Who is Arc and how did he become a skeleton in this world?

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Who is Arc

1. Protagonist, former gamer — Arc is a Japanese gamer who suddenly wakes up inside the MMO world he had been playing. He inhabits the avatar of his game character.
2. Skeleton Knight appearance — His avatar body is that of a skeleton knight (a full body skeleton wearing powerful armor), complete with glowing eyes. His skeletal appearance makes him discernibly inhuman to others.
3. Strong and magic-capable — He retains all the stats, skills, and equipment from the game: superhuman strength, powerful weapons (like the Holy Sword of Caladbolg), and both physical and magical abilities.
4. Cautious about revealing his face — Because skeletons are monsters in this world, Arc keeps his helmet on to avoid scaring people or being attacked as a monster. He introduces himself using his game name “Arc.”

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How Arc Became a Skeleton in This World

1. Avatar customization in the game — Before being transported into this world, Arc’s game character was customized with a “Skeleton” avatar skin (a cosmetic appearance).
2. Transportation via isekai event — After falling asleep playing the game, he wakes up in the game world (in the style of a classic isekai). His physical form here is exactly as his avatar was: skeletal beneath the armor.
3. Curse-like condition — Others in the story treat his skeleton form as a curse; it is implied his true “default” race is a Dark Elf, and there are hints of magical means (curse-breaking spells, a magic pool near a spirit tree) that might restore him to flesh temporarily.

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If you want, I can also walk you through what the story reveals later about his origins or whether he ever finds a full cure.

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Sources

• Wikipedia entry on Skeleton Knight in Another World describing how Arc wakes up in his avatar form and the skeletal appearance due to a special avatar skin, plus his use of the name Arc.
• Skeleton Knight in Another World Wiki entry (Arc) confirming his background as gamer turned avatar, skeletal form, and hints that he is originally a Dark Elf.