this infinite world

The Great Serpent of the World, Flamt, who is searching for the one who will bring back the fire.

Few know that this great serpent has long slumbered beneath the Firelink Shrine. When the bells echo through the shrine, this ancient beast awakens from the abyss, its massive body coiled amidst the ruins. It claims to be a close friend of Gwyn, the Sun King, and has for millennia searched for an undead hero capable of undertaking the mission of linking the fire…

"Yes, although those who appear before me are not cursed undead, but true living beings, you have indeed rung those two bells that represent destiny."

Gazing at Chu Hao and Ares before her, Flamt's enormous vertical pupils gleamed in the dim light: "Why not listen to this sacred mission? To inherit King Gwyn's will, to rekindle the First Flame, and to dispel the spreading darkness... This is the highest honor."

—It received no answer.

Both Chu Hao and Ares simply stared indifferently at the giant serpent before them, their expressions remaining completely unchanged, as if they had no interest whatsoever in the so-called "glory."

As the saying goes, when you're out in the world, you give yourself your identity... Gwyn's best friend? Does Gwyn even know he has you as his best friend?
"If you are determined to embark on this glorious path, then go to the royal city of Anor Londo and obtain the Royal Armaments."

As the saying goes, old people become wiser, and so do snakes. Since Flamt has a wealth of experience in linking the fire... and tricking people into doing so, she has naturally seen all sorts of people over the centuries, some excited, some cheering, some disdainful... But seeing the reactions of Chu Hao and his companion, the giant snake didn't care at all, and continued to recite: "Heroes, I await your return here."

"Whether you choose to rekindle the flame and save the world, or have other plans, it all depends on your single thought..."

As she spoke, Flamt lowered her head and submerged back into the deep pit. Not long after, faint snoring sounds began to rise... It was unclear whether she had truly fallen asleep or was simply putting on an act for Chu Hao and the others.

……

"So, what do you think of what this snake just said, Chu Hao?"

Leaving the Firelink Shrine and arriving at a hillside, Ares turned to look at Chu Hao. To avoid being overheard, the ever-cautious Ares didn't speak aloud, but instead communicated through mental energy: "This will determine our next course."

In Ares's view, although Flamt's words carried a strong air of charlatanism, as a lawful being, its moral standards were indeed far higher than those of the ordinary inhabitants of this dark world... At least, it pointed out the path to Anor Londo in detail, seemingly genuinely hoping that these extraordinary undead could retrieve the Lordweapons and continue the mission of linking the fire.

"The problem is that it can provide us with 'everything except language assistance'."

Chu Hao shook his head slightly, pointing out the essence of Flamt's behavior of only talking and not doing anything: "However, although its real intention is to trick all the undead who have come this far into linking the fire, since its core demand is to ensure the continuation of the fire-linking ritual, it has something in common with our current mission objectives."

"So, is it worth pursuing further?"

Ares understood what Chu Hao meant. Just like in the original game, you could get something from Flamt by feeding it items. Although there is no such convenient exchange mechanism in the real world, giving and receiving is the norm.

In other words, as long as we continue to communicate with this world serpent that clearly knows a great deal, we are very likely to obtain some valuable information.

“That’s right. The route to Anor Londo it provides is indeed reliable after my initial verification. This route avoids several known high-risk areas,” Chu Hao replied. “Of course, I will verify that later… but more than that, I’m more concerned about its last sentence.” “'Whether it’s choosing to link the flame, or has other plans’?”

Ares immediately caught up with Chu Hao's train of thought, and he frowned and said, "You mean... it's implying that we have other options."

The "other option" naturally refers to an ending different from the one of linking the flame, namely the "Dark Lord" ending. Considering that the anti-flame vanguard, the Abyssal Serpent Kass, also belongs to the same race as Flamt, it is worth pondering that these words, which should not have been uttered by him, came from his mouth.

"Insufficient information makes it impossible to make any conclusions yet."

"Information is indeed limited, making it difficult to make an accurate judgment."

Chu Hao sighed softly, then changed the subject slightly: "However, that snake's mouth really stinks."

"Ha, I totally agree."

Ares smiled knowingly. In this exchange, he had once again "confirmed" Chu Hao's identity.

In the life-or-death environment of the Main God Space, human nature is often revealed in the most subtle ways. As a resurrected being who has truly died once, Ares knows better than anyone that everyone is walking on the edge of a cliff, and one wrong step will lead to the abyss.

This single, darkly humorous remark is enough to prove that the Chu Hao before him is still the Chu Hao he knows—but not the Chu Hao who is single-mindedly saving the world in the Terminator world, and even somewhat obsessed.

He didn't dismiss Flamt's value entirely because of his charlatan-like approach, nor was he blinded by the grand narrative of the "mission to pass on the fire." Instead, he calmly maintained his own perspective. He was able to remain analytically detached at the strategic level while also revealing his true character in the details…

...That's enough.

In this precarious, cyclical world, the certainty that one's comrade is still the same person is more precious than any tactical analysis. He doesn't need a flawless leader, only a comrade who remains true to himself.

This tacit understanding is the trust forged in countless life-and-death experiences, stronger than any contract.

"So, what's the next step?"

"The core objective remains unchanged." Chu Hao gazed calmly at the sun hanging in mid-air, seemingly symbolizing the eternal rule of the Sun God Clan. "We will proceed along the original route through the ancient city of Sen, reach the royal city of Anor Londo, and obtain the Royal Artifact. Afterward, we will systematically challenge the various bosses of this world, firmly grasping the Royal Soul in our hands. However…"

Sensing the stench emanating from behind him, a stench that was still quite unpleasant even when his sense of smell was masked, Chu Hao paused slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "After making all the necessary preparations..."

"The challenge against Manus, the Lord of the Abyss, should gradually be put on our agenda." (End of Chapter)