The story begins with the protagonist, Hind, and his childhood friend, Ymir, struggling in the early stages of a new VRMMORPG called "Trailblazer" (TB). Ymir, prioritizing aesthetics over practicality, suffers a swift defeat due to her fragile beginner equipment. Hind, though exasperated by her choices, revives her with a readily available beginner's resurrection item. They discuss their inefficient progress, with Hind advocating for strategic leveling and experimentation, while Ymir prefers a more impulsive, "feel-based" approach. Hind reveals his motivation for playing stems from Ymir's desperate plea and a gift of high-end VR gear.
The narrative then flashes back to the previous day, Hind's 17th birthday. Ymir, a gamer despite her busy schedule, gifts Hind a pair of the latest VRX3500 gear, obtained through her father's considerable effort. This allows them to play TB together. Hind, from a single-parent household, is touched by the gift and Ymir's earnestness. They download TB, a medieval fantasy MMO with advanced AI NPCs and dynamic world mechanics.
Upon logging in, Hind finds himself in an introductory area and is prompted to set up his avatar. He opts for a realistic representation of himself, with limited customization options due to the game's focus on matching in-game physicality to real-world capabilities. He also receives starter items, including a rather unimpressive wooden staff. Ymir, choosing the "Knight" class, appears as a dark elf-like character with reversed skin and hair color. They adopt the character names Hind and Ymir, respectively.
Their initial attempts to level up in "Donderry Forest" are disastrous, leading to quick defeats against giant bees. They realize the importance of proper gear and skills. After a tutorial reveals the class selection system and the ability to change classes until level 10, Ymir chooses Knight, while Hind opts for "Cleric" to provide support. Hind's reasoning is based on his perceived lack of athletic ability, making him better suited for a rear-guard role.
Their next encounter with monsters, Killer Bees and Caterpillars, proves more manageable with their chosen classes and beginner equipment. However, their progress is interrupted by a Player Killer (PK) named "Poker Face," who attacks them with a club. Ymir bravely defends Hind, and after a brief struggle, they manage to defeat the PK by luring him into a mob of goblins, a tactic Hind learned from observing other players. This encounter highlights the game's player-versus-player combat and the existence of malicious players.
Following the PK incident, Hind and Ymir decide to focus on efficient leveling. Hind, a pragmatist, emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of using infinite-durability beginner gear until level 10, despite Ymir's initial reluctance due to its appearance. They also discover the importance of weak points on monsters, like the Killer Bee's abdomen. Hind's meticulous approach to game mechanics, including understanding item durability and crafting, contrasts with Ymir's more impulsive playstyle.
Hind then spends time in the game's market and crafting areas. He learns about the game's economy, the high cost of player-made items, and the importance of NPC interactions. He befriends a skilled crafter named Selene, who helps him create superior "Broadsword +5" and "Iron Rod +4." He also encounters a peculiar NPC, Clarice, who offers him a significant discount on items in exchange for a future favor, hinting at a potential quest.
The next day, Hind logs in early and prepares for Ymir's arrival. He has acquired better gear and is ready to level up further. Ymir, upon logging in, is initially frustrated by Hind's new female friends but quickly focuses on combat. They venture into the northern area of "Homa Plains," where the monsters are significantly stronger. Despite Ymir's new weapon, they struggle against a pack of goblins, and Ymir dies twice, depleting their limited resurrection items. Hind's strategic use of healing and Ymir's eventual adaptation to combat allow them to survive and level up.
Their progress is halted by a powerful level 20 Ogre, forcing a hasty retreat. Ymir's reckless use of her new weapon and her attachment to it lead to her near-death experience. They return to the village, their equipment damaged and resources depleted. As they prepare to log out, Hind's VR gear malfunctions, triggering a forced disconnection.
Meanwhile, in the real world, Hind is preparing dinner. His younger sister, Rize, who is somewhat possessive of him, playfully sabotages the doorbell to prevent his friend Ymir from entering. After resolving the situation with Ymir and her father, Mr. Akifumi, Hind finishes cooking a beef stew. The meal is enjoyed by all, though Rize and Ymir engage in their usual bickering. The chapter ends with Hind reflecting on the complexities of his relationships and the game's immersive nature.
