Geeky university student Naofumi Iwatani goes from 2nd class citizen to 2nd class hero when hes summoned to the videogame-like kingdom of Melromarc. Known as the weakest of four heroes, the Shield Hero, hes tasked with defending the world from calamity. But when Naofumi ends up betrayed and belittled from the start, will this cynic even be willing to help?