The protagonist, Ilvis, is a 20-year-old who has been living a life of leisure since graduating from the prestigious Forsenberg Academy two years prior. His younger, half-sister, Alisa, a diligent and hardworking 16-year-old, finally confronts him, threatening to expel him from their home if he doesn't find employment. Ilvis, who lacks the inherent drive to exert himself ("Ganbarin" is zero in his constitution), initially tries to deflect, but Alisa's unwavering resolve, coupled with his own burgeoning conscience, forces him to agree to find work.
Considering his aversion to regular jobs with fixed hours and overtime, Ilvis is intrigued by Alisa's suggestion of becoming an adventurer, a profession that allows for flexible working hours. He recalls a flyer for a recruitment drive by the "Black Dragon's Fang," the largest adventurer clan in the capital. Despite his lack of experience and the daunting prospect of an aptitude test, Ilvis decides to apply, partly to alleviate Alisa's worries and partly as a potential "comeback" for his otherwise aimless life.
At the "Black Dragon's Fang" recruitment, Ilvis's honest declaration of being a "NEET" on his application causes confusion, as the clan seeks adventurers. He is initially rejected for being inexperienced. However, a renowned adventurer, Phonic, the "Meteor Sword," intervenes. Phonic, impressed by Ilvis's calm demeanor and apparent confidence despite the situation, allows him to proceed with the test. During the sword combat test, Phonic, intending to go easy on Ilvis, unleashes a "10% power" attack that Ilvis easily dodges, leading Phonic to believe Ilvis possesses exceptional perception. Phonic then escalates to a "100% power" attack, which Ilvis again effortlessly evades, much to Phonic's astonishment. Ilvis, however, perceives Phonic's attacks as deliberately slow and ineffective, believing Phonic is intentionally holding back to help him pass.
The magic test follows, where Ilvis, attempting to cast a simple "Magic Arrow," inadvertently destroys the target with overwhelming power. The examiner, a powerful sorceress named Carmilla, intervenes, creating a protective barrier. Ilvis, still trying to control his power, unleashes another "Magic Arrow" that shatters Carmilla's barrier and sends her flying into the wall. Despite the chaos and Carmilla's injury, both Phonic and Carmilla, recognizing Ilvis's raw, albeit uncontrolled, power, recommend him for acceptance.
However, during the clan's final selection meeting, the clan master, Alfred, a legendary figure, declares Ilvis (applicant #378) a failure. He explains that the "Black Dragon's Fang" cannot afford to have its top members defeated by an unknown newcomer, especially with royalty observing. To preserve the clan's reputation, the incident is to be officially disregarded, and Ilvis's performance erased. Phonic, though conflicted, ultimately accepts Alfred's decision to protect his own standing within the clan.
Disheartened but not entirely surprised, Ilvis returns home. Alisa, who had taken the day off to await his results, is supportive, praising his effort to try. She reveals that her acquaintances have informed her that large clans like "Black Dragon's Fang" might not suit Ilvis's personality. This leads Ilvis to consider becoming a freelance adventurer, a path that aligns better with his desire for freedom and his lack of social aptitude.
After a week of "recharging," Alisa forces Ilvis to leave home to pursue his new path. He first gets a haircut, transforming his appearance from a disheveled NEET to a more presentable individual. He then heads to the Adventurer's Guild to register. He is advised to list his profession as "Warrior" and is assigned a simple herb-gathering quest. Using his past experience as a "Gardening Committee" member and his latent magical abilities, Ilvis collects high-quality herbs, impressing the guild staff. The narrative ends with Ilvis embarking on his first quest, ready to take his next step as a budding adventurer.
