The story begins by establishing the world's premise: decades ago, portals to another dimension appeared on Earth, unleashing monsters that modern weaponry couldn't harm. Humanity was on the brink of extinction until some individuals awakened "Skills," becoming "Players" who could fight back, craft monster-resistant gear, and even venture into the other world to destroy its core, bringing back valuable items. This led to a Player-centric society where power equated to wealth and fame.
The narrative then introduces Tenchi Ryudou, a young man who dreams of becoming a Player but currently works multiple part-time jobs to survive. He resents the wealthy Players who flaunt their wealth, highlighting his own struggles. One evening, while walking home, Ryudou notices an unusual number of Players. He encounters his former classmate, Gakuto, a red-haired Player who bullies Ryudou, demanding he be addressed with honorifics. Gakuto, part of a "reserve unit," is called away, hinting at a new portal opening nearby. Ryudou, wanting to avoid further harassment, attempts to leave but is stopped by Gakuto, who insists Ryudou accompany him.
Suddenly, screams erupt from ahead, and a crowd flees in terror. Ryudou realizes it's a "Stampede," a monster incursion. Gakuto and his companions abandon their duty as reserve Players and flee, prioritizing their own lives. Ryudou, however, sees a young girl knocked down and crying. He helps her up, promising to find her mother. As they try to escape, armored monsters appear. Other Players arrive to fight, but more monsters overwhelm them. Ryudou, inspired by the Players' bravery, decides he must act. He instructs the girl to run while he distracts the monsters. He picks up a broken sword, realizing its weight, and charges the armored monster.
Ryudou's initial attack with the broken sword fails, and he is forced to flee, successfully luring the monster away from the girl. He finds himself in a dead-end alley, seemingly trapped. However, he notices the armored monster is damaged, possibly from other Players. He confronts it, and using the narrow alley to his advantage, he strikes a weak point with his broken sword, defeating it. Immediately, a "Gacha" skill window appears, granting him the "Lower Swordsmanship" skill and the ability to use "Gacha" itself.
He then encounters three Goblins and, with his newfound skill, defeats them swiftly. Another Gacha activation grants him "Lower Potions." He decides to prioritize rescuing people and heads towards a hospital where his sister, Kyoka, is hospitalized. At the hospital, he is initially stopped by guards due to his blood-stained clothes and weapon. However, a doctor, Ayase Kanna, vouches for him, allowing him entry. He surrenders his weapons, including the broken sword and a newly acquired "Steel Breastplate," to the guards.
Inside, Kanna uses her light magic to clean Ryudou's clothes. He explains to Kanna and his sister, Kyoka, that he awakened as a Player during the Stampede. He offers a "Higher Potion" he acquired to the hospital, but Kanna advises him to sell it for money, as Players are the only ones who can trade such items. Ryudou promises to register as a Player the next day. He decides to stay the night at the hospital to comfort Kyoka, who is still recovering from a past monster attack that killed their parents.
The next morning, Ryudou returns the broken sword to the guards, who apologize for their earlier suspicion and introduce themselves as Saiga Ittetsu, offering help if needed. Ryudou then heads to the Player Association to register. He meets Yanase Aoba, a tired employee, and provides his testimony about the Stampede, including Gakuto's desertion. Aoba is surprised by Ryudou's recent awakening. He is then introduced to Kazekiri Ayane, an A-rank Player who led the response during the Stampede. Ayane recognizes Ryudou as someone she couldn't account for during the event and agrees to observe his rank assessment.
Ryudou undergoes a rank assessment in a training room, fighting simulated monsters. He defeats a Goblin with ease, impressing Ayane. He then faces three Sword Wolves, defeating them with his skills and a newly acquired "Wolf's Gale Sword." This earns him a "Rare Equipment: Iron Breastplate" and the "Wolf's Gale Sword." He also receives a "Rare Item: Higher Potion" from a subsequent Gacha. He continues towards the hospital, encountering and defeating more Sword Wolves, further honing his skills.
Upon reaching the hospital, he is allowed in thanks to Kanna. He explains his awakening to Kyoka, who is initially worried but relieved he is unharmed. He discusses his intention to obtain an "Elixir," a mythical item that can cure any ailment, to fully heal Kyoka. He decides to stay the night, and the chapter concludes with the Stampede officially ending while Ryudou and Kyoka sleep. The following morning, Ryudou returns the broken sword, which belonged to a deceased Player, and proceeds with his Player registration and rank assessment.
