This section of the light novel introduces the protagonist, Ash, and establishes his unique situation within the world of "Magical Holic 9-nine-".
The narrative begins with a heated confrontation at Yuctovania Magic Academy. Mercie Wind, the daughter of a disgraced Duke, is enraged by Cecilia's insults towards her father. The academy, a prestigious institution for noble magic users, becomes the stage for this conflict. The students present, fueled by gossip and a desire for entertainment, incite a magic duel between Mercie and Cecilia. Cecilia, in turn, calls upon Randolph Bickenshtein as her proxy. Just as the situation escalates, Ash, a commoner known for his poor conduct but undeniable talent, intervenes. He boldly defends Mercie, challenging the other students and effectively halting the immediate conflict.
Ash's intervention is driven by his past life as a reincarnated individual from Earth, who was a devoted fan of the game "Magical Holic 9-nine-". He was reborn as Ash, a character destined to die early in the game as a sacrifice to facilitate the protagonist, Lyen's, awakening. Ash's primary motivation is to avert his own death and alter the game's predetermined fate. He also harbors a deep affection for Mercie, who was his favorite character in the game, and wishes to see her happy.
Ash's reincarnation grants him knowledge of the game's mechanics, including hidden items and powerful skills. He immediately sets out to become stronger, targeting the "Royal Family's Tomb," a high-level hidden dungeon, to acquire the "Disguise" skill scroll. This allows him to conceal his true age and appearance, enabling him to register as an adventurer under the alias "Sepia." His initial attempts to train at the "Cave of Beginnings," the site of his destined death, are fraught with fear, but he perseveres.
During his training, Ash encounters Silky Lindberg, a prodigious young wind mage who is also a character from the game. Silky, possessing the unique skill "Guidance of the Wind Spirit," quickly discerns Ash's disguise and recognizes his extraordinary talent. She begins to mentor him, providing crucial insights into magic acquisition and combat. Ash, inspired by Silky's power and the clear path she represents, dedicates himself to training, aiming to surpass her and ultimately avert his fated demise.
Two years pass, and Ash, now five years old, has significantly leveled up and acquired a variety of spells. He has mastered "Magic Bullet" and its advanced form, "Magic Bullet Barrage," and has gained proficiency in multiple elemental magic types. Despite his rapid growth, he realizes the limitations of his current training environment. To acquire more advanced magic and further increase his power, Ash devises a plan to raid the "Royal Family's Tomb" again, this time with the help of powerful characters from the game. He contacts other formidable individuals, including the mercenary Bry, the gladiator Emeralda Hawkins, and the pirate captain Matilda, to form a team for this dangerous endeavor. The chapter concludes with Ash initiating this ambitious plan, setting the stage for future conflicts and discoveries.
