After defeating Gundyr, the group moved forward, encountering a few more formidable knights along the way. Yet, these knights posed little threat to them now and were swiftly dispatched.
"This place's layout is identical to the Firelink Shrine. There's even a broken coiled sword inside. It feels as if this world is truly drenched in despair!"
Someone commented as they arrived at the now-extinguished Firelink Shrine. Unlike the shrine they knew, this one had no Handmaiden, no merchant, no blacksmith, and no Fire Keeper. Everything felt decayed and eerie, as if it had been abandoned long ago.
"As expected, there's nothing here," Finn noted. "According to Ludleth, only those who've inherited the flame can see the primordial fire here. For us, it's meaningless right now. We should head back and prepare to face the final Lord of Cinder. They say he's the toughest of all!"
With Gundyr out of the way, Ludleth had advised them that there was little left here apart from a few items and gear. There was no reason to linger, so the group prepared to leave, confident they'd fulfilled their purpose by conquering Gundyr.
Yet, despite Ludleth's advice, curiosity got the better of them. After all, they were adventurers at heart, driven by an indomitable spirit of exploration. They took a few moments to investigate the strange, desolate shrine before heading back.
Upon returning to the Firelink Shrine, Ludleth awaited them.
"So, you're back. It appears you've defeated Gundyr," Ludleth said, nodding approvingly. "Next, you'll face the final Lord of Cinder. Honestly, there's no need for conflict with them."
"After all, souls are abundant in this world. Countless dark beings roam here, each one a reservoir of souls. These dark beings alone could provide the souls you seek!"
Ludleth shook his head, as if lamenting the needless struggle with the Lords of Cinder. With no true Lord of Cinder to rekindle the flame, the Lords' existence itself was merely an extension of the original fire.
Without the Lords, the flame would eventually extinguish, and once that happened, the world would sink into darkness and despair.
Of course, not everyone opposed this outcome. The Abyssal entities welcomed an eternity of darkness. In such a world, they could rise to power and might even one day grow strong enough to overthrow the so-called Lords of Cinder.
The ultimate aim of the Abyssal beings was to claim the fire for themselves, allowing the Soul King to ascend to power. If they succeeded, darkness would engulf the world as they seized control of the flame. At first glance, this might seem like an acceptable ending.
But upon closer examination, it became clear that such a fate would bring catastrophe. Although most would perish, there would always be those with an instinct to survive.
Should the flame be taken, the world would plunge into an endless night, leaving only those empowered by the Abyss to thrive. And so, a hidden plan was already unfolding in the shadows.
Becoming an Abyssal spirit is a wretched fate for most. Unlike those powerful enough to retain their awareness, weaker souls lose their humanity entirely, unable to preserve their minds and memories.
For many survivors, this is an unavoidable consequence, such is the downside of the Abyssal forces. After all, everyone's potential and physical constitution are vastly different. The weaker one is, the easier it is to become a mindless wraith, while the strong transform into something closer to the Abyssal cadres. Yet for Finn and his team, this was not their immediate concern.
"Though we don't have to go, we're adventurers," Finn declared. "Rare souls can be forged into powerful weapons or used to learn unique spells. We have to pursue this!"
Aware of the dangers, Finn and his companions were resolute, knowing that the thrill of adventure and the potential gains outweighed the risks.
"Adventurers, huh? A unique profession indeed—always seeking out danger," Ludleth responded. "Your world is unlike ours. We're simply trying to survive here."
"Still, may you succeed in your journey. This world won't hold together much longer."
Ludleth remarked. He himself was nearing the end of his role as a Lord of Cinder. After assuming the mantle, his body was set to burn continuously, fueling the flame's survival.
For Ludleth, this meant that the fires sustaining his life were dwindling. While he had lived long enough, he wished for a successor to carry on the flame.
When the heads of the other Lords of Cinder were brought back, Ludleth planned to self-immolate, a self-sacrifice to rekindle the First Flame. In the end, it would be up to the heroes to choose the fate of this world.
"Thank you, Ludleth," Finn and the others expressed their gratitude. Ludleth's guidance had proven invaluable, especially as the world's remnants grew ever more treacherous. With his help, they ventured further into the heart of Lothric Castle.
In the castle, they faced countless corpses, remnants of a bygone era. Soon, they encountered the city's guards, the Lothric Knights.
Unlike the earlier, less skilled knights, these warriors had a prowess reaching V6 or even LV7, levels of skill previously unseen. Compared to these elite guards, earlier foes now seemed amateurish. The difference was evident, much like that between seasoned soldiers and mere recruits.
And these knights weren't alone. As robed figures, adept in both healing and offensive spells, supported them. Finn's team quickly identified the priority: the mages.
Without neutralizing these figures first, they'd be locked in an endless battle as the knights healed continuously. Understanding this, Finn's group devised a strategy: they'd have a few melee fighters keep the knights engaged, while the others focused on taking out the robed figures. Archers and mages launched attacks from afar, ensuring they first eliminated these mage-priests, who posed the greatest threat.
Otherwise, these knights will recover soon if they are a little injured, and they don't want to fight a protracted battle here.