In an instant, thirty thousand bewildered Japanese gamers are transported from their daily lives into the world of the popular MMORPG, Elder Tale, following the game's latest update, leaving them unable to log out. Among them is Shiroe, a socially awkward college student; his confusion and shock last only a moment, as a veteran of the game, he immediately sets out to explore the limits of his new reality. Shiroe must learn to live in this new world, leading others and negotiating with the NPC "natives" to bring stability to the virtual city of Akihabara. He is joined by his unfortunate friend Naotsugu, who logged in for the first time in years only to find himself trapped, and Akatsuki, a petite but fierce assassin who labels Shiroe as her master. A tale of fantasy, adventure, and politics, Log Horizon explores the elements of gaming through the eyes of a master strategist who attempts to make the best of a puzzling situation.