The story begins with Ick, a Doll Operator, and his sword-type doll, Flare, fleeing from a powerful A-rank Minotaur within the Septem Great Labyrinth. They were part of a hero party led by the titular Hero Node, along with the heavy warrior Ruid, the magician Yun, and the priest Yor. Their objective was to clear up to the third floor of the labyrinth and retrieve low-grade Magic Stones. After successfully defeating the third-floor boss, a Goblin General, Node carelessly triggered a teleportation trap, summoning the Minotaur. In the ensuing panic, Node and the rest of the party abandoned Ick and Flare.
Ick, considered the weakest member due to his "unfortunate" Doll Operator class, initially used Flare in a hit-and-run tactic to buy time. They reached a stone bridge, the only path to the second floor, but Node, having already crossed, destroyed the bridge with his Divine Sword, "Holy Flash," intending to drop the Minotaur into the abyss. Node callously declared Ick and Flare expendable, leaving them stranded. In a moment of shock and despair, Ick lost focus, but instinctively shielded Flare from the Minotaur's attack, leading to them being thrown into the chasm as the bridge collapsed.
During their fall, Ick experienced a vision and heard a voice announcing "Condition Met," "Evolved from Doll Operator to Figure Master," and other system-like messages, hinting at a transformation. He awoke injured but alive, with Flare miraculously by his side and seemingly sentient. Flare explained that Ick's unwavering care and his act of self-sacrifice had awakened her consciousness. Ick realized he had also gained new abilities, including the power to create magic. They discovered they had fallen to the fifth floor of the labyrinth.
Navigating the fifth floor, they encountered a B-rank High Orc, which Flare, now possessing independent will and enhanced abilities, easily defeated. Ick realized Flare's strength had dramatically increased, attributing it to her newfound sentience and her ability to generate her own magic, doubling her power output. They also discovered Ick's own skills had evolved, and he could now use his magic more effectively. After defeating three B-rank Twin-tailed Beasts, Ick mined high-grade Magic Stones from a shimmering wall, securing a vital resource. Their respite was short-lived as the Minotaur reappeared, now seemingly stronger and absorbing magic from the environment.
Ick deduced that the teleportation trap might still be active and could return them to the third floor. He devised a plan to defeat the Minotaur, using Flare's speed and his own skills, including the "Decoy" skill, to draw the Minotaur's attention while Flare attacked. Despite Ick's immense effort and the use of multiple Magic Stones to amplify his fire magic, he could only inflict minor damage. However, his repeated use of "Decoy" allowed Flare to land critical blows, eventually leading to the Minotaur's defeat. They then used the teleportation magic to return to the third floor and eventually escaped the labyrinth.
Upon returning to the adventurer's town of Feed, Node and his party reported their mission, but Node's arrogance and carelessness led to their quest being incomplete due to damaged Magic Stones. Node, refusing to accept responsibility, falsely accused Ick of betrayal and theft, claiming Ick had died in the labyrinth. However, Ick and Flare soon appeared at the Adventurer's Guild, presenting the Minotaur's magic stone and high-grade Magic Stones, much to the shock of everyone, including Node. Ick, disgusted by Node's deceit and past abandonment, declared his departure from the hero party. He then took on a D-rank quest with Flare to regain his footing, demonstrating their growing strength and teamwork. They also retrieved two other dolls from storage, indicating Ick's intention to always keep his companions close.
