College student Iwatani Naofumi is reading a book titled "The Records of the Four Cardinal Weapons" in the library when he is suddenly summoned to another world and told he has to save the world as the Shield Hero, one of the Four Cardinal Heroes. And one morning, he finds all his money and equipment gone.

The Spirit Tortoise begins its march once more, appearing at the border of the kingdom bearing its name. Naofumi volunteers to lure away its familiars while the army tries to bring it to the mountains. The Spirit Tortoise’s familiar, Ost, fights alongside the humans…

Naofumi is met by L’Arc, Glass, and Therese. They’re after the person who broke the Spirit Tortoise’s seal and is controlling it. L’Arc proposes teaming up again…

Naofumi wakes up in a strange prison to find him and his party at level 1, and Filo missing. They start to raise their levels in order to escape, but things quickly turn against them when a dangerous monster suddenly appears…

Raphtalia recalls having to buy clothing for her smaller self. Kizuna remembers being alone for so long. Rishia remembers Ost trying to give advice.