements unnervingly fast for one of its kind. It was flanked by two others, their decayed forms lumbering aimlessly, but still a threat.

"Take the glowing one first," Guldrin whispered. He gestured to Kohta, who had repositioned to a higher vantage point overlooking the garage. He made some quick hand signs, which Kohta saw and prepared to fire.

"Already on it," Kohta's calm voice spoke to no one but himself. There was a brief pause, then a suppressed shot rang out. The glowing zombie's head snapped back, and it collapsed in a heap, leaving a red crystal behind, surprisingly it didn't explode from the impact of the bullet.

The other two zombies turned toward the sound, but before they could react, Guldrin and Saeko were on them. Guldrin's combat knife pierced through one's skull, while Saeko's bokken struck the other with precision, the force of her blow shattering its skull.

"Clear," Saeko said softly, her voice steady as she scanned the area for any remaining threats.

They moved quickly now, their goal in sight. Keying in the passcode, they opened the garage and revealed a dimly lit room. The Humvee sat at the far end of the garage, its armored frame a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. Shizuka hurried forward, her relief palpable as she checked the vehicle.

"It's in perfect condition!" she whispered excitedly. "Fuel tank's full, too." She rummaged through the back, "And the spare gas can is full too~"

"Good. Load up," Guldrin ordered and made some hand signs to allow Kohta to know they got the vehicle and were coming to pick him up and that he needed to be ready.

The Humvee roared to life, its engine a low growl that echoed faintly through the garage. Shizuka, beaming with pride, adjusted the seat and gripped the steering wheel. She seemed oddly at ease, her usual ditziness replaced by a rare moment of focus.

Guldrin gestured for everyone to pile in, their movements efficient despite the lingering tension. Saeko took the front passenger seat, her bokken resting across her lap like a silent guardian. Rei, Saya, and Shiro squeezed into the back, their weapons within easy reach. Guldrin took the seat of the rear-hatch, ensuring he had a clear view of their surroundings.

"Let's move," he said, his voice cutting through the soft hum of the engine. Shizuka nodded, easing the Humvee into motion, its reinforced tires crunching softly against the debris-strewn floor. "Buckle up~" Shizuka's cheery voice cut through the interior as she sped up.

The drive back toward the apartment was tense. The streets were a labyrinth of abandoned cars, rubble, and the occasional wandering zombie. Kohta's vantage point from the balcony gave him a clear line of sight, and he fired twice more, each suppressed shot dropping a stray undead that strayed too close to the building.

"Almost there," Shizuka murmured, her hands steady on the wheel. Despite the chaos around them, she maneuvered the bulky vehicle with surprising skill, weaving through the obstacles with minimal noise.

As they approached the building, Guldrin spotted Kohta leaning against the railing of the balcony, his rifle slung across his back. He gave a brief wave before disappearing inside, presumably to meet them on the first floor.

"Keep the engine running," Guldrin instructed, hopping out of the Humvee with Saeko and Rei. "Shiro, stay here with Saya and cover Shizuka." Shiro nodded, pulled her Glock, prepared to protect those who stayed back, should someone or something threaten them while the rest were gone.

The three moved swiftly toward the building, their weapons ready. Guldrin took the lead, his senses on high alert. The stairwell leading to the ground floor was still clear, but the faint sound of movement from one of the upper floors kept him wary.

Kohta was already waiting near the entrance, his face flushed with adrenaline. "Got a few stragglers upstairs," he said, his voice low. "Nothing I couldn't handle, but we should move before more show up. They dropped a few red crystals, I picked them up since I saw you pocket a few before."

"Agreed," Guldrin said. "Let's get back to the Humvee, once we are back, I will explain why I have been picking those up. Saeko, cover the rear."

They exited the building quickly, Kohta falling into step beside Guldrin. The group moved as one, and their practiced efficiency was evident. The Humvee's engine was a comforting hum as they climbed in, Kohta taking a seat in the back with Shiro and Saya. Shizuka didn't wait for a signal; the moment the doors were closed, she put the vehicle in gear and accelerated smoothly down the street.

The drive to Saeko's family dojo was uneventful at first, the streets eerily quiet. But as they neared the outskirts of the city, the density of zombies began to increase. Shizuka navigated carefully, avoiding large groups and keeping to back roads whenever possible.

With a little time to spare, Guldrin decided to check the status of the quest,

"Zombies killed: 35/500" 

'Progress, but not anywhere near enough, I still need to kill a ton, establish our base, and gain loyal followers… The last part I am already working on, but the base, as of now the road leading there is blockaded by the police and will most likely be held down till overran by zombies… If it wasn't already last night.'

Focusing back on the surrounding situation, he noticed the area was oddly devoid of zombies for a while. "Eyes up," Guldrin warned, his tone sharp. "We're getting close, but I don't like how quiet it is."

Saeko nodded, her gaze scanning the road ahead. "The dojo is just beyond that hill," she said, pointing toward a cluster of trees. "There's a back entrance we can use. It's less exposed."

As they crested the hill, the dojo came into view. The traditional Japanese building was surrounded by high walls, its gates closed and reinforced. The area appeared deserted, but the faint sound of shuffling from the nearby forest put them on edge.

"Kohta, take the hatch, provide cover from the roof," Guldrin ordered. "Saeko and I will check the perimeter. Shiro, Rei, and Saya, hold positions here with Shizuka."

Kohta climbed into the hatch, his hands steady on the rifle as he scoped the area. "I'll cover you," he said, his voice calm despite the tension.

Guldrin and Saeko moved toward the dojo, their movements deliberate and silent. The main gate showed no signs of forced entry, and the walls were unscathed. Saeko's sharp eyes caught a faint trail of blood leading toward the side entrance, and she gestured for Guldrin to follow.

The side door was ajar, the interior dark and silent. Saeko pushed it open slowly, her bokken raised. Guldrin entered behind her, his combat knife and pistol at the ready. The air inside was musty, the faint scent of decay lingering.

They moved through the dojo methodically, checking each room for signs of life or the undead. The main training hall was empty, its polished wooden floors gleaming faintly in the dim light. The weapons rack along one wall was intact, a collection of katanas and practice swords untouched.

Saeko's eyes lit up as she approached a side room, her fingers fishing out a key hung around her neck. Sliding the key into the hidden slot, she slid the door open and looked around, "Good, seems Dad took his sword, mine is still here. Her fingers brushed against the hilt of a katana, its hilt purple and black, a strange gleam shining from the dark sheath. She lifted it carefully, the black blade gleaming as she unsheathed it. "This will do," she said softly, her voice tinged with reverence.

"Good, let's return to the group. If you want anything else while we are here, now is the time to do it." Guldrin watched as she approached a cabinet and took out three yukatas. "These were my mothers, Dad said she wanted me to have them when I was old enough, I think now would be the time to take them…" She didn't hesitate to undress and put one on while folding the others and placing them in her pack; her choice of outfit was purple with floral patterns and a black sash tying it together.

Guldrin was shocked, 'Is it normal for girls to be unconcerned that a male sees them undress now?' Emily who had been curled around his neck chuckled in his mind, 'Japanese girls, especially traditional ones, hide nothing from their chosen husband, did you think it was normal for her to sleep with you last night? Or are you just a dense protagonist?' Guldrin blushed harder as he replayed the night's events and understood the meaning of her actions.

Finished dressing, she nodded, sheathed her weapon, and cradled her mother's katana signaling her readiness to return. "Good, let's go back, we still need to travel to Saya's home before the end of the day. Who knows what we will find on the way." With that, they returned to the group and loaded up ready to leave.

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