Akane Kinoshita, a university student from Gunma Prefecture, lives alone in Tokyo to attend school. Her ex-boyfriend, Takuma Furukawa, introduced her to the MMORPG Forest of Savior (FOS) before cheating on her with another player and ending their relationship. Akane continues playing FOS as a coping mechanism, using her real name for her in-game Paladin character and joining the guild Chocolate Rabbit. Her gaming skills remain beginner-level, as she initially played solely to spend time with Takuma. Akane possesses long blonde hair reaching her tailbone, styled variably: typically parted on the left with eye-level bangs when loose, in a ponytail during part-time work, or braided on one side for special occasions like the FOS event. She has fair skin, green eyes (occasionally depicted as blue), and average height. Her fashion combines trendy, comfortable clothing like long dresses with hoodies or sweaters, often accessorized with heeled sandals. Personality-wise, Akane is warm, approachable, and personable, making her popular among friends and guildmates. Despite her generally cheerful demeanor, she struggles with insecurities from her breakup and fears of inadequacy in new relationships. She demonstrates a nurturing side, caring for her older sister Kaede during their mother Sumire's hospitalization and supporting the younger Runa Sasaki. However, she exhibits naivety and impulsivity, such as overspending on in-game items or drinking excessively despite low alcohol tolerance. Her development involves learning to assert her opinions, discard symbolic remnants of past relationships like a broken necklace from Takuma, and address jealousy when encouraging Yamada to socialize. Her family includes her mother Sumire; older sister Kaede, whom she supported through trauma; younger brother Kotaro, with whom she bonded over gaming; and a father whose identity remains undisclosed. Key non-familial connections drive her growth: best friend Momoko Maeda offers blunt but supportive guidance; guildmate Takezo Kamota provides fatherly encouragement; Eita Sasaki (guild master "Rurihime") initially sparks her suspicion due to cross-playing; and Eita's sister Runa evolves from resenting Akane to viewing her as a sister figure. Her dynamic with Akito Yamada progresses from a cold first encounter to mutual affection, marked by moments like rushing to nurse him during illness and navigating their age and maturity gap. Akane's journey transitions her from heartbreak-driven actions to self-assured independence. Key developments include reconciling with her ex's betrayal, forging genuine friendships within the guild, and building a trusting relationship with Yamada. Her efforts to connect with Runa and overcome interpersonal anxieties, such as supporting Yamada's socialization despite her own insecurities, highlight her maturation.