The narrative picks up with the protagonist, Kisaragi, waking up in a dark, cave-like environment illuminated by a line of candles. He finds himself with two other individuals: Ichika, who is sharp-tongued and somewhat abrasive, and Momohina, who is cheerful and seemingly less intelligent. All three suffer from amnesia, remembering only their names and birthdays. They discover they are in a place that feels man-made, with torches leading them through a passage.
Their journey leads them to a barred door, beyond which stands a man in full armor, wielding a sword. After opening the door, they are led through a hidden passage to the outside, just as dawn breaks. They emerge from a tower on a hill, observing a red moon in the sky. A small, energetic girl named Hiyomu appears, identifying herself as a guide and welcoming them to "Grimgar" and the city of "Altana."
Upon entering Altana, they are met by Britney, a flamboyant individual who runs the "Red Moon" branch of the Frontier Army's Volunteer Corps. Britney offers them a choice: become apprentice volunteers, receiving a trainee badge and ten silver coins, or leave empty-handed. Kisaragi, recognizing their dire situation with no possessions, accepts the offer, followed by Momohina. Ichika, despite her initial reluctance and complaints about Kisaragi's attitude, also accepts.
Kisaragi, Ichika, and Momohina are then introduced to the world of Grimgar. They learn that humans are a relatively weak species, living in fortified settlements like Altana, surrounded by hostile non-human races and monsters. The Frontier Army's mission is to expand human territory, with Volunteer Corps acting as auxiliary forces. Kisaragi, Ichika, and Momohina are the newest recruits, and their initial goal is to gain experience.
Kisaragi, however, rejects the idea of joining a traditional guild, believing them to be overpriced and restrictive. He decides to forge his own path, aiming to become a great hero. He uses the money from Britney to buy a cheap sword and, after a brief and humiliating experience at a high-class bar called "Burns Club," where he is mocked by regular soldiers, he decides to take on Orcs as his first challenge.
Their first encounter with Orcs at the Deadhead Watchtower proves to be more difficult than anticipated. Kisaragi's plan to awaken a hidden power within himself fails, and they are forced to retreat. During their escape, Kisaragi throws his sword to distract an Orc, saving Ichika. He then retrieves the sword and, with a newfound resolve, faces the Orcs again, this time with Ichika and Momohina providing support. Kisaragi manages to defeat one Orc with his newly acquired magical sword, "Soul Collector," while Ichika and Momohina engage the other. Kisaragi then makes a strategic decision to let the remaining Orc escape, claiming it was part of his plan to appear less like a common enemy and more like a formidable force.
Following this, Kisaragi uses the money earned from selling their spoils to buy a "Sacrament" spell for Ichika, a powerful healing magic, and encourages Momohina to learn a destructive spell. He also reveals his intention to become a "great hero" and that their current path is just the beginning of his journey. The narrative ends with Kisaragi contemplating their next move, emphasizing his desire to forge his own destiny rather than conform to established roles.
