The S-rank adventurer party "Blastwind" is in turmoil when Bridget, the newly recruited Thief, abruptly declares Sley, the party's versatile "Supporter," to be fired. Bridget, who is younger and less skilled than her rank suggests, childishly insults Sley, claiming his role is vague and unnecessary. Sley, a 25-year-old commoner from the frontier with sharp eyes and a pragmatic demeanor, is unfazed but internally questions Bridget's authority. He is skilled in multiple areas, including swordsmanship, magic, beast taming, and transmutation, earning him the title "All-Rounder."
The party's leader, Roland, the Hero and Attacker, sides with Bridget, stating Sley's abilities are not up to par with "Blastwind." Roland, a 22-year-old with a strong lineage and the ability to imbue his blade with "Brave Aura," reveals his true motivation: his obsessive desire for the party's Healer, the 19-year-old Saintess, Area. He claims Sley's familiarity with Area is unacceptable and that he wants to protect her purity from Sley's "commoner's vulgarity." Area, a gifted Saintess with SS-rank healing and offensive capabilities against evil beings, is distressed by the accusation and defends Sley, highlighting his crucial role in their success. Sley often acts as a final line of defense for the rear guards, including Area and the Magi, Henry.
Raymond, the 30-year-old Paladin and Defender, also surprisingly agrees with Sley's dismissal, echoing Roland's sentiment about Area. He clarifies his stance is not romantic but a Knight's reverence for a Saintess, subtly criticizing Roland's "lustful affection." Henry, the 25-year-old Magi and a prodigy from a viscount family, declares neutrality, stating Sley is useful but he won't strongly oppose the majority decision. Bridget, emboldened by the support, threatens Henry with a lower position in the party hierarchy.
With the decision made, Sley begins packing his belongings, feeling a sense of anticlimax. He reflects on his desire to become an alchemist, a dream he's been pursuing by saving money and practicing transmutation. He reveals that becoming an alchemist as a commoner requires a substantial donation of 10,000 gold coins to the Alchemist's Guild, a feat he has achieved through years of frugal living and careful use of his skills, including using transmutation for cooking.
As Sley prepares to leave, Area and Henry see him off. Area gifts him a high-quality cloak, and Henry provides a basket of "Runza" fruits for Sley and his loyal Dire Wolf companion, Lloyd. Sley, in turn, gives them valuable magic crystals and a "Necklace of Substitution" as parting gifts, expressing his gratitude for their support during the expulsion. He also reveals his plan to stay in the nearby city of Runeside for at least a year to pursue his alchemist training, leaving the possibility of future encounters open.
Before departing, Sley learns that his replacement will be Gantetsu, a notorious S-rank Attacker known as the "Berserker." This news alarms Sley and Henry, as Gantetsu has a reputation for causing trouble and has a rough appearance. Bridget is revealed to be the one who scouted Gantetsu, further cementing her role as a source of problems. Sley expresses concern for Area and Henry's safety, urging them to be careful.
The next day, Sley leaves the "Blastwind" residence with Lloyd, heading towards Runeside. He reflects on his journey and the potential difficulties ahead, particularly concerning Lloyd's attachment to Area. During their travels, they are surrounded by a pack of Grey Wolves. Lloyd, revealed to be a "Wolf King," easily intimidates them into submission, showcasing his superior status. Sley realizes the significance of this event and expresses his gratitude to Lloyd. He also contemplates the possibility of Area visiting him in Runeside and offers his help should "Blastwind" face insurmountable problems. The narrative concludes with Sley's departure, hinting at future troubles for "Blastwind" with Gantetsu's arrival.
