Game Hub Walkthrough Hub Part 2: The Keep Ascent

Area Intro Briefing

Area Summary

Inabayama Castle is ablaze following a surprise assault by demonic Genma forces. You begin armed with a standard katana before being granted the mystical Oni Gauntlet by the ancient Oni Clan spirits.

Prerequisites

New Game start. Learn the core fundamentals of katana slashing, guarding, backward dash evasion, and soul absorption mechanics.

Recommended Setup

Level: Starter (Level 1)
Weapon: Normal Katana → Raizan (Thunder Sword)
Healing: 2 Normal Herbs

What to Upgrade First

Raizan (Thunder Sword) to Level 2 (2,000 Red Souls). Increases thunder magic burst damage and allows you to open Level 2 Blue Demonic Seal doors.

Primary Objectives

Defeat the intro wave of Genma Soldiers in the burning courtyard.
Receive the Oni Gauntlet in the spirit shrine.
Acquire the Thunder Orb (Raizan) from the altar chest.
Solve Number Dial Puzzle Box #1 to get Power Jewel #1.
Defeat Osric the Genma Ogre in the burning gatehouse.

Optional Secrets & Missables

Fluorite #1 (MISSABLE): Inspect the base of the broken stone lantern right before the burning gatehouse entrance.
Power Jewel #1: Inside the 4-number rotation chest (Solution: 1-3-6).
Magic Jewel #1: Hidden in the rafters above the first Magic Mirror save station.

Area Item Databank

1. Key Items, Jewels & Fluorites (Click to Expand)

Item	Location	Effect
Oni Gauntlet	Spirit Realm cutscene	Absorbs demonic souls; holds elemental orbs
Power Jewel #1	Puzzle Box #1 (1-3-6)	Permanently increases Max HP by +10%
Magic Jewel #1	Rafters near 1st Magic Mirror	Permanently increases Max MP by +10%
Fluorite #1	Base of Broken Lantern	Collectible (Collect 20 for Bishamon Ocarina)
Inabayama Castle Map	Wall chest in courtyard	Unlocks Castle Layout Map screen

2. Weapons & Gauntlet Orbs (Click to Expand)

Weapon / Orb	Element	Special Ability
Raizan	Thunder / Lightning	Fast triple-thrust combo; lightning bolt finisher
Thunder Orb Lv1	Blue Seal Key	Opens Level 1 Blue Demonic Gateways

3. Consumables & Recovery Items (Click to Expand)

Item	Quantity	Usage
Herb	x3	Restores 50% HP
Medicine	x1	Restores 100% HP
Red Souls	~2,500 Souls	Used to level up Raizan to Lv2 at Magic Mirror

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: The Courtyard Ambush & Awakening the Gauntlet

Advance forward through the fiery corridor. 3 Genma Footsoldiers will emerge from the ground. Dispatch them using 3-hit standard slash combos. Hold the block button if they raise their cleavers. After clearing the yard, step into the spirit shrine portal to receive the Oni Gauntlet.

Step 2: Acquiring Raizan & First Magic Mirror Save

Open the altar chest ahead to acquire the Thunder Orb and unlock Raizan. Practice switching to Raizan and absorbing Red, Blue, and Yellow souls from newly spawned Genma. Interact with the glowing Magic Mirror to save your progress and spend initial Red Souls.

Pro-Tip (Issen Counter Practice): When a Genma soldier raises his sword to strike, press the attack button the split second before the blade hits you. A bright white screen flash will trigger an instant one-hit Issen (One-Flash) kill and yield triple red souls!

Step 3: Number Dial Puzzle Box #1 & Fluorite #1

Before entering the burning gatehouse, look left to find Puzzle Box #1. Rotate the dials in sequence: Left Dial (1), Center Dial (3), Right Dial (6) to open the lock and collect Power Jewel #1 (use it immediately for +10% Max HP). Then inspect the cracked base of the stone lantern on the right to grab Fluorite #1.

Step 4: Boss Encounter — Osric the Genma Ogre

Step through the Level 1 Blue Seal door using Raizan to trigger the boss fight against Osric the Genma Ogre.

TACTICS WARNING: Click to Reveal Detailed Boss Tactics & Weaknesses

Boss Profile: Heavy armored ogre wielding an iron war-club.

Phase 1: Osric attacks with slow vertical club slams and horizontal sweeps. Keep a medium distance, sidestep his vertical slam, and retaliate with Raizan 3-hit combos.
Thunder Magic Finisher: When Osric rears back to roar, press the Magic Attack button with Raizan equipped to unleash continuous lightning strikes. This staggers him completely.
Deflect-Issen Timing: When he begins his horizontal club swing, parry the strike with exact timing and tap attack immediately for a massive critical hit.

MAJOR STORY SPOILER: Click to Reveal Plot & Narrative Details

Upon Osric's defeat, the dying ogre dissolves into dark miasma, revealing that Princess Yuki has been carried deeper into the Keep's underground catacombs by the demon scientist Guildenstern to serve as a royal blood sacrifice.