TAKE ON ME [Survival LITRPG Apocalypse]

Bo's ringing voice brought Tom out of his daze. "Okay, listen everyone. We can't lose it. This doesn't change anything. We still need to go over the adults' classes, distribute these items, and get out of here. Kate, do you wanna go first? Loo, can you tell us how you shared the screens for everyone to see?"

Loo's hands were animated as she spoke. "Okay, so you just focus on your info sheet, and mentally tell it that you want to share it with everyone. Try it, Mom!"

"All right . . . " Kate didn't sound confident. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, lips pursed together.

The silence in the room seemed to thicken as she struggled for several moments.

Her efforts paid off; a soft glow formed before them, revealing her info sheet and abilities.

[Kate Damascus]

Age 42

Level 1 Druid Mother Protector

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

You have selected the Druid class, Mother Protector specialization. This specialization weaves a tapestry of life, intertwining the forces of nature with the unbreakable bonds of familial love. As danger looms over your beloved companions, the Mother Protector taps into an unparalleled well of un-bear-able [Updated: Caretaker Meme] power.

1 Gold to upgrade: you cannot do that here.

[Druid Abilities]

Regeneration Aura I

Passive ability.

A manifestation of the Mother Protector's unwavering connection to the life force of nature. This ability bathes her and nearby allies in a gentle, constant stream of revitalizing energy, mending wounds and restoring vitality with each passing moment.

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.

[Mother Protector Abilities]

Maternal Instincts I

Triggered ability.

In the face of danger, the Druid is infused with power, boosting strength and constitution. The primal bond with her loved ones empowers her to face adversity with unwavering determination and heightened resilience.

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 what the bear meme thing is, but this fits Kate like a glove.

"Well," Hana said with a small smile, breaking the silence. "That explains my arm and Tom's injuries healing up so fast."

Kate nodded, her eyes still fixed on the floating information panel.

"That, and how she keeps beating the hell out of everything," Tom added.

Bo grinned at Kate. "Thank God someone can. All right. I'm up next, I guess." Bo stepped forward hesitantly. He cleared his throat. "I don't like my class," he announced. "Honestly, I'm embarrassed by it."

As Bo's sheet appeared, the room was filled with the sound of murmurs. Tom leaned in closer to read, while Bo stood there rubbing at the back of his neck.

[Bo Robinson]

Age 43

Level 1 Bard Soundtrack.

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

You have selected the class Bard, specialization Soundtrack. These enchanting minstrels are masters of weaving existing songs into spells of immense power, infusing their tunes with the essence of intention. Armed with vocal prowess, showmanship, and instrumental precision, the Soundtrack Bard captivates both allies and foes alike.

1 Gold to upgrade; you cannot do that here.

[Bard Abilities]

Summon Ethereal Instrument I

On-use ability.

From the ethereal plane materializes a radiant, translucent instrument—whether it be a shimmering harp, a ghostly violin, or a celestial pan flute—which is tailored to the Bard's current performance need.

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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.

[Soundtrack Abilities]

Summon Sheet Music I

On-use ability.

Ethereal parchment unfurls before the caster, and an intricate interface materializes. The interface presents a surreal amalgamation of falling notes and scrolling lyrics, with each element floating in harmony within the Bard's line of sight. The notes descend while the lyrics flow seamlessly, inviting the Bard to weave both melody and verse into a captivating performance.

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.

Bo took a deep breath. "I guess I fucking sing karaoke and play Guitar Hero." Heat simmered through his words. "I want to know what this 'you have selected' shit is. I would have never picked this."

The room was quiet.

Tom thought it sounded kind of cool. Bo, however, paced in a circle. A vein bulged in his forehead.

Tom placed a hand on Bo's shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"Dude," Tom said quietly, "no matter what class you would have gotten, you're going to crush it."

Bo shrugged off Tom's hand. "I'm not gonna do it. I won't watch everyone fight these things while I dance around and sing like a fucking idiot."

Hana stepped forward, her nose wrinkled. "Calm down, Bo. You're not the only one who's upset."

Hana's info sheet appeared before them. She waved at it with a mocking gesture, unconsciously doing so with her missing hand. She looked close to tears. She read aloud, her voice thick:

"[Hana Robinson]

Age 43

Level 1 Witch Hag.

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

You have selected the class Witch, specialization Hag. In the shadowy realms where dark magic intertwines with malevolent forces, the Hag emerges as a practitioner of forbidden arts. Drawing power from the depths of the occult, these spellcasters master spells that many consider taboo, but at a cost. For the Hag, every incantation comes with a price, as the very energies they wield recoil upon them.

1 Gold to upgrade; you cannot do that here.

[Witch Abilities]

Sickness I

On-use ability.

A vile miasma of disease manifests around the selected target, enveloping them in an invisible cloak of potent infections—bacterial, viral, and beyond. This malevolent spell burrows deep within the victim. Once rooted, it commences a relentless onslaught on the body, waging war against both flesh and spirit with merciless decay.

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.

[Hag Abilities]

Debone I

On-use ability.

When cast upon a portion of a corpse, this dark enchantment initiates a rapid and ghastly decay, stripping away the layers of flesh until only the pristine bone remains. The Hag, with mastery over the dark arts, can choose to unleash a single, creature-specific ability inherent to the bones.

Alternatively, the Hag may opt for a more esoteric application of the magically enchanted bones. By channeling the innate magical properties lingering within, the bones can be utilized to modify and enhance the Hag's other spells. Each set of bones carries a unique resonance, influencing the characteristics of the dark energies.

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."

"Mom," Finn said. "I get that it sounds kind of creepy, but it's also powerful."

"Thank you, Finn," she said, wiping away a tear that threatened to spill over. "It's just, gross."

"Useless," Bo said as he pointed to himself, then pointed to Hana, "is worse than gross. Either way, I doubt we can do anything about it. Let's just find some help, and then none of this shit will matter."

"Tom, your turn," Hana said, clearing her throat and gesturing toward him. "Let's hope yours isn't as bad as mine."

Tom stepped forward. He grew embarrassed as he fumbled with the prompts for his own info sheet.

After taking the longest of everyone by several minutes, Tom finally managed to bring up his info sheet and abilities.

[Tom Damascus]

Age 43

Level 1 Fighter Sponge.

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

You have selected the class Fighter, specialization Sponge. As a Sponge, you are a Fighter who has mastered the art of adaptability, seamlessly integrating elements from your environment into your own body. You possess the unique ability to absorb materials and transform them into useful assets, making you a formidable and adaptable force on the battlefield.

1 Gold to upgrade; you cannot do that here.

[Fighter Abilities]

Pain Management I

Passive ability.

A technique that allows you to temporarily shrug off massive amounts of pain during battle. However, the aftermath of Pain Management is not forgotten. After each battle, you must slowly endure the deferred pain.

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.

[Sponge Abilities]

Bone Modification I

Passive ability.

Masters of adaptation, Sponges seamlessly merge the essence of absorbed materials with their very bones, unlocking unparalleled potential.

Bone Modification 1/1 completed: Rubber Bones

Your skeletal structure attains an otherworldly flexibility. When faced with damage that would typically shatter bone, your anatomy undergoes a miraculous transformation. Your bones, now imbued with the elasticity of Rubber, bend and twist, absorbing the impact and snapping back into place with an uncanny rebound. Cooldown of once per day.

Ability Power: XS.01 (Extra Small - Power Rank 2 of 100).

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

10 Copper to upgrade; you cannot do that here.

"Wow, Dad, that sounds awesome!" Loo said. "A great tank for our team, huh?"

"Yeah. Maybe."

Nothing stops me straight up dying if I get stabbed in the face.

In truth, Tom was underwhelmed by his abilities compared to the others. The Rubber bones stuff was kind of neat, but he grimaced as he pictured the Rubber of the bats' handles worming its way into his body when he wasn't looking. He tapped his back pocket where he had slid the Iron ingot. It was gone as well.

So now I have metal in my ass cheek? How is this supposed work?

Bo broke the silence. "Okay, big day ahead of us guys. We need to get moving." He gestured for everyone to join him at the small loot pile.

One by one, everyone took turns looking through and holding the items.

"I guess the loot is only locked on the floor until you claim it," Chloe said. "After that, I guess anyone can take it." She passed Amber's Tunic to Loo.

Once Loo took ahold of Amber's Leather Tunic, a small window appeared in the room, displaying its stats:

[Leather Tunic - Simple: +XS.01 critical strike damage]

"Look, the items also have information!" Loo said. "You can pull up the information, just like when you pull up your ability info."

"Nice find, Loo!" said Tom. "It seems like our looted items match our respective classes so far. Does anyone feel they need, or should have, something that wasn't originally assigned to them?"

Nobody spoke. Loo handed the Tunic back to Amber with a smile.

Amber took the tunic back, her nose wrinkled in disgust.

So far, the group had collected loot from three monsters at the Damascus home, one that the Robinsons faced alone, and four more in the basement. The total haul equated to: twelve Copper Coins; Amber's Leather Tunic; a Blueprint for a Simple Profession Booth that Bo was holding onto; two Iron Ingots (one already absorbed); a Bronze Short Sword with an XS boost to passive sword talent for Tess; and a ridiculously ugly brown Simple Cloth Cap with a bonus to bardic ability that went to Bo.

While Bo's face was the picture of forced calm, his forehead told a different story. The vein there throbbed angrily, seeming to shout obscenities at the cap lying on the ground.