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Eventually, I was done telling an (edited) tale of my adventures so far in Yharnam to Violetta, and I left her to go back to the Dream.
I needed to go talk to the Doll, after all.
So with that said, I went back, with the Doll blinking in surprise at my arrival.
"Good Hunter. You have returned quickly." She noted, curious.
I gave her a quick kiss, before smiling a bit sheepishly at her.
"True. But, well... Let's sit, and I'll tell you what just happened."
She nodded, and we sat on the small stone wall by the dirt path, the Doll looking curiously at me.
I began recounting the recent events, the fight with Henryk... And my talk with Eileen.
And how THAT ended.
I looked away, rather sheepish. "So yeah. That happened."
The Doll stayed silent, and I gave a glance, her face expressionless.
"Aeon..."
I mentally winced, before deciding to man up.
I stood, bowing deeply. "I'm sorr-"
She bursted out laughing.
I strengthened, understanding exactly what just happened and looking at her with a mix of shock, betrayal, amusement and relief.
"You were totally pulling my leg!" I accused, pointing dramatically at her.
She laughed harder, making me pout- I really had been terrified I messed up, damn it!
She eventually calmed down, smiling at me.
"Oh, Good Hunter... Dear Aeon. You needn't worry, I'm not angry! Especially not when you were trying to help Eileen!" She declared, looking fondly at me. "If anything, I'm happy and proud- Eileen is a kind woman, and if she had died or gone mad..." She trailed off.
"I would have been very saddened to see yet another of the Hunter who once belonged to this Dream meet a tragic fate." She sighed sadly, the weight of memories of all the fallen Hunters of the Dream who met a "tragic fate" weighting on her for a moment.
Then she smiled. "Thankfully, thanks to you, Dear Aeon, this did not happen this time. Why would I be angry with you for showing kindness?" she questioned.
I coughed slightly. "Well, most women aren't exactly keen on sharing their boyfriend/lover with any other woman." I declared drily.
The Doll stared at me, nodding slightly. "I see..." She began. Then she shrugged. "Well, I don't care myself."
I choked on my own spit at her blunts words, staring wide eyes at her.
The Doll smiled at me. "Tell me, dear Aeon, did you not tell me before that you loved me?"
I nodded. "Yes?"
"And was it not the truth?" she questioned.
"Of course it is!" I exclaimed.
She smiled again. "Then I see no problem. We love one another, but that does not mean that in our hearts, we can't love others too." She hummed. "You are the first for whom I feel this specific form of love... Romantic love... It makes me happy to see you smile, makes my blood run hot in my body when you do so at me... Makes me want to kiss you and never stop doing so." She declared warmly.
I blushed at her words, and her smile grew brighter still.
"But I lived for a long time, Dear Aeon. I have loved many hunters before, if not in the same way, so I know that love is not something that exist solely towards any one singular individual. So, if in your heart you ever feel the beginning of love towards anyone else, I trust you to love me just as much as ever- even while falling in love with other women."
She paused. "Or men." She declared.
I snorted. "Just women, thanks." I replied drily. Then I gave her a long look.
"So you truly are fine with me loving more women than you alone? I... truly don't know many women who would."
Well, not in my old reality, at least. In all fairness, I have no ideas how things like that are viewed in Yharnam, and with the Omniverse being a thing, I could indeed name some women in it who would be fine with such, even without perks on my side.
The Doll smiled calmly at me. "I am." Then she paused.
"Though..."
I blinked. "Yes?"
She grinned, something flashing in her eyes. "I want many children to dote on, understood? A LOT of them."
I stared at her, and her grin grew. "Let's just say that I really wants children. It's..." Her eyes flashed with old pain... and something else as she stared at me. "Something I long, LONG desired, Dear Aeon."
I gave her a long look. I had some good ideas about what this was about. Yes, in hindsight, perhaps I shouldn't be surprised that the Doll would be just fine with me having more people than her as a lover.
ESPECIALLY if that gave her a lot of children to dote on...
I grinned back. "Very well, message received and understood, my love."
Again, her eyes flashed with something, and she nodded, looking very pleased with herself.
Well, that's certainly wasn't a talk I expected to have so soon with her, but I can't say I'm not happy with how it turned out.
If she had been completely opposed to me having any other lover, it would have blown up quite a few of my plans.
I would have agreed, because I wouldn't sacrifice her for anything, but that certainly would have forced me to rethink a lot of my ambitions for the long term.
Of course, I didn't quite expect her to do the opposite instead and all but command me to "Go forth and Multiply", but I certainly wasn't going to complain about that!
Though really, considering what I heavily suspected about the Doll, it really shouldn't have come as a surprise that she'd want as many children as she could possibly have, whether or not they are from her or someone else...
*Surrogates*, heh?
Yeah, message received alright...
"Anything else, Good Hunter?" The Doll asked.
I nodded, telling her of my talk with Violetta, which certainly put a more somber mood on us both, though once again the Doll praised me for being there for her.
The look she gave me as she said that... I wondered if she wasn't partially judging me for my capability to handle children and being pleased with what she was seeing...
I mentally snorted. Well, I had some experiences, what with having a younger sibling in my old life, so that helped.
Though Violetta was angel in comparison...
I shook my head, gave one more kiss to the Doll and then returned to Yharnam.
Back to the Hunt I went.
I blinked, taking in the by now familiar sight of the broken Grand Cathedral.
Though I still felt both sheepish and proud about the state of the Damned place...
Shaking my head, I made my way to the creepy guy asking for the "Passsssword."
Of course, being by now of a respectable level in murder-hoboing, it was a simple task to slaughter everything in my way.
I did find some "Blue elixir" along the way though, which could come in handy.
Again, the creepy guy repeated the same words, but this time I replied.
"Fear the Old Blood" I declared, somewhat solemnly.
If only because if that saying's wisdom had been respected, things would have been very different indeed.
The doors opened, and I stared at the skeleton on the other side.
For some reason, I could swear it was relieved somehow...
I shook my head, moving onwards.
I did get +1 [Insight], though- to (49).
Then I made my way down the stairs, and into The Forbidden Woods.
Yay?
I stared at the hundreds of humans bones all over the grounds.
... Charming place, truly.
Weapons firmly in hands, I stepped forwards, quickly killings some madmen and getting my hands on some Gemstones and one more [Insight].
I was now at (50)!
Which, if I remembered well (and with my new memory perk, I did), would mean a new theme music for the Dream!
That was going to be interesting- I kind of got used to the old one every time I went there...
Ah well. Things change, that's life for ya.
I kept going, coming across a Lantern soon enough.
There was also a closed shortcut, but I couldn't open it from here. Too bad, there is the Master of the League Valtr in there...
Ah well. All in good time.
I kept going, killing two madmen and then-
I stared at the trap.
Snorted.
And shot it.
The massive tree trunk full of spikes swung, broke off it's chains and fell down the cliff at my side.
I shrugged, grinning.
"Indiana Jones is obviously an amateur." I joked, before continuing calmly onwards.
Killing madmen, dogs and crows, I eventually found a broken village full of madmen.
For a moment, I stared at the trap at the entrance of said village.
Then I tilted my head.
And grinned.
There was once a village in the Forbidden Woods.
That village, unfortunately for it's inhabitants, had long ago fallen to nothing as man after man fell to madness or full on beasthood.
Now, only madmen remained, patrolling the roads with a blank look in their eyes.
It was surprisingly peaceful, for a village full of madmen.
That peace, however, was thoroughly shattered when an outsider ran in, screaming and waving his arms, much to the shock of all present.
That shock turned to murderous rage when the outsider began to throw insults at the madmen, giving them two middle fingers with a wide smirk on his face.
Then, as the villagers charged as one the outsider, he turned around, running out of the village with a gleeful cackle.
When out of the village, the Outsider jumped high over a few meters of ground before running further.
The villagers, all lost in their madness, did not.
And so they all died as one when the massive tree trunk full of spikes they used as a trap at the entrance swept down and crushed them all.
Leaving only the cackling Outsider as witness to their deaths.
Thus was the Sane Hunter proven the greater than the Insane Beasts.
The End.
I finished snickering, looking proudly at all the corpses before me.
Honestly, I didn't expect to get them all with this, but my Luck worked gloriously with me on that one.
Then I hummed, and went to the detour on the left first. With the village pacified, I had no reason to worry about it.
I quickly made my way to the house with the red lamp, indicating life within.
"... Oh, a Hunter of Beast, are you? Glory be. You know not the value you possess." The man within declared.
".. But, more's the pity... The hours of the night are many, and the beasts more than I can count. A veritable Hunt unending! Not even death offers solace, and the Blood imbibes you..." He trailed off.
"Ha, a most frightful fate, oh my. But I'm willing to do you a kindness. Step lightly round to the right of the great cathedral, and seek an ancient, shrouded church."
He chuckled. "The gift of the godhead will give you strength... Yes, I'm unquestionably certain, Hehehe..."
And then he gave me the Tonsil Stone.
I looked at it for a moment, before giving my thanks and then moving on.
That Stone won't be useful for now, but later on... Well.
In any case, I killed the dogs, very pointedly did NOT go left towards the cave, and then kept going, breaking out the fire magics against the Kidnapper.
Sure, I was already using (Fire Infusion) on my weapons, but I really didn't want to get close to these bastards.
And then I found Beast's Roar.
I gave it a long, long look.
That... was one skill that I was only going to use in desperate situations, if at all.
Anything that made me closer to my repressed inner beast made my [Hatred of Beasts] trait rise up in rage, and the thought of screaming/sounding like a Beast just...
I scowled darkly, moving out of the broken building I was in to go get the White Church Hunter set.
Not that it was a much better find, considering what I knew of the Church's sins, but it was still better.
Then I turned around, looted the village, before once again returning back to the path on the left- this time going on the wooden platforms in order to kill the madmen on them.
They kept throwing molotovs cocktails at me, but it wasn't as if they were a concern for me at this point.
Once the platforms were clear, I used their own tactic by throwing some myself at the beasts underneath me.
Once the path was free, I went down and kept going.
I did open the shortcut to the river I went above of, though.
And then I stopped, staring ahead.
At the guy with a fucking cannon, that is.
I could see him staring at me too, so I did the only proper thing to do when a guy with a fucking cannon was staring right at you.
I gave him the middle finger and started running through buildings.
... Apparently I pissed him of, because he started shooting at the fucking buildings themselves.
Not that it did him much good, though. I eventually reached the house where the two madmen playing dead were (as if that would work on me. I had the (Insight) skill, suckers!) and then It was simple enough to Quicken up to him and decapitate him.
I then looked at the cannon... and then passed a few minutes shooting it myself.
Sure, I had nothing worth shooting at, but I had a fucking cannon on hand, damnit!
Then I gave the cannon a good, long look...
And successfully put it in my Inventory.
I cackled, feeling VERY pleased with myself.
Sure, I had no idea WHEN I'll be able to use a fucking cannon of all things in the Hunt, but fuck it!
Cannon get!
I walked away, whistling La Marseillaise happily.
... I idly wondered if I could shoot a Fire-infused cannon ball at a Great One...
Wouldn't that be fun, even if I end up dying afterwards?
I then made my way to the building ahead (after getting the loot around), and quickly noticed the new enemy ahead.
The one with the Snakes head.
... You know what? Fireballs sounds great right about now.
... Snakes, as it turned out, burned just as well as anything else.
Good.
I then made my way out, killed a beast, took the ladder, went on...
Until I stopped, staring at the Suspicious beggar.
My hands clenched on my weapons, and I stared at his back with a silent snarl of pure HATRED.
Because that THING before me was a Beast. But it wasn't just any beast, no;
It was a THINKING beast. One who could talk. Think. Communicate.
Play the part of the poor, helpless beggar.
And use that as a way to kill and kill and KILL some more!
I could see him, hear him eat. Eat the flesh of the corpses around him.
In fact, if I looked carefully, he was currently stuffing himself with the guts of a dead man, whose face was frozen in a rictus of terror and agony.
... I hated Beasts. They were the very incarnation of the sins of Humanity- monsters who could only think of themselves, who would howl in triumph if the whole world BURNED.
There were no such thing as a Good beast. They were only abominations, worthy of my complete contempt and hatred.
But one who could think and feel like a man... And used that as a way to kill more innocents?
That was WORSE. Because it still had a shred of humanity... And used it only in the name of Evil.
Those Hunters who used Beast Pellets... As long as they stayed themselves, as long as they remained true to their convictions to protects the innocents... I could respect them.
Greatly so, in fact- they were willing to make sacrifices in the name of those they choose to protect, to truly put everything, including their very humanity, on the line to keep Humanity safe.
I didn't like it, but I could respect it up to a point, as long as the reasons behind such decision to put their humanity on the line were pure and noble.
But this thing? Regular beasts, at least, were mindless monsters of death and destruction. Cunning and powerful, but ultimately incapable of becoming anything more.
They needed to be purged- both for the good of Humanity, and that of their own, so that the person they once were can fully rest in peace.
This thing, somehow, remained human in body... And was thus even more of an Abomination deserving of Death for it.
And the worse part was... It sought shelters. Like where Violetta and the others were.
My hands clenched harder.
[Hatred of Beasts] and (Calm Hatred) have been activated!
I stepped forward.
The Beast froze, and I idly noticed I was radiating Killing Intent like waves in my rage.
I didn't care. My eyes were fixed on it, zeroing on the piece of human flesh it held in it's mouth as it turned swiftly, staring at me for a moment before snarling, greedily eating the flesh in one gulp.
I threw a fireball at it, and it screamed... Before exploding in a shower of gore into an Abhorrent Beast.
Abhorrent Beast
Level 65
I smiled grimly, eyes cold.
Surprise, Abomination, I thought darkly.
Of course, there was the little problem that the damn thing was covered in lightning.
And I had no resistance against that yet.
Well, no matter. I'll make do.
I refused to die to this thing, after all.
The beast snarled, somehow speaking through it deformed, twisted maw. It made me want to kill it even more. "Oh, you are a sick puppy! You drink the blood of half the town, and now this! And you talk of beasts? You hunters are the real killers!"
I snarled back. "Yes, Killers of monsters like you! Abomination, hiding amongst innocents to better feast upon them... Your death will make this wretched world a slightly better, kinder place than with you in it! So what if I am a killer? As long as it is to kill monsters like you, I will proudly be the greatest Killer of all Human history! Now die!"
And with that I started throwing fireballs at him.
It growled, dodging and charging at me, but it was easy enough to dodge his own blows.
We circled around for a moment, and then he charged again, and I awaited the last possible second to throw a Fire Blast in it's face.
It howled, flying back to crash on the rooftop where our battle was taking place, and I charged, throwing more fireballs to try and keep it in agony look enough that I could visceral attack it.
Sadly it dodged, hatred mixed with new-found caution clear in it's eyes, and then I was the one caught by surprise when it threw one hand forwards and caught me in a small lightning tornado.
I flew back, grunting in pain at the lightning making my muscles spasms, before Quickening quickly out of the way as the beast tried to bite me in half.
I threw a fireball at it while dodging, making in grunt in pain, and the two of us took a moment after that to heal and re-evaluate our enemy.
For a moment, we simply stared hatefully at one another, before it growled again.
"Have you got a screw loose? Or is it your... animal intuition? You hunters have got more blood on your hands!"
I sneered. "Bold words for a bloodthirsty beast! Hunters aren't without sins, but a true Hunter will always remain true to their duty to humanity! As for any who forget their purposes..." My eyes narrowed, a dark grin on my face.
"That's what the Hunter of Hunters are for. Judgment Day has come, beast! Tonight, more than ever, Humanity and beasts will clash... And Mankind will stand back up from the brink of extinction into Greatness again! I will make certain of it. And it begins by me killing abominations unworthy of Existence like YOU!" I snarled, before shooting at him with Fire-infused bullets.
It dodged, snarling, and we fought for a while- Beast against Hunter, Madness against Sanity, Lightning against Cleansing Fire.
And then my eyes sharpened as a glorious, awesome way to put this abomination down came to me.
I put myself back to the end of the rooftop, snarling at the beast.
"Come on, foul beast! Let's end this! To Damnation with you!" I shouted, readying myself.
It growled hatefully, eyes glaring at me with pained rage from the various wounds I inflicted upon it- though it gave as good as it got, I noted while quickly glancing at my Health.
"Die! Die, die! Hunters are killers, nothing less! You call ME a beast? A Beast!? What would you know? I didn't ask for this!"
And with that, it jumped at me.
I grinned... And then dropped flat to the ground, the beast's eyes widening before it fell from the rooftop.
It landed on the ground with a pained grunt, though it sadly didn't die from that alone.
But that was alright- I had a new secret weapon to use, after all.
It turned around, it's eyes coming up towards me-
Before freezing in terror.
From behind my newly acquired cannon, I smiled in dark glee.
"Boom." I whispered.
The Fire-infused cannon opened fire.
And the Abhorrent beast died in an explosion of Fire and Gore.
I stared at my work with no small amount of pride, patting the cannon proudly.
"Sorry, beast, but I had the High Ground and Fire on my side. Everyone from where I come from know that no one can beat that combo." I said, chuckling.
Then I recharged my cannon and put it back in Inventory.
It's job was done- for now.
I stared at my gains from this fight- the Beast Rune, which I dismissed the message of with contempt, and around 7000 Blood Echoes.
Considering how many of those I already had, I was going to be able to seriously upgrade some skills next time I see the Doll!
Oh, and I had a new skill: (Lightning Resistance).
At level (10) right now, so there was a way to go before it truly becomes useful.
Oh, and I got a single level up, so I now was Level (57).
Go me!
I hummed, before putting the (5) Stats Points in Cha, to(195) now.
Nodding in approval, I went back downstairs.
And not two minutes later, found the cannon.
I stared at it for a moment, before bursting out laughing.
Then I put it in my Inventory with a wide smile, before going back down in the lower floor.
Heh, I now had two cannons instead of one. While I couldn't imagine using them against most beasts, or hunters, against some of the larger foes in Bloodborne...
Well.
In any case, I went down, found one more Madman's knowledge- to (51) now- and then kept going.
The elevator nearby was impossible to use for right now, but less than five minutes later I found another one, one that I could use- Which I did.
And I found myself looking at Valtr, Master of the League.
We looked at one another, before he shifted, relaxing.
"Ahh, a new face, are you? And an accomplished hunter... it would appear." He chuckled "I am Valtr, Master of the League. Members of the League cleanse the streets of all the filth that's spread about during the hunt. Like any half-decent hunter ought to, you know? Haven't you seen enough of these wretched beasts, freakish slugs, and mad doctors? Sentence these fiends to death." He snarled, before calming down. "With the help of your League confederates. What do you say? Why not join the League?"
I smiled. The sheer hatred in his voice when he spoke of beasts...
Well. I knew it well myself.
"Gladly, Sir Valtr. I hold no more love for Beasts than you do. Indeed, they have only my Hatred." I replied, snarling the last word with all the Hate my Trait about them granted me.
I could feel the smile on his face, even if I could not see it. Like meeting like, as it were.
"Good. As a hunter well should. Commit this to heart. Our own Caryll rune, symbol of the League."
He gave me a Rune: Impurity.
I saw a flash of every beasts I had killed, of every madmen and women who fell at my hands, the last of the vision showing the suspicious beggar and it's transformed state.
And I only felt Hatred... And satisfaction at their death.
I chuckled darkly. "A Hunter must Hunt... And there are MANY worthy preys to hunt tonight."
Again, Valtr nodded eagerly.
"The night brims with defiled scum, and is permeated by their rotten stench. Just think, now you're all set to hunt and kill to your heart's content!"
He started laughing loudly, dark glee in his voice.
He then calmed down, looking at me grimly.
"Now, there is one thing you must know. By the oath of the League, those who bear its rune will see vermin. Vermin writhe deep within all filth, and are the root of man's impurity. All vermin are to be crushed. The League exists to expunge all vermin, ridding us of any trace of human corruption. And so, until we are rid of all vermin, you must continue to hunt and kill. This bloody fate is ours alone. Do not expect the world to grasp our work... But remember, the confederates will always have my blessing... And each other. Always." He promised.
I nodded. "Consider it done."
"Then I wish you good hunting, my fellow Confederate." He declared, and I could feel the sheer joy in his voice at both the thought of the death of beasts, vermins and, if I wasn't wrong, the fact I had joined his group.
Poor guy probably has been alone for a while now.
I smiled. "Oh, it will be." I promised.
Considering what awaited me, it definitely would be a good hunt.
The greatest of them all, in fact.
That done, I gave him a bow, and he replied by a salute where he held his cane high, before I went, opened the previously locked door, and then I found myself back before the Lantern at the start of this area.
I glanced at my Blood Echoes.
(90000).
Yeah, I definitely should use them.
That was... quite a lot.
I returned to the Dream, noticing first the new music of the place, and second that the Doll was apparently sleeping on top of the small stone wall.
I smiled, before making my way to her.
And then I tilted her head towards me and kissed her.
Her eyes snapped open, looking into my own amused dark ones, and she relaxed, kissing back.
Eventually, we broke the kiss, and I smirked at her.
"I hope your awakening was pleasant?"
She blushed, before smiling.
"It most definitely was, Good Hunter."
I chuckled, before nodding at her. "Blood echoes?"
She smiled. "Of course."
I gave her my hand.
I concentrated, focusing on what I wanted.
First, my Sword skill was at level (91) now, so I decided to max it.
Almost 9000 Blood echoes later, I was now level 100/max with my (Sword Wielding Mastery).
I hummed, and decided to finish my(Healing) skill.
That required no less than (33000) Blood Echoes, but in order to potentially ensure Eileen's survival if she did get wounded, it was well worth it.
That still left me with around (50000) Blood Echoes, so...
Well, I had Blood Echoes to spare, so I decided to level up some rarely used skills.
(Stealth), for example, hadn't been useful much lately, but that was the kind of skill that was better to have ready for when it truly was needed than not.
I smiled at my new skill level (100/MAX), even if it costed me (43000) Blood Echoes.
I had (7000) left... Heh, I'll keep them.
I stepped back, nodding in thanks to the Doll.
Then I pursed my lips.
"So... I got my hands on some new runes..." Heir and Impurity, to be specific. I wanted to see if I could use them all...
She smiled. "Of course, Good Hunter."
We went to the device within the Workshop, and I couldn't help a slight grimace at the sight of it...
Then I strengthened and got to work.
No place for weakness in Bloodborne.
The first was the Heir rune...
I saw myself.
I saw my Blood.
And I saw within my Blood.
Countless voices, quiet and not, echoed within;
Voices of those who came before, of those who proved their convictions weaker than mine.
And yet, they still lived on, if only through me.
An endless line of dead men and women, who fell before my strength, and giving a measure of their strength to me in return.
And beyond that Line, I saw a few more- what I was pretty sure was Gherman, offering me a nod; And above, two beings stood, each marking me as theirs-
Though only one of the two did I smile at, the being radiating Warmth and Love.
The other, I only saw as future prey...
I blinked.
I didn't remember everything, but what I did remember...
Well. It was as expected of an "Heir" Rune.
I nodded at the Doll, and then it was time for the second Rune.
Impurity.
I saw Yharnam.
A pestilent, festering pit of corruption, greed and hate.
I saw countless lives broken by a few people in power, saw a spreading infection, saw bloody, horrifying deeds performed with bestial cruelty.
I saw men turned to beasts, as the darkness of Humanity was laid for all to bear witness to.
I saw husbands turn against wives, wives against husbands, brothers against sisters, sisters against brothers...
Everywhere, hate, and fear, and greed brought Ruin, suffering, death, madness...
So much filth, so many vermin crawling in the hearts of Man...
It seems endless. As ever present as humanity itself.
And it was ever patient, ever waiting for the opportunity to strike, to bring low all that was good and pure.
All it needed to bring about Damnation- was a single moment of weakness...
I blinked.
For a moment, I stared at the ceiling, trying to forget the images that were in my mind, trying to forget the horrors that I had seen-
And then I took a deep breath, relaxed and stopped clenching my fists so hard, and let out a deep sigh.
"Good Hunter?" The Doll said, worry in her voice and eyes.
I smiled at her, if a little weakly.
"It's nothing. Just... " I paused. "The last Rune was... hard on me."
She frowned, still looking at me with some concern, and I finally shook my head, banishing the last vestiges of the horrors I had seen from my mind.
"As I said, I'll be alright. I learned nothing I hadn't already suspected..." I declared, sighing again before smiling at her.
The Doll looked at me for a moment before nodding.
And then she kissed me.
I blinked in surprise, not having expected the kiss, but gladly kissed back.
She moaned slightly in pleasure, before stepping back, a small smile on her face.
"There. Now you have something much better on your mind, no?" she declared, looking quite pleased with herself.
I snorted, amused, before grinning. "Very true."
The Runes done, I upgraded some of my weapons again- like my new cannons.
And with everything taken care of, I passed some more time with the Doll, regaling her with my latest adventures in Yharnam and beyond, before eventually making my way back to the tombstone.
There was much work to be done yet before the next sunrise, after all.
The Long Night of the Hunt was far from over...
I went back to the Elevator, taking it down to go deeper into the Forbidden Woods.
And it did not take long for me to come across a new enemy, one made of several (regular) snakes grouped together.
At first, I was ready to kill them... And then I stopped.
Looked at my (Poison Resistance) skill.
Hummed for a moment.
And then stepped forwards without a care in the world.
Naturally, the snakes immediately attacked me.
And as they struck me, I kept an eye on my health.
I stared.
... Well then.
I grinned at the snakes.
They attacked me again.
I start whistling cheerfully to myself.
They kept attacking,
And I kept whistling cheerfully as I kept an eye on both my Health and my (Poison Resistance) skill.
See, the snakes did two kind of damages- biting and poison.
Except they were not all that big, their poison wasn't that strong, and my skills for resistances were slowly going up.
So I basically waited until my (Poison Resistance) skill went from (90) to (100/MAX) while only occasionally using healing magic.
And then I thanked the snakes and killed them.
I almost felt bad for the poor bastards. They were really going at it the more time went by, too...
Oh well. I was now immune to poison, which was really cool!
And useful.
Thus better prepared, I went deeper into the Forbidden Woods and...
Well, to make a long story short, it was kinda boring?
Immunity to poison and Fire magic was just way too broken in these areas.
Not even the biggest snakes could hurt me, since I could just kill them from afar with magic.
And sure, they could spit poison, but, well, immunity to poison FTW!
I did find some things of worth, though!
The Graveguard set, and no less than FIVE Madmen's knowledge (now at 56).
Though the real treasures were the Runes: Anti-Clockwise Metamorphosis, Clear Deep Sea and Deep Sea.
The first boosted stamina, the second poison resistance (Heh) and the third resistance to Frenzy (Heh).
True, the second and third were essentially useless to me (though I would still properly learn them, if only because I had yet to get any message about hitting the max numbers of runes that I could learn. Was there even a limit?) but the first was another story.
There were also a whole lot of loot in general, which meant I probably had enough of it to upgrade all of my weapons now.
Oh, and I met my first celestial mobs!
Which were really weird to be in the presence of.
There was a strange sound coming from them, and while it's present in the game, in person it was...
... I frankly wasn't sure what to make of it. Or how to describe it.
Still, they died to decapitation just like anything else, so that was good.
I did met some who could call on the Arcane Novas, but I was able to put my newfound skill in (Stealth) to good use and they died before knowing they even were in danger.
Then I went to the "Bay of Pigs", killed the Boar (not that hard with Magic + Quickening to dodge good), killed the undead, and found the Dissipating Lake Rune!
... Which, rather appropriately, reminded me of the Lake rune...
Anyway, more undead, one more boar (which I made faces at while shooting at him with fireballs from the safety of a cliff), and then I found the Clockwise Metamorphosis Rune!
A galaxy turned, travelling through the void. The stars within gave the opportunity for countless lifeforms to rise from the Primordial Mud, and Life flourished across the cosmos...
I blinked.
Yeah, the other one had been somewhat different- more focused on growing despite one's environment.
Figure the opposite rune would be all about Life flourishing naturally.
Considering that Rune boosted HP, it certainly seemed appropriate...
With that done, I kept going... Until I came across the place where the next Boss was.
I gave it a look, pursed my lips at the lack of a Lantern close by... And then looked at my Blood Echoes.
Almost (79000) worth.
I sighed, and then decided to actually use something I had no need to before-
A Bold Hunter's Mark.
Back to the Dream I go...
First thing first, I made a beeline to the Doll, who stood smiling at my coming.
"Good Hunter, welcome home."
I smiled, giving her a kiss.
"It's good to see too, Dear Doll. Sorry if I won't stay for long- I found yet another *Boss Fight*, so to speak."
She nodded slowly. "Those stronger than regular foes that you encounter, right? I understand. Do you have any Echoes of Blood? I will gladly give you strength so that you may return victorious to me, Dear Aeon."
I nodded. "I do indeed..."
I focused, closing my eyes and letting the Doll do her work.
It was time, I felt, to finish leveling up my Fire abilities; My (Fire Infusion) was currently at (92) and (Fire Magic) at (95), so I was pretty close to MAX already.
(7720) and (4900) Blood Echoes later, and both those skills were MAXED.
I smiled-
Ding!
You have reached level (100/MAX) in (Fire Resistance), (Fire Infusion) and (Fire Magic)!
You have gained a new Trait!
Child of Fire: Fire likes you, and you like Fire. You are now immune to heat, no matter how high (yes, you can go take a swim in the middle of a star- the heat won't harm you) and furthermore are now capable of creating, manipulating and commanding Fire on a level thought impossible by mortals to reach. On top of this, you can now create and control Lava! Oh, and you have a natural affinity with beings associated with Fire (EX: Fire Elementals, Gods, etc...)
... Well then.
I smiled even more, looking at my Poison skills...
My (Poison Resistance) was already maxed, but my (Poison Infusion) skill was at (65) and (Poison Magic) at (55).
Time to fix that!
For (35100) Blood Echoes, I maxed my (Poison Magic).
Same with (Poison Infusion) for (29050) Blood Echoes.
It left me with little left, but-
Ding!
You have reached level (100/MAX) in (Poison Resistance), (Poison Infusion) and (Poison Magic)!
You have gained a new trait!
Child of Poison: Poison likes you, and you like Poison. You are now immune to poison/Sickness and acids (For example, you no longer needs to worry about radiations when going about that swim in the local star) and furthermore are now capable of creating, manipulating and commanding Poison on a level thought impossible by mortals to reach. On top of this, you can now create and control Acids! Oh, and you have a natural affinity with beings associated with Poison (EX: Poison Elementals, Gods, etc...)
Yes!
I was now the equivalent of a Bender, though even then they paled in comparison to what I could do.
I kissed the Doll hard enough to left her breathless, and she laughed slightly when she gathered her wits.
"I take it that you are happy with your progress?" She said, blushing from the kiss and looking in amusement at me.
"Indeed!" I declared brightly.
I pursed my lips, and between my hands summoned forth a small ball of Fire... and then one of Poison.
The Doll looked at me curiously, and then blinked when I began manipulating both elements into creating ever more elaborate shapes at will.
I smiled brightly, staring with fascinated pride at the floating masses of Fire and Poison, before dismissing both at will.
The Doll smiled brightly back at me. "Impressive control, Good Hunter." She praised.
I nodded. "Thank you! I can't help but imagine the kinds of things I'll be able to do during the Hunt with that... One way or another, it will be GLORIOUS!" I declared grandly, though there was an unholy light shining in my eyes at the thoughts of all the Destruction I'll be able to unleash now.
The Doll chuckled. "And as always, I look forwards to hearing of your Hunts, Dear Aeon."
After that, I went to upgrade my weapons, making sure that they were all at (+6).
And then, it was time for more Runes. I had gathered quite a few in my last travel in the Forbidden Woods, after all.
The first, I decided, would be Anti-Clockwise Metamorphosis.
I saw Life. Life, amidst hostile, deadly environments.
I saw it come into being, struggle to survive, and, yet, in a few cases- there were those who flourished.
Those who, despite the harsh conditions of the lands, thrived.
These lifeforms evolved, grew stronger, faster, more resilient in order to become the apex existences of their worlds.
And while others went extinct, as the weak and feeble died... These ones, who evolved and went through a metamorphosis stood proudly, standing triumphant against the test of Time.
And none were Greater than they who looked down from the Cosmos unto the Lifeforms below, seeking and finding those sympathetic in spirits...
And I saw myself- a link, acting like a bridge and so much more, binding me to the Cosmos.
But that link was weak, not strong and stable enough to truly reach the Heavens above.
If it could be strengthened, however... If my metamorphosis could continue against all odds... Only Time can tell what would happen.
I blinked.
... Well, I didn't remember everything, though I did take note that I remembered more than I usually did before these... days?... Well, I suppose my greater [Insight] allow me to better understand and remember these little Revelations the Runes held.
The Doll gave me a look, and I nodded- the next one should be Clockwise Metamorphosis.
Again, I saw Life. Life, amidst welcoming, perfect environments.
I saw it come into being, spread far and wide, and flourish with ease.
These lifeforms evolved, too, and they did so in accordance to all the resources available to them.
Great and strong lifeforms came into beings, requiring great amounts of food to ensure their survival- but allowing for true behemoths to thrive as long as they had those resources.
The grounds of countless worlds shook at the passing of such beings, and few if any could contest their might.
Is it any wonder, then, that the Great Ones stood strong in Body as well as in Minds, they who incarnated Greatness?
Rise in strength, and opportunities for greatness are sure to follow- and perhaps, even, Greatness Incarnate itself awaits you, who took the First Step...
I blinked again.
That had been... something.
Greatness in strength, heh? That certainly fitted well with what I was going through...
Next one: Deep sea!
I saw the sea, large and deep.
On the surface, it looked calm, peaceful.
This feeling, however, was a lie; For the sea hides many thing in it's depths, if one has the courage and strength to seek them out- and survive the dangers of the depths.
An Eldritch Truth lies deep within- hidden well by the Deep Sea, who mask the Truth from all.
Overcome this hindrance, and seek what is yours.
A link forged; Two left to Greatness...
I blinked.
... Well, that was simple enough.
I shook my head.
The next Rune: Clear Deep Sea.
I saw the sea, once again, as large and deep as ever.
Again, the surface looked calm, peaceful.
However, I could now see more; Great and Eldritch Beings could be glimpsed if one was careful enough, a hint of the secrets held back by the Sea now visible if one but focused enough.
Flashes of Insights peaking through to those beyond, a fraction of what was within but enough to attract attention...
Once, this was the World; But no longer.
A Great Spider now lived on the surface, it's shadow masking all but the smallest of whispers of the Truth within the Sea...
Overcome this hindrance, and seek what is yours.
A link forged; Two left to Greatness...
I blinked.
Well then.
That certainly was... something.
I frowned, thinking of the last Rune- Again, I didn't remember everything... But I certainly got the reference to Rom.
I shook my head again- I had one more Rune to learn.
The Dissipating Lake.
I saw a Lake, and like every body of waters before it, it's surface was calm and peaceful.
This aura of peacefulness felt stronger, however, and I as watched, a great storm gathered above- but the Lake remained placid.
The storm raged on and on, yet the Lake remained as ever peaceful.
Eventually, lightning bolts fell from the storm unto the Lake below, but the Lake would not bow to the elements;
And thus were the bolts reflected upwards into the storm, the surface of the Lake rippling but a fraction as it did, stubbornly refusing to be anything but placid.
At last, the Great Storm broke, it's power spent accomplishing nothing.
And so, the Lake remained, as ever, peaceful, it's serene beauty forever untainted by the World beyond it.
I blinked.
Well, that was pretty straight-forward.
I smiled at the Doll. "All done."
She nodded, smiling back. "I hope they will serve you well, Good Hunter."
"Every little bit help, dear Doll. Fear not; they will." I replied.
Then I took a deep breath, exhaled, and nodded to myself.
"Alright. I'll go back, then- I have worthy preys to Hunt." I declared.
The Doll bowed. "May you find your worth in the Waking World, Good Hunter."
I nodded to her, giving her a kiss- and then I made my way to the tombstone.
I had a Boss to kill, and some new magics to play around with, after all...
I returned back to the Lantern, before going down the nearby elevator, followed by making my way- and going down- the other elevator that went right at the Bay of Pigs.
After that, it was simple enough to go where the next Boss was.
Or, rather, were.
First thing first, I took out the Lunar Tear Flower and enjoyed it's scent, before holding it up towards the stars above.
That little pre-battle ritual done with, I put it back in Inventory.
Then I entered the area where the three guys who could pass for Cultists of a Dark Cult where (and maybe they were cultists, considering their names and outfits) and for a moment, we stared at one another.
BOSS FIGHT
SHADOW OF YHARNAM
Interestingly, there was no Insight gained for seeing them the first time like the other Bosses.
Then again, they -did- look human... ish.
For now.
Until they started having snakes heads, at least.
Shadow of Yharnam
Level 65
I hummed. I was level (57), so I was actually less than ten levels from them.
Hopefully that'll help.
Though considering that they used Fire as their magic of choice, I already had a great advantage against them- since I was both a Master of Fire Magic myself and immune to it.
Then again, considering my past experiences with Bosses so far, I wasn't exactly too optimistic about this being anywhere near a "simple" fight...
The fight began with the mage of their group throwing a bunch of fireballs at me, while the two others charged, swords at the ready.
I put my own swords skills (level 100/MAX!) to good use, parrying both of their strikes and dodging the thrown fireballs.
Sure, I could have taken them without issue... But why reveal a trump card at the beginning of a fight?
For a few brutal seconds, I fought the two swordsmen of the group with my own swords, parrying and counter-attacking at a speed that mere civilians- even Yharnamites ones- wouldn't have been able to follow.
These guys could, however, and I passed a moment to consider that one of these "days", I really should keep some Blood Echoes in reserve to up my Stats, too- even if it costed a lot more to upgrade Stats than skills.
Then the one holding a candle leveled it at me, and I decided now might be a good moment to reveal my Fire immunity.
So as the other swordsman jumped back, I instead charged ahead.
I could almost see the cruel smirk on the nazgul reject's face as he lit up the candle and turned it into a wall of flames... Followed by his shock as I went THROUGH the Fire without a scratch to show for it.
Credit where it was due, he recovered shockingly well, and instead of taking his head off I only got his candle bearing hand- and a good chunk of that arm- with my swing.
A pained scream still left his mouth, especially since I had revealed another of my skill- Poison Infusion- to ensure that, as long as I hit him, I would do some serious damage.
The two other cultists growled, and suddenly Fire spread on the swordsman's weapon.
The wounded cultist grunted, then did the same as I fended off the attacking healthy swordsman cultist's sudden attacks, his blows containing much more rage and hatred that before.
I merely smirked back- Fire wasn't something I was concerned by, and the only reason they still used it was that they probably suspected my survival- after pulling the stunt I did- to Luck or a fluke.
It was neither, as I swiftly proved when I decided to show them what a true master of Fire Magic could do- by summoning forth a blazing inferno that sent both swordsmen flying and screaming in pain at their burns.
I rushed forwards, going through the fireballs thrown by the mage of their group without even slowing down...
And that's when they decided to get serious.
Which explain why I had to Quicken away from a, by now, very familiar Tentacle spell used by the healthy swordsman, while the other popped an antidote to deal with my poison down his mouth, got up to his feet and then turned his stump of an arm into a living snake.
They then hissed hatefully, and the next thing I knew I was now fighting a running battle as a spellcaster as Tentacles, Arcane Novas and Snakes of all sizes and kinds were summoned and sent my way.
I naturally reciprocated, being the polite gentleman that I was, sending waves of fire, poison and outright Lava or Acids their way, and the entire battlefield soon looked more like a scenery straight from the depth of Hell than anything else as fires, lava and puddles of boiling hot acids unleashing toxics fumes everywhere became the norm.
Not that it did much to stop any of us four from keeping the fight going, as yet more snakes and Arcanes spells in general were thrown my ways, each of the three having summoned a massive Poison-spitting snake to serve them as mounts to better fight me with.
I, of course, replied to that bullshit by using my new trait to learn how to glide on Lava, much like a certain Demon fire dog I once fought.
The three, apparently deciding that they weren't going to go down without -even more of- a fight, went and summoned a dozen snakes the sizes of school busses all over the battlefield.
At that point I personally thought "FUCK IT!", and brought out the Big Guns.
By which I means I took control of the Lava all over the battlefield... And made it erupt like a volcano exploding.
THAT certainly wiped out much of my remaining mana, but it also killed every fucking snakes, including the three being used as mounts, so as I watched the three nazguls cosplayers from hell fall to their doom and into the Lava below, where they died screaming, the only think I could feel was satisfaction at a job well done.
And exhaustion. That too- unleashing as much magics on such levels all but wiped out my mana reserves.
I feel to a knee, panting tiredly, though my eyes shone with glee because-
PREY SLAUGHTERED
-That!
I let out a laugh, falling on the ground and tiredly looking up at the sky, while around me the Lava and fires kept burning the whole place down.
Hell, I was resting on a bed of lava right now! I didn't have much of a choice, considering my latest bit of magic threw the stuff up everywhere.
Truly, Heat immunity was awesome.
I smiled at the first messages of my victory began to appears, for I had won! First try!
Sure, being immune to fire and poison made the fight much easier, but unholy hell they certainly gave almost as good as they got!
I was now more and more convinced that Arcane-based enemies were just the worst.
I could handle someone with crazy skills with a blade, or with their guns or whatever, but every time I went against something that had magic things just get CRAZY!
I groaned in misery at the fact that pretty much all the Bosses in the future were going to have magics of some kinds on their side.
Truly, there was no bullshit like literal magic bullshit...
I shook my head, pushing my internal whining to a dark pit and leaving it there- I was a hunter, I had no time to feel sorry for myself.
Beside, Godhood awaited me, damn it! That made everything worth it.
With that thought firmly in mind, I looked at my gains.
First, I was now level (60)!
Five levels left and I would be an Experienced Hunter!
Yay!
My (Art of Quickening) skill leveled up to (55), which wasn't as much as it could have since I instead used gliding on lava to dodge better.
My (Magic/Arcane Damage Resistance) skill did level up to level (56) from all the Arcane Novas and whatever else almost got me during the fight, and my (Detect Danger/Bloodlust) skill was now at (80) from all the snakes who tried to get the drop on me by jumping from all over the place...
And that was it for skills, since everything else was maxed or not used in this fight. Huh, maybe it was time to switch weapon again- I never did use the "Spear" part of my "Rifle-Spear"...
I did get (+2) [Insights] for killing the Boss(es), and of course the (+25) and (+5) Stats points for killing a Boss on my first try.
I hummed, before putting (5) Stat Points in (Vit), (Str) and (Dex).
And I smiled at the new message I got.
Ding!
Vit (250): You now have a body as tough as Steel. Reduce damage taken by 40%. 40% increased to total HP amount. 40% increased learning speed to physical related skills.
Well, that was my third Stat to reach (250), though the others weren't that far behind.
A few more levels, and I will have that sweet All (250) perk!
And then, I would go for that All (500) perk... Though by the time I get that one, I probably will already be one of the best hunter and most deadly being on this world.
Which was saying something.
I gave a look at the Blood Echoes I got- (20,460), not bad at all- and nodded.
One thing I got that made me blink in surprise, however, was that I got one Vermin. That was interesting, though perhaps not surprising- I did have the appropriate Rune "equipped", after all, though I knew that in the game you needed to fight in co-op to get one.
The sight of it, however... It took all my Willpower to not crush it the moment I saw it. The sheer hatredI felt at the sight of this miserable filth...
It was just as much as what I felt when I first died and stared helpless at THAT beast, and the sight of it somehow brought the memories of it all back in each excruciating details.
I stopped holding back, crushing it in my fist with dark glee.
The sight of the blood and gore on my glove only brought immense satisfaction to my very soul, as if crushing it made me feel lighter somehow.
I shook my head, letting the moment pass and took a few deep breaths, nodding in satisfaction when I was calm again.
There was one last thing I got from that fight, and it was the Blood Rapture Rune.
I... wasn't sure I wanted to learn that one. Sure, it was certainly useful... But as a guy who was a fan of Warhammer back on Earth, the only thing I could think of while looking at it was that one specific Dark God and his minions...
Or, for that matter, Yharnamites Beasts.
It didn't quite trigger my Trait, but I could tell it was close.
... You know what? Pass. I may be a Hunter, and a Gamer besides, but I really didn't want to be associated with Bloodthirst or anything of the like.
It was a fine line to walk, to be a good man- or the closest equivalent in Bloodborne- but it was one I was determined to stay as close to as I could.
I was willing to look away from it from time to time in the name of necessity, but there were limits to how much of my "Humanity" I was willing to sacrifice in the name of results.
Becoming more bloodthirsty didn't seems to me as a good idea in general, anyway.
To say nothing of what I would get to "see" if I learned this Rune...
Shaking my head, I knelt, and returned to the Dream.
I was done here.
I returned to the Dream, smiling at the Doll.
She smiled brightly back at me. "That was quick, Good Hunter. Did your Hunt go well?"
I nodded proudly. "It did! It was a hell of a fight in more way than one, but I stood triumphant in the end anyway! Come, let us sit and I shall tell you what happened..."
We sat on the small wall of rocks by the dirt path, and I regaled her once more of my adventures, describing the incredibly intense magical battle I just went through, before praising her for helping me unlock those powers precisely when I required them.
She blushed slightly, a humble smile on her face.
"I did only what I am meant to do, dear Aeon. I am here, in this Dream, to look after you Hunters." She grinned. "Though it is true that I take greater... joy in helping you reach your full potential that I ever did to anyone else."
I chuckled. "I love you too, Doll."
She smiled brightly. "And I, you. Still, I am glad to have been of help to you, Good Hunter. The foes in your path seems to be growing stronger, and I..." She paused. "I worry for you, despite knowing that I have little to fear. The Dream sustain you, keep you alive no matter what happens in the Waking World, and yet..." She paused again. "And yet, I can't help but be anxious whenever I see you bravely go back to Yharnam and it's dangers." She finished softly.
I hugged her gently, softly smiling at her. "Such is what happen when someone we love is in danger, Dear Doll. It is only natural to worry for their safety. Still..." I smiled brightly. "Thank you, Doll, for worrying about me."
I fell silent. "There are few in this world that feel what you do." I said softly, before smiling sadly, if lovingly. "So thank you, for caring. For loving me, despite all the Blood on my hands and soul. I don't think that I am a good man... I have done too much already, and will do too much for that to be true... To say nothing of the fact I have my own selfish desires that I'd like to fulfil, even now as the world go ever deeper into Ruin. But... As long as I have you by my side... I trust you to be my better half, my beloved- quite literally so, that I may never fall to the depths of corruption and cruelty that so many in these lands have fallen to."
The Doll stared at me for a moment, before hugging me back gently.
"I feel that you are too hard on yourself, dear Aeon... But thank you, for trusting me so much. To trust me with your very soul like this. I promise you- I will always be there for you, as you promised to me the same before."
I smiled, before deciding to change the subject to something a bit happier.
And I had just the thing.
"Say, Doll... Would you like to hear of the World that I come from? Of the Life I lived, before?"
She smiled back. "I would love to."
I looked up at the Stars above, shining brightly in the night sky.
"You know, there was a time, where I was young, where I would sit at the window of my bedroom, looking up at the stars and moon, and wondering what it would be like to see it all myself... To travel the Cosmos, see all of it's wonders... There were few things I loved more than stories of the Stars, of what wonders the future may hold, and I loved reading stories of adventures taking place amongst the Heavens themselves..."
And so, sitting together under a bright white moon, the Good Hunter Aeon told the Doll of a world unlike the one she knew, of a world with no Blood, Beasts and Hunters, and of his Life before he became Aeon, the Good Hunter-
Of a life where he was only a man... who Dreamed of the Cosmos and all the wonders it could hold within.
If, only, one could go and reach out for them.
And in the back of his mind, the Good Hunter promised to himself once more... Than no matter what the future held... He would get the power to do exactly that.
And he would never, ever let go of that beautiful Dream, or of the incredible woman who he wanted to share that Dream with.
Forever and ever...