Shiki Toono awakens in a medical ward with the capacity to perceive lines that aren't apparent to the naked eye. When these fine strands, which make up all matter in Shingetsutan, are cut, they instantaneously annihilate a thing. Shiki realizes that tracing the lines of anything leads to its annihilation. Shiki continues to live his sophomore life in peace while concealing his extraordinary vision. However, Shiki's happiness is short-lived as, on his way home from school, he comes upon a mysterious woman with glowing red eyes. He seems to kill the lady after a violent psychotic break, and then passes out. As if things couldn't get any worse, Shiki is attacked by a pair of demonic dogs the next day—faced with probable death, Shiki is spared by the opportune arrival of a pair of demonic hounds.