Kael's mind buzzed with possibilities. He paced his cramped room, adrenaline still surging from devouring the swordsmanship book. His stomach rumbled, a sharp reminder that he hadn't eaten since—well, since before his death. The hunger gnawed at him, physical and now, strangely, metaphysical.
He spotted the crust of stale bread on his table. Its rough surface was dotted with blue-green mold, and he recalled that he'd been saving it for emergencies. Well, if there was ever an emergency, this was it.
He picked it up, hesitated only a moment, then tore off a hunk and shoved it in his mouth. The bread was hard as a rock, but his new body chewed steadily, and he swallowed with determination.
As soon as the bread hit his stomach, a warmth blossomed throughout his chest—a deep, nourishing energy that spread to every limb. His muscles tightened, his vision sharpened. The system's voice chimed in:
[Devouring: Stale Bread.
Calories absorbed: 68
Vitality increased.
Minor healing effect applied.]
Kael blinked, flexing his fingers. "No way… I feel… better. Not just full. Stronger."
He checked his status:
[Status: Kael]
Strength: 4
Agility: 5
Endurance: 5
Vitality: 6
Magic Affinity: 1
"Vitality went up two points! For eating bread?" Kael grinned, holding up the last chunk. "Does that mean if I eat something with more energy, I'll get even more benefits?"
[Correct. The nutritional and intrinsic quality of the consumed item directly affects the host's gains.]
Kael's gaze roamed his tiny room, seeking his next target. His eyes landed on a stubby candle sitting atop his desk—a chunk of yellowish wax with a blackened wick, left from last night's study attempts.
He laughed. "Why not?" He picked up the candle, sniffed it, and wrinkled his nose. "I've eaten worse at the orphanage."
He bit into the wax. It was bland and chewy, sticking to his teeth, but he managed to swallow large chunks. As he finished, the system's voice pinged again:
[Devouring: Tallow Candle.
Calories absorbed: 33
New ability gained: Wax Manipulation (Basic).]
Kael's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"
He glanced at his hands, focusing on the idea of moving wax. The half-melted stub on his desk shivered, then oozed into a thin strand, twisting and spiraling upwards like a snake. Kael grinned, flicking his finger and watching the wax coil and harden into a crude figurine.
"This is nuts," he muttered, awe-struck. "I can control wax just by eating a candle?"
His gaze shifted to the flickering candle flame. A wild idea took root. He leaned forward, feeling the heat on his lips, and snapped his mouth shut over the tiny fire. He expected pain, but instead, a curious warmth flowed down his throat and into his core.
[Devouring: Fire (Candle Flame).
Calories absorbed: 1
New affinity gained: Fire (Basic).
Skill unlocked: Minor Fire Manipulation.]
A faint ember glimmered in his palm when he focused, a tiny spark dancing on his skin. He laughed, unable to contain his exhilaration.
"I've got to be dreaming. This is too good—" He stopped himself, remembering the feel of the truck, the pain, the nothingness. He shuddered.
"So… what is this place, really? And who am I?" he asked aloud, turning inward. "System, give me the summary. Where am I, and who did I become?"
The system's tone became informative, almost gentle:
[Host has transmigrated into the body of Kael, age seventeen, ninth son—bastard-born—of Lord Barris of the minor noble House Varn.
House Varn rules the fiefdom of Greywick, a peripheral territory in the western reaches of the Kingdom of Silmar.
The lord has fourteen children: some legitimate, some bastards. Host's mother was once a castle maid, later forced into concubinage. The host has no significant status, minimal education, and is often bullied by both servants and siblings.
Current social standing: "Low, even among bastards."
World: Veleris—a vast medieval fantasy realm ruled by seven empires, countless kingdoms, and myriad magical and martial powers.
Host's previous body was frail and neglected. All current attributes are a result of the host's own efforts and recent devouring.
Host has full access to the Glutton Devour System, unique within this world.]
Kael digested the information with a slow nod. "So, I'm at the bottom of the barrel. Perfect. Means I can only go up, right?"
[Host's potential is unlimited, provided you survive.]
Kael grinned, feeling the embers dance at his fingertips. "Let's see how high I can climb."