The narrative picks up with the protagonist, Slatt, being unceremoniously kicked out of the Hero's party by the Hero, Ares. Ares accuses Slatt of slacking, despite Slatt's role being to simply be present, a condition agreed upon by an old friend. Slatt, who had been subtly supporting the party with his unique skill, "Auto-Support," through items and defensive actions, is dismissed as unnecessary with the recruitment of new talent. Ares cruelly demands Slatt leave immediately and abandon all belongings, claiming they are spoils of war. Disheartened but resigned, Slatt leaves the inn, pondering if the party can manage without his "Auto-Support."
The next morning, Slatt finds himself in a new town needing work. He heads to the Adventurer's Guild, a familiar place from his past as an adventurer. While entering, he encounters an elderly woman struggling with back pain. Slatt instinctively helps her, and his "Auto-Support" skill activates, temporarily improving her physical condition. This event reinforces Slatt's understanding of his skill: it activates for those he wishes to help, a fact he had kept secret from the Hero's party, as his role was to covertly support them. The woman, grateful, invites him for tea and offers him homemade sweets, which Slatt, a lover of sweets, happily accepts.
Back at the Guild, Slatt attempts to re-register as an adventurer, but without his badge, he must fill out extensive paperwork. While waiting, a loud argument erupts in the tavern area between a drunken, bearded adventurer and a scantily clad elf woman. Slatt intervenes to de-escalate the situation, but the elf woman, Etika, turns her aggression towards him. The bearded adventurer, identified as Ganza, a B-rank adventurer, escalates the conflict by splashing water on Slatt and challenging him to a fight outside. Etika, realizing Ganza's strength and fearing for Slatt, tries to apologize, but Ganza dismisses her.
Outside, Ganza, confident in his strength, attacks Slatt. To his shock, Slatt effortlessly dodges every blow, moving with incredible speed. Slatt reveals his second unique skill, "Auto-Debuff," which has been weakening Ganza. Ganza, realizing Slatt is a unique skill user, becomes enraged but is overwhelmed by the debuff, feeling immense weight and weakness. Slatt, concerned for Ganza's life, urges him to surrender. Just as Ganza is about to collapse, the Guild receptionist arrives, revealing Slatt's true identity as a former SSS-rank adventurer. This revelation breaks Ganza's will, and the debuff immediately lifts. The Guild Master, upon learning of Slatt's presence, apologizes profusely and attempts to re-register him as an SSS-rank adventurer. Slatt, however, prefers a simpler life and requests common quests like herb gathering.
Later, Etika approaches Slatt to thank him for his intervention. She reveals her name and clan, and expresses her gratitude for his help, declaring him worthy of being her party member. Slatt, remembering the elven custom of forming deep bonds, accepts her offer. Together, they take on a goblin extermination quest. While tracking the goblins, Etika demonstrates her skill as a "Spirit Caller," summoning a Sylph to help them. With the Sylph's guidance, Etika successfully eliminates three goblins with a single, powerful shot. As they approach the goblin cave, Etika's Sylph friend creates a sound-dampening barrier, and the two prepare to enter.
Meanwhile, back at the inn, the Hero's party is in disarray. The "Saint" and the "Witch" are furious that Slatt has seemingly abandoned them. The Witch, with her unusual strength, forcefully leaves to find him, followed by the enraged Saint. The Hero, Ares, is frustrated by their actions, unable to comprehend why they value the opinion of a mere item carrier over him. He harbors resentment towards the Saint and the Witch, revealing a darker, more predatory nature.
Inside the goblin cave, Slatt and Etika collect the goblin ears as proof of their kill. Etika is initially disturbed by the grim reality of adventuring but is encouraged by Slatt. The Sylph's abilities prove invaluable, not only blocking sound but also eliminating the cave's foul odor. They prepare to face the remaining goblins within the cave.
