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I woke up.
This time, I was truly back in the safety of the Dream, and it took me a moment or two to get used once more of waking up without having to go back and fight that asshole of a Demon dog.
Then I blinked, finally noticing that, apparently, the Doll and I ended up falling asleep in each other's arms.
I smiled softly, gently and carefully getting up and letting her sleep some more, and my smile widened as she began mumbling under her breath in her sleep.
Something about... comfort and pleasant awakenings?
Either way, I made my way to the Hunter's Workshop, noticing that Gherman wasn't there right now.
No matter- I was there for something else.
That is to say, I put my Fire gemstones in some of my weapons- like the Saw Spear, for example.
Once done, I went to see the Doll, noticed that she was still sleeping peacefully, and decided to let her sleep in peace.
Instead, I went to Meditate for a while, getting the skill up toLevel (30), before continuing to write in my journal about my experiences so far in Bloodborne.
I did also took note that I had gained (+5) with both the Doll and Gherman for dealing with the Chalice Dungeon, so that was good.
Once that was done, I noticed that the Doll had woken up, so I went back to her with a smile.
"Slept well?" I asked.
She nodded. "I did, actually. It was... nice."
Was it me, or there was just a hint of a blush on her cheeks? She did seems to have difficulty looking me in the eyes...
I decided to let it go. For now.
"If I may...
She smiled. "Echoes of Blood?" she inquired.
I chuckled. "Indeed."
I gave her my hand, before focusing.
My (Axe Wielding Mastery) now reached Level (92), and my (Gun Wielding Mastery) was Level (91) after my time in the Dungeon, so with (23000) Blood Echoes...
I smiled widely. Level (100) for both (Axe Wielding Mastery) and (Gun Wielding Mastery)? Yes, please!
I even had a remaining (6640) Blood Echoes left, so I mused on that for a while, before putting it in my (Sense Danger/bloodlust) Skill.
It was at Level 48- the dungeon had been useful with all the sneak attacks it tried to use against me- so with some Blood echoes...
Level (60). Not bad, not bad at all.
I bowed to the Doll, who bowed back, before turning to look at the Tombstone leading back to Yharnam.
"Back to the Hunt, Good Hunter?" The Doll inquired.
I nodded.
"My time in the Dungeon was useful... but I still have a lot of work to do before I can end this Long Night of the Hunt. Best get back to it- I can always go back in the Dungeon and explore it more later."
The Doll nodded, bowing again.
"Then I wish you good Hunting, Good Hunter. May you find your worth in the waking World."
I nodded, before going to the Tombstone.
Back to the Hunt I go...
Still, if my memories were correct, then my next trip in Yharnam will be VERY important to me.
It was time, after all, to find the Reality behind the Dream...
And take my first true step towards Divinity.
I blinked, finding myself back in Oedon Chapel.
I turned around, stopping when I saw Violetta staring wide-eyes at me.
Well, I guess it was only a matter of time until she noticed my ability to seemingly appear out of nowhere...
I grinned and waved.
"Hey, Violetta!"
She blinked, blinked again, before she threw herself at me, hugging me tight and babbling at full speed.
"Mister Aeon! Where did you come from?! I didn't hear you coming! And it looked like you just appeared out of nowhere! That was awesome! And kinda scary! And-"
I laughed. "Breath, Violetta! Breath! Calm down, you're going to bite your tongue if you continue speaking that fast!"
She blushed, hiding her scarlet face by burying it in my clothes.
Then she took a deep breath, and nodded, smiling widely.
"Welcome back, Mister Aeon! Are you doing alright?"
She stepped back, looking up and down at me critically, as if worried I was hiding any wounds from her.
I snorted, ruffling her hair, making her squawk in protest.
"Come now, Violetta! Have a bit more faith in me, will you? Of course I'm fine! See?" I exclaimed, stretching around to show that I was fine.
She narrowed her eyes, staring hard in search of any hidden wounds or tears in my clothing's that would indicate such, before nodding sharply.
Then, she sighed.
"Sorry about that, Mister Aeon. It's just..." She stopped, looking lost, and I hugged her, Violetta gladly accepting and returning it.
"It's okay." I whisper gently. "I understand. Don't worry about it."
"Thank you." She replied softly back, squeezing me harder for a moment before letting go.
"Still doing alright?" I asked.
She nodded. "It hasn't been that long yet, so this far I've been okay. Don't worry about me, okay, Mister Aeon? I'm sure that you've got bigger things to worry about, out there in the streets with all the beasts." She declared. "I'm... I'm a big girl, so I can take care of myself for the night, you know?" She said, even as her lower lip trembled. "I don't have a choice, with Mommy and Daddy..." She whispered, before stopping, closing her eyes and taking a quick, deep breath and then looking back up at me.
I gave her a look. "If you can be worried about a big guy like me, I reserve the right to be worried about you." I declared.
She opened her mouth, but quickly closed it as I threw a playful glare her way. "And no, your opinion is neither needed nor desired... Much like my own apparently isn't." I finished with a smirk.
She pouted,
I chuckled, before ruffling her hair again, earning yet another squawk of protest, a glare and her holding her head with both hands protectively.
"I wish you would stop doing that, though..." she grumbled, pouting harder.
I snickered. "Not a chance in Hell. You're way too adorable when you're pouting!" I declared brightly, a wide smirk on my face. "Why, it's almost a Duty for me at this point to see just what newest adorable face you are going to throw at me every time I mess with your hair!"
She somehow managed to pout harder, glaring at me with all the concentrated wrath of a grumpy kitten, and looking just as adorable as one for it.
Snickering harder, I then sobered up, putting an hand on her right shoulder.
"That, and I prefer you glaring at me than crying. That fire in your eyes suit you much better than tears and despair, you know." I whispered gently.
She froze, before sighing deeply.
"You've noticed, huh?" She whispered softly back.
I nodded. "Your eyes are red every time I see you- red from crying. I imagine that you are trying to be strong when I can see you, but the rest of the time? Considering that you've lost both your parents at the same time, I would have been concerned if you weren't crying often tonight."
She sniffled, nodding weakly.
I sighed, kneeling to hug her tight again, and it didn't take long before I started feeling tears fall on my right shoulder.
I whispered kind words and rubbed her back while she broke down crying again, until she finally quieted down.
She stepped back, eyes very red but shining with gratefulness.
"I'm... I'm sorry. I shouldn't-"
I stopped her, putting a finger over her lips and giving her a firm look.
"Don't worry. I told you before, there's nothing wrong with crying. and I WILL NOT have you feel guilty for it. And... Well, it's the least that I can do until I get your sister here with you."
I grinned, flicking her nose.
"So don't be silly, alright? Adults should be the silly ones doing silly grown-up things, with you laughing and enjoying life freely. We all get the same thing, Violetta- we get a Lifetime. No more, no less. So makes sure that you enjoy yours to the fullest, so that when your time comes you have as few regrets as possible. I don't know what you want to do in Life, Violetta, and you might not know yet anyway, but..." I trailed off, before looking at her firmly. "Whatever you do, whatever you wish to do in life, seek happiness. Seek what will make you happy. If you want your parents to be proud and happy of- and for- you... Then live your life to the fullest, live without regrets, whatever path that life may takes you. That's the great secret of Life, Violetta- if you can look Death in the eyes with a smile, with no regret in your heart... Then you know that you have won at Life. That no matter the setbacks in your path, no matter the tragedies that Life brings... You proved yourself stronger. You proved yourself greater."
I smiled.
"So go ahead and Dream of Paradise, Violetta Gascoigne. Dream of it, work to make it Reality, and never, ever let go of it, no matter what. That is the only way To Truly Live... Understood?"
Violetta stared at me for a long moment.
"You know, that was a very good speech. Much better that those I usually listen to from the Church. Maybe you should become a priest?" She eventually declared with a grin.
I deadpanned, before sighing deeply.
"Great Ones save me from cheeky brats..." I grumbled. "Kids these days, I swear..." I shook my head, before getting up.
"Well, fine. If Miss I'm-a-Big-Girl and I-don't-need-no-Epic-Speech is just fine on her own, then this Old Man is going back hitting bloodthirsty beasts with his Axe. At least they won't snark back at me for trying to help. Take care, brat!"
With that said, I took the newly opened passage on the right, leaving the Chapel and looking forward to going into a new part of the city.
Behind me, Violetta snickered for a moment, before her eyes fell on the entrance I took.
She remained silently staring at it for a moment, before a small but heartfelt smile spread across her lips, her blue eyes soft and sad.
"Dream of Paradise, Huh? Eh. You're the only one who still do in all of Yharnam, you know." She whispered. "Perhaps I could hate you for it, for still being so happy and hopeful despite everything... But I can't. You truly are too kind, Mister Aeon. You just want the best- for all of us. Stubbornly refusing to acknowledge that all is madness and death in these lands, still clinging to the belief that things can get better when they only became worst for so very long, now... I wonder, where do you come from, to still be like this? What life have you lived? I suppose it doesn't matter."
She knelt, putting herself in the prayer position.
"Are you the only sane man in all the lands, Mister Aeon?" She wondered softly. "Or are you the most mad of us all? I suppose that, too, doesn't matter. Because that madness of yours, this sickness called Hope... You infected me with it too. So all I can do now is hope- and pray for a miracle."
And so, she prayed. Amidst the howls of beasts, the distant screams of the Damned and worst, she prayed.
For the sake of a miracle called Aeon... and the Hope of Salvation and the ever fainter Light of a Dream called Paradise he alone still carried on his shoulders.
Ô Formless Oedon, Great One of Blood, hear my prayers...
I went through the new entrance, quickly making my way unto the elevator, though I did take a moment to blink and wave away at the message informing me I had gained (+10) Cha.
I guessed that my words had hit their marks after all.
Stepping on it, I waited carefully- and then went through the "secret" opening mid travel, breathing a quick sigh of relief that I timed things right- I could have been crushed if I hadn't.
Going trough a few twists and turns, I opened up a chest-
And found the Formless Oedon Rune.
I looked at it for a moment-
-Seek the Echoes of Blood-
I blinked.
I could have sworn that I heard... something.
A voice? I think?
... I put it into my Inventory and kept going.
And quickly found a corpse with the Messengers Urn Festival!
...
You know, I'm not entirely sure how to feel about the fact I can put literal Messengers shaped Urns on the heads of the Messengers...
I shook my head. If I wasn't wrong, there should be more... normal headwares for them somewhere later on.
I hoped.
Then I looked down, pursed my lips at being just above the center of the Chapel, and with cat-like grace successfully made my way down without alerting the praying Violetta of my presence.
Then I went back on the elevator- this time, making the full trip.
Oh, and I leveled up my (Stealth) skill up to (40) with that stunt. Yay!
Then I stopped, eyes narrowing, staring at what I could see of the next room.
If I remembered well-
I ran.
The old bastard with his machine gun wheelchair proved too slow and missed.
I, on the other hand, did not miss.
Smirking at the corpse of my would-be killer, I turned, making my way to another chest containing the Communion Rune.
Then I eyed the short bridge leading to the Tower beyond, frowned... and then ran like hell!
Bullets shattered on the ground behind me, whistling much closer that I would like, and a mad man standing on the other side of the bridge barely got the time to open his mouth before I spartan kicked him out of the Tower and to his doom below.
And then I made my way around the tower, quickly killing one of those disappearing beast who... Gave me my first (3) Twin Blood Stone Shards!
Go me!
Then I went and boldly took the entrance of the Tower.
And by that, I mean I threw two molotovs in, before going in, launching Poison Magic Missiles like candies on Halloween with one hand and shooting repeatedly my gun with the other hand while performing dodges that would not be out of place in a world-level championship of gymnastics, trying desperately to avoid the blows and bullets of the half-dozen madmen inside, all waiting for me.
Needless to say, the next seconds were pretty chaotic.
But hey, I didn't die!
Oh, and I found Gemstones for Bloodtinge, so I'm pretty happy!
Carefully going up the stairs, I went to my tip-toes to peak at what awaited upside.
If I remembered well- yup, a madman with a sword and yet another asshole grandpa with minigun were there.
I grinned, took out a Molotov, and let cleansing fire to it's job.
And then a brick troll showed up, looking confused at the dead madmen.
More surprise molotov to the face!
And then one more madman.
More- Okay fine, that one took a bullet to the face instead, before I went and double-tapped the Troll.
He wasn't -quite- dead yet, after all.
Then it was more madmen, more loot, and a cryptic message about how "The sky and comos are one".
Helpful, I know.
More madmen later- including one with a flamethrower, which made me twitch at the very recent memories of that Damn fire dog- and I found the Radiant Sword Hunter Badge!
Yay!
And then I backtracked.
All the way back to the first level of the tower, going down the collapsed path, and then...
I pursed my lips.
Looked down at the wooden platform I needed to go.
Nodded slowly.
And then ran and jumped.
I barely held back a scream of fear at potentially missing my jump... and then a scream of joy when I didn't!
I rolled, standing tall and proud-
Only for my face to brutally meet the doors of the entrance to the real Hunter's Dream.
Good news! I didn't fall back and to my death!
Bad news! I hit the doors hard enough to make them open, meaning I went down the stairs beyond in a VERY painful and undignified manner which left me groaning in pain-filled misery on the cold, hard ground by the time I hit the bottom!
No one must ever know. I grumbled, No one must ever, ever know what undignified entrance I had into the place holding the first step to my godhood. I'll never live it down! I mentally complained.
Taking a moment to recover my dignity get my bearings, I then properly looked around.
The first thing to really struck me was..., well, just how gloomy this place was.
The Hunter's Dream was peaceful, serene. This place just looked old and abandoned.
I didn't like it. It just... It just looked wrong, for the place I was more and more considering like my Home, to look like this.
Shaking my head, I took notice that I had gained (2) Insights for finding this place, meaning I was now at [Insight: 29], before going to open the chest where the Messengers bath should have been, finding the Doll Set within.
I looked at the clothes for a moment, before gently and carefully putting them in my Inventory.
Then I made my way to the Old Hunter Bone.
A message window popped up, asking me if I wanted to gain the skill (Quickening), and I all but punched the "Yes" button.
Congratulation! You have gained the Skill (Quickening: level 1)!
And then naturally, I promptly began Quickening my way all over the place, shouting at the top of my lungs and cackling loudly like an idiot.
Ten minutes later...
Finally calming down from my "I have super-speed! THAT'S SO COOL!" moment, though not before having thoroughly "tested" my new skill (read: zoomed everywhere while cackling loudly), I made my way into the Hunter's Workshop.
I first made a beeline for the small hair ornament, taking it in my hand and smiling softly at the sight of it.
Gently putting it in my Inventory for now, I turned, staring at the Doll left laying at one side of the building.
I stared at it for a long, long moment, before gently and very, very carefully taking in my arms and putting it in my Inventory too.
What was I supposed to do? Leave it there, abandoned and gathering dust? Not a chance in hell!
Not on my watch!
I... wasn't sure how I was going to breach the subject, though. I think that is one problem that I was going to use a very human method to solve-
Procrastinate like hell.
Shaking my head, I then, finally, made my way to arguably one of the most important thing in all of Yharnam-
The Third Umbilical Cord.
I gently took it in my right hand, and another pop-up message appeared, asking if I wanted to use this item.
I looked at what I held in my hand for a long, long moment... And then I smiled widely.
And with a gleeful laugh, I pressed "Yes".
The Cord dissolved, flowing into me-
-my EYES blinked OPEN-
-The COSMOS flashed into my MIND-
-a LINK is forged, TWO left for GREATNESS-
-a CHILD born in BLOOD, born FROM blood-
I blinked, then blinked again.
I wasn't quite sure what had happened, but the... message, for lack of a better word to explain the mess of Ideas, Concepts and Images I just had was clear-
Two more. Two more for Greatness...
I smiled.
Two were good... But why not more?
I chuckled, waving away the message informing me that I had gained (3) Insights.
Then I blinked- apparently, consuming the Cord granted me (+100) of Int and Wis.
First Step to Greatness: You have found and consumed a Third Umbilical Cord. Your Eyes are yet to open, but the secrets of the Cosmos begin to open themselves to you... Gain (100) in Wis and Int.
That... actually made sense, considering it was meant to bring "Greatness" to anyone using them, and the Mind of a Great One is where it's Greatness truly lie.
Still... (100)?! True, the Cord was a Divine item...
Actually, nevermind. Of course a Divine Item connected to the Great Ones would be bullshit.
Well, I certainly wasn't going to complain!
With all that done, I activated the Lantern and went back to the Dream.
I had something to give to the Doll, after all...
I returned to the Hunter's Dream- the "True" one, as I thought of it.
I had to admit to breathing a sigh of relief when I did, because the... "aura", so to speak, of the "real" location of this place was just depressing.
Then I went to the Doll, smiling widely.
"Dear Doll!" I exclaimed loudly and cheerfully. "I bring a gift with me this time!"
She blinked, before smiling widely back.
"Truly? What have you found, Good Hunter?"
I grinned, taking out the hair ornament from the Inventory.
"This! It will go perfectly in your hair, I just know it!"
I gave it to her, and she took it gently, her breath catching when she had it in her hands, staring wide eyes at my gift.
"What... what is this?" She exclaimed softly, before carefully closing her hands around it and bringing it over her heart. "I-I can't remember, not a thing, only... I feel... A yearning... something I've never felt before..." She gently passed a hand over her left eye, rubbing it.
"What's happening to me? Ahh..." She looked at me, wide eyes and trembling. "Tell me hunter, could this be joy? Ahh..."
I smiled softly, stepping forward to hug her.
She all but melted into the hug, holding me tightly.
"Ahh... Good Hunter... I... Thank you..." She whispered softly.
I tightened my hold on her briefly. "Always, Dear Doll. Always." I whispered back, equally softly and gently.
We stayed like that for a moment, before eventually separating.
She looked at my gift again for a moment, before putting it in her hair.
She smiled.
"How do I look?" She asked me.
There was only a single possible answer to that.
"Beautiful." I breathed.
She blushed, before smiling brightly.
"Thank you... Aeon."
We looked at one another in silence for a moment, smiles on our faces, before she shook herself and took a deep breath.
She exhaled, then looked back at me with her usual welcoming smile.
"That aside, is there anything else that I can help you with?"
I mused on that for a moment- I had only (7000) Blood Echoes, but since I was already there...
"I suppose that I can spend my Blood Echoes." I replied.
Her smiled widened.
"Of course, Good Hunter."
I closed my eyes, and she took my right hand.
There was a moment of silence, and then she suddenly took a sharp breath.
I blinked, looking at her with confusion, and I just had the time to catch a glimpse of her shocked face, eyes wide and mouth open, before it was gone in a blink of an eye and she smiled at me.
For some reason, it looked... brighter than usual. Even her eyes seemed to almost glow...
"Please, close your eyes, Good Hunter."
I did as requested, putting my seven thousands Blood Echoes in (Fire Magic).
That skill will without a doubt come in handy in the future, after all.
Smiling at my new(Fire Magic): level (38), I bowed to the Doll.
"Dear Doll."
She looked at me for a long second, before smiling brightly and bowing.
"Good Hunter."
Making my way to see if Gherman was in the Workshop, I looked at my messages.
I did gain the Tear Stone, which I gently put into my Inventory, before noticing the other messages.
I had gained (+15) of Rep with the Doll for my gift to her, and... Huh.
That (?) bonus had been upgraded? Again? And-
I froze, staring at the message before me.
Congratulation! Through special actions, you have gained the title "Good Hunter"!
I stared.
Stared some more.
Then I turned thoughtful.
The Title of "The Good Hunter" was one you were called by by the Doll from the very beginning of the Game.
However... That may not mean I was worthy of holding it by the logic of the Gamer System.
The concept of secret requirements to access something wasn't exactly unheard of.
So with that being said...
I turned back to look at the Doll, only now noticing that she had already been staring intently at me.
I looked at her in the eyes, before smiling.
She smiled back, though there definitely seemed to be something... more in her eyes and smile.
Something that wasn't there before.
And I had a good idea of what was going on, here.
I turned back, going inside the Workshop.
Behind me, the Doll kept staring intently at my retreating back, her smile soft, loving- and holding an immense amount of pride and joy.
"Finally..." She whispered softly. "Finally!" She repeated, her eyes wide and gleeful.
"After so long..." Her smile turned almost blinding, so wide and happy it was, and if anyone was looking, they could swear her eyes were glowing. "Go forth, Good Hunter. Claim that which is yours... Let Yharnam be your Crucible."
"Your Crucible... To Greatness."
Gherman was, indeed, in the Workshop.
I nodded to him... Before taking out the Radiant Sword Hunter Badge and showing it to him.
His eyes widened, before turning sad.
"This is one of the badges crafted by the Healing Church. The radiant sword indicates the heirs to the will of Ludwig. These hunters, also known as Holy Blades, are what remains of an ancient line of heroes that date back to a very early age of honor and chivalry." He said softly, before sighing deeply.
"The Healing Church, and the Blood Ministers who belong to it... were once guardians of the hunters, in the times of the hunter... Ludwig. They worked, and forged weapons, in their unique workshop. Today, most ministers don't recall the hunters. This-" he waved at the badge "-is naught but one more relic of the past, of a time where there was still hope of a brighter tomorrow..." He fell silent.
I nodded, putting it back in my Inventory.
Then I took out the three Twin Blood Stone Shards, and Gherman snapped out of his nostalgia about the past to concentrate on them.
"Ah... I see you have new Blood stones to help strengthen your weapons, Good Hunter." He declared with approval.
"Come then, let's put them to good use..."
And so we did, I thought with a smile as I held my new Hunter's Axe (+4) in my hands.
Gherman nodded. "Good work. Anything else, Good Hunter?"
I hummed, before taking out some Blood Gems and replacing any obsolete one with new ones.
That done, I nodded to Gherman before leaving and making my way to the Tombstone.
I could have mentioned finding the "real" Hunter's workshop, but in the end, I saw no reason to.
I already knew how and why the current one came to be, after all.
I nodded at the Doll on the way, who bowed back, and then I returned to the Chapel.
There was still much work to be done before the end of this night.
I couldn't help but note, however, that the Doll's stare on me was a lot more intense that before...
I stood up, taking in the sight of Oedon Chapel.
There was a gasp behind me, and I turned, seeing Violetta's shocked face.
... Ooooh right, that's twice now that she saw me appearing out of nowhere... And while I kind of distracted her from questioning me about it last time, I probably won't be as lucky this time...
Oh well. Can't hurt to try!
I smiled.
"Hey, Violetta. Still doing alright?"
She blinked. "Err, yes I am doing fine, thank yo- Wait a moment!" She exclaimed, before glaring and pointing at me.
"Don't try to act like nothing weird happened! You literally appeared out of nowhere! Again!" She shouted.
I laughed.
"Sorry about that, Violetta." I replied, grinning. "If you really want to know, I basically have a power that let me appear at certain locations. Very useful, as you can imagine." I explained with a smile.
She blinked. "Is it like that weird window in space from which you took my music box out of?" She asked.
My grin widened. "Something like that."
She frowned. "How does that even work?" she wondered.
I grinned widely, leaning forward.
"You really want to know?"
She stared at me with narrowed eyes, before nodding.
My grin widened. "Are you sure?" I asked grimly. "There are secrets that Man were never meant to know..." I warned.
Her eyes narrowed further, before nodding again.
"You see..." I began "It's Magic!" I finished with a shit-eating grin on my face.
Poor Violetta almost collapsed from the Revelation.
"Really? That's your answer?" She deadpanned, looking thoroughly unimpressed by my answer.
"It's magic, I don't have to explain shit." I declared with a shrug, unable to pass by the reference so easily open for the taking.
She sighed. "You don't really know either, don't you?" she accused.
I pursed my lips. Technically, I did know that the Lanterns, most likely, acted as binding agents between Dream and Reality, and that there were no doubt created through the power of my Moonlight benefactor, so...
She rolled her eyes, obviously deciding my silence was answer enough.
I pouted.
"Hey, it's not my fault I hardly know the first thing about dimensional physics, okay? I'm a Hunter, not a bloody Physicist investigating Quantum mechanics and their relations with Higher-Dimensional Entities or something!" I complained.
Violetta blinked slowly at me, looking thoroughly lost.
I blinked back.
"Oh, right. You probably don't even know what most of those words means, do you? Nevermind..." I sighed.
"Well, either way- I need to go back to the Hunt. So if you are doing fine-" I threw her a look, and she nodded "-then I'll be going. Take care!" I half ask, half ordered.
She smiled, giving me yet another hug.
"You take care. I'm not the one going out fighting monsters, after all..." She whispered.
I sighed, patting her head gently with one hand and hugging her back with the other.
"I'll do my best." I replied.
Then I paused, and grinned.
And then I swiftly messed her hair up, while she stepped back and out my range with a startled shout.
"Now I can properly go!" I said, laughing brightly, before making a swift exit, snickering hard as some impressive curses words were sent my way by Violetta.
Girl's got some vocabulary I'm pretty sure her parents wouldn't have been happy to know her aware of, I couldn't help but think in amusement.
Either way, I returned to the Tower, more specifically the place where one could access the "real" Hunter's workshop from.
My goal being to successfully make my way to the bottom floor this time.
Preferably without dying, that is.
Which involved a whole lot of platforming.
I was quite thankful that it was a lot easier to go down from one wooden platform to another in real life than in the game, because I wasn't exactly looking forward to dying by falling to my death.
But hey, I did find the Messenger Top Hats!
I could finally give some proper headwares to the Messengers!
Yay!
Oh, and +1 Madman knowledge, that too.
[Insight: 33], get!
Then, when I was at the last platform above ground, I stared at the beast beneath me, growling at the door of the building we where in.
I tilted my head.
Took some molotovs.
And then let them fall on top of him with a smirk.
Twenty seconds later, I snickered, staring smugly at the burned corpse of the beast.
The damn thing was basically a mini-boss in it's own right, capable of throwing fireballs and more...
But it REALLY wasn't prepared for a "Death from above" scenario.
Ah well-
I got a message.
I looked at it.
I froze.
... The Beast Rune.
I got the fucking Beast Rune from killing this guy.
I took a deep breath, dismissing the message before me.
Then I took a few more, because my own Trait [Hatred of Beast] was NOT taking kindly to the very existence of that Rune.
THAT was one Rune I was never, ever going to use.
EVER.
Shaking my head, I moved on.
Opening the doors, I went out in the streets.
And was immediately greeted by the laughing of madmen in their houses.
... Charming, truly.
I knocked on one of the door, but all I got were mad ramblings about "A night of curses".
Which, well yes, but still...
Anyway, I quickly found the "Sweaty clothes" and "Rumpled Yharnam Hat"!
... Yay?
Then I stared at the back of a Snatcher.
Pursed my lips.
Used Stealth to get behind him slowly...
And then Visceral attacked the fucker!
Followed by taking my gun and shooting repeatedly at the body.
Yeah, Fuck taking ANY chance with this bastard. Though at least, he dropped some Twin Blood Stones Shards...
After that I made my way further up, killing more madmen and dogs, finding one more Madman Knowledge, and then-
I stared at the Brainsucker's back.
... Now, You might think that I would go and do the same thing that I did with the Snatcher.
But the Snatcher would just kidnap me at worst, and I can bust out of said prison.
This thing was basically a discount Illithid.
FFFFUUUUUUCK getting anywhere near that brain-sucking abomination!
Which is why I threw Poison Magic missiles and waves of fire at him instead.
By the time he turned to face me, he only had time to stare in terror at the incoming magical attacks before they slammed into him.
And then I kept blasting fire and poison at him until I was CERTAIN the fucker was dead.
Because FUCK Brainsuckers.
... I did find some Fire Blood Gemstones though, so that's good.
Then I took the elevator nearby, found some loot, and officially entered Cathedral Wards!
I then opened the doors to the area (Shortcut get!) and then took the ladder on my left to go and find some Numbing Mist!
That'll come in handy later.
After that, I made my way up the rooftops, finding the Black Messengers Hat, made my way back down, killed some Church servants quickly (because I was pretty sure that I had the Insights needed for the magical nonsense to start being a thing), killed yet ANOTHER snatcher (Fire Missiles to the face FTW!), went through the Chapel (and threw a thumb-up at Violetta on the way, while she smiled and waved back at me) and then made my way to that one door that require the Badge I bought from the Messenger bath a while back to open.
The doors opened, and not long after I ended staring at the TWO church giants patrolling the courtyard before me.
I pursed my lips, before silently making my way behind one of them and doing the ultimate combo- axe to the knee, which cut it right off, followed by Visceral Attack- and then fire.
Lot and lot of fire.
Good news! I successfully killed one of the Church giant with ease!
Bad news! The other one noticed, and was pissed!
He charged at me, and then brought his axe down in an overhead strike that shattered a good five to ten meters of ground around him!
Thankfully, I had the ultimate technique on my side, now- by which I mean I Quickened, effectively allowing me to completely ignore his attack by dodging beneath the suddenly slow-moving strike (by my point of view on things, at least), followed by me jumping on his right shoulder-
And then I used all my strength to bring down my Hunter Axe (+4) on his neck.
Needless to say, it went flying, and his headless corpse collapsed soon after.
For a moment, I stared at my work.
Then-
"FUCK YES THIS WAS AWESOME!" I shouted like an idiot in glee at what just happened.
... To be fair, going at super-speed and then beheading a giant isn't something that just anyone could do.
After that, I happily scavenged the place, finding no less than FOUR Madmen Knowledge around the courtyard!
[Insight: 38], get! Soon I'll be at forty, which-
Wait. Wasn't forty Insights when...?
Mmmmh...
Well. Problems to consider for later.
Once the headache I currently had after getting so much Insights in one go disappear, for example...
At least I had a good spot for farming Insights if need be?
Well, anyway- once the headache was gone, I kept going, killing with extreme prejudice the Brainsucker who -thought- he could get the jump on me.
He did not.
Found some more loot- I actually found enough Twin Blood stone shards to upgrade my Axe again, so thank you, perks for Luck!
Then some Shining Coins, some more gemstones, some antidotes...
And then I found some closed doors.
"The paaaaaaassword... passwoooooord... Got to close the..." Said a rather creepy voice that began laughing before dissolving into sobbing.
I stared for a moment, before turning away.
... You know what? I'll take care of this place later.
Much later.
Then I backtracked aaaaallll the way back to where some people you could actually talk to were living.
I knocked on a door which still had incense burning.
"Oh, my, what a queer scent... But I'd take it over the stench of blood and beasts any day. What is it, then? I'm off during hunts, so if that's what you're here for, I'll leave you to your own devices. If that doesn't do it, come back in the morning, darling." Arianna said, laughing softly at the end.
"Sorry lady, I'm not here for your services." I replied with a smirk. "I'm a Hunter, actually." I explained.
"A hunter! Oh, thank goodness. Might you know of a safe place? The night is long and I've very little of the incense left... Please, there must be some nice place to run off to?" She pleaded.
I smiled.
"Ever heard of Oedon chapel? It's as safe a place as one can find tonight."
"Oh, thank you, darling. Maybe I'll see you there!" She exclaimed, breathing a deep sigh of relief.
"See you there." I replied.
Then I turned and went to talk to the other sane person around here.
"You... You're not from around here, are ya?" He scoffed. "An Outsider who's come to join the Hunt? What a pathetic idea. You what? What, you think I'm a beast? Well, maybe I think you're a beast. And step away from my castle!" He shouted.
I knocked again.
"Oh, enough of you... What, you think this is funny? Well I certainly don't. So be gone with ya! I'll have nothing to do with your beast Hunts."
There was a pause.
"And what's this two-bit nonsense you're peddlin'? I heard you told that wench about some shelter. Well, she's a damn fool to trust an Outsider. Why? Her sort's probably just fixin' to thieve some of your coins." He laughed.
"Alright. What crafty lies does the Outsider have today? You think I'm an easy mark? Yeah? Well, give me your best shot."
I chuckled.
"Well, have you heard of Iosefka's clinic? Apparently, she's offering shelter to anyone's interested, tonight. Researching a cure to the beast plague too, or so I heard. You might want to take a look, if you want?"
He scoffed. "Hmph... Yeah, sorry, too sharp for that bollocks. I know a superstition when I hear one. Outsiders... Even their lies are predictable."
I shrugged, walking away.
Then I smirked.
That guy, if I remembered the game right, basically do the opposite of what you tell him.
So in order to save him, you have to tell him of Iosefka's clinic.
Which I just did.
With that taken care of, I kept exploring the place, killing everything in my way.
I did quickly find the Black Church Hunter set, and then some poison knives (not that it mattered, since I could- and did- infuse poison on my weapons already), before taking my Rifle-spear and sniping a dude with a gun further away.
Then I noticed that there was several madmen within the entrance of a building.
So I did the smart thing- I sneaked up to said entrance, took a molotov... and then threw it in the building.
Needless to say, I couldn't help but feel that the ones who first thought of said cocktail molotovs in this world were fucking geniuses, because fucking hell they were so useful!
That over with, I went up a ladder, found a message about the password being the "adage of the Grand Cathedral", went down unto a house rooftop... And then looked down.
A dog burning to death by molotov later, I looked up, stared at the two Church servants and the giant, before shrugging, taking up my Rifle-spear... and then I kept shooting from the safety of said rooftop until they were all dead.
Honestly, the ability to snipe enemies from afar was really broken...
That done, I finally went down, took the loot, opened the gate, took the side passage, killed the guy on a stone balcony, went up, killed the guys with the Frenzy-inducing weapons (which did jack shit on me, so they really weren't much of a concern) and then stood before the gates of the Grand Cathedral.
That is to say, I stood before the next Boss fight with an impressive THIRTY THOUSANDS Blood Echoes on me.
Needless to say, I did a 180° turn, went all the way back to the nearest Lantern, and returned the the Hunter's Dream.
"Hi, Doll!" I said brightly upon my return to the Hunter's Dream.
She smiled back.
"Hello to you too, Good Hunter. How may I help you?"
I opened my mouth... and then closed it, my eyes setting on the messenger bath instead.
I hummed. "Give me a second..."
I went there and smiled, buying Ludwig's holy blade for twenty thousands blood echoes.
I took a few swing with it, gaining the (Sword Wielding Mastery) skill, before returning to the Doll, who had observed me with interest.
"I need to enhance myself- more specifically, my Fire Magic." I asked.
She smiled. "Then close your eyes, and I shall do so."
I did as asked.
I've been using my (Fire Infusion) skill quite a bit in Yharnam, so that went to Level (20), but very little actual Fire magic- unless necessary, like with the brainsuckers.
Considering that I was about to fight a Boss, however...
My currently level (40) Fire Magic was just too low, I felt.
With Ten Thousand blood echoes, I was able to raise it to level (59).
I nodded. It'll do.
Giving my thanks to the Doll, I then went to upgrade my Axe again, getting it up to (+5).
After that, I actually went to the Stump Messengers, and made sure the Messengers would wear the Messengers Top hats.
Now the Messengers shall look like right proper little gentlemen!
... Sort of.
Anyway, with all my preparations complete, it was time...
To fight a Boss!
... Or not, I thought, returning to the Chapel only to find it more crowded than before.
Right, I did tell Ariana and that one paranoid guy about a safe place, meaning that they are both here now.
Ariana stared at my sudden appearance with wide eyes, opened her mouth- and then closed it, looking very curious but apparently deciding to not ask question about Hunter bullshit.
Wise of her.
I looked around, noticing the dweller who, too, had obviously decided to not question Hunters supernatural bullshit and Violetta, who was already rising from her prayers, a smile on her face.
"Hey, Mister Aeon!" She welcomed me- true, I did say hello to her before returning to the Dream, but- "There's new people who arrived not long ago! Apparently, you sent them here?"
I chuckled, nodding.
"You could say that, yes."
She smiled. "That's good! Though..." She frowned. "The man over there-" she pointed to the paranoid guy "is really not friendly. And for some reason, the old lady and him think I shouldn't get close to the woman over there, even when she is the kindest of them all..." She pointed to Ariana, who looked awkward.
I pursed my lips. "Well... You see, that woman is what we politely call a *Woman of the Night*..."
Violetta blinked at me.
I sighed. "A prostitute." I whispered.
She blinked in shock, before throwing Ariana a wide-eye look (which made the woman look even more awkward looking) before looking back at me.
"Oh. So that's why..." She trailed off.
I chuckled. "Indeed. Now, there's nothing wrong with her or anything, but... well, most people wouldn't want a young girl to get too close to such a woman, to say the least." I explained.
She nodded.
I smiled. "That being said, I'm sure that she's a kind woman, so if you need to talk to someone and I'm not here, don't hesitate to talk to her, okay?"
She nodded, looking a bit hesitant.
"You... don't mind her being..." She trailed off again.
I blinked. "Not really. There'll always be people of her profession, and... Well, everyone gotta find a way to put food on their table, you know? There is no reason to hate her just because she has a... less reputable line of work than others."
She nodded slowly. "Are you... Did you...?"
She blushed.
I stared for a moment, before chuckling in amusement.
"No, I haven't, and won't, make use of her *services*, so to speak. I have..." I look away, up at the ceiling of the Chapel. "Well, let just say I have someone in my heart already." I declared with a grin.
Violetta looked at me with interest, her blush fading. "Really?"
I grinned harder. "Really."
Then I sighed, and strengthened.
"Now, as good as it always is to talk to you, I need to go- I'll check on the others, then I have to keep Hunting, I'm afraid."
She nodded sadly.
"Good Hunting, Mister Aeon. I hope that the gods will watch over you." She declared solemnly.
I chuckled darkly. "Oh, trust me- they are watching alright..." I shook my head.
"Take care, Violetta." I said, before going to talk to Ariana.
She smiled at me as I approached.
"Oh, hello dear. You weren't lying, this is a safe place." She said with relief. She stood up, curtsying before me. "Thank you. I am in your debt."
She then looked at me with a thoughtful frown.
"I'd like to tender my thanks, but I haven't much to offer... All I can give is my blood. But would you even take a whore's blood?"
I nodded. "Blood's blood. Trust me when I say that you can never have too many Blood Vials while on the Hunt."
She smiled, taking an empty blood vial from somewhere on her robe, then filled quickly.
I mentally shook my head. Of course a Yharnamite whore would be ready to give out Blood vials...
I then took it with a thankful nod. Oh, and I did get the Curtsy gesture, too.
I then looked at the Old lady and the paranoid man, but they shied away from my gaze.
... Okay then. You know what? I'll just go fight the Boss.
I owed nothing to these people, after all, so now that they were safe, I had no obligation to interact with them if all they did was look at me with disdain.
With that thought in mind, I went back to the Grand Cathedral.
... Except I found Eileen just outside the Chapel.
Seriously, I just wanted to go kill a Boss, is it to much to ask?!
Shrugging, I went to go talk to her. At least she won't look at me like a literal shit stain on her boots.
She turned to looked at me, her body language... tense.
"Oh, hello there. Perfect timing. I must warn you... not to go near the tomb below Oedon Chapel in the Cathedral Ward."
She paused.
"Henryk, an old hunter, has gone mad." She explained.
"And he's my mark..." She firmly declared. "So don't go near the tomb below Oedon Chapel in the Cathedral Ward. I have business there first..."
She started giggling.
... Okay then.
You know what? I'll take care of that AFTER I go kill that Vicar who's about to turn into a beast. Mostly because I was still below level (50), and I wanted to be higher-level before fighting a veteran Hunter.
Well, at least I got the "Shh!" Gesture out of this...
I nodded at her, before walking away.
I knew from Violetta's comments that Time passed differently for me that it did to the people of Yharnam, so I was hoping that I could go challenge one or two bosses before going to fight Henryk.
A gamble, because Eileen could very well go and fight Henryk when I wasn't there, but I felt it was better for me to level up some before going into that fight.
Eileen would most likely die if I went into that Boss fight before I was ready, after all, so I might as well prepare beforehand.
So with that said- To the Grand Cathedral!
Finally.
I opened the doors of the Grand Cathedral.
I had to admit, if nothing else, the ones who build Yharnam were impressively competent at building stunning buildings.
Now if only they could have been sane and build a city that made some amount of sense, damn it all!
Ah well. At least it looks impressive...?
I got up the stairs and then stopped, staring at the kneeling figure of Vicar Amelia further ahead.
I could hear her prayers from here...
"Remain wary of the frailty of men. Their wills are weak, minds young."
"Were it not for fear, death would go unlamented."
"Seek the old blood."
"Let us pray, let us wish... to partake in communion."
"Let us partake in communion... and feast upon the old blood."
"Our thirst for blood satiates us, soothes our fears."
"Seek the old blood."
"But beware the frailty of men. Their wills are weak, minds young."
"The foul beasts will dangle nectar and lure the meek into the depths."
"Remain wary of the frailty of men..."
I nodded, took out the Lunar Tear flower from my Inventory, enjoyed it's scent for a moment... then put it back and stepped forward.
I had a Boss to kill.
Mid-way to her, she began convulsing, and I promptly did the smartest thing I could think of.
That is to say, I threw an oil urn and then began throwing cocktail molotovs like candies her way.
Needless to say, that certainly worked quite well at turning her into a beast fully- and then at burning said beast.
Of course, things couldn't be THAT easy, so after she turned into a beast in an explosion of blood and gore, she quickly turned to look at me and tried her best to kill me.
BOSS BATTLE
VICAR AMELIA
My (Insight) activated, I finally took a good look at what I was fighting.
Vicar Amelia
Level 65
... Well then. The same level as THAT DAMN DOG, huh?
At least I have Fire magic on MY side this time, I thought with grim satisfaction while Infusing my Axe with Fire.
Oh, and I took out the Flamesprayer in my left hand, of course. Why wouldn't I use it against a Boss weak to fire?
Amelia started the fight by a couple of sweeping attacks, and I quickly quickened out of the way, before charging in, keeping the Flamesprayer firing at the same time I started slashing with my Axe.
She screamed, before I swiftly quickened back as she started smashing the ground around her repeatedly.
I used that time to throw a few Fire Blasts her way, before having to dodge like crazy when she started charging at me!
Damn she's fast! I thought with wide eyes, witnessing the massive holes in the ground from where her claws dug deep furrows where she passed at with impressive speed for something so big.
She turned, snarling, and I threw a molotov at her face in answer.
And then it was MY turn to run when she used a Beast's Roar to somehow throw the molotov BACK at me.
Of course, she used that opportunity to get close, and I grunted in pain when she almost got me- almost still being good enough to send me flying into the nearest stone wall.
I rolled when she charged at me, before smiling widely when her head smashed against the wall, stunning her for a few seconds.
I ran towards her, left arm at the ready- and then I visceral attacked her.
She screamed, and I snarled with a vicious smirk on my face at the sound.
Then she started throwing shockwaves full of deadly rocks at me by hitting the ground, and I grimaced as sharp rocks cut into me.
Things got even more crazy when she literally started throwing massive ACTUAL rocks at me, using the ruined ground's stonework as ammo against me.
At that point I decided that, if a long-ranged battle was what she wanted, I would gladly oblige, and I started dodging all over the place with Quickening while putting my weapons back in Inventory, throwing Fire Magic Missiles after Fire Magic Missiles at her instead.
That certainly pissed her off, to the point she freaking weaponized Beast's Roar by using it to throw back some of my own attacks at me, somehow managing to use it repeatedly and having the "Throw back" power of it stay activated for several consecutive seconds after each uses.
And that's how things dissolved into a sea of Fire Magic Missiles flying everywhere across the Grand Cathedral.
It was a good thing the place was made of stone, because I was genuinely worried about having the whole place crash on top of us after it all burned to the ground.
That would be rather awkward, especially if anyone started asking question.
Then again, it's not like there was anyone left to complain- especially considering that I was having a fight to the death/Magical shoot-out with the leader of the local religion.
Somehow, I couldn't help but feel the local authorities wouldn't be too happy with me in general after this, even more than they otherwise would have been, burned out Grand Cathedral or no...
And then, of fucking course, she started healing herself in between Beast's Roars, deadly shockwaves and throwing massive rocks at me.
Because of course she did!
Quite happy I had some Numbing mist with me, I started throwing those every time she stopped to heal, which... mostly worked.
"Mostly" because she was just as capable at throwing said items back at me as the Magic Missiles- and every other Fire magics I could create- themselves.
News flash: Not having regeneration SUCKED, and having to "tough it out" was NOT easy.
My poor, poor HP...
Eventually, there was a point, when rocks, Fireballs and flaming rocks flew all over the place like they were going out of style, where I just... had enough.
It was time to kill this bitch, because this was just getting waaaaay to crazy for my liking!
[Hatred of Beasts] and (Calm Hatred) have been activated!
So I stopped dodging and charged.
The Beast snarled.
I snarled back.
The beast's claws came down on me, and my eyes narrowed. My next move will either kill me- or kill the beast.
I stared at the incoming claws, waiting... waiting...
Now!
I quickened, dodging and then stepping ON the beast's hand.
It retracted it's hand violently, which made me grin viciously-
Because I used that to better jump.
Right on it's head.
I couldn't see the beast's eyes- there were bandages in the way- but I couldn't help but imagine the shock and fear as my arm came down in a visceral attack... straight in between where it's eyes would be, through her head and into her brain.
And then I unleashed a Fire Blast right in her head for good measure.
Her death throes sent me flying, falling roughly on the ground and wincing in pain- there were some sharp rocks where I fell, though thankfully my clothes took the brunt of the damage.
Then I stared at the beast's corpse, until it finally exploded in white mist.
PREY SLAUGHTERED
My head fell back on the ground, and I groaned as my regeneration began to heal my wounds.
Then I started laughing.
I did NOT know that Beast's Roar could be used so effectively and often, but apparently, I was wrong!
Seriously, what the Hell, Vicar Amelia?!
Mass reflection of magical spells is kinda bullshit, don't you think?!
Eventually calming down, I finally took a good look at the Grand Cathedral- or what was left of it, really.
Pretty much all of it's windows were shattered, seemingly every walls had impressive holes in them, EVERYTHING was on fire or burned-looking, there were massive furrows and holes all over the ground from where the Beast charged or took stones projectiles from...
Damn, but it looked a freaking war was fought in there!
Which, I couldn't help but laugh at the thought, was pretty much what had just happened.
A war between Man and Beast, in which there could be only a single survivor- for neither would abide the other remaining alive.
A fitting fate for the Grand Cathedral of the Healing Church, I couldn't help but think darkly.
Then I slowly got up- because by the Great Ones, did my bruises have bruises of their own- before looking at my gains from killing the Boss.
First, I was now Level (51).
Which meant I was now an [Experienced Hunter]!
Meaning I now did 50% more damage with all my attacks instead of 25%!
Hell yeah!
I further got (+25) to all Stats (except Arcane/Bloodtinge's +5) for killing the Boss in my first try.
My (Fire Resistance) became level (98), so that was really good- almost level MAX!
My (Fire Magic) certainly got an upgrade from that magic shoot-out I went through, going from Level (59) to level (72).
Less so my (Fire Infusion) skill, who only got up to level (21).
My (Quickening) skill did rise to Level (30), so that was very nice- considering just how much I owed my continued survival in this fact to it, I was greatly looking forward to seeing what it could do at higher levels.
Oh, and I ended up with the (Healing Magic) skill book, which was...
Well, as long as no Numbing Mist were involved, that was kinda redundant? I did have my regen and Blood vials...
If magic healing could be used even in the Mist, however...
Well. That would certainly make things useful, after all...
I also had (15) Stats points to use, and I put five in Cha, Luck and Wis, leading to (175) (175) and (185) respectively.
I also got (+4) [Insights] for finding and killing the Boss, so I was now at [Insight: 42].
Which meant... Hmm... Well, I was about to see some crazy shit.
More than usual, at least.
I further received an impressive (18000) Blood Echoes from the Boss, on top of the Gold Pendant.
That done, I made my way to the Lantern and activated it, before going to the Altar.
Luckily, the Skull on top of it was miraculously untouched by the general destruction of the place, though I couldn't say the same of the Altar itself.
Thus, after taking a deep breath, I touched the skull.
And immediately got sucked into a memory.
"Master Willem, I've come to bid you farewell."
"Oh, I know, I know." I saw a man sitting in a chair, a scepter in his hands. "You seek now, to betray me."
"No, but you will never listen." The first voice declared, exasperation clear in his tone. "I tell you, I will not forget our adage."
My view shifted to the lower half of the sitting man's face.
"... We are born of the Blood, made men by the Blood, undone by the Blood..." Master Willem declared solemnly. "Our eyes are yet to open..."
""Fear the Old Blood."" Both voices declared as one.
There was a moment of silence.
"I must take my leave." Finally declared the first man, before walking away.
The view shifted again, letting me see Master Willem from on high.
"By the gods, fear it, Laurence." He declared, fear in his voice.
The vision stopped.
I took a deep breath, before releasing it.
Then I turned around, staring once more at the destruction around me.
I snorted, eyes cold and angry.
"Well he bloody well didn't, obviously." I said, somewhat pointlessly I couldn't help but think grimly.
The sight before me- and beyond, of Yharnam as a whole- was all the proof one needed to see where that Man's folly lead to.
Hell.
I shook my head- there will be time to make that man pay for his crimes when I will go into the Nightmare and find his beastly self there.
For now, I went back to the Lantern, knelt, and focused on returning to the Hunter's Dream.
I was done with this place.