The novel begins with Lina being chased by a gang of bandits. The previous day, she had raided their hideout and stolen some of their treasure. When the gang surrounds her, a tall blonde swordsman named Gourry comes to her aid, defeating the bandits. It quickly becomes apparent that Gourry has mistaken Lina for some poor little orphaned girl (which is untrue, as she's 15 and was quite capable of handling the bandits by herself). He promises to escort her to Atlas City, much to Lina's chagrin.