TRTP 02

Chapter : 2

Apocalypse Tutorial (1)

When he opened his eyes again, he was inside a completely sealed space.

The room looked about 20 square meters in size, and it was so tightly closed that it felt like even air couldn’t pass through. A perfect locked room—one that would make it hard to breathe if you stayed inside for even an hour or two.

Just as Dan-yoon frowned, a new system window appeared before his eyes.

[Please choose your faction. If you do not choose, one will be assigned randomly.]

1. Constellation Stella
2. Constellation Gardner
3. Constellation Hera
4. Constellation Dustmon
   [※Tip! Click on the Star Masters’ constellation names to view detailed information.]

“Faction, constellation, Star Master…?”

Dan-yoon slowly began to adjust to the strange situation.

Maybe it was a dream. Maybe it was real. But one thing was certain—this kind of “escape” was exactly what he had always wanted.

For someone who had been living without purpose, clinging to the past, this was the shock he needed.

That might be why he adapted so quickly.

He calmly organized his thoughts.

A “faction” probably meant choosing a side, like Horde and Alliance.

The term “Star Master” was unfamiliar, but “constellation” was not.

A constellation—god-like beings. Like viewers watching a livestream, they observe humans, support them, enjoy them, and toy with them however they like.

His knowledge started to fall into place.

“This feels more like a fantasy novel than a game.”

It felt unreal—almost too unreal.

But he was probably not the only one feeling this way.

This was a world where web novels were popular.

And lately, stories about constellations, livestreaming, and hunters were trending.

He wondered if he had been thrown into some novel, but none of the ones he had read had these constellations.

“Also, I don’t think any story starts by choosing a constellation from the beginning… a faction, huh…”

Then he remembered something.

[Four Star Masters have entered.]

“So there are four factions, each with a constellation as their leader… and they want us to choose one and compete?”

Dan-yoon waved his hand, checking if he could avoid making a choice.

The options flickered for a moment, then returned to normal.

It seemed not choosing wasn’t an option.

“In any game, the first choice is important.”

He had no idea what would happen next.

This choice could affect his entire future.

Like choosing the wrong difficulty at the start of a tutorial and getting stuck alone in a tower.

Dan-yoon began checking each option one by one. The system worked through touch.

[1. Star Master Stella]
[Description: A god who enjoys gambling and competition. She likes to reward her followers, and if you gain her trust, you can expect amazing growth. However, be careful of her unique quirks!]

“…What kind of useless explanation is this?”

It wasn’t helpful at all. A god who likes gambling and competition?

He moved on.

[2. Star Master Gardner]
[A bold and aggressive god. His training may be harsh, but those who overcome his trials will achieve great growth. As they say on Earth, even tigers raise their cubs by pushing them off cliffs.]

Again, not very helpful.

It just showed what kind of personality each Star Master had.

[3. Star Master Hera]
[A kind and beautiful god. She strongly values and protects the rights of her followers. Her heart must be as beautiful as her appearance. If you ever get to see her, you might be blinded by her beauty. Though, it’s uncertain if someone as lowly as you will ever meet her.]

“Hera… that name sounds familiar.”

He skipped ahead.

[4. Star Master Dustmon]
[A passionate and energetic Star Master. Maybe because he is new? He lacks experience, but he might support you more actively than others. This is his debut game, after all! Of course, only after you prove your worth.]

A gambling-loving god.
An aggressive god.
A kind and beautiful god.
A passionate rookie god.

Dan-yoon summarized them briefly.

Then he moved his finger.

[You have selected Star Master Stella.]

He didn’t think much about the other options.

No matter how it was explained, it was obvious—no matter which constellation he chose, he would have to prove his worth to receive support.

So what mattered was the order.

Number 1.

In any vote, the first option tends to get chosen the most, simply because it’s first. A psychological effect.

That meant the constellation in the first slot was likely the most experienced or successful.

And if more people chose it, that faction would likely have more strong players.

“I need to focus on the concept of factions.”

In the end, he would have to fight other factions.

“It’s better to board a strong ship if you don’t want to sink.”

The personality of the constellation didn’t matter.

What mattered was which one would be chosen the most.

Of course, the biggest reason was that this constellation liked “gambling and competition.”

That suited him perfectly.

[Faction selection complete.]
[Analyzing the player’s history to generate traits.]
[Analyzing… 56%]

“Traits?”

Dan-yoon clenched his teeth.

“This is the important part. It probably determines my class or skills. Give me something good… something unique.”

In fantasy stories, everything comes down to luck.

Most protagonists start with absurd luck that gives them an advantage.

What he gets here will determine whether he becomes the main character… or just an extra.

[Analysis complete.]
[Generated Traits]

1. Gambling Addict (Common)
2. Forced Loner (Rare)
3. Framed Pro Gamer (Mystic)
4. One Who Reached the Peak (Mythic)
   ※Summary: A person who reached the top in gaming, but was falsely accused and fell to rock bottom, burying himself afterward. Despite his brilliant talent, his mentality is as fragile as a sunfish.

“…Damn it. Are they messing with me?”

The moment he saw his traits, Dan-yoon couldn’t help but curse.

“Framed Pro Gamer” and “One Who Reached the Peak” were fine.

But “Forced Loner” and “Gambling Addict”… what the hell were those?

Before he could complain further, the environment around him changed.

[Generating stage.]
[Summoning ‘Zest Canyon’.]

Another system message appeared.

It was hard to keep up.

[Tip! Each stage has a strategy. Find the correct method to advance to the next stage.]

The white space around him shone brightly like endless daylight, then suddenly changed into a barren cliff.

In his hand was a worn dagger. On its handle was a red flame-shaped symbol.

“No weapon choice, huh.”

Stage. Arena.

It seemed like a tower-style system where you clear stages and move upward.

He had been summoned to the top of a steep cliff.

Below him was a deep canyon with no visible end. The area on the cliff was about 500 meters wide, with clouds almost within reach.

A cold mountain wind blew.

There was no sun, but it looked like evening—just before darkness would fall.

[Stage 1 – Tutorial]
[Clear Condition: ???]
[Description: ???]
[Time Remaining: 09:59]
[Failure Penalty: Death]

“What kind of terrible explanation is this?”

It clearly said “tutorial,” but there were no instructions or conditions.

Dan-yoon gripped his dagger and stayed calm.

This couldn’t be explained by science, but it followed a game-like system.

Each stage had a solution.

So he carefully observed his surroundings, looking for any clues.

Then—

Flash!

A blinding light struck his eyes.

He instinctively raised his arm to block it.

When he opened his eyes again—

A massive dragon, larger than a building, was staring right at him.

“…Are you kidding me?”

What kind of insane situation was this?

It looked like a final boss.

Its body was covered in hard, red scales. Its wings were sharp enough to kill him instantly. One step from it would crush him like a bug.

Fear began to rise.

Just moments ago, everything felt unreal.

But now, with death in front of him, it all felt painfully real.

Grrrr!

The dragon snorted and lifted its body.

Even while crouching it was huge—but now it looked like an apartment building.

“This is not a tutorial level!”

This was completely unbalanced.

Ignoring his thoughts, the dragon lowered its head and opened its mouth.

Flames began gathering inside.

It looked ready to burn him alive at any moment.

Dan-yoon glanced down at the cliff.

The drop was endless.

“Is this a test to see if I can jump?”

But what if it wasn’t?

If there was no water below, he would be crushed instantly.

Even if there was water, the impact would kill him.

He checked the time.

[Time Remaining: 08:22]

“Is this a survival mission?”

No.

It didn’t say “clear condition.”

It said “time remaining.”

If surviving was enough, there would be no need to hide the clear condition.

There had to be another way.

Meanwhile, the dragon kept gathering its breath.

To it, he was just a bug.

Why was it charging such a powerful attack?

It was like using a bazooka to kill an insect.

“Or… it fires when time runs out.”

Like a trap. Making him think he just needs to survive—then killing him at the end.

He had to choose.

The dragon wasn’t doing anything except charging its breath.

Jump off the cliff… or dodge and survive for 10 minutes.

Or…