This section of the light novel, chapters 3 through 12, introduces Haruto Iwami, the 80th head of the once-renowned Iwami family of mages. In the modern, scientifically advanced world, magic is largely obsolete and impractical, leading to the decline of mages. Haruto, despite his lineage, works a mundane office job in Tokyo, a stark contrast to his aspirations. His life takes a turn when his parents die in a traffic accident, prompting him to quit his job and return to his provincial hometown. He finds re-employment in a stable but low-paying local company, leading a monotonous existence.
On his 30th birthday, Haruto is visited by Sakuya, the Iwami family's guardian deity, who appears as a young girl. Sakuya expresses concern about Haruto's unmarried status and the family's dwindling legacy. Haruto, resigned to his circumstances, explains the impracticality of magic in their current era. Sakuya, however, decides to take matters into her own hands and, with a casual remark about a "real game," teleports Haruto to another world.
This new world is a fantasy realm filled with monsters and magic, a stark contrast to Haruto's mundane life. Initially disoriented, Haruto is immediately attacked by three bipedal boars, which Sakuya identifies as monsters. Encouraged by Sakuya, Haruto uses a powerful fire magic spell, "Ignition," which he had developed in high school but never used, to defeat them. Sakuya reveals that this world is a "real-life RPG" and a birthday gift, allowing Haruto to freely use his magic and explore. She also expresses a desire to find a wife for him in this new world.
They soon encounter Norn, a goddess of this world, who is injured and needs healing. Haruto uses his healing magic, and Norn, grateful, provides them with currency and directions to the nearest town, Ruina. Norn also gives Haruto a sword, the "Norn Sword," and assures him that communication and travel within this world are covered by her divine influence.
Upon arriving in Ruina, they are met by a guard who notes their unusual attire. Haruto, still adapting, lies about being a traveler. They learn that boar butter-grill is a local specialty and decide to try it. The food proves to be exceptionally delicious, reinforcing Haruto's desire to explore this world's culinary delights. Sakuya also reveals that she can teleport them back to their world at any time.
The narrative then shifts to Haruto's life in his home world, highlighting his ongoing arranged marriage meeting with Julia Asai, the daughter of a prominent mage family. Their meetings are awkward and lack progress, with both parties seemingly hesitant. Haruto's superiors at the mage association, Murata and Yamanaka, observe their lack of advancement and express concern, noting the historical rivalry between the Iwami and Asai families and the current disparity in their standing. Haruto's own insecurities about his modest living situation and the Iwami family's decline, contrasted with Julia's privileged background, contribute to his hesitation.
Meanwhile, in the other world, Haruto and Sakuya join the Magic Guild in Ruina, where they meet Holly, a guild receptionist. Haruto, with his immense latent magical power, impresses Holly. They learn that monsters drop "magic stones," which can be sold for money. Haruto, with Sakuya's guidance, begins hunting goblins in a nearby forest to earn money, collecting magic stones. They also decide to travel to the capital city, which is a ten-day journey on foot or five by carriage, and plan to use Haruto's car for faster travel during the night.
The story also reveals that Norn, the goddess, has a fondness for Haruto's light novels and manga, occasionally "borrowing" them. Haruto's arranged marriage with Julia continues to be a source of awkwardness, with both parties struggling to initiate deeper conversations. Despite the lack of progress, Haruto's superiors encourage him to take initiative, suggesting he invite Julia on a date. He eventually decides to ask her to a movie, and they agree to meet on Friday night.
The chapters conclude with Haruto and Sakuya continuing their adventures in the other world, planning their journey to the capital, and Haruto preparing for his date with Julia, all while navigating the complexities of his dual life.
