The story follows Hannes, a reincarnated individual in a world where strength and beauty are intertwined and where romantic confessions often involve deadly duels. Hannes, who deliberately chose to be "ugly" and "weak" as a consequence of his past life's desires for a long life and a harem, attends the Ustas Magic Academy. His primary motivation is survival and a peaceful, unremarkable existence, actively avoiding attention and romantic entanglements.
The narrative details Hannes's daily life at the academy, characterized by him being ostracized and subjected to the academy's unique culture. This culture includes a law where a successful confession leads to an immediate marriage, and confessions are often initiated through combat. Hannes's "ugliness" and low charm, a result of sealing his "Charming Eyes" ability, serve as a protective barrier against unwanted advances and potential death. He endures constant bullying and is treated as refuse, often having garbage thrown at him by students, particularly female students who despise his presence. His only solace is a secluded fountain where he washes himself and his tattered uniform.
Hannes's past life was one of intense sexual desire, but after dying at sixteen and being reincarnated, he gained a new perspective, valuing longevity over fleeting pleasures. He made a deal with a post-death administrator, requesting to retain his memories, be reincarnated in a world where he could achieve his ideals (harem, strength, long life), and gain the ability to charm others, all at the cost of reduced initial abilities, especially charm, and a higher chance of death. He also requested to have multiple lives, which in this world translates to having multiple souls, allowing for regeneration from fatal wounds. This world's unique biology, where individuals possess multiple souls, leads to a bizarre cultural practice where taking someone's life creates an "en" (bond) and is considered the ultimate expression of love.
His "Charming Eyes" ability, when sealed, drastically lowers his charm, making him universally disliked, especially by women. This, however, perfectly aligns with his goal of avoiding romantic attention and thus, death. He diligently trains his "Lifelong Magic," "Adamantine," which hardens his body, and attends combat classes taught by the gruff but effective Miyya, who despises him but teaches him diligently. He also befriends Net, a popular and cheerful student from a noble family, and later, Tesla and Doug, who are also skilled students.
Hannes's life takes a turn when Net, despite his popularity, struggles with his feelings for Eve, a quiet girl. Net confesses his love through a duel, as per custom, but Eve, who possesses a unique "hiding" ability, doesn't immediately reciprocate or engage in the customary counter-attack. This unusual situation leads to a complex emotional resolution where Eve, sensing Net's genuine love through their "en," accepts his feelings and they form a couple. Hannes, acting as an unintentional "cupid" by simply listening to Net, inadvertently becomes a shield for Net, as other girls who are jealous of Eve's relationship with Net now direct their negative attention towards Hannes, further isolating him and protecting Net.
The narrative then shifts to Hannes's first dungeon exploration with Net, Tesla, and Doug. Despite his initial fear and lack of experience, Hannes proves surprisingly capable in combat, his "Adamantine" magic and strategic thinking allowing him to survive and even defeat monsters. He learns survival skills from Miyya during their training sessions in the dungeon, which are more akin to brutal survival training than conventional lessons. He also discovers a unique, spicy fruit in the dungeon that he finds delicious, despite its intense pain, and collects it for potential profit. The group successfully navigates the dungeon's initial levels, with Hannes demonstrating a growing, albeit reluctant, combat prowess. The story concludes with Hannes and his companions continuing their dungeon exploration, hinting at further adventures and challenges.
