The protagonist, Ed, is abruptly informed by a scout that he is no longer needed in the party. This decision, made by the entire group, is confirmed by the Hero, who explains that while Ed was once a valuable member, his recent laziness and lack of effort in training have become a burden. Ed, surprisingly, reacts with elation, revealing this is his desired outcome. He then uses his "Stranger Box" skill to produce a large stack of papers, which he distributes as parting gifts. These include a detailed manual for efficient training and skill acquisition, and a meticulously crafted map containing hidden passages and traps, created using his "Copy and Fake" and "Auto Mapping" skills. The party members are astonished by Ed's hidden abilities and the extent of his contributions, realizing their mistake and begging him to stay. However, Ed declines, stating it's impossible, and quickly departs before his "Stranger Box" skill's time limit expires.
Ed successfully transfers to the "White World," a hub where he has been "exiled" from 100 different worlds after joining and being removed from 100 hero parties. This process, which took him approximately 100 years, was a condition set by a mysterious entity to return to his original world. He reflects on the absurdity of the condition and the repetitive nature of his existence, returning to his 20-year-old self each time. Upon his return, he receives a new "exile skill" from a crystal ball. He then discovers a new door, labeled "000," which appears to be the gateway to his original world, indicating zero time has passed there.
Ed decides to revisit his first world, the one where he was exiled from the Hero party led by Alexis. He prepares by activating his skills and equipping a simple steel sword. Upon arrival, he finds the town in ruins, far more dilapidated than he remembers. An old man informs him that the town was destroyed by the Demon Lord's army over two years ago, and that the Demon Lord's forces have been active for over a decade. He also learns that Alexis, the Hero, died five years prior, along with the rest of the party. This news deeply affects Ed, despite his initial separation from them.
Using his "Akashic Compass" skill, Ed searches for Alexis and Gonzo, confirming their deaths. However, the compass indicates that Tia, another party member, is alive. Driven by a desire to see her, Ed uses his "Mirage Shift" skill to reach her location. He finds Tia living in a secluded cabin. Initially, she is overjoyed to see him alive, having believed him dead. Ed fabricates a story about living in hiding to explain his absence. He learns from Tia that after his departure, the party struggled to find a replacement, and their subsequent reliance on hired help led to further complications.
Tia reveals that during a crucial battle against the Demon Lord's army, their hired porter betrayed them, stealing their teleportation crystals and leaving them vulnerable. Alexis, sacrificing himself, used his own teleportation crystal to save Tia, but the rest of the party perished. The King, to protect Tia and avoid further complications, declared the party dead. Tia has been living in seclusion ever since, her life force slowly draining due to the immense power she used in that final battle.
Suddenly, a dragon attacks Tia's cabin. Tia, despite her weakened state, uses a powerful spirit magic, sacrificing more of her remaining lifespan to defeat it. Ed is horrified by her self-destructive actions, realizing his own presence has inadvertently put her in danger and caused her to expend her precious life force. He vows to protect her. As they prepare to leave, a massive Adamant Golem appears, drawn by the magic used to sustain Tia. Ed, now possessing significant power from his many exiles, prepares to confront the Golem, determined to protect Tia and ensure her survival.
