Stage 3': The Chapel

Welcome to Stage 3': The Chapel, a divergent path accessible only if you successfully rescued Maria Renard in Stage 2. This stage presents a significant increase in challenge compared to its counterpart, Stage 3: The Dungeon, primarily due to its intricate verticality, demanding platforming sequences, and a host of aggressive airborne enemies. Prepare for a test of your precision and sub-weapon management.

Stage Overview & Recommended Loadout

The Chapel is characterized by its towering architecture, stained-glass windows, and numerous ledges. Expect to ascend through several floors, often dealing with enemies from above and below. The primary threats here are flying enemies and the heavily armored Axe Armors.

Recommended Sub-Weapon: The Cross is almost essential for this stage. Its wide hitbox and ability to hit multiple enemies, especially those airborne or on different vertical planes, makes clearing paths significantly easier. The Axe can also be useful for Axe Armors and enemies on higher ledges, but the Cross offers more versatility.
Recommended Item Crash: If using the Cross, its Item Crash (Grand Cross) provides excellent screen-clearing potential, invaluable during intense enemy encounters or against the stage's mini-boss.
Common Enemies: Harpies, Flea Men, Axe Armors, Bone Pillars, and Ghosts.
Environmental Hazards: Moving platforms, crumbling ledges, and the occasional falling chandelier.

Walkthrough: Ascending the Chapel

Section 1: The Grand Entrance

Initial Ascent: You begin at the base of the chapel. Immediately, you'll encounter Harpies flying in patterns. Use your whip or the Cross sub-weapon to dispatch them.
First Platforming Challenge: Ascend the initial set of stairs. You'll encounter your first Axe Armor. These enemies are heavily armored and take significant damage. Wait for their axe swing animation, then quickly jump over them and attack their back, or use the Cross to hit them from a distance.
Hidden Passage 1 (Candle): After defeating the first Axe Armor, look for a candle on the wall to the right, just before the next set of stairs. Whip it to reveal a hidden passage containing a Money Bag (100 points).
Moving Platforms: The next area involves a series of moving platforms. Take your time and observe their patterns. Flea Men will often jump from ledges, attempting to knock you off. Prioritize defeating them before making risky jumps.

Section 2: The Stained-Glass Hallway

Stained Glass Windows: As you progress, you'll enter a long hallway adorned with stained-glass windows. Be wary of Ghosts that emerge from these windows. They are slow but can be annoying.
Axe Armor Gauntlet: This section features multiple Axe Armors patrolling. Use the Cross to keep them at bay, or carefully bait their attacks and counter.
Hidden Passage 2 (Wall Break): Approximately halfway through this hallway, look for a slightly discolored section of the wall on the upper level, near a small platform. Whip it repeatedly to reveal a hidden passage containing a Large Heart and a Money Bag (400 points). This is crucial for sub-weapon energy.
Chandelier Drop: You'll encounter a section with a large chandelier hanging overhead. As you approach, a Harpie might try to knock you into its path. Be prepared to dodge. Sometimes, whipping the chain holding the chandelier can cause it to fall, clearing a path or damaging enemies below (though this is rare and often more of a visual flourish).

Section 3: The Bell Tower Ascent

Vertical Shaft: This is the most vertical part of the stage. You'll be climbing upwards using a series of ledges and small platforms. Bone Pillars will often be strategically placed to fire projectiles. Destroy them quickly.
Crumbling Platforms: Some platforms in this section will crumble and fall shortly after you step on them. Identify these by their slightly different texture and move quickly.
Hidden Passage 3 (Ceiling Break): Near the top of the bell tower ascent, just before the mini-boss arena, look for a section of the ceiling that appears slightly cracked or discolored. Jump and whip it repeatedly to reveal a hidden passage containing a Rosary (clears all on-screen enemies) and a Money Bag (700 points). This Rosary can be incredibly useful for the upcoming mini-boss or the final boss of the stage.

Mini-Boss: The Lesser Demon

As you reach the top of the Bell Tower, you'll face a Lesser Demon. This creature is a large, winged humanoid that flies around the arena, occasionally swooping down to attack or firing projectiles.

Strategy:
- Movement: The Lesser Demon moves quickly. Stay mobile and be prepared to jump and dodge its swooping attacks.
- Attack Pattern: It typically flies in a figure-eight pattern, occasionally pausing to fire a slow-moving fireball.
- Weakness: The Cross sub-weapon is highly effective here. Its wide arc can hit the demon even when it's flying high. Time your whip attacks for when it swoops low.
- Item Crash: If you have enough hearts, using the Cross's Item Crash (Grand Cross) can deal massive damage and potentially end the fight quickly. Save it for when the demon is close or when you need to avoid taking damage.
- Platforming: The arena has multiple levels. Use them to your advantage to avoid attacks and get better angles for your own.
Reward: Defeating the Lesser Demon will drop a Large Heart and often a Money Bag.

After the Mini-Boss

After defeating the Lesser Demon, continue to the right. You'll find a series of platforms leading to the exit. Be careful of any remaining Harpies or Ghosts that might appear.

Stage Exit

The exit from Stage 3' leads directly to Stage 4'. This path is generally considered more challenging, but it is the only way to progress towards rescuing Maria and accessing her as a playable character later in the game.

Collectibles & Hidden Items Summary

Keep an eye out for these valuable items throughout the Chapel:

Hidden Passage 1 (Candle): Money Bag (100 points)
Hidden Passage 2 (Wall Break): Large Heart, Money Bag (400 points)
Hidden Passage 3 (Ceiling Break): Rosary, Money Bag (700 points)
Candles: Various hearts (small and large), money bags (10, 50, 100 points), and sub-weapons.

Common Pitfalls & Tips

Verticality: Always be aware of enemies above and below you. The Cross sub-weapon excels in these situations.
Platforming Precision: Many jumps require careful timing, especially with moving and crumbling platforms. Don't rush.
Axe Armors: These enemies are damage sponges. Don't waste too many hearts trying to brute force them. Learn their attack patterns and exploit their openings.
Heart Management: With the Cross being so effective, you'll need a steady supply of hearts. Break every candle and seek out the hidden passages.
Maria's Path: Remember that this stage is part of the "Maria's Path" storyline. Successfully completing it is crucial for unlocking her.