The story begins with Chris Sparling, a sixteen-year-old from a noble family, undergoing the "Heaven's Blessing Ceremony," a mandatory ritual in the Meldrake Kingdom that bestows a profession and special skills upon individuals. Chris, burdened by his family's legacy of producing swordsmen and his father's intense expectations, dreads the ceremony, fearing he might not receive a suitable profession. His twin brother, Klaus, who was sickly in childhood but has since recovered, stands behind him, exhibiting a cold demeanor towards Chris.
To Chris's shock and horror, his bestowed profession is "Farmer" with the skill "Poison Resistance." This is a devastating blow, especially when Klaus, who then receives the legendary "Sword God" profession, mocks Chris and revels in the stark contrast of their destinies. Chris's father, initially furious at Chris's meager blessing, immediately shifts his ecstatic attention to Klaus. Humiliated and heartbroken, Chris is cast out of his home by his father.
Two days later, Chris is forced to leave the Sparling estate. After enduring a day of harsh training and further verbal abuse from his father, he packs his meager belongings. At his room's entrance, Klaus confronts him, gloating about Chris's misfortune and his own success. Klaus reveals his deep-seated resentment for Chris, stemming from being the younger twin and feeling neglected by their father, who favored Chris as the heir. Their argument escalates, and Klaus, drawing a real sword, threatens to kill Chris. Chris, despite his fear, defends himself with a wooden sword, surprisingly overpowering Klaus in a brief skirmish. However, Klaus then unleashes a powerful skill, "Sacred Slash," a devastating light-based attack that narrowly misses Chris but destroys the surrounding area. Realizing he cannot contend with such power, Chris flees, escaping the estate and heading into the nearby Peisha Forest.
Chris finds refuge in the forest, injured and with no clear destination. He assesses his situation: he has stolen a few items from his home, including his mother's accessories and father's pocket watch, but little else. His "Poison Resistance" skill, previously seen as useless, becomes his only hope for survival, allowing him to consume potentially poisonous plants and insects. He establishes a makeshift base in a cave and begins a harsh survival routine, foraging for edible plants and insects, and drinking muddy water.
After several weeks, Chris's physical condition improves, and he manages to hunt and butcher an Orc, a dangerous monster. This event marks a turning point, as he discovers his physical strength and combat abilities have significantly increased, far beyond what his "Farmer" profession would suggest. He speculates that the trauma of Klaus's attack might have triggered a rapid, almost unnatural, physical enhancement. He successfully prepares and consumes the Orc meat, a feast after weeks of meager sustenance.
Having survived for over a month in the forest, Chris decides it's time to leave. He has grown more resilient, both physically and mentally. He makes his way to the neighboring city of Realzad, a bustling hub. His worn-out clothes and suspicious appearance draw attention, but he manages to pass the city's entry inspection. He intends to use Realzad as a base to gather information about Klaus and potentially seek revenge.
Upon entering Realzad, Chris's immediate needs are food, lodging, and new clothing. He attempts to sell his stolen possessions at a prominent shop, "Gold Pawn," but is summarily dismissed by an arrogant appraiser due to his disheveled appearance. Directed to the city's "back alleys," a more disreputable commercial area, Chris is then robbed by a young girl who steals his bag containing his remaining valuables. He pursues and apprehends her, discovering she is a girl his age. He takes her to a secluded alley to understand her motives.
