When a Demon Lord arises, the world awaits the chosen hero destined to defeat it. In a peaceful village, two young boys named Foyle Austin and his best friend Yu share a dream of becoming that legendary hero, though the old stories say only one can be chosen. Their fates appear decided when a goddess declares Foyle a Hero while leaving Yu destiny unclear. But Foyle carries a secret known only to himself. The role granted to him by the goddess is not that of a true hero but rather a Fake Hero. Far from being destined to overthrow the Demon Lord, defeat awaits him at the hand of the genuine article, and Foyle has a strong suspicion who that true hero will be.

To cement his inevitable role as the true heros adversary, Foyle expels Yu from his party. As his former friend grows ever stronger, Foyle watches his own powers begin to fade. Though he clearly will never be the one to save the world, an encounter with a mysterious elf in need of help sets him on a new path. He resolves to prove that even a villain can be a hero to someone.

After being denied the role of hero, Foyle adopts a new name, Ayame, and sets out on a journey to save as many people as he can. He is accompanied by Iris, an elf with legendary healing powers. When the pair arrives in the city of Rikko, they find preparations underway for the Full Bloom Festival. Ayame and Iris team up with the Adventurers Guild to hunt a dragon for the rare materials needed to create the festivals stunning fireworks display. However, the festivities draw the envy of Sway Ka Senco, a member of the fearsome Eight Warlords. Determined to ruin the fun, Sway Ka Senco unleashes powerful ice magic that threatens to freeze the entire city, including the flesh and souls of its people and the ground beneath them, making him Ayame toughest opponent yet.