TAKE ON ME [Survival LITRPG Apocalypse]

"Quiet!" the adults hissed.

Faint squealing sounds filtered in from outside.

Tom's eyes were fixed on Tess, whose gaze remained unfocused as she intently observed her battle map.

"There are at least five of them outside now," Tess said softly. "I don't think they know we're in here."

Bo's voice was quiet but firm. "If they bust in here, same plan. Me and Tom upfront, you guys stay back."

Tom started clambering to his feet.

"No!" Kate's whisper was a little too loud. She pushed down on Tom's shoulder to keep him sitting. "I'll go up front. Tom's hurt."

Bo nodded; he clearly wasn't about to argue.

Kate stood, holding her bloody golf club, and positioned herself protectively in front of the kids.

Before all this, Tom and his family had lived a safe and secure life with no real crises. He hadn't ever had the opportunity to realize Kate was a badass. It comforted him, knowing if something happened to him, then the kids still had Kate.

But he was here. And Kate facing those things scared the hell out of him.

A heavy silence fell upon them as they huddled together, waiting and listening.

Time stretched on, the rhythmic thumping of Tom's heart drumming against his chest. His eyes were glued on the door. The weight of worry for his family's safety slowly smothered him.

The monsters continued their disturbing symphony of screeches and grunts for an excruciatingly long time. There were moments when they drew dangerously close to the backdoor. Everyone would tense and go still, their collective breath held.

Sometime around what Tom would guess was three a.m., the cacophony reached a crescendo, before abruptly ceasing.

Tess's hushed voice broke the silence. "The dots are all gathering together . . . and they're leaving."

Tom silently wished good luck to anyone or anything they might encounter.

The minutes dragged on. The monsters did not return. The suffocating weight lifted a little, finally allowing Tom to breathe.

Bo signaled for their attention. "I know we need to finish talking about everyone's spells and classes," he whispered. "But, for now, let's remain as quiet as possible. Every time we talk too much, they come back. I don't want to give them a reason. Let's try to get some rest before sunrise. Then we'll make a plan and get help."

Time passed in hushed restlessness. Tom positioned himself near the window, peering outside, then back and forth from the back door to the top of the steps, doing his best to keep a diligent watch over his family. He gripped the softball bat that had become his makeshift weapon. It felt small and flimsy now.

Kate stood guard by the upstairs door, also refusing to rest. Hana was sitting against the wall, absentmindedly rubbing the stump of her arm. Bo was creeping around the basement, opening totes and pulling out cold weather gear, sleeping bags, and blankets.

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When Tom wasn't staring out of the window or thinking about killer Headless monsters, he was looking at his information sheet and contemplating his abilities. This activity would inevitably morph into getting wrapped up in the big picture of 'what the hell was going on'.

Even though no one slept, the brief respite gave them a chance to recharge—if only slightly.

Their soft movements increased with the sun's first rays. One by one, everyone gathered in a tight circle; their drawn and pale faces illuminated by the dim morning light. Their breath froze in the chilly air.

"All right," Tom said. "So, what do we do?"

"Maybe we could walk to the police station?" Kate said.

"It's far, and probably dangerous," Bo said, glancing at Finn. He paused. "But I don't think we can just stay here waiting for those things to find us. I think we should go, we just need to be quiet and careful. I did my best to take stock of supplies. All the really helpful stuff like my gun, flashlights, and radios are all gone. At least we still have warm clothes and sleeping bags for everyone."

"Bo," Hana said. "I don't know that rushing out into the snow, and possibly freezing to death, is the answer either. If you're worried about being attacked, walking outside seems like a sure fire way for that to happen?"

"If we secured the house as best we could, how long could we last if we stayed here?" Tom said.

Bo thought for a few moments, and sighed. "A few days at best? We have some food here, but not enough to last nine of us very long. I don't like going out there either, but daylight is wasting, and I still think going for help is the best choice."

The adults looked back and forth at each other. They nodded.

Kate pointed at the items they had gathered. "We have the loot we collected. Do we leave it here or take it with us? Our guns are gone. Does that mean everyone's are gone? We might need this stuff."

"Yeah, I agree we should take it," said Hana. "Before we leave, I think we each need to give quick, short recaps of our abilities and skills. We should be prepared and aware of how we can help each other. For example, if you get hurt, run to Finn."

"Yep," said Finn. "I can heal, and I have super vines that I can't figure out how to use—"

He noticed the scowl on his father's face. "Erm, I mean, that seem like they'll be hard to figure out . . . erm, how about you, Chloe? What was yours, again?"

All eyes turned to Chloe, who seemed to visibly shrink under their gaze.

"Damage over time, and crowd control," she said, her voice small.

Amber chimed in next. "I'm a beast."

Tom raised an eyebrow. "Be serious, Amber."

Amber sighed. "I'm direct physical damage."

Tess's firm voice followed. "Weapon skill and strategy."

"Okay," said Kate. She turned to Loo. "Let's hear yours, Loo, since you didn't go last night. Keep it simple, and keep quiet."

"Loo's eyes immediately unfocused.

She's getting fast at that.

Loo peered at an invisible spot to her left. "Inundationist?" She struggled with the word. "Anyway, here we go:

[Loren Damascus]

Age 12

Level 1 Conjurer Mana Inundationist

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

You have selected the Conjuration class, specialization Mana Inundationist. You have chosen a distinct conjuring technique that probes the complex tapestry of mana currents, manipulating the core of magical energy via the harmonious practice of yoga. This class has the unique ability to perceive and influence the ebb and flow of mana, granting them unparalleled power over the unseen currents of magic. While the Conjurer Mana Inundationist excels in summoning mana flows, they are limited to summoning entities that naturally reside within these magical currents.

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

Loo finished reading. "I don't really know what any of that means, but I can't wait to find out!" She paused. "My Conjurer ability is a spell called [Summon Blue Mana Plankton I], which looks to be a plankton that gives . . . oh, wait a second!"

The group gasped. Loo's info sheet and ability list hovered in the air.

[Conjurer Abilities]

Summon Blue Mana Plankton I

On-use ability.

Summon and control billions of Blue Mana Plankton. Allies within the Mana Plankton cloud experience a heightened rate of mana regeneration. The plankton absorb ambient magical energy, infusing those within their proximity with revitalizing mana currents. Can only be cast in a Mana Flow. Specialized yoga pose 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.

[Mana Inundationist Abilities]

Mana Spring 1

Toggle ability.

When cast, this spell enables the Conjurer to summon a vibrant and ephemeral Mana Flow directly at their feet, creating a wellspring of magical energy. Specialized yoga pose 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.

"I don't know how to use either of my spells," said Loo. "Wish there was a tutorial or—OH MY GOD!"

Her sudden outburst startled the group, prompting a chorus of shushes. A new message displayed in front of everyone.

[Currently Available Public Information: Earth has entered an apocalyptic era of monsters and magic. Survive to be one of the last 100 million individuals and obtain immortality! Survivors are permitted to bring two people back to life. Explore and utilize your new classes and abilities. Caretaker System.]

[I enjoyed meeting all of you. Best of luck! Caretaker Balance]

Tom read the floating note over and over. He slumped onto the cold concrete floor, rubbing his forehead in disbelief. Just as he was getting a grip on his sanity, there was more crazy shit. An apocalypse of monsters and magic on Earth?

How in the hell am I going to keep my family safe? Is this even real?

For the thousandth time, Tom wondered if he was in a coma on a hospital bed somewhere. He zoned out, while the rest of the group whispered back and forth about what the message meant, and what they should do.