The story begins with Yuuki Kousuke, a high school student with a passion for anime and manga, who, due to a divine error, is revived in the modern world with cheat-like abilities. His primary ability is to instantly learn any "art," "supernatural power," or "skill" upon seeing it. He has also summoned two shikigami: Shiro, a crow-based scout with a talent for manipulating vibrations and a love for music, and Rin, a combat-focused shikigami skilled in "cutting" and popular with neighborhood housewives. He also lives with Kuro, a powerful cat yokai, or "Cat God," who enjoys attending weekly cat gatherings.
Kousuke's initial expectation of a typical high school life is shattered when he is hit by a train. He awakens in a white room to find himself unharmed and speaking with a clumsy, yet powerful, God. The God apologizes for the accident, explaining he was trying to help Kousuke after slipping on a banana peel. To compensate for Kousuke's untimely death and to avoid gossip among other gods, the God offers him a chance to reincarnate into a fantasy world with his memories and enhanced abilities, including the power to learn any skill instantly and a portion of the God's own power.
However, another divine mishap occurs. Kousuke wakes up naked and trapped in a body bag in a morgue, realizing he has been resurrected in his original world, not a fantasy one. A note from the God apologizes for the mistake and explains that to cover up the incident, Kousuke's death has been erased from history, and his absence from the school's opening ceremony is attributed to him heroically subduing a dangerous criminal. While initially bewildered, Kousuke accepts his cheat abilities remaining intact and finds comfort in remaining in his own world with his family and friends.
Upon returning to school, Kousuke finds himself the subject of intense rumors and awe due to his fabricated heroic deed, making him an outcast. He is summoned by Kasai Souji, a delinquent, and his gang, but is saved by Tsukino Akari, a red-haired girl who intervenes. This encounter with Kasai, though intimidating, ironically helps Kousuke integrate into his class as his classmates, including the class representative Mizukami Uruka, become curious about his interactions.
Later, Kousuke intervenes when he witnesses Akari being harassed by delinquents. He uses his enhanced physical abilities to subdue one of them and flees with Akari. During their escape, they discover a shared passion for a popular light novel, leading to a surprisingly engaging conversation and the formation of a connection.
Kousuke also discovers he can see supernatural beings, such as white orbs of light, which he later learns are "orbs" and can communicate with Kuro. He also learns that while he can create shikigami, he lacks the "spiritual power" (reiryoku) to use them effectively, though Kuro suspects otherwise. He manages to create a reconnaissance-type white crow shikigami, which he names "Karasu," and gives it commands.
Meanwhile, Kuro, the Cat God, is revealed to be a target of the Hinoayama family, one of the five major Onmyoji clans, who seek to capture him. Their subordinate, Mitsurugi Yuuen, leads an unsuccessful attempt to capture Kuro, resulting in heavy casualties among their Onmyoji.
Karasu, the white crow shikigami, is later spotted by Kien Gouki, a powerful Onmyoji from the Hinoayama family, who is searching for Kuro. Kien, believing the shikigami to be from the Mizukami clan, engages it in a fierce battle. To everyone's surprise, Karasu, despite being a reconnaissance-type shikigami, demonstrates incredible combat capabilities, including the ability to deflect powerful attacks and even defeat Kien's subordinate, Mitsurugi. This battle is witnessed by Uruka through her own shikigami, leading her to suspect Kousuke's involvement.
The conflict escalates as the Hinoayama family challenges the Mizukami clan to a "Divine Match" to resolve the dispute. Kousuke's life continues to be anything but ordinary as he navigates his newfound abilities and the growing supernatural conflicts surrounding him. He also discovers his physical enhancements allow him to lift incredibly heavy objects with ease, further hinting at the extent of the God's blessings. Kuro, now living with Kousuke, expresses concern about Kousuke's unusual abilities and his lack of desire for fame, preferring a peaceful otaku life. Kuro also decides to visit his former territory, confident in his ability to handle any traps. Uruka, meanwhile, is determined to find the mysterious Onmyoji who defeated Kien, believing they might be able to help her clan in the upcoming Divine Match.
