The protagonist, a NEET in his thirties named Yoshio, finds solace in the game "The Village of Fate." His mundane life, marked by parental nagging about his unemployment and a lack of motivation, is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious package containing the game. This isn't a typical game; it's an alpha test for a revolutionary title featuring advanced AI that allows characters to think and behave like humans. Yoshio is designated as a "God of Fate," tasked with guiding the villagers through divine pronouncements, delivered once daily via a sacred book. The game has strict rules: no sharing information online, and if the villagers are wiped out, the game becomes unplayable.
The game's opening cinematic depicts a dramatic escape from a monster attack, where a beautiful priestess named Chem uses a holy book to unleash a golden light, saving the passengers of a carriage. The survivors, including Chem, her brother Gamz (a swordsman), and the Rodis family (father Rodis, mother Lyra, and daughter Carol), find themselves in a forest clearing. Yoshio, as the God of Fate, is introduced to his role and the five main characters. He discovers he can issue divine pronouncements by writing in the sacred book, which the villagers then interpret and act upon. Initially, Yoshio struggles with the concept of issuing commands and the villagers' literal interpretation of his words, particularly regarding the practicalities of woodcutting and processing. He also learns about "Fate Points," earned through the villagers' gratitude, which can be used to activate miracles.
As Yoshio delves deeper, he realizes the game's AI is far more sophisticated than anticipated. The villagers exhibit complex emotions and behaviors, and their actions are driven by genuine needs and desires. He becomes increasingly invested in their well-being, feeling a sense of responsibility for their survival. The game introduces a "summoning" system, allowing Yoshio to bring in new characters or items using Fate Points, but the cost is high, and he grapples with prioritizing immediate needs like food and shelter against long-term security and the desire for a "Golem" to directly control.
A significant turning point occurs when Gamz is poisoned after a fierce battle against two black dogs, a type of monster. The villagers are unable to treat him, and Chem's healing magic is insufficient. Desperate, Yoshio uses his Fate Points to summon a traveling apothecary named Murs. Murs arrives just in time, saving Gamz and agreeing to stay with the villagers. This event highlights the precariousness of their situation and the importance of Yoshio's role.
The villagers eventually find refuge in an abandoned mine cave, offering them a more secure dwelling. Murs proves to be an invaluable asset, possessing extensive knowledge of the forest, medicinal herbs, and combat skills. The game's narrative then shifts to focus on the approaching "End of the Month," a time when the "Evil God" lends power to monsters, posing a significant threat. The villagers, particularly Carol, express unease about this impending event, revealing a deeper lore about the world's gods and their conflicts. Yoshio learns he is a subordinate god to one of the seven main deities, and the "Evil God" is a sealed entity that influences monsters monthly.
The story also explores Yoshio's personal life. His initial NEET lifestyle is contrasted with the villagers' hard work and resilience. The mysterious game begins to blur the lines between reality and the game world as real-world items, like fruit and logs, start appearing at his doorstep, originating from the game's fictional location. This leads Yoshio to suspect the game might be more than just a test, possibly a high-end product for the wealthy with a unique item delivery system. He starts to take his role more seriously, studying woodworking and survival skills to better assist the villagers, and his relationships with his family begin to improve due to his newfound purpose. The chapters conclude with the villagers preparing for the "Evil God's Temptation," a significant threat that will test their defenses and Yoshio's ability to guide them.
