Synopsis

As soon as he opens his eyes, the man realizes he has been reincarnated into the world of the famous RPG series “Spirit Wars: Dungeon Magia.” However, it isn’t as the protagonist that he has been reincarnated, nor even as a background character… With weak abilities, little to no talent, and the catchphrase “Nyahaha!” he has been born again as a bottom-feeder boss destined to die in the tutorial! All that awaits him is his own grim end! However, after finding out that his beloved older sister is destined to die from illness, he makes her a promise: “I’m going to wreck every unfair plot point in this damned world with my own two hands!” Taking advantage of his vast knowledge of games, the man decides to rebel against the original scenario. The strongest secret boss, the boss from the saddest route… He sets out to meet all the bosses of the world. But what lies in store…?! (Source: Yen Press)

The Weakest Bosses’ Biggest Challenge!

Written by Kotatsu Takahashi and illustrated by Kakao Lanthanum, Before the Tutorial Starts, one of Yen Press’ latest light novel titles, tells the tale of a tutorial boss rising from the ashes of defeat.

The story follows the endeavours of a newly reincarnated person placed inside their favourite game, Dungeon Magia. Unfortunately, his dreams of playing a hero are tragically cut short when he finds out he’s not been reincarnated as the game’s protagonist or an important plot character, but instead reincarnated into the body of the weakest character in the game, the tutorial boss, Kyouichirou.

Whether this happened at random or as an elaborate cosmic joke, Kyouichirou doesn’t have long to mull over the particulars before he’s shown that Dungeon Magia is more than just a game. Thrust into his own special story where only tragedy awaits him and his family, his knowledge of the game might be the only thing that he has in his arsenal to save them. 

Playing the underdog in a world based on a game setting is hardly a novel premise, and Kotatsu Takahashi’s take on the genre barely strays beyond the beaten path. However, being generic doesn’t automatically mean the series is bad, and this one has plenty going for it in terms of entertainment value.

Before the Tutorial Starts is a fast-paced and light-hearted affair. As the first point of contact, Kyouichirou, the protagonist, does a lot of work to keep the series together. A bit of a jokester, he’s often the voice of reason as the surreal events of the game world unfold one after another.

Kyouichirou is often also joined by Albi, his spirit. As well as offering a few scenes of banter between them, Albi is important as a check on Kyouichirou’s power. The protagonist’s weak abilities work in the series’ favour as there are no quick fixes for them. Rigorous training throughout the novel only makes Kyouichirou strong rather than unbeatable.

As the novel progresses, the story introduces potential allies for Kyouichirou. Not wanting to interfere with the main plot of the game, he picks Haruka Aono as a potential candidate. A woman destined for her own dark fate, the volume’s climax brings Kyouichirou in to avoid these events. In a segment that showcases why a team is necessary to achieve the protagonist’s goals, it also alludes to Haruka’s character motivations and her reasons for teaming up with him, showing foresight for the series’ future.

Albeit generic, Before the Tutorial Starts’ first instalment makes for an entertaining couple of hours. It’s a fast-paced series that shines when adding layers and motivations to the characters within the game. As Kyouichirou goes on the hunt for more teammates in the upcoming volumes, it’ll be interesting to see whether the author’s plans for the series come to fruition.

I Give Before the Tutorial Starts Volume 1: 7/10