The protagonist, a former game developer named Kyuji, finds himself unemployed in an era dominated by full-dive VRMMORPGs. He decides to dive into the latest VRMMORPG, "Next Stage Online," using his high-end capsule-type VR equipment. After setting up his account and customizing his avatar, a stoic-looking man named Kyuuji, he is transported to the game world of Nextaria.
Upon arrival, Kyuji is presented with the choice of three starting classes: Warrior, Mage, and Archer. He opts for Warrior, equipping a one-handed sword and shield, and is pleased with his stat distribution, particularly the unique "Spirit" stat which boosts attack and defense when HP is low. Shortly after, he is invited to join a party by three attractive beginner players who are impressed by his appearance. However, during their first combat encounter, Kyuji struggles with his physical stamina and misses his attacks, leading to him being bitten by a rabbit-like monster. He realizes his real-world physical condition is affecting his in-game performance and that he hadn't set his pain settings, which he then adjusts. Despite his initial struggles, he is healed by his party members, but feels useless and leaves the party, vowing to try again.
He then switches his class to Mage, hoping for an easier experience, and is quickly recruited into another beginner party. However, he is reprimanded by a younger player for his slow healing and lack of awareness, leading him to leave again. Reverting to Warrior, he is invited to yet another party, but faces harsh criticism from his party members for his poor performance, including being called "old man" and "blind." He even acquires a skill called "Airwave Slash" through an unusual method: repeatedly performing practice swings during combat. After this negative experience, he decides to try the Archer class, despite its unpopularity.
Upon examining the Archer class, Kyuji discovers its stats are mediocre, being a weaker version of both Warrior and Mage. However, he notices the "Range" stat, which directly increases attack range, and realizes its potential. He theorizes that by maximizing this stat, he can achieve a powerful long-range sniping playstyle, compensating for lower damage output by attacking from a safe distance. He decides to commit to this strategy, equipping a bow and practicing his aim.
Kyuji then ventures into the forest, a beginner hunting ground. He quickly dispatches a rabbit monster with a single headshot, confirming his aptitude with the bow. He focuses on leveling up to increase his Range stat. He then encounters a large bear, which he manages to defeat by targeting its weak points. He gains a new skill, "Infight Arrow," for defeating a close-range enemy. He realizes the hunting ground is actually designed for parties and decides to climb a tree for safety, observing the sunset and reflecting on his progress. He allocates his stat points to Range, significantly increasing his attack distance. He then tests his new skill, "Infight Arrow," on a bear from a high vantage point, finding it effective.
He progresses deeper into the forest, encountering a giant gorilla boss. He uses his "Bound Arrow" skill to attack indirectly, but the gorilla proves resilient and uses its own feces as projectiles. Kyuji adapts by using "Infight Arrow" and his newly acquired "Spider Shooter" weapon with its "Web Arrow" skill to immobilize the gorilla and defeat it. He gains a new defensive item, "Sage of the Forest's Fist," which enhances his Range stat and provides a "Black Smog" weapon skill.
After his successful boss fight, Kyuji checks online forums and discovers that the Archer class is indeed unpopular due to the difficulty of hitting targets with bows and guns, with only the boomerang being somewhat viable due to its melee potential. He also learns that skills can be acquired through multiple methods, hinting at unique player skills. He then receives a new skill, "Bound Arrow," as a level-up bonus, which allows for trick shots.
Kyuji continues to train in a deeper part of the forest, facing challenges like snake monsters and a swarm of wolves. He gains another passive skill, "Archery I," for his proficiency with the bow. He then acquires the powerful "Immobile Sniper Stance" skill, which triples his range after remaining stationary for 30 seconds, but restricts his movement. He tests this skill by engaging a distant target.
Finally, Kyuji prepares for the upcoming "Under X Battle Royale" event, feeling confident in his growing abilities and unique playstyle. The narrative also briefly touches upon him becoming a minor topic of discussion online due to his unusual boss kill.
