TV-Series
Description
Kuromu, meaning Chrome in Japanese, has mastered NewWorld Online since launch as a Great Shielder, wielding a sword and great shield. His large, muscular frame suits heavy armor. His initial maroon armor set includes matching boots and a distinctive great shield with white markings, plus a headpiece covering forehead to jaw. Light brown garb lies beneath a breastplate, accented by shoulder pauldrons, wrist gauntlets, and black gloves.

He radiates a caring, honest, and open-minded personality, often balancing seriousness with humor. Beyond battle, he projects a strong parental vibe, especially protective towards younger or novice players. While harboring a competitive streak—sometimes overshadowed by Maple's unconventional feats—he deeply respects her as an ally and prioritizes shielding her naivety. Dedicated to advancing the Great Shielder playstyle, he self-deprecatingly calls himself "probably the number one player in terms of dying" due to extensive in-game deaths.

Kuromu first meets Maple on the game's first floor, observing her unique combat tactics. Intrigued, he later introduces her to the crafter Iz when she admires his shield, sparking their ongoing alliance. He consistently logs Maple's evolving abilities in private chats with friends, shifting from initial skepticism to acceptance of her effectiveness. Placing ninth in the first major event boosts his fame beyond his awareness. After guilds launch, he and Iz join Maple Tree at Maple's invitation.

His combat prowess centers on defense and sustainability. Key skills encompass Shield Attack (knockback), Battle Healing (gradual HP recovery), Stout Guardian (Great Shielder-exclusive, survives lethal attacks once daily), and Crystallize (status immunity). He also employs Revitalize (amplifies recovery), Guard Aura (enhances defense), and Ghost Mud (inflicts HP loss). Equipped skills further bolster resilience: Soul Eater (HP recovery on enemy defeat), Dead or Alive (50% chance to survive fatal damage), Life Eater (heals based on damage dealt), and Soul Sucker (HP restoration when taking damage).

He wields unique, indestructible gear from the Tomb of the Dead dungeon (requiring 1,000 deaths to access):
- Bloodied Skull (headgear): Boosts Vitality, grants Soul Eater.
- Bloodstained White Armor (body armor): Increases Vitality and HP, with Dead or Alive.
- Neckdrop (short sword): Enhances Strength, provides Life Eater.
- Wall of Revengeful Ghosts (great shield): Augments Vitality and HP, enables Soul Sucker. This gear forms a cohesive set.

Relationships shape his journey. He relies on Iz for crafting and maintenance. His view of Maple evolves from seeing a novice to respecting a formidable ally, despite her overshadowing his Great Shielder role. Maple's pet, Syrup, frequently accompanies him. He adopts an older-brother role towards May and Yui, prioritizing their protection in battle and instructing them to stay near him. He maintains friendships with Sally (expressing regret over acquiring Necro), Kanade, Marx, and Drag, the latter two sharing private intel and combat experiences. Necro serves as his monster companion.

His notoriety for repeated deaths stems directly from the Tomb of the Dead's access requirement, confirming over 1,000 fatalities. He frequently appears in the anime's end-of-episode chat room segments, contributing dialogue from his perspective.