Lina Inverse, a powerful and greedy sorceress, travels the world, stealing treasures from bandits who cross her path. Her latest victims, a group of thieves, lie in wait in a forest, eager for revenge. Just as Lina is about to easily beat her would-be attackers, the swordsman Gourry Gabriev suddenly reveals himself. Mistaking Lina for a damsel in distress, the foolish but generous man confronts the brigands to rescue her. After quickly defeating them, the unaware knight decides to escort Lina to Atlas City. Although she is not very fond of the idea, she eventually accepts his offer. However, Lina has unknowingly come into possession of a powerful magical item among her latest spoils. Now, two mysterious men are hunting the young magician and her self-appointed guardian to seize this potent object for seemingly evil purposes. Thus, they begin their adventure, one where the fate of the world itself may be at stake.