The trek to the Town of Ondol marks your first major navigational hurdle. To reach it from the Town of Jova, head east through the Belnades Marsh. Watch your footing on the small platforms; the Ziel (Mud Men) will rise from the sludge to knock you into the water, resulting in instant death. Once you cross the marsh, you will reach the ruins of Veros. If you haven't upgraded your weapon yet, look for a hidden merchant in the lower-right wall of the Veros cavern who sells the Chain Whip for 150 Hearts—it is essential for survival in the woods ahead.
From Veros, continue east through the piranha-infested waters of the Jova River to reach Ondol. This town serves as your final staging ground before the first mansion. Upon entering, speak to the townspeople; most offer cryptic clues, but one vital NPC hidden in a basement will trade you the White Crystal for 50 Hearts. This crystal is the key to revealing the invisible path in the upcoming Berkeley Mansion.
Ondol Shop Checklist:
- White Crystal (50 Hearts): Absolute necessity. If you missed it in Jova, buy it here immediately.
- Holy Water (50 Hearts): Sold by a cloaked merchant. This sub-weapon is vital for breaking floor blocks to find hidden items and trapping ground-based enemies.
- The Ferryman: While his primary dock is nearby, talking to NPCs here hints at the "Heart of Vlad" requirement to pass certain river segments later.