The story begins with the protagonist, Matsuzaki Yuki, a skilled but unappreciated salaryman, being unceremoniously fired from his job. He retreats into the popular online game "Sword & Magic Fantasy Online" (SMO), playing as a "Jester," a class considered weak and versatile. However, upon reaching the level cap of 99, the Jester class can secretly evolve into the "Sage," a seemingly overpowered class with maxed-out stats and all skills available. Yuki, being one of the few to discover this, uses his Sage abilities to solo the game's toughest raid boss, the "Silver Holy Dragon."
Upon defeating the dragon, Yuki receives a reward labeled "Otherworld Transfer Bonus." He then experiences a sudden headache and his vision goes black. He awakens in a lavish, medieval-European-style room, addressed as a "Hero" by a king and seven other individuals wielding powerful weapons. They explain that Yuki has been summoned as the eighth hero to defeat the Demon Lord and restore peace. Initially skeptical, Yuki plays along and asks for proof. When the "Sword Hero," Fabris, displays his status window, Yuki is shocked to see it's a real, game-like interface. He then uses the same command, "Status Open!", and is astonished to see his own status: Level 1 Sage with incredibly high HP and MP, and skills like "System Manipulation" and "Divine Blessing."
However, the king and the other heroes react with hostility. They reveal that only those with "Hero Weapons" are true heroes, and since Yuki lacks one, he is deemed an imposter and an outcast. Despite his pleas, he is forcibly expelled from the castle. Stranded and penniless in this new world, Yuki struggles to adapt. He discovers that he can understand the local language, though he cannot read the script. He learns about the currency and the general atmosphere of the city.
While seeking work, Yuki is mistaken for a spy by two men who attempt to rob him. He uses his "Divine Blessing" skill to defend himself, incapacitating them. He then discovers a young girl tied up in their carriage, who reveals herself to be Princess Arelia Villars of the Virars Empire. She explains she was kidnapped and about to be sold. Yuki rescues her, and they flee. Arelia, impressed by Yuki's strength and kindness, decides to accompany him, despite his initial reluctance. She also reveals that the king of the current kingdom, Oswald, intended to sell her to another nation for political gain, explaining why the guards were untrustworthy.
Yuki gains new skills: "Climate Manipulation" and "Common Continental Language." He and Arelia, who possesses considerable wealth hidden in her cleavage, find a cheap and good-quality inn. They also discover that the "Magic Sword Berserk," a seemingly useless sword Yuki received as a reward for extinguishing a fire with his new skill, is actually repairing itself and becoming usable.
The next day, Yuki attempts to register as an adventurer at the Adventurer's Guild. He faces immediate discrimination due to his status as a non-hero. The guild unexpectedly raises the magic power requirement for new adventurers to 20,000 MP, specifically excluding Yuki, who possesses over 200,000 MP. Despite this, his overwhelming magic power causes the testing crystal to shatter, and he passes the magic test.
The practical exam pits Yuki against Regulus, a renowned A-rank adventurer. Yuki uses his "Divine Blessing" and the now-functional Magic Sword Berserk to defeat Regulus, who is shocked by Yuki's strength and questions the king's decision to expel him. Regulus, impressed, offers his assistance should Yuki need it. Yuki then learns that the final exam will be a night battle. He also gains a new skill, "Barrier Magic."
The narrative concludes with Yuki and Arelia preparing for the final exam, with Yuki reflecting on his newfound abilities and the strange circumstances of his new life.
