Naofumi, his childhood friends Haruka and Tomoya, and their entire class tragically die in a bus accident during a school trip. Their souls are then confronted by a whimsical, childlike entity who introduces himself as an "Evil God." He explains that he's offering them a "new career path" in a game-like fantasy world, allowing them to customize their race and skills with a set number of points. While providing basic literacy and communication, the Evil God also introduces numerous "landmine" skills with severe, hidden drawbacks, emphasizing that "cheats" don't exist.
Naofumi, a cautious and analytical individual, wisely invests in the "Help" skill for detailed explanations and chooses to be an Elf, avoiding other races with significant physical changes or dangerous conditions. He carefully selects practical skills like "Robustness," "Spear Talent," and "Spacetime Magic," eschewing all the "landmine" options. As the transfer begins, Naofumi is surprised to find Haruka and Tomoya's souls instinctively attach to him, ensuring their reunion.
They awaken in a grassland, transformed into their chosen races: Naofumi as a slender Elf, Haruka as a beautiful Elf, and Tomoya as a Wolf Beastman. Haruka, the most pragmatic and intelligent of the trio, immediately establishes a "Life First" policy, prioritizing safety and realism over heroics. They discover a significant disparity in their starting points (Haruka 200, Naofumi 150, Tomoya 120), which initially disheartens Naofumi and Tomoya. Haruka's "World's Common Sense" skill proves invaluable, guiding them through the unknown.
Their immediate goal is to reach a town. After a brief physical assessment reveals their enhanced abilities, they locate a road and a distant wall. They learn they each possess a small amount of local currency, enough for basic necessities and a short stay. Haruka's "World's Common Sense" helps them navigate town entry, where she skillfully fabricates a story about losing their belongings to pay the tax. They are recommended "The Drowsy Bear" inn.
Their first meal at a street stall is a harsh reality check: hard, sour black bread and bland soup, shattering their fantasy expectations. However, dinner at the inn offers surprisingly delicious meat and palatable sides, a stark contrast that highlights the inn's quality. They also try the local ale, finding it unappetizing, leading Haruka to ban alcohol until they are established.
During their inn stay, they discuss the recent sudden deaths reported by the Adventurer's Guild receptionist. They quickly deduce these are classmates who succumbed to the severe penalties of "landmine" skills like "Skill Plunder." This discovery reinforces their decision to avoid other classmates, especially those with potentially dangerous "Charm" or "Hero's Qualities" skills, prioritizing their own safety. Haruka also sets ground rules for cohabitation, including a mortifying but necessary discussion about personal privacy.
The trio registers with the Adventurer's Guild, where Haruka's "World's Common Sense" again proves vital for understanding the rules and ranking system. They acquire minimal gear, including a wooden sword for Tomoya and a knife for Haruka's "Dismantling" skill, as their funds are severely limited. They adopt new adventurer names: Nao and Toya.
The next morning, after a much-improved breakfast, they head towards the East Forest, recommended for beginners. They take time to test their new physical and magical abilities. Naofumi practices his "Fire Magic," learning to control its intensity and mana consumption, and briefly tests his "Spacetime Magic." The chapter concludes with the trio, now more confident in their abilities but acutely aware of their limitations and the world's harsh realities, setting off for their first herb-gathering mission, determined to survive and eventually thrive.
