Image: Tarnished vs Assassin in Sage's Cave

This anime-style fan art captures a dramatic moment from Elden Ring, set in the eerie depths of Sage's Cave. The composition is pulled back to reveal more of the cavernous environment, with jagged stalactites hanging from the ceiling and textured rock walls rendered in deep green and teal hues. The ambient lighting is enhanced to create a moody, atmospheric backdrop that contrasts with the warm glow of the combatants' weapons.

On the left stands the Tarnished, viewed partially from behind. He wears the iconic Black Knife armor, a dark, layered ensemble with a tattered cloak that flows behind him. His stance is wide and grounded, with his right foot forward and left leg extended back, suggesting readiness and tension. In his right hand, he grips a golden sword with a straight, glowing blade and an ornate crossguard that curves downward. The sword emits a subtle golden light that illuminates the folds of his cloak and the surrounding cave floor. His left hand is clenched into a fist, held close to his body, emphasizing his focus and determination.

Facing him is the Black Knife Assassin, clad in matching Black Knife armor. The Assassin’s hood is pulled low, concealing most of the face except for a pair of piercing, glowing yellow eyes. The figure crouches in a low, agile stance, with the left leg bent and the right leg extended behind. In each hand, the Assassin wields a golden dagger with curved crossguards and glowing blades. The right dagger is raised to meet the Tarnished’s sword, while the left is held low in a defensive posture. The absence of a central starburst or exaggerated glow at the point of contact allows the subtle weapon illumination to define the scene’s tension and realism.

The lighting throughout the image is carefully balanced. The golden glow from the weapons casts soft highlights on the characters’ armor and cloaks, while the cave walls reflect faint green and teal tones. Shadows deepen the folds of fabric and the recesses of the cave, enhancing the sense of depth and mystery. The overall color palette blends cool, dark tones with warm accents, creating a visually striking contrast that emphasizes the intensity of the duel.

The illustration is rendered in a semi-realistic anime style, with clean linework, detailed shading, and dynamic poses. The composition centers on the clash between sword and dagger, framed by the cavern’s natural architecture. The image evokes themes of stealth, confrontation, and resilience, perfectly capturing the spirit of Elden Ring’s dark fantasy world.

The image is related to: Elden Ring: Black Knife Assassin (Sage's Cave) Boss Fight