Walkthrough: Chapter 7: Hidden Underground

Welcome to Chapter 7, "Hidden Underground." This chapter plunges you into the depths beneath Tairon, introducing new enemy types and environmental puzzles. Be prepared for tight corridors and relentless combat.

The Moat and the Water Dragon

You'll begin in the Moat, a familiar area. Your immediate goal is to reach the Hidden Underground. Head towards the large gate that was previously inaccessible. As you approach, a cutscene will trigger, revealing a massive Water Dragon. This beast is not an immediate threat, but its presence signifies the path forward.

Action: Proceed through the open gate into the newly accessible area.
Item: Keep an eye out for a chest containing a Great Spirit Elixir on a ledge to your right as you enter the new section. Use a Wall Run to reach it.

The Flooded Passage

The path ahead is a flooded passage. You'll encounter a new enemy here: the Water Worms. These creatures are agile and can be annoying in the water. Use your underwater combat techniques (X for quick slashes, Y for stronger attacks) to dispatch them. Remember to surface for air when needed.

Strategy: While underwater, the Dragon Sword's quick attacks are effective against Water Worms. Consider using the Lunar Staff for its wider reach if you have it upgraded.
Navigation: Follow the underwater path. There will be several branching paths, but most lead to dead ends or minor item pickups. The main path will eventually lead to a ladder.
Item: Near the end of the flooded passage, before the ladder, you can find a Talisman of Rebirth in a submerged alcove.

The Underground Caverns

Climb the ladder to emerge into a series of dark, damp caverns. This area introduces another new enemy: the Bone Scorpions. These skeletal arachnids are quick and can inflict poison. Prioritize dodging their attacks and counter-attacking with powerful combos.

Combat Tip: The Dragon Sword's Izuna Drop is highly effective against Bone Scorpions, often eliminating them in one go. The Vigoorian Flail also works well due to its wide area of effect.
Pathfinding: Navigate through the winding caverns. The path is fairly linear, but keep an eye on your map if you get disoriented.
Item: In a small alcove off the main path, you'll find a chest containing a Devil Way Mushroom.

The Crystal Skull Chamber

You'll eventually reach a larger chamber dominated by a glowing crystal skull. This is a key puzzle element for this chapter. Upon entering, you'll be ambushed by a wave of Bone Scorpions and a few Water Worms that have managed to make their way into the chamber. Clear them out to proceed.

Puzzle: To activate the crystal skull, you need to find two specific items. The first is the Skull Key (Left Eye).
Location: The Skull Key (Left Eye) is located in a small, hidden passage accessible by Wall Running across a gap on the far side of the Crystal Skull Chamber.
Action: Once you have the Left Eye, approach the crystal skull and use it. This will illuminate one of the skull's eyes and open a new pathway.

The Flooded Library

The newly opened path leads to a partially flooded library. This area is teeming with more Water Worms and a new, tougher variant of the Bone Scorpion – the Armored Bone Scorpion. These have more health and can be harder to stagger.

Strategy: For Armored Bone Scorpions, focus on breaking their guard with strong attacks or using Ninpo like the Art of the Inferno to create openings.
Item: In the deepest part of the flooded library, submerged beneath some broken bookshelves, you'll find the Skull Key (Right Eye). This can be tricky to spot, so look carefully.
Return: Once you have the Right Eye, backtrack to the Crystal Skull Chamber.

Activating the Crystal Skull and Exit

Back in the Crystal Skull Chamber, use the Skull Key (Right Eye) on the crystal skull. Both eyes will now glow, and a large stone door will slowly open, revealing the exit to the next area.

Action: Proceed through the newly opened door.
Checkpoint: A save point is usually located just beyond this door, so save your progress before continuing.