Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character

The system, harsh as ever, was surprisingly invaluable in a dire situation like this. Its best feature was the video tutorials, providing me with step-by-step visual instructions, as if I were watching a skilled instructor right in front of me.

However, no matter how advanced the system was, the execution was left entirely to me. And therein lay the biggest problem—I had absolutely no combat experience.

As a civilian in my previous life, I only knew about fighting from stories, movies, or other people's chatter. I might've skimmed through theories about military strategies or basic tactics, but actually applying them? That was an entirely different matter.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself behind the tree I was using for cover. The situation was grim. I lacked proper equipment, had no formal training, and if I faced them head-on, I'd be dead long before I even had a chance to swing my stick.

Despite everything, I realized I still had two things to rely on:

The System, with its precise tutorials and step-by-step instructions.My Mind, though untrained, adaptive enough to think on the fly.

A basic principle I'd once read came to mind: In life-or-death scenarios, humans find ways to survive. Adrenaline kicks in, instincts sharpen, and your mind operates faster than ever.

"Maybe this is the time to prove that theory," I murmured, eyes fixed on the smoke-covered cave ahead.

[System Activated: Survival Mode Enabled]

[Initializing Tutorial: Basic Combat and Survival Techniques Without Gear]

A translucent window popped up before me, displaying a three-dimensional hologram of a man in a defensive stance. The system's mechanical voice began its straightforward lesson in a commanding tone:

[Step 1: Focus on Distraction and Diversion.]

— Avoid direct confrontation. Use environmental elements to confuse your enemies.

[Step 2: Quick and Efficient Strikes.]

— Target vital points: head, neck, joints. Your goal is to incapacitate, not kill.

[Step 3: Maintain Constant Movement.]

— Never stay in one place. Continuously reposition to avoid retaliation.

I absorbed the information as quickly as possible. The holographic demonstration broke it all down—how to strike with a stick, leverage momentum, and evade counterattacks.

"Alright... I just need to stay focused and follow the plan. Don't panic. Don't act rashly," I told myself.

Gripping my wooden staff tighter, I crept into a better position. The smoke from my crude bombs still blanketed the area, offering temporary cover. This was a race against time—I had to act before they regrouped and retaliated.

My first target was a disoriented bandit coughing amidst the smoke. Following the system's tutorial, I approached him silently and swung the staff at the back of his knee. He collapsed with a short, surprised yelp. Without hesitation, I struck the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious.

One down.

I immediately moved to a new spot, using the smoke to mask my presence. My heart thundered like it might burst, but I forced myself to keep going.

[Step 3: Maintain Constant Movement.]

The system's lesson echoed in my head, sensing the temptation to stop and catch my breath. If I paused now, I'd be done for.

Near the mouth of the cave, two more bandits were starting to piece together what was happening.

"There's an attacker! Find him!" one shouted.

Picking up a rock from the ground, I hurled it into a bush to their left, producing a loud rustle. The noise instantly diverted their attention.

While they turned toward the sound, I darted in behind them. Putting all my strength into the swing, I slammed the staff into one's side. He stumbled, collapsing to the ground, and I followed up by driving the end of the stick into his abdomen.

His partner caught sight of me but was too slow to act. I'd already retreated into the smoke before he could get close enough to attack.

[Step 1: Focus on Distraction and Diversion.]

I repeated the system's instructions like a mantra, creating another opening for myself. Exploiting the thick, obscuring smoke, I advanced toward another bandit. He was coughing heavily, trying to regain his bearings.

This was my chance. I moved in swiftly from the side, striking his knee hard. Crack! The sound made me flinch for a moment, but I couldn't falter.

He screamed in agony as he fell, and I delivered a sharp blow to his head. His body went limp, sprawled on the ground.

Four down.

The staff felt heavier in my hands. My breathing grew erratic, and my stomach churned from the stress. This was far beyond anything I'd ever experienced.

But I had to keep going. They'd killed the old man who had taken me in. They planned to raze my village to the ground. They were monsters who'd done nothing but take and destroy. If I hesitated, others would suffer.

Ducking behind cover, I took a moment to observe. Two bandits had begun moving cautiously in unison. They gripped their weapons tightly, their eyes scanning nervously as though searching for a phantom.

Perfect.

I picked up another rock and threw it hard toward a tree some distance away. It thudded loudly against the bark, grabbing their attention instantly.

"There! He's over there!" one shouted, rushing toward the sound.

Seizing the opportunity, I came from the opposite direction, striking one's shoulder with my staff. He toppled forward, dropping his weapon.

His partner wheeled around, ready to retaliate, but I was already gone—lost in the fading smoke.

The bandit cursed loudly, but I knew I was running out of time. The smoke was dissipating, and their leader, with his commanding presence, would soon reestablish control.

"A fall back to the cave! Regroup!" the leader barked, his booming voice cutting through the chaos.

The remaining bandits began retreating as ordered, heading back into the safety of the cave.

I clenched my teeth, suppressing the urge to charge recklessly. Now wasn't the time. I had to wait for the right moment.

As one straggler passed my hiding spot, I pounced. Swinging my staff with everything I had, I hit the back of his neck. He dropped like a stone, silent and motionless.

Five down.

But there were still more to go.