"Well, Mr. Wang, based on your CT scan, it looks like just a minor injury. There's no need to worry too much—just rest and apply an ice pack to help reduce swelling. Avoid any intense activity. However, if new symptoms appear—such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, or vision changes—go to the hospital immediately," the doctor explained carefully to the young man sitting in front of him.
Lucian nodded dazedly.
He heard the doctor clearly: nothing serious, just a bump.
'But then what are these? '
[Congratulations! You have successfully activated the Apocalypse Survival Guide.]
[You have received the Survival Newbie Pack: ]
• 500,000 Starlight Coins
• 1 Teleportation Pill [1 km radius]
• System Manual
[Name: Lucian Wang]
Level: 1 (0/100 EXP)
Strength: 15/50 [+]
Agility: 10/50 [+]
Endurance: 18/50 [+]
Speed: 12/50 [+]
Charm: 20/50 [+]
Skill Points: 0
Inventory Slots: 2/3 [+]
• Teleportation Pill (1)
• System Manual
Survival Points: 0
Quest: [5 Available]
[Survival Newbie Quest #1 ]
Clear Conditions: Convert items worth 30 Survival Points (see System Manual for instructions).
Reward: 30 EXP
[Survival Newbie Quest #2 ]
Clear Conditions: Body Strengthening
Push-Ups: 0/100
Squats: 0/100
Sit-Ups: 0/100
Running: 0/10 km
Reward: 20 EXP, 2 Skill Points
[Survival Newbie Quest #3]
Clear Conditions: Use Teleportation Pill
Reward: 10 EXP
[Survival Newbie Quest #4]
Clear Conditions: Spend 4,000,000 Starlight
Reward: 30 EXP
[Survival Newbie Quest #5]
Clear Conditions: Upgrade to Level 2
Reward: Space Unlock, 2 Skill Points, Space Inventory Manual
Lucian stared at the floating blue screens before him. By the look of it, he was the only one who could see them.
Earlier, while cleaning his grandfather's antique collection, a palm-sized jade Buddha statue fell from a shelf and struck his head. Immediately afterward, these screens appeared. Being cautious, Lucian worried it was a hallucination from a concussion, so he rushed to the hospital for a check-up. But he didn't tell the doctor about the blue screens—he just let him examine his head.
The diagnosis was clear: no concussion, nothing major.
Which meant the blue screens were real.
Lucian thanked the doctor and drifted toward the hospital reception to settle the bill.
Apocalypse. System. Survival. Space. Quest. Teleportation.
Those words echoed in his mind, sending a shiver through his bones as their meaning sank in.
As someone who spent countless hours online, Lucian had read his fair share of web novels and played countless games. He was no stranger to these terms.
Rebirth. Reincarnation. Transmigration. Other-world adventures.
These were his favorite genres, and their protagonists often wielded cheat-like systems. Now, it seemed, he had one too.
'But if this system mentions an apocalypse... When will it happen? '
His thoughts were interrupted as he handed the receptionist his payment.
["Breaking news: a new virus has been discovered in the country of Ameron, resulting in two deaths and seven confirmed infections. According to the Blue Star Health Organization, symptoms include coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and high fever. The cause of the virus is still undetermined. In the meantime, Ameron's government has advised citizens to wear face masks, sanitize regularly, and maintain their health." ]
"Oh my god, I hope that virus doesn't spread to our country," an elderly woman beside Lucian exclaimed dramatically.
"I should start wearing a face mask, just in case," another bystander muttered.
Lucian ignored them. His eyes were locked on the newest system prompt flashing before him.
[Countdown to Apocalypse: 06:10:35:45]
"...Fuck."
Six days and ten hours. That was all the time he had left to prepare.
He left the hospital in a rush and hailed a taxi.
"Where to, young man?" the driver asked.
Lucian took a deep breath as he slid into the seat. "Home," he replied, giving his address.
During the ride, he experimented with the system, quickly realizing he could summon and control it with just his thoughts. Only a few interfaces remained—Character and Quests—but one quest in particular caught his attention.
[Survival Newbie Quest #5]
Clear Conditions: Upgrade to Level 2
Reward: Space Unlock, 2 Skill Points, Space Inventory Manual
'Space.'
A hidden cheat that could ensure his survival in the coming apocalypse. He could hardly wait to unlock it.
Without hesitation, he opened the [System Manual].
A blue screen with five panels appeared before him. But only one contained text—the others were blank, locked for now.
'So it's not a one-time-use manual,' Lucian thought, relieved. 'And it seems Space and Inventory Slots are separate systems. Maybe I can't store system-issued items in Space, and vice versa. Better to use them carefully.'
Calming himself, he tapped open the available panel.
[Apocalypse Survival Guide for Newbies]
How to Use the System:
• Summon and control the system with your mind.
• The system issues quests to aid survival.
• Level up by reaching maximum EXP.
• Gain EXP through quests and Survival Point conversions.
• Gain Skill Points by completing quests.
• Only system-issued items can be stored in inventory slots.
• Inventory slots can be upgraded through certain quests.
• Survival Points are the system's currency.
How to Earn Survival Points:
• Exchange items for Survival Points and EXP:
– Copper: 0.1 Survival Point, 0.1 EXP
– Silver: 0.5 Survival Points, 0.5 EXP
– Gold: 1 Survival Point, 1 EXP
– Jade: 2 Survival Points, 2 EXP
• Items must be authentic, not counterfeit.
Lucian rubbed his chin—a habit whenever he was deep in thought.
'Good thing Grandpa left me some jade antiques. That'll save me some money.'
A bittersweet pang struck him as he thought of his grandfather. He missed him dearly. He missed his grandmother, too.
His grandparents had been loving, doting figures in his life. But three years ago, his grandmother passed away, and his grandfather, unable to endure the loss, soon followed.
As for his parents, though busy with their professions, they always found time to spoil him. Until last year, a tragic car accident took them away as well. Now he was alone.
That was when Lucian realized how precious life and time truly were—every second mattered.
'Lucian, my precious grandson, lives well until you are old.'
He remembered his grandfather's words. Perhaps this system, gifted through one of his antiques, was his way of ensuring Lucian's survival in the coming apocalypse.
"Sir, we've arrived," the driver announced.