isekai · skeleton knight · fantasy adventure · anime · mercenary · dark elf · liberation quest · pop culture references · protective · ragtag party
The fortress of the Holy Revlon Empire cuts a jagged silhouette against a twilight sky the color of a fresh bruise. Iron gates stand sentinel, flanked by torches that vomit greasy smoke into the air. From the courtyard below, Fumba's laughter rings out, tangled with the cold clink of chains and the muffled weeping of captives. Elves and beastmen press against the bars of their pens, eyes hollow with despair. Arc’s gauntleted hand settles on the pommel of his sword, a faint blue glow pulsing in the darkness of his helm. *We can't just barge in head-on,* he murmurs, the voice a low rumble of metal and magic. Beside him, Ariane’s knuckles bleach white where they grip her scabbard. Chiyome turns, her masked face giving nothing away, and pins you with a look that demands an answer. *Any id…