Walkthrough: Chapter 13: The Fiendish Awakening

Welcome to Chapter 13, Ninja! This chapter marks a significant shift in the game's intensity, as you'll be facing off against a new breed of formidable foes. Prepare for some challenging encounters and make sure your inventory is stocked with healing items.

The Fiendish Awakening Begins

You'll start this chapter in the Monastery Annex. Head straight through the door in front of you. You'll find yourself in the Monastery Corridor. Be prepared, as a new enemy type, the Fiend Ninja, will immediately attack. These enemies are fast, aggressive, and can deal significant damage. Focus on deflecting their attacks and countering with strong combos. The Dragon Sword's Izuna Drop is particularly effective against them.

Path to the Altar

After clearing the corridor, proceed into the Monastery Plaza. More Fiend Ninjas will appear here, often accompanied by projectile-throwing enemies. Prioritize taking out the ranged attackers first to reduce incoming damage.
Once the plaza is clear, look for the large double doors leading to the Altar Hall. Enter it.
Inside the Altar Hall, you'll encounter a new, larger fiend: the Greater Fiend. These hulking creatures are slow but hit incredibly hard. Stay mobile, use your ninpo (especially Inferno or Inazuma) for crowd control, and aim for their backs after they've committed to an attack.
After defeating the Greater Fiend, look for a staircase on the right side of the hall. Ascend it to reach the upper level.

Upper Monastery Exploration

On the upper level, follow the pathway around. You'll likely encounter more Fiend Ninjas.
Keep an eye out for a chest containing a Talisman of Rebirth. This invaluable item will automatically revive you with full health and ninpo once per chapter, so it's a must-have.
Continue along the upper path until you reach a door leading to the Monastery Library.

The Library's Secrets

The Library is a multi-tiered area. Upon entering, you'll be ambushed by a combination of Fiend Ninjas and possibly some returning familiar foes. Clear the ground floor first.
Look for a ladder or a set of stairs leading to the upper bookshelves. Ascend them.
On the upper level of the Library, you'll find a hidden chest containing the Lives of the Thousand Gods. This item permanently increases your maximum health, making it crucial for the challenges ahead.
Locate the exit from the Library, which will lead you back into a different section of the Monastery Corridor.

Return to the Depths

As you traverse this new section of the Monastery Corridor, expect more Fiend Ninja encounters.
Your goal is to reach the door that leads to the Underground Sanctuary. This is the same area where you previously fought Murai.
Upon entering the Underground Sanctuary, you'll be met with a large group of Fiend Ninjas and potentially a Greater Fiend. This can be a tough fight, so utilize your Ultimate Techniques and Ninpo wisely.
Once the area is clear, approach the large altar in the center. A cutscene will trigger, leading to the chapter's boss battle.

Boss Battle: Awakened Alma

Awakened Alma is a significantly more powerful version of her previous incarnation. She retains many of her old moves but is faster, hits harder, and has new devastating attacks.

Phase 1: Ground Attacks and Projectiles: Alma will primarily use her scythe in close combat and launch purple energy projectiles. Dodge her scythe combos and use flying swallows or quick combos when she's vulnerable after an attack. Her projectile attack can be dodged by rolling sideways.
Phase 2: Aerial Assault: After taking some damage, Alma will take to the air more frequently, swooping down with powerful dive attacks or launching multiple energy blasts. Use the Wind Path to quickly close the distance and attack her in the air, or use projectile Ninpo like Incendiary Shuriken if you have it.
Phase 3: Fiend Summoning: In her final phase, Alma will occasionally summon lesser fiends to assist her. Prioritize taking out these smaller enemies quickly to avoid being overwhelmed, then refocus on Alma.

Strategy Tips:

Weapon Choice: The Dragon Sword (upgraded to Level 3 or higher) is a reliable choice. The Lunar Staff can also be effective for its wide-sweeping attacks, especially against her summoned fiends.
Ninpo: Inferno is excellent for burst damage and interrupting her attacks. Inazuma can stun her, providing an opening for combos.
Evasion: Mastering the roll and reverse wind technique is crucial. Alma's attacks are fast, and getting caught in a combo can be deadly.
Ultimate Techniques: Charge up Ultimate Techniques whenever you have a safe opening, especially after she finishes a combo or is recovering from a dive attack.
Healing: Don't be afraid to use your Great Devil Elixirs or Elixirs of Spiritual Life if your health drops low. This is a marathon fight.

Defeating Awakened Alma will conclude Chapter 13. Prepare yourself, for the journey ahead only grows more perilous!