Newbie Apocalypse: Noob-Difficulty Tutorial

A sandstorm rose with furious rage, as if nature itself had unleashed its wrath. The horizon darkened with a cloud of dust that rapidly approached, filling the air with a hum and rustling sounds. The ground trembled underfoot, seemingly responding to the call of the elements. The wind intensified, lifting billions of grains of sand into the air, which collided with one another, creating a muffled roar.

Whirlwinds twisted in the sky like giant predatory spirals, absorbing everything in their path. A murky glow shone through the veil of sand, giving the scene a sinister hue and turning day into artificial night. The air thickened, saturated with dust that settled on the skin and penetrated the lungs. Amid this sandy chaos, small scarab beetles began to emerge from the depths of the vortex like shadows from nightmares.

Following the storm, a mechanical voice echoed in the air, sounding like an abyssal echo—a stark reminder of the cruelty of this new world:

---Main Quest: Reach the nearest training grounds and survive. This is the first test of your ability to adapt and endure in this harsh world. The training grounds will be a crucial waypoint on your journey, offering temporary shelter and opportunities to enhance your abilities under the guidance of an instructor.

Side Quest: Kill as many scarabs as possible. Scarabs are small but malicious creatures that emerge from the sandstorm, which not only limits visibility but also brings chaos and destruction. These bugs aren't just pesky—they're dangerous in their numbers, symbolizing the first of many disasters you'll face on your path to survival and self-improvement. The storm and its spawn are tests of endurance and courage. The most diligent and hardworking will always be rewarded for their efforts, proving that every step in this world matters and that every action brings you closer to perfection and survival. You will earn 1 point for each scarab killed. Rewards await the three individuals who achieve the highest kill counts.

---

In front of the approaching dust cloud, glowing arrows flashed in the air, shining bright blue like neon signs in the night. They hovered as if suspended by invisible chains, pointing the way to the training ground. Everyone could see these arrows, despite being scattered over a vast area—their light pierced through the dusty chaos, making them visible from a great distance.

I took a deep breath and sprinted in their direction, swatting away the first scarabs that came near while glancing at the other people. Panic and fear were evident in many eyes; people were terrified of being overtaken by the dusty cloud teeming with flying creatures. The tiny bodies of the beetles glistened in the sun as they darted through the air, aiming to crawl into ears, eyes, and mouths. These creatures weren't particularly dangerous individually, but their sheer numbers and persistence made them truly horrifying.

I noticed that some who had overused their newly acquired abilities before the trial began were now desperately trying to resist. Their remaining strength faded quickly, and the scarabs mercilessly swarmed them from all sides. The small but malicious insects crawled over their bodies, covering them entirely like a living black cloak. One by one, people fell, screaming and struggling; their voices mingled with the roar of the wind until they fell silent forever, leaving only grim silhouettes on the sand.

"Seriously?" I thought, running as fast as I could while watching the chaos—the raging storm and the swarm of beetles eager to consume everyone. "What am I even doing here? Get me back to my pizza and games!"

Nearby, I spotted a skinny guy who had caught my attention from the first moments after we were transported to this new world. He moved in bursts, stopping occasionally to hurl small embers at the scarabs, which had become alarmingly numerous since the storm began. Each ember struck a tiny insect with precision, causing them to fall to the ground with a faint squeak, instantly turning into charred spots. Some of his embers began to fly in strange trajectories, ricocheting from one insect to another, creating a chain of kills. The guy moved with agility and precision, as if he had used his ability before. His face showed a mix of concentration and strategic assessment, his eyes burning with determination not just to survive but to incinerate as many flying pests as possible.

Above me, a woman tumbled through the air, struggling to control the wind currents. She had become noticeably emaciated after prolonged use of her ability. Her figure resembled a skeleton wrapped in skin; the rapid loss of fat had left her body gaunt and disfigured. Loose skin hung in folds like an old, worn cloak. She emitted a shrill, hysterical scream, as if her soul were being torn apart by horror and pain. Despite everything, her body moved toward the arrows pointing to the training ground, as if it were her only hope of salvation.

I realized scarabs were crawling on my clothes, their tiny legs scratching my skin and trying to invade every crevice. Quick as I could, I taped up my ears with duct tape, hoping it would help. One beetle latched onto my hand, and I crushed it in anger, feeling the crunch of its shell under my fingers.

One point, I thought, looking at the squashed bug. It was disgusting, but a task is a task.

Around me, people's struggle for survival intensified, yet my thoughts kept drifting back to my cozy chair, computer, and the pineapple pizza I loved to order. This world was chaos—the complete opposite of my comfortable life. But I had no choice: I had to survive and move forward, using whatever I had—even if it was just a roll of duct tape.

As I continued toward the arrows, I brainstormed new ways to use my tape. One method proved effective: I wrapped my forearm with tape, letting scarabs stick to it, then crushed them right on my arm. Each time I felt their tiny bodies adhere, I pressed down hard, earning new points.

"Who would've thought duct tape would be my salvation?" I smirked, pressing onward. "Useless ability, huh? We'll see about that."

This strategy, combined with the systematic and calculated approach of the fire-throwing guy, gave me a bit of enthusiasm. Scarabs were relatively easy to kill, and since there was a reward, I might as well try to make it into the top three while most people were solely focused on reaching the training ground. Who knew? Maybe I'd get some stronger powers as a reward.

About twenty meters ahead—I used metric units because the imperial system sucks—I noticed a petite girl with long blond hair fluttering in the wind. Her eyes were bright blue, like a clear summer sky, and her gaze was somewhat confused and worried. Probably in her early twenties and looking like a model, she contrasted sharply with most of the participants. She had an oval face with high cheekbones and a delicate nose. Thick lashes framed her eyes, making them even more expressive. A slight blush colored her cheeks, whether from exertion or embarrassment at her helpless situation. Her lips were pressed into a tense line as she frowned.

She was clearly anxious, but I noticed something strange: when scarabs approached her, they dropped dead to the ground without even touching her. Did she have some kind of aura that killed bugs instantly? I’d better keep my distance.

The girl noticed this too, but instead of exploiting the situation to rack up points by annihilating insects en masse, she rushed to help others—those in dire straits and on the brink of death.

I watched as she approached a man frantically flailing his arms, trying to fend off a swarm of scarabs. Without hesitation, she positioned herself between him and the beetles, which instantly fell dead as they neared her. The man, stunned and grateful, fell to his knees, gripping her hand and mumbling something. She helped him up, ensured he could continue on his own, and then moved toward the next person under attack.

Before she could continue, a vibrant green energy swirled around her like a vortex of light and life. It shimmered and flowed, bathing everything in a soft emerald glow. She hesitated, her eyes widening in surprise, seemingly lost in this magical light. The energy gently touched her skin, absorbing into her and causing her to pause in awe and reverence.

The phenomenon lasted only a few seconds, but it felt as if time stood still. I saw her face illuminated by an inner light before the energy vanished as quickly as it had appeared. She shook her head slightly, as if shaking off a dream, and resumed her mission to help others. I couldn't understand what that energy was or where it came from, but one thing was clear: this girl possessed something unique and powerful, making her incredibly special in this world.

She seemed driven by an overwhelming need to help everyone. She darted between people who were screaming and pleading for assistance. Every step was a desperate attempt to reach them in time; every glance was filled with determination and compassion. But there were so many in need, and she wanted to help them all. Watching her, I couldn't help but burst into laughter.

It seemed so absurd that I couldn't stop. Here we were in utter chaos—a storm, scarabs, screams—and this girl decided to play savior. To me, it was utterly pointless and even foolish. She could have easily accumulated points to secure a top spot, but instead, she wasted her ability on others.

I laughed so hard that tears streamed down my cheeks. Silly girl, I thought, watching her scurry back and forth. Her nobility seemed so ridiculous that I couldn't contain myself.

My laughter abruptly stopped when I realized my uncontrolled amusement had caused me to lag behind the others. A swarm of scarabs buzzed around me, and a cold fear pierced through me. Moments ago, I had felt safe; now the insects were nearly upon me.

Instinct kicked in. I bolted, desperately trying to make up lost ground and escape the impending threat. The wind whipped against my face, sand grated between my teeth, and countless scarabs swirled behind me.

I calmed down, ceased observing the girl's actions, and focused on my own survival. Following the arrows, I tried to stay on course and not fall behind. Thoughts about the futility of others' charity faded into the background.

After witnessing the girl save others, a fleeting thought crossed my mind: perhaps I, too, could help someone with my useful ability. For a moment, I imagined myself as a savior, using my sticky tape to protect someone from scarabs, taping their ears, or helping the fallen to rise.

But I quickly dismissed the idea as utterly absurd. Why should I help these people? Assist them? Not a chance. The more of them that perished here, the easier it would be later. Less competition meant better odds for my own survival. These newcomers were just burdens, and the sooner they were gone, the better.

Let the scarabs do their job, I thought, watching the insects mercilessly attack the weak and defenseless. I'll focus on my own survival.

Ahead, an unfamiliar girl with short blond hair was running when she suddenly tripped over a dead body and fell. I heard a sharp crack from her leg, and she screamed loudly, lying on her side and clutching her knee. Pain distorted her face, tears streaming down her cheeks. She tried to stand but collapsed again in agony.

Insects quickly swarmed her, drawn by her screams and vulnerability. Initially, she didn't notice them, consumed by the pain in her leg. But as their numbers grew, she realized the imminent danger. Panicked, she fought back, using her magical ability—small, bright drops of acid formed in her palms, which she hurled at the scarabs. The droplets sizzled upon contact, instantly dissolving the insects into pools of slime.

At first, she managed to fend them off, each acid throw effective. But as the storm's epicenter approached, the number of insects increased. I saw her hands trembling from exhaustion, her face growing increasingly fearful. Staying put meant certain death. Realizing this, she tried to stand but fell again, her leg unable to support her.

My thoughts were cold and rational. I simply stepped aside to avoid attracting the scarabs swarming her and continued running. Her screams and struggles faded behind me, blending with the storm's roar and the cries of others fighting for survival.

I focused on my task, ignoring the pleas and screams surrounding me. Let others waste their energy on saving people; I knew that in this world, no one would look out for me but myself. The sooner I embraced this rule, the better.

Scenes of survival unfolded around me. People used their abilities to repel scarab attacks and push through the sandstorm. Not everyone was helpless, which didn't bode well for me. In the distance, I spotted what appeared to be a family—a couple with two teenagers. The father could create a small light shield, which deflected insects that then fell dead. His wife, holding one son's hand, shot small gusts of air from her fingers, knocking the scarabs off course. Their children, both in their mid-teens, were peculiar: one conjured pebbles in his palm to throw at the insects, while the other trembled like a small child, clinging to his mother. The family worked cohesively, pushing toward the training ground. When the mother stumbled and was about to fall, the father quickly formed a shield to protect her, helping her regain her footing.

To my right, a young woman with long black hair possessed echolocation abilities—each scream echoed, creating waves that repelled insects. She screamed repeatedly, pushing the scarab swarm back and allowing herself to advance. Her voice grew hoarse, and she slowed down, suffering a few bites. Summoning her remaining strength, she let out one last powerful scream, clearing a path for her to continue.

Ahead, I saw an elderly man who moved with difficulty, periodically disappearing and reappearing a few meters ahead—he could teleport short distances. Despite his weakness, he skillfully used his ability to avoid the insects, but his strength waned, and he used his power less frequently. Eventually, he could no longer teleport, and surrounded by scarabs, he fell with a final, muffled cry.

Not far from me, a woman generated soap bubbles from her palms, enveloping insects as they floated upward and burst. Initially, her ability seemed useless, but she adeptly created a barrier of bubbles around herself, protecting herself and others nearby. However, her bubbles began to burst faster than she could create them, draining her energy and slowing her down. Several scarabs broke through, and she fought desperately to stay on her feet.

I tried slowing down a few times to kill more scarabs and catch my breath, but after narrowly avoiding being overwhelmed by insects, I decided it wasn't wise. It was better to stick to the strategy: run faster and farther, stop less.

Finally, on the horizon, a massive, solitary structure emerged from the haze, vaguely resembling giant barracks. It stood against the endless desert landscape, evoking both hope and fear. Though it seemed distant, some spatial distortion made it appear closer with each passing minute. This phenomenon invigorated the exhausted people, giving them a second wind and hope of surviving the day.

Soon, gravel crunched under my feet—the beginning of the training ground's territory and a safe zone from the sandstorm. The gravel felt welcoming after the terrifying roar of the wind and the clatter of insects. The area before the building's entrance was neatly paved, with emerald grass sprouting between the stones. Bushes with bright flowers lined the path, emitting a sweet aroma that soothed and rejuvenated us.

Tall torches flickered, casting long shadows on the stone walls. Marble statues of mighty warriors in various battle poses stood along the path, symbolizing strength and resilience. In the center of the square stood a black marble fountain, its crystal-clear water flowing gracefully.

Sweaty and incredibly tired, I finally exhaled. Around me, at the entrance, a crowd had gathered, recovering from the grueling sprint. Faces displayed relief mixed with exhaustion; some collapsed onto the gravel, while others eagerly drank from the fountain, creating a small throng around it. I wouldn’t mind a few sips myself—the water looked inviting—but I decided to wait until it was less crowded.

Turning back toward the desolate landscape, I watched others continue their fight for survival, the unluckiest meeting their end just shy of safety. The sight brought me genuine satisfaction; I had completed this task and could now watch the slowest ones struggle. These exhausted, desperate runners amused me with their efforts.

“Keep going, you’re almost there,” a tall girl next to me encouraged them, her posture notably stooped. Was she mocking them? I decided to play along.

"Funny sight, isn't it?" I replied, pointing to a plump man awkwardly shuffling his short legs. "Look at that fatty trying to run—as if he's never lifted anything heavier than a spoon."

I let out a loud chuckle. The girl glanced at me disapprovingly, opening her mouth as if to say something, but my mocking grin and smug expression seemed to discourage her. Wait, so she was serious? Embarrassing.

Not everyone shared my interest in the "desperate runners," as I had dubbed them. Some began to survey the surroundings. The enormous metal gates leading into the building were closed, and attempts to enter proved futile. The training ground's walls looked impregnable, like ancient fortresses guarding their secrets.

Finally, the last few surviving participants reached the training ground, and the sandstorm began to dissipate. Like a giant beast losing its form, it transformed into clouds of dust that gradually vanished, leaving only a light haze. The winds calmed, and the desert returned to its usual silence as if nothing had happened. Only the red stars in the sky pulsed, winking at the survivors and hinting that the real challenges were yet to come.

That same mechanical voice echoed again, causing everyone to tense. This time, it announced that the first trial was over and each participant received three free points.

"What the hell are free points?" I wondered aloud. Judging by others' puzzled expressions, I wasn't alone.

People crowded at the entrance, their faces a mix of relief and fatigue. The massive metal gates groaned open slowly, inviting us inside. The wide doors parted, their sound echoing across the space. Engrossed by the open passage, people headed in, hoping to find shelter and rest.

I lingered for a moment. Returning to unfinished business, I approached the now-deserted fountain. The water shimmered softly, pleasantly murmuring. Taking a few refreshing sips—which surprisingly quenched my thirst quickly—I leisurely made my way into the building, seeing no better alternatives.