TV-Series
Description
Krusty, known as Crusty in some translations, is a human adventurer of the Guardian class and Berserker subclass. His true name is Kounoike Haruaki, born illegitimate to a mistress within a wealthy, prestigious Japanese family. Acknowledged but neglected by his father, he experienced a solitary childhood with his mother, burdened by family expectations, especially from his grandfather. He had a younger step-sister, Sayaka, whose demeanor resembled Princess Raynesia. Seeking escape, he immersed himself in gaming, hoping his dedication to Elder Tales would force his family to abandon their plans for him. After attending Yale University, he returned to Japan, living alone and inventing a fictional cat named "Nobody" to avoid social events. Following repeated respawns after the Catastrophe, he eventually forgot the cat's name and appearance.

In Elder Tale, Krusty founded the battle guild D.D.D., Akiba's largest, its name resulting from him repeatedly pressing the "D" key. He led D.D.D. to clear notoriously difficult legion-level raids like Oracle's Tower on the European server, shattering expectations for Yamato server players. His strategic skill earned recognition as one of Japan's few commanders experienced in large-scale raids. Post-Catastrophe, his social acumen made him a key spokesperson for the Round Table Alliance, frequently interacting with nobility and handling diplomacy. He maintained a calm, gentlemanly public facade, earning respect from Earthling nobles who mistook him for one of their own, though Raynesia perceived his true battle-hungry nature.

Krusty's personality starkly contrasts between public life and battle. Daily, he appears intelligent, unreadable, and refined, often pushing his glasses while strategizing; he excels at short-term tactical manipulation, differing from Shiroe's long-term planning. In combat, he transforms into a frenzied berserker, adopting a murderous expression and aggressive speech that unsettles allies like Raynesia. Freed from family pressure after the Catastrophe, his playful, mischievous side emerged, enjoying pranks on corrupt nobles, lounging luxuriously, relentless monster hunting for fun, and unexpected habits like cooking in a frilly apron.

During the Gold of the Kunie arc, Krusty vanished when Misa's calamity-inducing scythe activated. Transported to Kunlun, he encountered the Genius Bucaphi, who cursed him with the Soul Darkness Curse after he refused her vassalage. This level 180 curse halted HP regeneration, telepathy, server travel, and eroded selective memories. Stranded on the Zhongyuan server, he was found by Zhu Huan of the Lelang Wolf Cavalry and sheltered at Bai Tao Shrine. Martenfolk there revered him as an "Ancient" due to his level 95 status, though the curse left him weakened and amnesiac, retaining only his strategic mind.

In Zhongyuan, Krusty clashed with Elias Hackblade, manipulated by the Genius Youren (Papus). Falling into Sirius Grotto dungeon during their fight, he reunited with Kanami's party. Facing Papus, Elias, and a half-raid-ranked Nue, Krusty exploited his curse's loopholes: sacrificing memories via his Overskill Mnemosyne Taboo regained MP to match Bucaphi's power. He then used the Demon-Axe of Fresh Blood to steal HP from Papus, bypassing the curse's healing restriction to defeat her. This victory partially restored his memories and stabilized his condition, leading him to join Kanami's party to return to Yamato and confront Bucaphi on the moon.

Krusty wields the high-damage Demon Axe with HP absorption and wears the strength-enhancing Armor of the Fallen Warrior. His bracelet, Rage Again, cancels skill cooldowns and allows brief post-death combat. His unique Overskills are Hyperion Eye, granting an overhead battlefield view for command, and Mnemosyne Taboo, sacrificing memories for power. His combat style emphasizes frontline aggression and tactical manipulation, leveraging the Berserker subclass for high-threat maneuvers. Even cursed, he remains a formidable strategist, capable of rewriting debilitating effects through precise contractual interpretations in battle.

He founded and leads D.D.D., co-leads the Round Table Alliance with Shiroe and Michitaka, and shares a complex dynamic with Raynesia, who both admires and fears his true nature. Old allies like Misa Takayama know his playful side, while Isaac criticizes his disregard for personal safety. His disappearance caused D.D.D. membership losses, impacting Akiba's stability. Reuniting with pre-Catastrophe acquaintance Kanami reinforced his role in her party's quest against the Geniuses. He remains with her group, traveling toward Yamato and preparing for further conflicts.