The protagonist, a 17-year-old boy living alone after the deaths of his mother and grandfather, finds solace in the occult, particularly black magic, a fascination sparked by his deceased magician father's eccentric souvenirs. He is the sole remaining member of his school's Black Magic Research Club, facing imminent disbandment due to lack of new recruits. His only companion is his junior, "Ii-chan." One afternoon, Ii-chan abruptly declares her intention to quit the club, leaving the protagonist distraught. In a desperate attempt to stop her, he chases her to the school gate. As Ii-chan crosses the street, distracted and unaware of the changing traffic light, a truck approaches. The protagonist instinctively rushes forward, pushing her out of the way but taking the full impact himself.
He awakens in an unfamiliar place, realizing he has been reborn. His new body is that of a baby with pale skin and red eyes, characteristic of the Meren tribe. He is named Abel Bereck and is raised by his new parents, who are loving and devoted. Abel struggles to adapt to this new world, which lacks modern technology and has a peculiar culture, including strange food and unsettling wooden dolls called Otem. He learns that the Meren tribe believes in ancestor spirits and practices a form of magic. As he grows, Abel becomes increasingly dedicated to mastering magic, seeing it as his true calling and a way to escape his mundane reincarnation. He dedicates himself to Otem carving, which he learns is a foundational practice for magic, honing his concentration and spatial awareness.
By the age of six, Abel is proficient in Otem carving and has learned to read and write, keeping his advanced skills a secret from his parents who worry about his lack of childish pursuits. He discovers that magic is a recognized and integral part of this world, a fact that excites him immensely. He begins practicing basic magic, like creating illusions and simple fireballs, but finds his progress limited by the available resources and his father's cautious approach to his magical studies. Abel desires a proper teacher to delve deeper into magic, and his father suggests consulting the village chief, a centenarian with extensive knowledge of magic.
At age seven, Abel, accompanied by his younger sister Gisel, visits the chief's mansion to request tutelage. However, they are intercepted by Philo, the chief's granddaughter, who is arrogant and confrontational. Philo initially mocks Abel's dedication to Otem carving, but Abel, with his mature demeanor and polite requests, manages to navigate the situation. Philo, despite her initial hostility, ends up accompanying them to the chief's chambers, her presence potentially complicating Abel's request.
