Yamanashi Kazuya is a first year Artist in Eisen High School's Perception Art Department. He's looking for his childhood friend, Takise Kyo, who is a third year Grader, but students from the two specializations are not encouraged to mix.
The Generals give the Staircaser candidates a chance to trade partners for the contest, but this leads to a fight between Artists and Graders instead.
Asahi is still looking for ways to level up, but working with his sister has its limits. So, he goes to the Guild with the thought of forming a party with other people. On the way back, he notices some thugs hassling a drunk who looks a bit familiar.
The Graders have a curation meeting to decide where their pieces will be displayed for the Staircaser Contest, and Kazuya wants to join, but Kyo won't let him.
As Kazuya helps look for the culprit behind the mysterious Scribble, he talks to Anjyu and finds out about the stress he felt because of the Staircaser Contest.
Kazuya and his friends find themselves in the middle of a fight between Mikuriya Kaede and Kirinoe Mashu in their search for answers about the mysterious Scribble.