Chef in the Apocalypse

Colin observed Jayce's tumultuous emotions, unsure of what to make of the unfolding events. He turned to his wife, Jackie, and Lianna, motioning for them to remain calm and patient, knowing that more would be revealed in due time.

As Jayce turned his attention towards the others, his face drained of color, reflecting the inner turmoil he was experiencing. He found himself grappling with several unsettling revelations, each more perplexing than the last. There was much to unpack.

First and foremost, this new development was completely unprecedented in his previous life's experience. The sudden appearance of the enigmatic figure known as "Rubick" and the subsequent revelation of the list of "Supporters" with their unique classes left Jayce in a state of bewilderment. Questions flooded his mind, seeking answers that eluded him.

The fact that he occupied the position of the number one supporter ignited a sense of unease within Jayce. What had brought him to this position of prominence? And more importantly, what were the implications and consequences that accompanied it? He couldn't help but suspect that his previous extravagant expenditures within the game were somehow responsible.

Moreover, among the names on the supporters' list, Jayce recognized a few familiar ones, most notably Flamecaster. In his previous life, Flamecaster stood as the unrivaled mage, renowned across Asia and serving as the guild leader of Inferno.

Did this mean that similar events had occurred in his past life as well? It was a possibility that Jayce couldn't dismiss. After all, his previous abstention from spending any money in the game would explain his lack of knowledge about the concept of supporters. The looming threat of a "permanent ban" that Rubick had mentioned only served to further bolster this conjecture.

Colin, who had maintained his silence throughout the tumultuous events, firmly grasped Jayce's shoulders and shook him gently, concern etched on his rugged face. "Jayce, snap out of it. Tell me what's troubling you," he implored, his voice laced with care and worry.

Jayce, finally roused from his thoughts, met the gaze of the tall and stalwart man, the grip on his shoulders grounding him in the present. "Ah, I apologize. My mind wandered for a moment," he replied after a brief pause.

A furrow appeared on Colin's brow, his expression growing more serious. "What occupied your thoughts to elicit such intense emotions?" he pressed, his concern unwavering.

Letting out a deep sigh, Jayce gestured for everyone to take a seat, signaling the beginning of his explanation. "Let me start from the beginning," he said, his voice steady yet burdened.

As the group settled, Jayce embarked on his account of Cataclysm's descent upon Earth, meticulously recounting the profound changes it had wrought upon the world. He carefully omitted any mention of his own time-travel experiences, as well as the enigmatic Rubick and the list of supporters. Instead, he focused on conveying the magnitude of the situation at hand. Their future would never resemble the past, and all technological advancements reliant on electricity had been rendered obsolete.

Ensuring his narrative remained grounded in reality, Jayce observed the faces of Jackie and Lianna pale, their expressions shifting with growing unease. In contrast, Colin's features hardened, his rugged countenance resolute.

"So, you're saying this Cataclysm game has materialized in our world?" Jackie spoke slowly, her complexion draining of color, her voice laced with trepidation.

Jayce nodded, his eyes reflecting the weight of the truth. "Yes, that is indeed the case. I don't fully comprehend the mechanics behind it, but it's an undeniable reality we now face. Has anyone else here played this game before?"

He hoped that at least one person among them had some familiarity with Cataclysm, as it would undoubtedly ease the process of comprehension and adaptation.

Lianna, her face pale and fragile, raised her gaze to meet Jayce's. "I... I have played the game before. My friend had been persistently urging me to join," she replied softly, her voice carrying a tinge of vulnerability.

Colin and Jackie shook their heads simultaneously, their unfamiliarity with the game not coming as a surprise given their age and interests.

"Alright, that's a good start," Jayce acknowledged, his voice carrying a serious undertone.

"If we want to survive in this new world, we need to discover everyone's class and ensure they are familiar with their skills and abilities," Jayce emphasized, making sure the trio understood the gravity of the situation.

Colin nodded in agreement. "I'll go and gather that information from everyone," he declared before making his way to the main room.

Jackie spoke up, her complexion showing a hint of color returning. "I am a mage. My skills include Ice Lance, which allows me to hurl sharp icicles at enemies, and Chill Aura, which emits a chilling aura to slow down nearby foes." Her voice carried a mix of determination and apprehension.

"Very good, You will need to practice these skills if you want to have any hope in battle."

At the mention of battle, whatever color Jackie's face had regained drained away once more.

"How about you Lianna?" Jayce asked, even though he knew the answer already.

"My class is Cleric," Lianna responded, her voice soft but filled with determination. "I possess the healing abilities of Healing Light, which can mend wounds and restore vitality, and Blessing of Protection, which offers a shield of defense to our allies."

Jayce smiled, admiration glimmering in his eyes. "Lianna, as a Cleric, you hold a crucial role in our group. Your healing prowess will be our lifeline in the midst of battles."

It was as he expected, the woman he had seen dead in the streets in his previous life was actually a Cleric. Making it through the Apocalypse would be much easier with a healer like Lianna on his team.

"Why don't you try your Healing Light on me?" he said expectantly. His muscles were still sore from the earlier battle against the Goblin.