Chapter VI: The Forgotten Castle

Welcome, Belmont, to the heart of darkness itself. Chapter VI plunges you deep into the ancient, crumbling stronghold of the Forgotten Castle. This section will guide you through its treacherous halls, revealing hidden secrets, powerful upgrades, and the strategies needed to overcome the horrors within.

Stage 1: Castle Hall

Your journey into the castle begins in the imposing Castle Hall. Prepare for immediate resistance.

Initial Encounter: Upon entering, you'll be ambushed by a swarm of Vampire Warriors. These foes are agile and can quickly surround you. Focus on crowd control techniques like the Cyclone Cross or Area Bomb to thin their numbers. Prioritize dodging their lunging attacks.
First Corridor: After clearing the initial threat, proceed down the main corridor. Keep an eye on the left side for a crumbling section of wall. Use your Combat Cross to smash through it.
Hidden Alcove: Inside this hidden alcove, you'll discover a Life Gem. This crucial upgrade permanently increases your maximum health, a vital boost for the challenges ahead.
Courtyard Access: Continue through the main hall until you reach a large, ornate door. Interact with it to open the path to the castle's inner courtyard.

Stage 2: The Inner Courtyard

The Inner Courtyard is a sprawling, open area, but don't let its size deceive you; danger lurks in every shadow.

Gargoyle Guardians: As you step into the courtyard, several Gargoyles will awaken from their perches. These flying enemies are best dealt with using ranged attacks or by luring them to the ground for close-quarters combat. Their dive attacks can be devastating if not dodged.
Courtyard Puzzle - Sun Dial: In the center of the courtyard, you'll find a large, inactive sun dial. To activate it, you need to find two missing pieces.
1. First Piece: Head to the eastern side of the courtyard. You'll spot a cracked statue. Use your Chain Whip to pull it down, revealing the first Sun Dial Fragment.
2. Second Piece: On the western side, there's a small, overgrown garden. Look for a shimmering spot on the ground. Use your Earthquake Punch (if unlocked) or repeatedly strike the ground with your Combat Cross to unearth the second Sun Dial Fragment.
Activating the Sun Dial: Return to the sun dial and place both fragments. This will cause a beam of light to illuminate a hidden mechanism, opening the gate to the next section.
Optional: Shadow Gem Location: Before proceeding through the newly opened gate, explore the northern wall of the courtyard. There's a small, almost invisible crack. Use a Dark Crystal or a powerful light magic attack to reveal a hidden passage containing a Shadow Gem. This gem increases your maximum Shadow Magic, essential for powerful attacks.

Stage 3: Grand Staircase

The Grand Staircase is not merely a path upward, but a gauntlet of traps and elite enemies.

Armored Knights: As you ascend the first flight of stairs, you'll encounter Armored Knights. These heavily protected foes require precise timing to break their guard. Use strong attacks like the Guillotine or parry their attacks to create openings.
Pendulum Traps: Further up, massive pendulum blades swing across the staircase. Observe their pattern carefully and use your Double Jump and Dash abilities to navigate past them without taking damage. Timing is key here.
Secret Room - Relic: Approximately halfway up the staircase, look for a suspicious-looking tapestry on the wall to your right. Slash it with your Combat Cross to reveal a hidden room. Inside, you'll find the Tears of a Saint relic, which fully restores your health when used. Save this for a challenging boss fight!
Upper Landing Battle: At the top of the Grand Staircase, a formidable Werewolf Lord awaits. This beast is fast and hits hard. Focus on dodging its charges and counter-attacking after its combos. Using Light Magic to heal during the fight can be a lifesaver.