160 Negotiation

Back in the Forbidden Woods Surgit exchanged some words with Valtr, the Confederates' self-proclaimed leader. The man wearing a bucket over his head was peculiar to say the least. He spoke about vermin that lived inside people's blood. He said that the Confederates' job was to hunt infected people down and kill them, extracting the vermin from them in the process.

Surgit was used to being a lone wolf, hunting beasts on his own. Joining the league wasn't his priority. After hearing stories from the strange man, Surgit's interest in the vermin that lived inside the blood increased. What the man told him had rung some bells.

Surgit observed the beasts that roamed the streets of Yharnam. He'd made his own theories about the origin of the monsters. He didn't expect to hear a story that completed his own thoughts to a certain degree. He initially thought that people transformed into beasts due to excess use of blood. The prayer Vicar Amelia repeated, coupled with her hideous transformation helped him ascertain his point of view.

'Communion: that is a term used in certain religions. It implies partaking one meal to strengthen the bond between the members of said religion. In Yharnam, their gods are the Old Ones. They partake in Old Blood.' Surgit was absorbed in thought as he walked towards the dream lantern.

He had unlocked an important checkpoint in the Forbidden Woods. He now had access to a dream lantern and a way to get deeper into the forest. He needed to visit the dream in order to purchase some upgrades for his Kirkhammer. He even hesitated whether or not to acquire Ludwig's Holy Sword. The hammer was bloody and effective. He wondered how the Great Sword would fare against the snakes in the forest.

He also needed to write down everything he thought of on his notebook. He didn't want to lose his chain of thought while he battled the beasts of the Forbidden Forest. Surgit activated the lantern. Soon after, he felt his head getting lighter and a sensation akin to sleepiness overtook him. When he opened his eyes, his body was already transported within the dream.

The doll didn't welcome him this time. She was busy upgrading Francis' attributes. Surgit wondered how strong Francis was since he received blood ministration. The only time they fought together was when he was summoned by Karla.

"Welcome home good hunter," Francis' deep, raspy voice welcomed Surgit. He gave him a mocking smile before continuing: "What is it you desire?" This time his speech was a clear imitation of the doll's, he even emphasized the "t" sound and rolled his tongue as he pronounced the "r". Francis was clearly in a good mood.

"A way out of here my lady," answered Surgit pleased to see the old man doing well. Francis chuckled lightly. The two never spoke to each other about anything but Yharnam. After they boarded the ship, bound to the fabled city, their conversations stopped abruptly. Everyone was focused on the preparations.

Surgit never realized that the two never spoke on the same footing. As fellow hunters, this was the first time Surgit realized that he considered Francis his equal. "Getting stronger I see," remarked Surgit. "I had some lucky encounters," the old man replied. "How have you been faring recently?" The change in Francis' tone caused Surgit to raise an eyebrow.

The old man had always been condescending towards him, whether he was a hunter or not. "The last time we spoke, you offered me information for a price. I hope the offer still stands." Surgit spoke. Seeing Francis in the dream had given him an idea. The old man had a certain help from Gavril who he regarded as his master. This time around Francis must be alone, dealing with Yharnam as Surgit did when he first received blood ministration.

"What does fellow hunter want to learn about?" asked Francis.

"I'm not asking, I'm offering." Surgit walked toward the workshop. "Let's get comfortable inside and talk."

The old man watched Surgit walk, the big hammer strapped to his back, and disappear inside the old wooden house. He followed suit then seated himself on the large sofa opposite the fireplace. Francis had many questions regarding Cainhurst. He wasn't sure if Surgit knew anything of it though. Besides, he wasn't willing to lightly share his new treasure trove and would be base of operations.

"Yharnam has a special way of hiding secrets. Unless you look really hard, you wouldn't be able to find a single clue. What are we looking for? Why are we here? Each one of us has a certain objective in mind.

"This city gives you what you want the moment you step foot in it. However, was finding a cure to my sickness everything I ever aspired to in life? Was finding the Byrgenwerth scholars and reaching enlightenment your purpose? We seek answers. What is life? Why do we exist in this land? Are there gods? If yes how many? Were we created by them?" Surgit lied down on the sofa and spoke, to himself and to Francis.

The old man remained silent. He clearly felt that Surgit was going somewhere with his speech. It felt like listening to a salesperson at the beginning of their sales pitch. "We get super powers then we're asked to hunt beasts." Surgit turned to Francis and looked him in the eyes. "What are those beasts? Their mystery has filled my thoughts ever since I arrived here. Today I reached my own conclusion on the matter."

"Care to enlighten an old scholar?" asked Francis. Surgitcrossed his legs and rested them on his large stone hammer.

"What have you got to offer in return?" he asked nonchalantly. "I know how this type of negotiation goes, state your price." The old man went straight to the point. He had other matters to attend to in Cainhurst. "I want to know where you are and what you're doing there." Surgit noticed that Francis had become even more secretive ever since he became a hunter. His only motive was to destroy the old man's ego, make him feel insignificant.

"I've been to most places in and around Yharnam old man, don't try to weasel your way out of this question. If you lie, I'd know. If you tell me the truth, I might even be able to help." That last statement hit Francis where it hurt. The old man was proud. He enjoyed knowing more than others. He loved having more than everyone else. That had always put him ahead of the competition.

He was famous and respected because of that. Since he came to Yharnam, he made sure to keep the same position. Upon meeting Surgit for the first time in the dream, he made sure to point out his weaknesses. He needed to nourish his ego, the easiest way to do so was to find weaker people to prey on. Surgit had greatly changed since that day though. He appeared to have an understanding of Yharnam Francis hadn't reached yet.

"I was in the castle of Cainhurst," he said reluctantly. If it weren't for the fact that he desperately needed some information on the place, he wouldn't spill the beans. He'd simply walk away. But Francis felt manipulated by some unknown entity. Going in blindly would mean an untimely demise.

Surgit's mind went blank. He didn't show his surprise though. He kept playing with his sword while his feet rested atop the large hammer. "Our paths have diverged greatly. I admire your devotion Francis." This was the first time Surgit called the old man by name. This took him aback. "While I struggled to reach my own peace with Karla's death, you've found your way to the fabled castle. I hope you've found what you're looking for in there."

The old man looked at Surgit with a wry smile. "It's all as you said. You find small clues and follow the trail. I eventually found my way inside the castle by following my own path."

"I assume the letter that hunter left you was the summons to the castle?" the question boomed in Francis' ears like thunder. "How do you know of the summons?" Even Francis didn't know he needed a letter to reach the castle until Gavril left him one. The information Surgit held surprised Francis greatly.

"I'll offer you a deal," started Surgit. "I need some material that you might easily acquire in the castle. Take me with you there. In exchange, I'll tell you everything I know of Cainhurst. We have access to the lanterns from the dream. It won't be hard for you to ask the little ones to take me with you. I don't want my phantom to go to Cainhurst. I wouldn't be able to use my full strength."

"I can find information on my own," Francis retorted. The deal was unfair. The castle teemed with beasts but also with coldblood. The items he had found earlier helped him level up quite quickly. On top of that, he had only started exploring the castle. "How about you show me the place you're in right now and we call it even?"

"I'm stuck at the Cathedral Ward," Surgit lied. "I need material to access the ancient tombs. It is the only place where I can find a way to reach the forgotten academy. If you take me to the castle with you, I'll show you how to open a way to the ancient tombs from the dream. How about it?"

Surgit knew that Francis hadn't been to the chapel yet. He would've noticed the people that lived there otherwise. He was willing to share the knowledge of the Chalice Dungeons, but not the location of the Forbidden Woods. After all, he was still not done with exploring the place.

"Very well, but you'll have to tell me what you know of the castle now." Francis was used to compromise. The new deal aroused his interest but his suspicion as well. No one gave up on valuable information easily. Surgit must have some hidden motive. That didn't matter though, he was sure to find out about it as long as he kept the hunter beside him.

"I'll tell you what I know when I see the castle. It's not that I don't trust you Francis. But I'm not sure if my idea will work anyways. If you can take me to the castle, I'll tell you everything I know and even bring you with me to the tombs of the Old Gods. I've been there before. I know how to get there, but I need more materials to access the deeper levels."

"Very well, we'll consult the messengers then. But as soon as we reach the castle, you'll tell me what you know and the way to access the tombs." The old man wouldn't budge unless he felt satisfied with what he'd gain from the negotiation. "Fair enough." Surgit took the large slab of a hammer and easily threw it on his back. His strength surprised the old man. Remembering how strong he'd become himself, Francis secretly sneered. 'Just you wait, as soon as we reach the castle, you'll witness my might.'

Surgit went to the memory altar then used the tool to activate a rune. Francis patiently waited until the latter finished then both of them went to the messenger by the fountain. 'With this rune and Cainhurst's tainted blood, I will be able to confirm my theory. Byrgenwerth can wait a bit. I won't reach the academy with incomplete theories.' Surgit thought as the messenger accepted their request. The hunters' dream slowly faded away, replaced by a large field covered with snow.