Gehrman, the first master. Central Yharnam.

The doors of the "church" were open.

For several days, the unchanged situation suddenly turned alarming.

{ Someone or something opened the door. I hope it's not dangerous. }

Walking to the entrance to the building, Crowley, like last time, decided to make himself known.

- Is there anyone here!?

Looking inside, Crowley saw an old man in an ornate wheelchair.

At first thinking that this was the same obnoxious madman who had gotten him stuck here, Crowley was about to attack him.

But after looking closer, he realized that this was a completely different person.

Shoulder-length gray hair, black hat, leather clothes, torn robe and scarf. The missing right foot was replaced with some kind of a peg log. The face was shaved. There was no madness in the eyes that is inherent in most residents of the city.

Looking at the newcomer, the old man began a conversation.

- *wheezing* Ah-hah, you must be the new hunter. Welcome to the Hunter's Dream.This will be your home, for now.

{ Hunter's dream? Is that the name of this place?}

- How long have you been here? I have so many questions. But first, my name is Crowley, Crowley Cheshire.

- Crowley Cheshire? I am... Gehrman, friend to you hunters. You're sure to be in a fine haze about now, but don't think too hard about all of this. Just go out and kill a few beasts. It's for your own good. You know, it's just what hunters do! You'll get used to it...

- Beasts? I don't think this makes sense, no matter how much you kill them, they still appear again and again.

-Are they appearing again? Oh... no, what you are talking about are only powerless and pitiful creatures of the plague of the beast. The disaster that has engulfed this city costs nothing to bring them back to life. Those beings that I am telling you about are much more powerful.

You may have already noticed that we, hunters with a mark, take some kind of energy from monsters, the so-called blood echoes. By defeating one of these monsters, you will cause irreparable damage to the nightmare. And the monster will not rise again.

Hearing the old man's words, Crowley's eyes dimmed greatly.

{ Much more powerful you say? }

- I... I don't think I can handle it, fighting these "pathetic" creatures, I died more than a dozen times.

- *Hahaha* Do you have a choice? The path will not be easy. But the number of attempts is not limited. Try, learn, overcome. I will help you along the way. And at the end of the road you will be released from the contract.

That last sentence seemed to trigger a click in Crowley's mind.

- Released? Does this mean that in the future I will be able to return home?!

- Exactly. This was once a safe haven for hunters. A workshop where hunters used blood to enhance their weapons and flesh. We don't have as many tools as we once did, but... You're welcome to use whatever you find. ...Even the doll, should it please you...

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11. In a hunter's dream there is a workshop where one can temper weapons and ?one's own flesh?.

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{A doll? I knew something was wrong with her!}

- Thank you, is that all I need to know?

- That's enough for now. Happy hunting, Cheshire.

At the end of the conversation, the inspired teenager left the hunter's dream.

...

*Central Yharnam*

Walking through the streets of the city that smelled of burnt flesh. Crowley observed many graves, tombstones and fire pits on which the unfortunate inhabitants of the city burned out.

Having met several small groups of wild ones, armed with the first sharp objects that caught their eye. Among them are sickles, pitchforks, cutlasses and others. Skirmishes with them ended for the hunter with only minor wounds (healed with blood after the battle).

But it seemed at this moment his luck had deserted him. Down the stairs, a huge patrol of 6 clumsy monsters was coming towards him.

{ So, a fight can't be avoided? }

The result is predictable, even trying to line them up in a line, the huge group simply crushed the unsuccessful hunter.

*Death*

Once again waking up in the clinic, a new attempt began.

Lycan, wild ones, patrol.

Collision. Mistake. Death. Repeat.

After about 13 tries, Crowley discovered 3 things.

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10. In a narrow space, opponents are not able to bypass each other, which turns such a fight into a test of endurance.

12. A well-aimed blow to vulnerable parts instantly kills or at least incapacitates wild ones.

13. Polearm weapons lose their effectiveness as the distance decreases.

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After the battle, during which the young hunter received serious injuries, which he spent a last couple of vials to heal, a shot rang out in the air.

*Boom* Darkness. Another death.

{ What was it? Gun? I think I should ask Gehrman}

...

*Shortly after in a Hunter's Dream*

- Loud sound leading to death? Yes, it's definitely a firearm. It seems to me that you also have one, isn't that so?

- Yes, there is, but I don't know how to use it at all. - the guest from the "world without guns" said embarrassedly and handed the pistol to the old man in a wheelchair.

- It's clear. This is why I am needed," with a deft, almost invisible movement of his hands, Gehrman loaded the weapon handed to him.

- Do you remember? I advise you to practice, although you have plenty of time, you'll get used to it. - The old man continued.

-Although these things sound loud, they are only dangerous to hunters and monsters when they hit vital areas. Due to the healing properties of blood, the through holes regenerate within a couple of seconds. The danger of this weapon lies elsewhere.

- Have you ever wondered why we use mercury bullets with our blood?

- No, but I can imagine that they have some special effect.

- You're right, if such a little thing hits you at the moment of muscle tension, it will cause a spasm of such strength that even the strongest of creatures will momentarily lose control of their body. Of course there are exceptions, but they are few. As a rule, the most massive monsters do not get enough substance from one bullet. And listen to my advice, hunters fight with both weapons in their hands. You never know when you'll need one of these.

- Thank you, Master.

Hearing the familiar words, Gehrman's face trembled.

{ Master... It was a long time ago. }

- Unfortunately, I have run out of healing blood; can you tell me where I can get it?

- Hunters usually fill their vessels with the blood of newly defeated creatures. Bullets are made from the same blood, the mark will help you with the conversion. I think you remember the font located to the left of the doll? You can exchange the obtained blood echoes for vessels and other equipment. But be careful, when you die you lose all your accumulated energy.

- Thank you again, then I'll be on my way.

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14. A bullet fired at the right moment causes short-term paralysis. At this moment the opportunity arises to strike a decisive blow.

15. If possible, it is worth extracting blood from defeated enemies.

16. When you die, you lose all blood echoes.

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*Central Yharnam*

Several deaths later, in between which the novice sniper tried unsuccessfully to hit the target. Crowley still managed to shoot a wild one with a pistol.

From that moment on, a long series of deaths began as the young hunter fought his way through the dark streets of Yharnam.

Group of shooters with guns.

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17. Use cover to avoid enemy shots.

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The crows seemed almost dead. Pack of dogs.

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18. Don't underestimate any living creature in these areas.

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An old man in a wheelchair sitting at the end of a dark room.

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19. Carry a light source with you.

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Huge trolls two and a half times the size of a teenager, armed with bricks and two-handed axes.

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13. Creatures with enormous strength can still crush you with the handle of their weapons.

20. Bricks thrown with furious force are a fatal weapon.

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The result of the research was: coldblood dew, blood stone shards,( in a conversation with Gehrman, it turned out that it is with their help that weapons are improved.) a huge number of bullets and vessels with blood.

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11. To upgrade a weapon, you must have blood echoes and blood stone shards.

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Having considered all the available options, the hunter was faced with a choice: move into the previously discovered sewers or go to the building behind the small bridge, right next to the madly laughing woman.

{It's not even pleasant to remember *Brrrrr*}

Death count - 139.