The design and tone of the manhwa were definitely lightened up; I agree with that. So the anime adaptation, which retains some of the epic survival feel, is something that caught my attention.
I had also read the entire novel first and then followed the manhwa adaptation, but I don't remember up to which chapter I read the latter. In this anime, I hope they manage to cover the story arc up to the battle against the duke, but I don't know if they can do that in just a few episodes, given the pacing of the narrative. It's possible the entire season will be dedicated solely to the beginning and the events of the first winter against the demonic beasts.
