The story begins with the protagonist, Reiji Nishina, a high school freshman, eagerly awaiting the delivery of a highly anticipated, sold-out full-dive VRMMORPG called "Another Earth Story" (AES). Having finished his schoolwork early, he uses his savings to purchase a "Success" dive machine. Upon activating it, he finds himself in a stark white void, where he completes user registration and character creation. His character is a generic representation of himself, which he nicknames "Range." He opts for a random initial job selection, a decision he later questions.
Instead of a typical starting town, Range awakens in a dimly lit, castle-like room, lying on a grand bed. A towering, silver-haired butler named Lucifer, accompanied by maids, greets him as "Satan." Range discovers his chosen profession is "Demon Lord," a role typically meant to be an enemy. Lucifer explains that 100 years ago, Satan fought a hero and was gravely wounded, leading to a century-long slumber. This awakening is timed for the impending "Sixth World War," a conflict between humans and the Demon Lord's army, which has been ongoing for 990 years. Humans seek balance through multiple nations, while demons aim for world conquest. The emergence of rare "heroes" has historically thwarted the demons' plans. However, the current crisis is unprecedented: over 10,000 adventurers have awakened as heroes, a phenomenon attributed to the disappearance of a "Great Archbishop" a century prior. Lucifer reveals that the demon army's "Third-Rank Subordinates" (weaker monsters) have significantly decreased, leaving them vulnerable. Range, now understanding the game's premise, is tasked with a tutorial battle.
Lucifer summons three "Armored Ogres," powerful "Second-Rank Subordinates," to test Range. Despite being Level 1, Range, wielding the "Demon Sword Blow," surprisingly defeats them, leveling up to 17 and gaining new skills, including "Forced Obedience," "Absolute King's Aura," and "Survival of the Fittest." He then equips a set of "Demon Lord" exclusive gear, further enhancing his formidable stats.
A messenger arrives with news that a previously defeated hero has reappeared. Range decides to investigate, believing this "resurrection" is a game mechanic. He appoints Lucifer as acting ruler and chooses the maid, Lilith, as his companion. Range also decides to change his in-game name from "Satan" to "Range."
They use a "Teleportation Stone" to travel to the "Starting Town," but the stone is a one-way trip. Upon arrival, they are immediately noticed, causing a commotion. A player named Kaiser challenges Range and Lilith to a 9-person survival match. Range accepts. In the ensuing battle, Range's overwhelming power, amplified by his skills and equipment, quickly defeats Kaiser and his party, including a skilled "Knight" and "Mages." Lilith, a Level 72 "Scythe Wielder," demonstrates incredible speed and power, effortlessly dispatching several opponents.
After the match, Range and Lilith head towards the forest, where the decrease in "Third-Rank Subordinates" has been reported. Range summons 100 "Little Wisemen" to attack adventurers in the area, creating a diversion and gathering information. He also uses his "Demon Sword Blow" to absorb Kaiser's attacks, eventually defeating him with "Survival of the Fittest." Lilith, meanwhile, incapacitates and defeats the remaining opponents.
They then decide to return to the "Starting Town" to search for the "Great Archbishop." Before entering the town, Range and Lilith use "Trance Trick Rings" to disguise their professions. Range chooses "Jester," while Lilith opts for "Bard," aiming to support him. Their transformations are visually comical, particularly Range's jester attire. As night falls, they prepare to begin their search for the "Great Archbishop."
