TAKE ON ME [Survival LITRPG Apocalypse]

"Is everyone okay?" Tom asked.

He struggled to maintain consciousness as pain radiated through him. The adrenaline from the battle had fully worn off, and now he was all too aware of his injuries. He scanned his family, checking for any lingering signs of harm. Relief washed over him as he took in the sight of Amber's uninjured arm, thankful that Finn had been able to heal it somehow.

"Amber, are you all right?"

She nodded.

"I told you to stay back! You could've been killed!"

"Dad, I'm fine."

Amber flexed her arm. The salmon-pink hue of her newly healed skin contrasted sharply against her tanned complexion.

"Finn did a great job," she said. "But what about you? You don't look so good."

"I'll be all right." He grimaced as another wave of pain shot through him. He tried to hide it, but he couldn't fool his family. Especially not Kate, who could always tell when something was wrong.

When they had made sure there were no further injuries, the group wasted no time in gathering the loot dropped by the monsters.

Amber removed her Leather Tunic and tossed it into the loot pile; not because she was sharing it, but because it was soaked in gore.

Bo snuck upstairs through the broken basement door, and returned with Coins and a Blueprint from his previous monster-kill in the kitchen.

For Tom, the throbbing from his recent injuries seemed to be building, rather than fading. The pain was barely manageable. He wondered whether the healing was superficial; whether he still had serious tissue damage under the skin.

"Finn, can you tell us about your healing spell?" Tom said.

It was surreal to be discussing spells and abilities.

Loo was right. It's been a hell of a New Year.

Finn closed his eyes.

After a few moments, he opened his eyes, and began to read aloud:

"[Finn Robinson]

Age 13

Level 1 Druid Botanomorph.

Short description available now; you will learn more about your class as you progress.

You have selected the class Druid, specialization Botanomorph. You are a pillar of sustainability and synergy to your team. Wielding the essence of powerful trees and vines, you command the flora to empower yourself, heal allies, or damage enemies; weaving a delicate tapestry of life and vitality.

1 Gold to upgrade: you cannot do that here."

"Okay," said Finn. "I have two abilities:

[Druid Abilities]

Floral Surge I

On-use ability.

Channels the energy of blooming flowers to heal wounds.

Ability Power: XS.01 (Extra Small - Power Rank 1 of 100).

Mana Usage: S.01 (Small - Mana Drain Rank 1 of 100).

10 Copper to upgrade;– you cannot do that here.

[Botanomorph Abilities]

Vitis Vinifera Vine I

On-use ability.

Grow manipulative vines of the grapevine plant. These vines—inspired by the robust and powerful nature of real-life grapevines—act as muscle sinew, and bestow enhanced strength and balance upon the Druid.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Plant Material Required.

Ability Power: XS.01 (Extra Small - Power Rank 1 of 100).

Mana Usage: S.01 (Small - Mana Drain Rank 1 of 100).

10 Copper to upgrade; you cannot do that here."

There was a hint of pride in Finn's expression. His healing spell had already proven itself invaluable to the group.

"I also don't have a profession or stats," he added.

"Finn, can you see if you can heal Mom's arm?" Bo asked.

Finn slowly shook his head. "I mean, I can try, but I don't think it will do anything. It took me a while to realize it, but during the fight I could see a red hazy glow around Amber's arm and Tom's leg. Mom doesn't have that on her arm. I think it's because there is no current injury."

Finn pulled himself up on unsteady feet and walked toward Hana. His foot caught a box and he almost fell. He steadied himself and reached his mother, placing his hands on her upper arm. Everyone silently watched as Finn scrunched his eyebrows together.

"I can't cast it. Not only because Mom isn't technically wounded, but also the ability says I can't do that right now because I don't have enough mana."

Finn eyes unfocused and he looked around the room. "Oh! I have a bar in the lower left of my vision now. It's a health and mana bar! There are no numbers, but it looks like I only have about 20 percent mana right now."

Tom and the group took a few moments to find their own health and mana bars.

My health is full. Why do I still hurt so bad?

Tom turned back to Finn. "Can you see any current red haze or damage indicator on me? My thumb, leg, back, and side are still causing me a lot of pain, even though my health bar appears to be topped off." Tom stretched out his leg and rubbed the area where the creature had bitten him.

Finn shook his head. "No, sorry Tom. I don't see anything."

"That's all right." He shrugged, not wanting to burden them with more worries. "I'll be all right."

"Finn," said Bo, "with that vine spell you mentioned, I don't know if I'm entirely ready for you to start growing twigs and shit. What if they hurt you, or they're permanent, or something? We don't really know what we're dealing with yet, so please don't try to do the uh, vine spell thing."

Finn nodded; however, it wasn't a very convincing look.

It was still dark outside. They found places to sit and rest.

"How about we go around the circle and everyone quietly read their info out loud?" Tom said. "Amber, let's start with you."

Bo glanced at Finn, then said, "I'm going to carry some of these totes up the steps to at least form some kind of barricade at the door. Keep the discussion going though. I'm listening."

Amber nodded, then adjusted her cross-legged position, and began to read from an invisible sheet.

"My sheet says:

[Amber Damascus]

Age 14

Level 1 Rogue Flair

Short description available now; you will learn more about your class as you progress.

You have selected the Rogue class, specialization Flair. Your high-octane class epitomizes the art of combat agility. Swift and elusive, the Flair turns obstacles into opportunities, utilizing advanced parkour to navigate rough terrains with finesse. With a combat style marked by intense energy, the Rogue operates in short, explosive bursts, leaving adversaries reeling and struggling to anticipate the next dazzling maneuver.

1 Gold to upgrade; you cannot do that here."

A massive smile spread across Amber's face. She continued to read.

"[Rogue Abilities]

Stab I

On-use ability.

Apply direct damage instantly. Requires physical contact.

Ability Power: XS.01 (Extra Small - Power Rank 1 of 100).

Mana Usage: S.01 (Small - Mana Drain Rank 1 of 100).

10 Copper to upgrade; you cannot do that here.

[Flair Abilities]

Parkour I

Passive ability.

Recognize and use obstacles through the use of jumping, climbing, and rolling, to cross distances in the most efficient way possible.

Ability Power: XS.01 (Extra Small - Power Rank 1 of 100).

Mana Usage: S.01 (Small - Mana Drain Rank 1 of 100).

10 Copper to upgrade; you cannot do that here."

Amber finished reading. "Yeet!" Her smile was even larger. "Oh, same for profession and stats."

"Does it say anything about damage specifics or numbers?" Tom asked her.

She shook her head.

They discussed Amber's stab ability, and wondered whether or not she had actually 'used' the ability, or just stabbed the creature 'normally' with the poker. Chloe and Finn briefly described to Amber what it felt like to use an ability and how they did it; which boiled down to 'think about the ability, and your body will do it'. In the end, Amber decided she probably hadn't used an ability, and had just rammed the poker into the creature.

This is like a fantasy game. What the fuck is going on?

"All right. Tess, you next," Bo said to his daughter as he carried a tote up the stairs.

Kate stood and grabbed another tote, helping to plug the doorway as best as possible.

Tess began reading:

"[Tess Robinson]

Age 15

Level 1 Fighter Tactician.

Short description available now; you will learn more about your class as you progress.

You have selected the Fighter class, specialization Tactician. A Fighter Tactician stands as a formidable force; a paragon of strength, cunning, and intelligence. Their life is intricately woven with the rigors of a soldier, where physical might converges seamlessly with mental battlefield acuity. Their cunning maneuvers and strategic insights make them a force to be reckoned with, both in solo combat and as the leader of a formidable fighting unit.

1 Gold to upgrade; you cannot do that here.

[Fighter Abilities]

Weapon Skill 1

Passive ability.

Passive knowledge on the use of common military weapons.

Ability Power: XS.01 (Extra Small - Power Rank 1 of 100).

Mana Usage: S.01 (Small - Mana Drain Rank 1 of 100).

10 Copper to upgrade; you cannot do that here.

Battle Map 1

Passive ability.

Access an overview of the immediate battlefield. Gain the advantage of a top-down view. You also have access to a wide array of battle indicators. These tools enable you to direct your allies, or designate targets to your team.

10 Copper to upgrade; you cannot do that here.

Ability Power: XS.01 (Extra Small - Power Rank 1 of 100).

Mana Usage: S.01 (Small - Mana Drain Rank 1 of 100)."

"Did you notice, or do you currently see, the battle map overlay the ability mentions?" Bo asked Tess.

"Now that I know what it is I can pull it forward in my vision, but I don't see it all the time," Tess said, her tone carrying excitement. "During the fight, it just sort of appeared, and that's how I spotted the extra monster that showed up. The map was quite blurry at first, and I didn't fully understand what I was seeing. But now that I know what to do . . . "

Tess's eyes seemingly fixed on something only she could perceive. She mumbled to herself, her words inaudible.

"Oh, I think I've got it!" she said. "In the bottom right corner of my vision, I can see a basic top-down view of the basement, and a little bit of outside. There are seven green dots arranged in a circle, just like how we're seated. I can see Dad and Kate by the steps. There are no red dots like before."

As if on cue, Tess gasped and her face shifted. "Scratch that! There are two red dots outside."