Chapters 3-12 of the light novel detail the initial stages of a new VRMMO game, "The Tale of a Certain VRMMO" (abbreviated as "Aru Bui"), and the protagonist's early experiences within it.
The narrative begins with a chaotic planning meeting for the game's development, attended by a small group including a young girl referred to as the "Supreme Commander," her attendant Tsubaki, and several staff members like Netzah, Gebra, Hod, Hokuma, and Tea. Their discussions are frequently derailed by personal squabbles and informal banter, highlighting a relaxed yet somewhat dysfunctional organizational dynamic. The core of the meeting revolves around the game's concept: a VRMMO set on a planet generated by the Supreme Commander. The staff are assigned roles as deities for different aspects of this world, with Tea taking a leadership role in organizing these assignments.
The story then shifts focus to the protagonist, Yamano Taiki, a high school student with a penchant for survival and a dream of living a reclusive life abroad after turning eighteen due to the strict regulations on outdoor activities for minors in his country. He lives with his unconventional, adoptive family, including his mother and several adopted siblings. Taiki is unexpectedly invited by his childhood friend, Haruma Takahiro, and his stepsister, Midori, to become a beta tester for "Aru Bui." Despite his initial reservations about VR games due to their perceived lack of responsiveness, Taiki is intrigued by the mention of potential survival gameplay.
Upon logging into the game, Taiki, under the player name "Nanashi," creates his character. He chooses the human race and opts for a unique skill acquisition method via a roulette, which grants him the skill "Castle Fall Lv1." He also receives the title "One Who Acts Without Thinking" and "Friend of Slimes." His initial gameplay involves exploring the starting town, Ibis. He encounters a group of children who are trying to hide a "Red Slime" they've befriended. Nanashi, displaying an affinity for cute creatures, agrees to take the slime, named Alexander, under his care, earning him the title "Friend of Slimes." This act, however, triggers a world announcement, revealing the game's Taming system and causing a stir among other players.
Nanashi's early adventures are marked by his lack of combat skills, relying on his physical prowess and the surprising capabilities of Alexander. He teams up with Midori (playing as Alhena) and Takahiro (playing as Enif), who are part of an all-female clan called "Etoile." They engage in combat with various monsters, with Nanashi demonstrating an unusual effectiveness despite his skill deficit, often relying on brute force and environmental manipulation. He also learns about the game's mechanics, including skill acquisition through repeated actions and the importance of crafting and item gathering.
The chapters also touch upon the game's economy, the challenges of navigating the game world, and the social dynamics among players. Nanashi's family life is briefly explored, revealing their eccentricities and his mother's involvement in the game's development. The narrative concludes with Nanashi continuing his exploration, facing the consequences of his unique skill acquisition, and dealing with the unexpected popularity of his tamed slime, Alexander, while also considering the practicalities of survival and resource management within the game. The online community's reactions to his actions and the game's mechanics are shown through forum posts, highlighting the rapid emergence of player strategies and challenges.
