A gentle breeze rustled, making the bamboo shadows sway.
In the dilapidated temple of Ashina Castle, in the front courtyard, by the window, a young woman stood serenely beside the bamboo forest. Her upper body was bathed in sunlight, her fair face seeming to emit light, and even the fine fuzz on her cheeks was visible.
"This VR technology is a bit exaggerated..."
Seeing the suddenly appearing NPC, Chun Hei first circled around, then discovered with amazement that the NPC was no different from a real person!
Of course, Chun Hei's visit was not specifically for this woman.
Like Sister Zhou, after defeating the chained ogre, he encountered the Red Ghost on the Ascent.
However,
Chun Hei was not as stubborn as Sister Zhou. After several failed attempts to attack the Red Ghost, he immediately realized the problem – too weak, too few methods.
So, he decisively returned to find the Sculptor and forged and upgraded the accumulated cybernetic arm parts.
The upgraded cybernetic arm could launch small projectiles like shuriken and a flamethrower that could spew fire in a small area, dealing damage to enemies.
Of course, it required consuming a consumable item called [Paper Talisman], which was very convenient.
"Lord Wolf, you've arrived."
"Hmm... Has anything strange happened?"
"Hmm..."
"What kind of strange thing?"
Chun Hei was too close to the NPC, automatically triggering the plot. The woman muttered to herself.
Then Wolf recounted his experience: "I heard the Prince's voice... When I came to my senses, I found myself resurrected."
The woman looked up at Wolf and said softly, "Died once... but now revived, this must be resurrection."
"Resurrection?"
"Prince's..." the woman reiterated, "It can be called the power of the Dragon's Heritage, bestowing the power of resurrection, allowing one to revive after death."
"Endless."
These words sent a chill down Chun Hei's spine. Did this mean that Wolf's non-human status was not a given, but due to the Dragon's Heritage power related to the Prince?
Initially, he thought "Sekiro" had followed "Dark Souls" in its depiction of the Undead and hadn't thought too deeply about Wolf's ability to revive twice on the spot.
Now, it seemed the designer clearly intended it. The secret of resurrection appeared to be a hidden narrative of the game, and the role of the NPC before him was to guide players to explore this aspect.
"...How could this happen?"
As expected, from a god's-eye view, Chun Hei saw Wolf ask a soul-searching question. Wolf spoke little, but his points were always crucial.
"Yes, this is unusual."
The woman replied, "But it is happening now..."
"If anything else strange happens, please tell me. I do not believe the power of resurrection comes without any cost."
After speaking, the woman stood poised, exuding a sense of the Fire Keeper.
A small number of netizens in the live stream started to become active.
‘Why not chop her a couple of times to test the damage?’
‘You're really something upstairs, but I like it.’
‘Beautiful lady, you wouldn't want the secret of the Dragon's Heritage to be leaked, would you?’
‘? This Japanese netizen, please show some self-respect.’
‘Forcing an explanation for resurrection.’
‘It's not forced, you can clearly see this is intended by the designer. Perhaps much of the later plot will also be related to the reason for resurrection.’
......
Chun Hei's live stream had few restrictions, and the audience could chat about anything. However, he was not idle enough to respond to every comment. He only replied with his thoughts on the power of resurrection.
"My view is similar to some of the viewers. The Dragon's Heritage mentioned by the NPC should be a hidden thread running through the game. The main quest is to save the Prince, and the Prince should hold important clues."
"However, before saving the Prince, I still need to deal with the Red Ghost first."
That scoundrel was a roadblock. If he wasn't dealt with, the map couldn't be progressed.
"Cough... cough cough..."
While interacting with his viewers, a faint coughing sound came from inside the temple.
?
Chun Hei was extremely sensitive to this coughing sound and instinctively felt something was amiss.
Upon entering the room, new clues indeed appeared:
[Coughing Sound · Sculptor
A sound of painful coughing from somewhere.
Someone who is coughing.
Seemingly a man
Who has been wholeheartedly carving Buddha statues to avoid being burned by heavy flames.]
"This Sculptor also has a story."
[Dragonrot
When the holder of the Dragon's Heritage dies multiple times, a disease called 'Dragonrot' will spread over time.
The coughing sound from somewhere is a symbol of someone related to Wolf contracting Dragonrot.]
"Ah?"
Seeing the description of Dragonrot, Chun Hei couldn't hold back, "So I'm the one causing trouble?"
"The young lady just said that resurrection has a price, and I didn't expect it to be in the form of spreading disease. This thing is clearly not good. If I die too many times, won't the whole world fall into Dragonrot?"
"Your master is still alive," Chun Hei said, as the Sculptor's voice carried from afar, "He is trapped in Ashina Castle, but his blood will soon be utilized. Regarding resurrection, there is an Undead in the front courtyard, perhaps he knows more."
"Undead?"
Hearing this, Chun Hei was stunned. The clues were increasing.
Beside the merit box in the front courtyard, Chun Hei found the 'Undead' mentioned by the Sculptor.
In their conversation, he learned that there were three ways to achieve immortality in this world.
Bloodline.
Parasitic infestation.
Drinking 'Water of Immortality' from a certain water source.
This fellow immortal had obtained immortality through parasitic infestation, while the Prince's power likely stemmed from his bloodline, which affected Wolf, aligning with the Sculptor's words. It was likely that Genichiro had gone to great lengths to capture the Prince, coveting his immortal power.
In addition to providing Chun Hei with clues to expand the world-building, this immortal comrade also served as a sparring partner.
Sparring partner, he understood. Just a sandbag, right?
However, when he was easily beheaded by this comrade, he knew he was terribly mistaken!
"I just remembered I have clothes to collect at home." Chun Hei made a dash for it, preparing to escape, "I'll definitely come back to practice with you more!"
Waving his hand, he fled without looking back.
It was a joke. With such a heavy price for resurrection, this undead guard's skill was probably superior to Genichiro's. Fighting him head-on would be asking for trouble.
Arriving at the Sculptor's Idol, Chun Hei located the lit map [Ashina Castle Gate Front - Ascent] and with a thought, opened his eyes again to find himself teleported to the Ascent, the territory of the Red Ghost.
After a period of calm contemplation, drawing inspiration from the upgraded cybernetic arm's function, the [Flamethrower], Chun Hei recalled a popular saying circulating in Souls-like games:
[More fur, weak to fire. Large body, weak to doors. Heavy armor, weak to lightning. Large body, weak to chrysanthemum.]
"More fur, weak to fire... more fur, weak to fire..."
Looking at the wild man covered in thick fur before him, a wicked grin spread across Chun Hei's lips. He took out the item [Oil] he had picked up while farming for equipment.
"Today, I'm having roasted wild man with charcoal!"
......
(Did you pull Kiritos Night Blade today?)
(I got it in 40 pulls)