Chapter no.55 Darksouls

Chapter no.55 A Knight And A Blacksmith

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Ting!

The rhythmic clang of a hammer striking metal echoed through the air as Naruto descended the stairs, the sound resonating with a steady pulse. The staircase creaked under his weight, each step accompanied by the faint groan of old wood. He found himself on a moss-covered wooden platform. Above him, the ceiling was a patchwork of stone and rotting wooden beams.

The metallic rhythm grew louder as Naruto moved forward, his eyes scanning the dimly lit area. The soft orange glow of a bonfire flickered on the floor below, visible through the gaps in the wooden planks.

"Yes!"

The hammering stopped.

Naruto froze, his breath catching as the sudden silence pressed down on him. He glanced at the floorboards, suddenly hyper-aware of every creak they made under his weight. Then, after a moment that felt far too long, the hammering resumed—steady and unbothered.

"Guess he doesn’t mind visitors."

He made his way carefully down the next set of stone stairs, the air growing warmer with each step. The bonfire beckoned to him, its soft glow promising a moment of rest. Naruto reached it and sat down, letting its warmth seep into his tired body. The flames danced in the light, their crackling rhythm blending with the distant clang of metal on metal. To his right, Naruto noticed a stone doorframe leading out to a narrow path. Trees crowded the edges of the trail, their gnarled branches creating an almost impenetrable canopy overhead. Beyond the doorframe stood a massive, foreboding structure.

Naruto pulled out his binoculars for a closer look.

The fortress loomed like a sleeping giant, its stone walls aged and cracked, yet still imposing. Three colossal portcullises barred the entrance, their iron bars thick and unyielding. Above them, sharp spikes jutted downward—a clear warning to anyone foolish enough to approach unprepared. The air around the structure felt heavy, as though the building itself radiated a challenging aura, daring anyone to come conquer it.

Yeah… I’ll check that out later.

The sound of hammering brought his focus back. Right—priorities.

Naruto stood, dusting himself off as he turned toward the torchlit staircase that spiraled deeper into the space below. His boots clacked softly against the stone steps as he descended, peering over the wooden railings.

The blacksmith’s workshop came into view.

It was a sprawling, cluttered space dominated by the warm glow of a roaring furnace. A massive anvil stood at the center, surrounded by tools and weapons in various states of completion. Hammers of different sizes rested on a sturdy wooden table, next to a barrel upon which sat an axe and a cup of frothing beer—the scent of it carried faintly on the air. Racks of swords, shields, and other weapons lined the walls, their polished edges glinting faintly in the firelight. Then there was the blacksmith himself. The man was a towering figure of muscle. His skin was rough and weathered, marred by burn scars that spoke of years spent toiling in the heat of the forge. His thick white beard hung down to his chest, wild and unkempt, matching the shaggy white hair that framed his face. Thick, bushy eyebrows shadowed sharp, piercing eyes. He wore heavy gloves and pants, covered only by a dirtied apron tied at the waist.

Naruto crouched low, peering through the wooden railings as the blacksmith raised the blade he'd been working on. The firelight danced across its surface, illuminating every sharp line and polished curve.

"A beauty, isn't she?" the blacksmith said, his deep, gravelly voice cutting through the air like the blade in his hands.

"Uh… yeah. It really is."

"Well now, what have we here?" The blacksmith set the blade down on the anvil, giving Naruto a once-over. "An elite Astora knight, eh? Been a long time since I've seen one of you lot."

Naruto blinked in surprise before shaking his head. "Not quite. This armor belonged to my master." He removed his helmet, tucking it under his arm. "Naruto Uzumaki, Squire of Oscar of Astora."

"A squire, eh? Hah! Well, ain't that somethin'." The blacksmith chuckled. "I'm Andre. So, tell me, Undead Squire—how's Astora faring these days?"

"You can just call me Naruto. And, uh… I wouldn't know much about Astora. I met my master in the asylum. Never been to Astora myself, but I'd like to go someday."

Andre grunted, his expression darkening slightly. "Hmph. Don't get your hopes up, boy then."

"Why? What's wrong with Astora?"

"Astora... it used to be a land of beauty and invention. A place where craftsmen and artisans flourished, where every blade, shield, and tool was forged with care." His voice carried the weight of nostalgia, tinged with something heavier—bitterness. "But before I came to Lordran, I saw the seeds of my beautiful nation's downfall."

Naruto, who had been quietly listening, glanced at the binoculars strapped to his hip. He unfastened them and handed them to Andre, who took them with a gloved hand, studying the fine craftsmanship with a small, almost wistful smile. His thick thumb ran over the engravings, the smooth, polished metal.

"Ah, this… this is the kind of work Astora was known for," the old blacksmith muttered. "Every little detail, every curve—done with purpose, with pride." The smile faded as he passed them back. "But that was before. Now? The land's beauty is tarnished, its legacy twisted by gods and nobles who think they know better. What once belonged to the people is just another prize for the powerful to mold to their liking."

Naruto frowned, taking the binoculars back. "So… Astora's not like the people I've met from there? Not like Solaire or Oscar?"

"Hmm. Don't know these people you speak of, boy. But I'll tell you this—don't judge a land by the men born from it. Some rise above their home's sins. Others sink right into 'em."

Naruto nodded at that, then smirked. "Y'know, for a guy I just met, you sure share a lot."

"Hah! Must be drunk then. I tend to do that when I'm workin'."

Naruto's eyes flicked to the ale. "Really? You being poisoned—uh, I mean drunk—wouldn't that mess up the process?"

Andre scoffed, taking a swig before wiping his mouth with the back of his gloved hand. "A smith with a sober mind may craft a sword, but a smith with a belly full of mead crafts a legend."

Naruto snorted. "Yeah, well, I hope you're crafting my gear, not a legend. My armor's seen better days."

"Then let's have a look at it, eh?"

Naruto removed his armor, setting each piece down as Andre inspected them with a practiced eye. His gloved fingers traced over dents, scratches, and worn edges, grunting occasionally in approval or disapproval. When he picked up the Zweihander, he gave a firm nod.

"Now this here's a fine blade. Solid work, good weight. But that armor o' yours? Needs proper repairs—not that powder you've been usin'."

"Hey, it works!"

"Oh, aye, it works for now. But you wanna bet your life on 'good enough'?"

"You don't like repair powder?"

Andre shrugged. "It's a quick fix, not a proper one. Works in a pinch, but a weapon or armor deserves better. Pay it the respect it's owed, and it'll never fail you."

"Glad I found you, then."

Andre smirked, picking up the helmet. "It'll cost you, boy. Sit yourself down—this'll take a while."

Naruto obeyed, settling onto a nearby bench. He watched as Andre dismantled the helmet, carefully removing the damaged parts. He held one piece up to the light, frowning at the cracks.

"Repair powder's left soot all over," Andre muttered, tossing the piece into the furnace for a moment before retrieving it with tongs. He placed it on the anvil, scraping away the blackened residue with a small tool. The soot flaked off, revealing clean, shining metal beneath.

Naruto watched in fascination as Andre worked, the rhythmic clang of hammer against metal filling the air like a steady drumbeat. The heat from the forge pulsed around them, sweat glistening on the blacksmith's brow as he hammered out the cracks in Naruto's armor with practiced ease. Sparks flew, cascading like tiny golden stars, and for a while, it was mesmerizing.

Then it got boring.

Naruto sighed, shifting on his feet before deciding to check something in his inventory.

[ Item: Broken Black Knight Armor ]
[ Description: Armor of the Black Knights who haunt Lordran. The knights followed Lord Gwyn when he departed to link the flame, but they were burned to ashes in the newly kindled fire, wandering the world as disembodied spirits ever after. ]

Naruto's eyes nearly popped out of his skull. "…Wait a damn minute." He reread the description. Then again. Then a third time. The Black Knights… were ghosts? That would explain that eerie apparition he saw fading away after he took them down. The realization sent a shiver down his spine. All this time, he'd been fighting spirits puppeteering burned husks of armor. That meant the real Black Knights, when they were alive, must have been… Naruto swallowed.

That was terrifying.

He let out a nervous chuckle. "Man, I've been way luckier than I thought."

"What's got you giggling like a fool?"

"Just, uh… contemplating my life choices," Naruto admitted as he shook his head. "Hey, Andre, I got a question."

"Hrm?"

Naruto materialized the battered, broken armor from his inventory, letting the scraps clatter onto the floor. "Can you fix Black Knight armor?"

Andre finally stopped hammering, looking at the pile with a raised brow. "That came from a Black Knight?"

"Yup."

Andre bent slightly, examining the metal. He poked one of the shattered pauldrons with a gloved finger before straightening. "No."

"No?"

"No," Andre repeated. "That armor's in worse shape than a Hollow's sanity. Unless you've got the ore it was forged from, it's as good as scrap."

Naruto pouted. "What if you substitute the ore for something else and make it brand new, dattebayo?"

Andre stopped. Then, slowly, he turned to give Naruto a look so flat the boy physically flinched.

"That, lad, is Black Knight armor," Andre said. "It was crafted to slay dragons, demons, and more. Every single piece—even now—was forged with care, its materials tempered for battle against nightmares." He crossed his arms. "You think I can just slap some tin on it and call it a day?"

"…No?"

"A blacksmith's work is his honor. I won't disgrace a master's craft with cheap shortcuts. A half-assed job would just get you killed." Andre gestured at the scraps. "Best keep it till you find the proper ore. Otherwise, all you've got is an expensive pile of junk."

Naruto frowned, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, that… makes sense. Sorry, didn't mean to disrespect the craft."

"Bah, don't be sorry, lad. Just means you care about your gear." Andre's tone softened. "But trust me on this—armor that don't hold up when you need it ain't worth the steel it's made from."

Naruto nodded, storing the armor away. "Yeah. I want my armor to be, y'know… good."

"Good lad," Andre said, cracking his knuckles before picking up his hammer again. "Now let me get back to work."

Naruto stretched. "Gonna check out that fortress. Be back in a few."

Andre didn't even look up. "Aye. Just don't go dyin' on me. Got your gear to finish, and I'd hate to waste good work."

"You got it, old man."

As he climbed the stairs, the rhythmic ting of hammer on steel followed him, steady as a heartbeat.

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Naruto's steps slowed as he neared the fortress, its sheer scale pressing down on him like an unseen weight.

The stone path leading to the entrance was narrow, flanked by short, weathered walls that did little to make him feel safe. Beyond them stretched an abyss of swirling mist—a bottomless void that sent a chill down his spine when he dared to peek over the edge. The air smelled damp, rich with the scent of moss and decaying leaves, earthy and old, nothing like the crisp pine and wildflowers of Konoha's forests.

And then there was the gate.

It loomed ahead, impossibly massive, carved from ancient stone, standing taller than any structure Naruto had ever seen—even the gates of Konoha paled in comparison. What the hell was the point of making a door that big? Were there giants here? Given everything he'd encountered so far, he wouldn't even be surprised.

But something else caught his attention.

To the left of the gate, a figure sat, slouched slightly, seemingly lost in thought.

Naruto's eyes were immediately drawn to the armor—thick, rounded, and layered in overlapping plates that gave the man a distinct, onion-like appearance. The segmented design made him look bulky, yet not in a way that suggested clumsiness. Instead, it was sturdy, almost like a protective shell, each layer reinforcing the one beneath it. His conical helmet, with only a thin slit for vision, added to the effect, making him resemble a knightly onion wrapped in steel.

But what really made Naruto's heart leap? The massive sword resting beside him. A Zweihander. Just like his. Excited at the rare sight of another Ultra Greatsword user, Naruto grinned and called out, "Yo! That's one hell of a blade you've got there!"

No response.

The man barely moved.

Naruto blinked. "Uh… hello?"

The figure tilted his head slightly, as if only just noticing him. Then, with a slow exhale, he spoke.

"Mmm…mmm… Mm! Oh-hoh! Forgive me, I was absorbed in thought."

The voice, though muffled by the helmet, carried a deep, hearty warmth. He straightened slightly, gesturing toward the immovable gate before him.

"I am Siegmeyer of Catarina. Quite honestly, I have run flat up against a wall—or a gate, I should say. The thing just won't budge. No matter how long I wait. And, oh, have I waited! So, here I sit, in quite a pickle, weighing my options, so to speak! Hah hah hah hah!"

Naruto found himself smiling at the man's booming laugh. Something about it was so damn genuine. "Nice to meet you, Siegmeyer! I'm Naruto Uzumaki, squire of Oscar of Astora."

At the mention of squire, Siegmeyer hummed thoughtfully. "A squire, you say?" His helmet tilted slightly. "Curious. Forgive me, but you look more like a Pyromancer than a knight."

Naruto glanced at himself. He was still wearing his Pyromancer set, not his Elite Knight armor.

"…Yeah, well… Andre's fixing up my Elite Knight armor right now, so this is just for now."

The moment those words left his mouth, something shifted in the air. In an instant, the massive Zweihander that had been resting by Siegmeyer's side was suddenly pressed against Naruto's neck.

Naruto's breath hitched.

The speed of the movement sent a shudder down his spine. His senses, his Way of Focality, couldn't register the attack at all. If Siegmeyer had truly meant to kill him… he would have been dead already. Then there was the sword itself—a beautiful, well-worn Zweihander with darkened patterns dancing across the blade. Unlike his own.

"Tell me, boy," Siegmeyer's voice was heavy now, layered with something unreadable. "Have you stolen that Elite Knight armor?"

Naruto froze.

His first instinct wasn't fear.

It was pure, undiluted anger.

"What?!" Naruto's voice snapped like a whip, loud and sharp, cutting through the air between them. His fists clenched so tightly his nails bit into his palm. "I didn't steal a damn thing, you overgrown onion! That armor belonged to my master! It was Oscar's! I'm wearing it to honor him—not because I looted it off some corpse, you bastard!"

Siegmeyer didn't flinch at the outburst, nor did he lower his blade. But he watched Naruto carefully, as if studying something beneath the surface. Then, after a long moment of silence, he exhaled. "…Mmm. I see."

Slowly, deliberately, he lowered his sword, setting the massive blade back beside him. "My apologies, young squire. I may have… overreacted." He let out a deep, thoughtful hum. "It is an obligation of a knight to honor another's armor. And to ensure it is worn by one who deserves it. You understand, I hope."

Naruto huffed, rubbing his neck. "Yeah, well, maybe don't point a sword at someone's throat next time, huh?"

Siegmeyer chuckled, his previous warmth returning. "Hah hah! A fair point, my boy! A fair point indeed!"

Naruto grumbled under his breath but let it slide. The man had moved so damn fast—it was proof that Siegmeyer wasn't just some jolly, bumbling fool. No. Beneath that humor was a true warrior. And something about that made Naruto respect him a little more.

"…I suppose we got off on the wrong foot," Siegmeyer mused, rubbing his gauntleted chin. "A blade drawn in suspicion is no way to greet a fellow warrior. Hah! Consider that a lesson in vigilance, young squire—one I imagine you won't soon forget." He patted the ground beside him with a heavy clang. "Come, young squire. Sit with me a while. I sense you have stories to share." His helmet tilted slightly, his gaze lingering on Naruto's cursed arm, curiosity glinting behind the narrow visor. "And I suspect yours is a tale unlike any I've heard before."

Naruto exhaled, resting his elbow on his knee. "Well, let's just say… thanks to the Pyromancy Flame and my own brilliant decision-making, I got cursed." He flopped his twisted hand in demonstration. "Even if I cut it off, the damn thing regenerates, cursed all over again."

"Mmm… yes. That would be because curses don't simply affect the body, young squire. They stain the soul. The flesh may change, but the spirit remembers."

Naruto blinked. "...That's not comforting."

"Hah! It isn't meant to be! But knowing the nature of curses is the first step in breaking them."

"Wait, you know a way to cure it?"

Siegmeyer's expression turned thoughtful, his voice lowering.

"...Arstor."

Naruto tilted his head. "Who?"

"Arstor, Earl of Carim," Siegmeyer said, his tone laced with something akin to wariness. "A most... peculiar man. A noble by blood, a scholar by trade… and a butcher by inclination."

Naruto frowned. "A butcher?"

Siegmeyer let out a long sigh. "Mmm, well, that may not be the word he would have used, but it fits well enough. He dabbled in… experiments. Most famously, he studied the curse of undeath. He believed it to be a gift—an opportunity to transcend mortal limitations."

"...Okay. That's creepy as hell."

Siegmeyer nodded. "Aye, and he took great interest in his research subjects."

"Subjects," Naruto repeated. "...You mean people?"

"Undead, mostly," Siegmeyer said.

Naruto's stomach twisted. "That's… that's a lot. So, what? You're saying if I want to break this curse, I need to track down this sick bastard?"

Siegmeyer chuckled. "No need. Arstor has long since perished. But his greatest treasure remains—The Purging Stone."

Naruto exhaled sharply. "Yeah, yeah…" At least he now had some lead on how to fix this mess.

"Still," he muttered. "Thanks for the help, Onion-senpai."

Siegmeyer chuckled. "Onion… senpai?"

Naruto grinned. "Well, since I'm a squire and you're a knight, that makes you my senpai. And your armor kinda makes you look like an onion, soooo…"

Siegmeyer let out a long, contemplative hum. He seemed to weigh the words carefully, as if they carried some deep, philosophical meaning. "Senpai, you say…" A pause. Then he nodded. "Hmm… I suppose I shall allow it, if only for the novelty of it."

Naruto pumped a fist in victory.

Siegmeyer then pointed a gauntleted finger at him. "But remember, boy—if you wish to become a knight, you must behave like one. A knight's code is not to be taken lightly!"

"Yes, Onion-senpai!"

Siegmeyer grumbled under his breath. "Enough of this onion nonsense."

But the amusement in his tone betrayed him.

Naruto, however, grew serious. "Senpai… I'm sorry if I've disrespected the honor of knighthood with my behavior." He hesitated for a beat, then continued, "My master… he didn't have much time to teach me what it truly means to be a knight before I lost him. Please… will you teach me?"

Siegmeyer went very still.

For a moment, the knight of Catarina did not speak. He simply regarded the young squire before him, watching the determination in his eyes. Then, with a deep breath, he straightened his back, crossing his arms. "Mmm… Well, I suppose it can't hurt." He nodded firmly. "After all, the gate isn't going anywhere, and it would be dishonorable to turn away an aspiring squire in need."

Naruto's face lit up. "Really?! You mean it?"

Siegmeyer placed a hand on his chest. "A knight does not go back on his word, boy! Very well! But first—tell me what you already know of knighthood, and we shall go from there!"

Naruto bowed deeply, grinning wide. "Thank you… Sir Siegmeyer!"

Siegmeyer hummed contentedly, settling back down as the mist curled around them. He did not say it aloud, but as Naruto spoke—so eager to learn, so willing to carry on his master's honor—Siegmeyer could not help but think… Perhaps this boy was already a knight.

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Naruto and Siegmeyer sat on the steps of the fortress, deep in conversation. What had started as a simple exchange about Oscar's teachings had evolved into something far greater—an exploration of knighthood itself.

Siegmeyer spoke at length, offering insights that went beyond mere combat. He spoke of duty, of honor, of the burdens a knight carries not just in battle but in life itself. His words carried both wisdom and warmth, a stark contrast to the cold, brutal lessons Lordran usually offered. Naruto found himself captivated, drawn into the sheer charisma of the man. Despite the heavy topics, talking to Siegmeyer felt natural. Comfortable. Like training, but without the grueling exhaustion.

It wasn't until much later that Naruto finally stretched, cracking his neck. "So," he said, glancing at the fortress, "how are you planning to open this big-ass door?"

"Hmm... I believe fate will open it for me."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Fate?"

"Indeed!" Siegmeyer nodded sagely. "Patience is often rewarded in the most surprising of ways. Sometimes, all one must do is wait, and the path shall reveal itself."

"Uh-huh… or we could, y'know, find another way? Maybe a lever or something?"

"Hah hah hah! A fine suggestion, young squire! Your eagerness to act is commendable, though one must also learn when to wait."

Naruto grinned. "Well, lucky for you, I'm not much for waiting. Maybe I can speed things along."

"Hmm?" Siegmeyer made a curious noise as Naruto walked toward the portcullis, eyes scanning the structure. He couldn't sense any kind of magical barrier, which meant…

He smirked. "Alright. Let's see if this works."

With a quick hop, Naruto planted his foot against the gate. Siegmeyer let out a confused hum. Then, with ease, Naruto began running straight up the iron bars. "By the gods!" Siegmeyer boomed, nearly toppling over. "What manner of trickery is this?!"

"Ninja trickery, Onion-senpai!"

"I thought we had moved past that title!" Siegmeyer huffed. "And I must say, young squire, this does not seem wise!"

"Relax, I got this," Naruto called back. "I'll just chuck a kunai ahead to see if anything dangerous is up there."

Before Siegmeyer could protest, Naruto pulled out a kunai and flung it upward.

The moment it neared the upper walls, something snatched it out of the air.

Naruto's eyes widened as the kunai stuck to the stone surface, held fast as if by an invisible force. Then, in an instant, a pulse of yellow energy rippled through the fortress. Naruto's instincts screamed. Oh shit—! He immediately turned and bolted back down the gate, chakra-enhanced speed pushing him faster than he had ever moved before.

"RUN!" he shouted the moment his feet hit solid ground.

Siegmeyer didn't hesitate. Despite his heavy armor, the knight turned and sprinted alongside him just as a column of lightning erupted where the kunai had been. The explosion of golden energy tore through the fortress walls, leaving behind a smoldering crater of scorched stone.

The two barely made it to safety before coming to a stop, panting as they stared at the aftermath.

"That…" Naruto swallowed, wiping his forehead. "That could've been me."

Siegmeyer exhaled loudly. "Indeed! Immediate death, no doubt. I would expect nothing less from the defenses of Sen's Fortress!"

Naruto whistled, glancing at the lingering sparks of energy. They crackled along the stone, glowing with raw power.

Naruto squinted at the lingering sparks dancing along the ruined fortress wall. The crackling energy looked far too familiar.

"…Kinda looks like the Lightning Spear miracle from the Nameless King."

"That's to be expected."

"How so?"

"Simple, really. Sen's Fortress once belonged to the Nameless King."

Naruto blinked. His gaze flickered between Siegmeyer and the fortress, the weight of that revelation settling in. "Wait. Wait. You're telling me this whole place used to be his?"

"Indeed."

Naruto's brow furrowed. "Hold on a sec. Then does that mean Sen is actually the Nameless King's real name?"

"Oh-hoh! No, no, nothing so simple, I'm afraid."

Naruto groaned. "Damn. Thought I was onto something."

"Well," Siegmeyer said, "if the gods erased his name from history, do you truly think they'd leave it hidden in plain sight?"

"Yeah, yeah, fair point… But considering I've already met two people who know about the Nameless King, I feel like the whole erased from history thing is kinda… I dunno, weak?"

"Fair enough." Siegmeyer nodded. "But the knowledge I have of the Nameless King? That came from my wife. She actually met the god of war."

"And you're just telling me this secret?"

"Well, you already know about the Nameless King, so…"

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Dude, I feel like you just sold her out in, like, two seconds."

"Hah hah hah! Ah, perhaps! But I trust you will keep this between us."

"Fine, fine. But if your wife finds out, I am not taking the blame."

"Oh, I assure you, my dear already knows most of my slip-ups. A husband's fate, you see."

Naruto chuckled before turning his gaze back to the fortress. "So… if 'Sen' isn't the Nameless King, then who is Sen?"

"Ah, now that is a far more interesting tale. 'Sen' is not a man at all, but a woman."

"…Huh?"

Siegmeyer nodded. "The Nameless King's wife."

"WHAT?!"

"Hah hah hah! Surprising, isn't it?" Siegmeyer leaned on his Zweihander. "Sen's Fortress was built long before the war against the dragons. Back when Lord Gwyn sought to raise his Silver Knights, his eldest son ventured east, seeking warriors of great skill. There, he encountered a land ruled by a mighty Stormdrake, worshipped as a god by its people. Gwyn's son, already a warrior of unparalleled might, slew the beast and claimed its throne."

Naruto frowned, folding his arms. "So… that's why he's called the Nameless King. Even if his name got erased, he was still king of the east."

"Precisely," Siegmeyer said. "But the most interesting part of his tale was his wife, Senhime. She had been betrothed to the Stormdrake—whether as a sacrifice, a consort, or simply a plaything for the beast, no one truly knows. But when the Nameless King struck the drake down, he did not claim her as a prize. Instead, he took her as his queen."

Naruto's eyes widened. "…Wow."

"Hah! Indeed." Siegmeyer nodded. "To honor her, the Nameless King named this fortress after her—Senhime's Fortress. It was meant to be a proving ground, where only the worthy could ascend to Anor Londo. But when the gods erased his name from history, they left only a twisted remnant of his legacy. They shortened her name, left it without context, without meaning. And so Sen's Fortress remained—a forgotten name, an unknown relic of a forgotten king."

"That's… tragic."

"Mm. Courtesy or insult, it is difficult to say." Siegmeyer sighed. "The gods gave him one courtesy—to leave her name untouched. But what is a name with no meaning?"

Naruto thought back to Solaire—the way the man spoke of the Nameless King with unwavering reverence, the unshaken faith that carried him forward despite the gods' attempt to bury the past. He had laughed before at the idea of following a forgotten deity, one whose very name had been stripped from history.

Maybe Solaire was right.

His gaze locked onto the fortress, its towering walls whispering of a history few still remembered. A trial that had once shaped warriors under the Nameless King's rule now loomed before him, daring him to step forward. It was a test not just of strength, but of conviction.

Maybe… once he became stronger… he'd try again.

At the Sunlight Altar, beneath the gaze of a forsaken god, he would stand once more. He would see if he was worthy. Maybe, when his faith burned higher, when his strength matched his ambition, he'd walk the path of the Sunlight Warrior.

But fate does not wait for faith to grow.

Naruto didn't know it yet—how could he? He was still just a boy, a squire chasing after legends. A stubborn flame refusing to flicker out.

But the path he walked, the choices he made, they would carve something new into this world.

Something beyond knighthood.

Beyond gods and men.

Something Everlasting.

Not even the Nameless King himself would remain untouched by the storm Naruto would bring.

Calamity and chaos would sweep across these lands like an unrelenting tide.

And in the end…

The world would bow to a New God.

Whether it wanted to or not.

Hah.

Truly, the echoes of the Everlasting never fade… only slumber, waiting to rise once more.

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Author's Note: Well, Wasn't That a Fun Chapter?

You guys know how this works—time for me to ramble about lore, give you some background info, and, most importantly, get your thoughts.

1 - Siegmeyer's Characterization

How did I do? Did I capture his charm? Let me know what you think because writing him was an absolute blast.

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2 - Now, Let's Talk Arstor, Earl of Carim

If you know your Dark Souls lore, you'll recognize Arstor as one of those super obscure characters—one of those names you only see attached to random items like the Purging Stones, the Shotel, and the Bite Rings (Cursebite, Bloodbite, Poisonbite).

But here's where things get interesting.

Let's take a step back and look at the evidence.

Arstor's Spear (DS3 Item Description):

"One of the curses that festered within the belly of the Greatwood, and a terrible weapon favored by Earl Arstor the Impaler. The spear is enwreathed in rotten, heavily poisonous meat. Defeating foes restores HP."

Now, let's break that down. "Arstor the Impaler"? C'mon. That's about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face. The dude's clearly inspired by Vlad the Impaler, who, as we all know, is the historical inspiration for Dracula.

But let's not stop there.

Arstor commissions rings that resist bleeding, poison, and curses.

His greatest treasure is the Purging Stone, which absorbs curses instead of dispelling them.

His weapon restores HP from defeated enemies.

Tell me that doesn't scream Vampire.

So why am I bringing this up? Because I have one question for you all: Should Naruto meet Arstor?

Think about it—Naruto vs. the Dracula of Dark Souls. A character who's only been mentioned in the lore, fully fleshed out as either an enemy or an ally in Chosen Undead.

So, you tell me—does Naruto get to fight the Vampire Lord of Carim, or do we leave this mystery buried in the past?

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3 - Why Does Siegmeyer Know About the Nameless King?

Simple. As stated in the chapter—because of his wife.

But hold up, don't brush past that line too quickly. That little detail? That's one of the most important breadcrumbs I've dropped so far.

It matters for Naruto's journey. It matters for Havel. And it definitely matters for Siegmeyer's quest in Lordran.

And here's where it gets crazy: Naruto's already met Siegmeyer's wife. Now the only question is—who was she?

I'll let you stew on that one. Drop your guesses in the comments.

Trust me, when the reveal happens, jaws are gonna hit the floor.

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4 - The Mystery of Sen's Fortress: A Wild Theory, But Hear Me Out

Alright, let's be real—Sen's Fortress is one giant enigma.

We know barely anything about it, other than the fact that it serves as a proving ground for the Chosen Undead.

Even the whole "it was a training ground for Silver Knights" idea? Just speculation.

But here's the thing—every speculation has some kind of evidence behind it. And today, I'm going to take you through why I believe Sen's Fortress originally belonged to the Nameless King and how this all ties into him being the King of the East.

Now, before we dive in—yes, I know this theory is flimsier than a hollow's spine.

Unlike my argument that the Nameless King was erased from history for cutting out his mother's tongue and that Rosaria is Gwyn's wife (which, by the way, I stand by), the connection between him and Sen's Fortress is way less solid.

But here's the thing—I added this lore because it makes the story way more interesting.

Who is Sen?

One of the most common questions about the game: Who or what is Sen? And why does this death trap of a fortress bear that name? Some folks think Sen isn't actually a person but a title, or just some random name slapped onto the place. But I dug around and found something cool.

Enter Senhime, or "Lady Sen."

She was the sister of Oda Nobunaga, one of the most famous warlords in Japanese history. Depending on the legend, she was either known for her kindness or her wild, hedonistic lifestyle.

Nothing about her screams "this is definitely where Sen's Fortress comes from," but stick with me for a second.

The Japanese name for Sen's Fortress is 千姫, which literally translates to "Thousand Princess."

Now here's where it gets fun.

Senhime lived in two castles:

Osaka Castle (which endured multiple sieges, was rebuilt bigger and stronger).

Himeji Castle, which had insanely intricate defenses designed to confuse and trap intruders.

The gates, baileys, and outer walls were arranged in a maze-like fashion, forcing attackers to spiral their way toward the keep. Sound familiar?

Because that's exactly what Sen's Fortress does to the Chosen Undead.

So Why Did I Go With This Theory?

Easy—I loved what it added to the story.

The Eastern Lands in Dark Souls are a complete mystery, with only vague mentions from characters like Shiva of the East. We know they exist, but we know next to nothing about them.

So I thought—why not expand on it?

Here's my idea: The Nameless King was sent east by Gwyn, where a Stormdrake ruled as a god.

He killed the Stormdrake and became the new king of the East (hence the name Nameless King—even if his name was erased, his title as a ruler remains).

He married Senhime, who was originally meant to be a sacrifice to the Stormdrake.

To honor her, he named the fortress after her—Senhime's Fortress.

When the gods erased him from history, they allowed one remnant of his legacy to remain—but twisted it into just "Sen's Fortress," a name without context or meaning.

Is this theory canon? Hell no.

But does it make the Nameless King's story even cooler? Absolutely.

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5 - The New God: What the Hell Was That Ending?

Alright, let's talk about that last paragraph.

That ominous narrator? The talk of Naruto forging a path that not even the Nameless King could ignore? The hints of something Everlasting stirring in the world once more?

Now, whether the narrator is saying Naruto himself will become a god, or whether something much, much worse is waking up— That's for you to decide until the st0ry reveals it.

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I love reading what you guys come up with.