The Yellow River, Yangtze River, and Lancang River originate from the same source, and three families known as "Water Evils" (Ding, Jiang, and Yi) live along the river. What are "Water Evils"? They can move freely in the water and possess the skills of geomancy, feng shui, and treasure hunting. Yi Sa, the last Water Evil of the Yi family, runs an "underwater bank" business along the Lancang River. During a "Golden Fortress" excavation, Yi Sa encounters and saves Zong Hang. To uncover the truth of what happened and to save himself, Yi Sa trains Zong Hang to become a professional Water Evil, and together with Ding Yudie, a Water Evil from the Ding family, the three enter the "Ancestral Golden Fortress."

Kaede Yakumo, an ordinary 17-year-old high school girl, unexpectedly wakes up in another world with only her backpack alongside her. After aimlessly wandering around trying to understand her whereabouts, Kaede gives up and decides to look for anything useful in her belongings, which leads her to discover an unfamiliar book. Inside, the book lists recipes for producing potions using a simple command word, "create," and a note telling her to think of this new experience as a game. With a clear path laid out in front of her, Kaede vows to use the potions she crafts for her survival—and hopefully find the person who unfairly transported her to this world in order to return home.

Melphiera Marchalrayd, the daughter of a count, dedicates her time to researching the culinary possibilities of monster meat—a peculiar endeavor started by her late mother. By teaching the people of the Marchalrayd lands to prepare such exotic ingredients, Melphiera hopes to help stave off famine. Unfortunately, her unique tastes and intimate knowledge of monsters have led to her social isolation: few nobles interact with her willingly, disdainfully calling her the "Voracious Villainess." When a monster attack erupts at a royal banquet—where Melphiera has been sent to find a husband—Aristide Rogier du Galbraith, the younger brother of the crown prince, leaps to her aid. Due to his terrifying skill in slaying monsters, Aristide has earned the title of "Blood-Man Duke." Charmed by Melphiera's fearlessness and intriguing culinary prowess, Aristide soon declares his intent to propose. Together, Melphiera and Aristide, high society's most eccentric couple, strive to see beyond the cruel rumors and encourage each other's fascination with monsters and the art of preparing them.

Gen Kinokura is a solitary camper looking for time away from the crowded city to refresh his mind and enjoy nature. But one day, Gen meets Shizuku Kusano at the supposedly empty campsite. A complete beginner at camping, Shizuku tries to settle in with Gen despite his protests. Gen reluctantly gives in once he notices her lackluster preparation. Offering advice for her next trip, Gen believes their interaction ends on this occasion. However, Shizuku decides to join his future solo outings to learn more about camping. Although no longer on their own, the two set rules on how to camp together, allowing them a give-and-take experience while still relishing the atmosphere in a form of solitude.