The story begins with Yuya, a househusband, being approached by his wife, Makina, who is excited about a new VRMMO game called "Endless Field Online" (EFO). Makina, who knows Yuya dislikes MMOs due to his introverted nature, reassures him that EFO is different. The game features an infinitely generated open world, managed by an AI Game Master, with a story about a fantasy kingdom colonizing a new world. A key mechanic is the starting location: combat-focused players begin in the initial city, while exploration-focused players can establish homes far away. The game's tagline, "You become the NPC!", hints at the role of exploration players in building settlements for combat players to eventually reach. Yuya agrees to play with Makina, who wants to focus on exploration.
Upon starting, Yuya, who prefers high-freedom games, chooses to play as an elf, customizing his avatar with silver hair and red-orange eyes. He selects a mage-like build, opting for a simple staff and robes, and chooses the initial skills "Grass Magic" and "Water Magic" for survival, along with crafting skills like "Architecture," "Woodworking," "Logging," "Mining," "Gathering," and "Sewing," and the intriguing "Engraving" skill. Makina, using the avatar name "Keena," chooses to be a human.
They spawn in a medieval fantasy courtyard, a waiting area for adventurers. After finding each other amidst the crowd, they proceed to the settlement counter. To their surprise, the NPC offers them a marriage registration, which they accept. This grants them benefits: a "Location Detection" wedding ring, a shared inventory box, and the ability to have a combined, larger starting base. They choose to start in a very remote location, selecting a peculiar, enchanted-looking forest as their settlement site. They receive basic building materials, tools, and some food.
Upon arriving at their designated spot, they discover the forest is unusually vibrant and potentially dangerous, with strangely shaped plants and trees. Yuya finds a "Branch of Slumber" that is more powerful than his starting staff, indicating the area's high-level nature. They quickly establish a base by placing a teleportation device, securing their respawn point. Keena begins building a temporary shelter using a blueprint, leveling up her "Architecture" skill. Yuya, meanwhile, sets out to find a "Great Bird's Bone," a valuable item for early funding.
Keena, after building a basic house and crafting a table and bed, experiments with her skills. She discovers she can create custom items. Using the Great Bird's Bone, she crafts a "Great Bird Bone Birdcage" and registers it as a dwelling. To her surprise, a translucent, talking bird-like ghost appears inside, identifying itself as a Phoenix spirit. The Phoenix explains that the world was created by a god of "Birth," where "death" was weak, and Phoenixes served as "Regeneration" beings. However, a force of "Destruction" has begun hunting them, disrupting the world's natural cycle and causing monsters to appear. The Phoenix believes humans, with their ability to consume and grow stronger, can combat this "Destruction."
Meanwhile, Yuya, after a brief encounter with a low-level monster, heads towards the sea. He receives a message from Keena about the talking Phoenix. Returning to their base, they learn the Phoenix has granted Keena the title "Mistress of the Phoenix" and unlocked new skills, including "Necromancy," "Weapon Crafting," "Armor Crafting," and a new job class, "Necromance Crafter." Keena, despite her fear of horror, is excited about the prospect of a "cute ghost" and a Halloween-themed base.
The couple then travels to the initial city, "Piriot," to buy better equipment. They visit a player-run shop where they sell their gathered materials, earning a significant amount of currency. They purchase better gear, including Yuya's bow and leather armor, and Keena's mage robes and boots. They also buy bedding for their makeshift house. While shopping, they learn about an upcoming parade featuring important kingdom figures.
Yuya devises a plan to use the Phoenix to address the "World Quest" announced in the game. He disguises himself as a "Mossy" NPC, with Keena as his guide, and they interrupt the parade. The Phoenix, "Fussy," explains the world's plight to the kingdom's leaders, including Knight Commander Russell Colebeat. The leaders pledge to fight the "Destruction," and Yuya receives the title "Master of the Opening," while Keena gains "Opening Responsibility's Expectations." Fussy then encourages other players to find and help Phoenixes. Yuya and Keena quickly retreat to their base, avoiding further attention.
Back at their base, they discuss the events. Yuya realizes his disguise was somewhat effective, but he might be recognized. Keena is pleased with their adventure and their growing bond. They log out for a meal and check the game's forums, where players are discussing the World Quest and the mysterious "Mossy" NPC. It's revealed that Yuya's disguise was successful in maintaining anonymity, and Keena's new "Necromance Crafter" class is a result of her crafting and interaction with Fussy. The chapter ends with them preparing to continue their adventures in the game.
