Yharnam, the city of blood.
It was never lost, never forgotten, but instead converted into a beast.
They call it the Dungeon nowadays, a place to earn money and make yourself famous, when in reality it is still the same desolate, disease ridden city.
The landscaping has changed, the monsters recreated, but at its core still remains the same.
Blood makes one strong, strong enough to rise up and fight the monsters she makes. Blood makes one insane.
There's a reason why Adventurer's who have descended far enough all seem to have a strange quirk to them. Their Insight into the dungeon has changed, letting them see the true horrors of her home.
But the Gods did not care.
They reformed the image she had created and casted her name far away into the depths of time. They built a city, erecting a tall pillar they were oh so proud of over her home.
They made the countless races their 'children' and 'blessed' them, then turned her hard work into a farm.
Her monsters turned into gems that they turned into profit, and once numerous and filled with countless families, Yharnam was now struggling to survive.
So, she cast away the upper floors, her old home, and retreated to the depths, dragging those loyal to her down further and further into the abyss alongside her creations.
They could take Yharnam from her, but not without a price. It was old and decrepit, and so she lured them in and torched it, leaving behind a few old… acquaintances, of hers.
And to this day, they had kept their word, chaotic creatures filled with lust for the blood of Adventurers.
The Strongest Familia's fell, but not without dealing a brutal amount of damage, but they continued to fight, for the vision they had.
For the vision she had.
Yharnam would return, and she would not be stopped.
No matter the cost.
Prophecy
Ancient Deity... Terrible Wrath...
Complacency, Stagnation-
Ascending Darkness and Rising Scarlet
Hope Forgotten... Life Discarded...
Deus Ex Machina -|- Queen Sacrifice
Rise of Argonaut -|- Fall of Orario
The Hunter's End
Orario, home to the dungeon and famous world-wide! Gods and Goddesses alike came down from the Upper-World because of their boredom and began to mingle with mortals.
And mingle they did.
Orario was now a thriving city filled with countless opportunities and seemed more in favour of those outside of the dungeon each and every day.
Technology was slowly beginning to rear its head: gas, oil and electricity beginning to make an appearance in the appliances now being created; truly the beginning of the industrial era!
Huge mines were being established outside Orario, the industry seeing more demand each day as the request for ores and fuel began to rise and rise.
Machines were outlawed to mine by the Gods, something the mortals shrugged off, and thus mining was conducted via pickaxe and mine-shafts, with mining systems expanding far and deep into the earth's crust.
Apart from valuable ores and fuel for the growing city, exclusive jewels and ores were also found, making the industry erupt forwards in popularity as their founding's grew in demand.
And thus, it grew.
Once a town well known for the only dungeon in the world quickly became a superpower of its own, becoming self-sustaining and boasting of new technology and luxuries nobody else could.
Originally, the great walls were used to protect the city from any potential attackers. Now, these great walls were hollowed out for more businesses to operate as Orario expanded, sprawling out into a chaotic yet orderly pattern.
A bustling city, growing exponentially each day from the wealth of industries it had, and drawing even more from its most famous attraction and business: The Dungeon.
It was slowly losing its fame compared to the business the citizens had created, but it was always there, with Familias only boosting its reputation and making it one of the big topics tourists spoke of.
After all, with people like [Braver], [Nine-Hell], [The Beast], [The King] and the [Hunter's Familia], the Dungeon was bound to be spoken of.
Powerful and famous, their skill in combat was unrivalled as these individuals were granted access to secrets below Floor 30.
One had to pass a gruelling test that often made one quit being an adventurer, but those that did were granted access to said secrets as long as they followed a certain set of rules… but to achieve this, one had to ascend the many ranks.
Bell Cranel had many hopes and dreams as a child, his Grandpa fuelling his desires and sending him off to Orario.
A romance in the dungeon, becoming the Hero that led others into a bright future; his head was filled with a childish naivety as he entered the sprawling metropolis.
"Rejected."
And it all came crumbling down in an instant.
"B-But why?!"
The man sighed, closing the door behind him.
"It's not due to your combat experience or anything," the man began as the 14-year-old Bell Cranel wilted, imaginary 'rabbit ears' crumbling. "But because of your age."
The man sighed, scratching the back of his head awkwardly as he looked down at his clipboard.
"If anything, I'd love to take you on board," the man said, and Bell's expression quickly brightened. "But we have a rule where we don't take people in unless they're sixteen or older for our Dungeon Diving Raid Team."
"So, your application to join the dungeon clearing of our guild is rejected," the man said firmly. "But, I can enlist you into the training regiment if you'd like-"
"Yes please!"
The man sighed again, a ghost of a smile tracing his lips.
"Alright then. Now, I know you said you aren't in any Familia, but for proof, could you show me your back?"
Bell flushed, and the man blinked.
"Nervous? Ah, well, come by again tomorrow and we'll finalise the details then."
"T-Thank you very much!"
And just like that, Bell Cranel left one of the most famous Guilds in Orario a happy boy.
The [Hunter's Guild], a Familia of the some of the most famous Adventurers in all of Orario.
[Ludwig of the Holy Blade], [Maria V.], [The First Hunter Gehrman] and [Father Gascoigne].
Freya and Loki both had formidable adventurers of their own, but the Hunter's were so close knit compared to the other Familia's and were around since the beginning, that they received more attention compared to the new stars.
On top of that, not God, but Gods helped form a Familia; Hestia, Hephaestus, Takemikazuchi and Hermes forming separate factions that was overseen by a mortal.
Gehrman, the First Hunter, respected and feared by the Gods for his fearsome history. His scythe was made of Godly metal, and it had reaped countless a soul, both mortal and immortal. His life had turned the now withered man into a living legend, and despite his current body, no man nor God dared to touch him.
The human had been around since before the beginning, building up and forming his guild before siding with the Gods to seal the Dungeon below ground. Then, when Evilus reared its ugly head, his blade tasted godly ichor for the first time, and everything changed.
Bell didn't know everything about them, but he knew they were powerful. Dangerous, yes, but ultimately on the good side, proven from their loyalty to clearing the dungeon.
"Ah. Watch yourself there, young one. You'll hurt yourself walking around like that."
Bell blinked, and found himself standing in front of a tall man.
Thin leather gloves rested on his shoulder that trailed up into a crinkled long-sleeve shirt, a cloak pinned at his collarbones. Simple black pants and boots, jewellery adorned his hand, wrist and neck as the glint of a cane caught his attention.
Slowly, Bell looked up into crimson eyes, golden hair tucked underneath a strange hat, and gasped.
Elias Winchester, a Vice-Commander of the Dungeon Diving Raid Team, and one of the most famous Adventurer's in Orario.
A man capable of defeating [The King], [Braver] and [Sword Princess] in combat, coming out virtually unscathed. A man with such raw talent he took on a [Floor Boss] and Goliath alone to save some newbies and killed it with nothing but his bare hands.
Even [Nine-Hells] was impressed by the man, his magic unique and never seen before, even drawing the attention of some Gods.
A man who specialised in killing, and extremely talented in it as well. His prowess in combat was even said to rival Gehrman's prime, potentially even higher than that.
So why was he a Vice-Commander?
Because Elias Winchester worked best alone. Thus, he was granted a position where he could do what he needed to without being held down.
"Are you alright, Little One?"
Bell's eyes snapped to the other voice and he almost fainted on the spot.
His partner in crime, Maria V. Another powerful adventurer and the only accepted combat partner for Elias despite his loner fighting style.
Powerful and highly skilled in her own right, she also had a powerful magic, not unique, but instead frowned upon due to its nature.
Outcasted in Orario even when accepted into the Hunters Guild due to her talent, she was only truly accepted when she fought alongside the Loki Familia and saved them from a surprise Goliath spawn with Elias.
Some believed she had instigated the situation, but further investigation led to nothing, and so her name began to spread.
Loki was forever grateful, both to her helping her precious Familia and for gifting her eyes with her physique. Maria simply laughed it off.
"I think we broke him," Elias' voice brought Bell back into reality.
"I-I-It's an honour to meet you!" Bell squeaked/squealed. "M-M-My name is B-Bell C-Cranel!"
"Chin up," Elias' calm voice said as Bell felt his head raised by a gloved finger. "Hold yourself with pride, Young Cranel."
Bell's eyes sparkled as Elias chuckled, holding his hand out.
"Elias Winchester," the man introduced himself. "I look forward to working with you in the future, Bell Cranel."
"Likewise."
"T-Thank you!"
Elias ruffled Bell's hair and continued walking, heading for his home as Bell stood there, star struck at his luck.
He met them! He met his idols on his first day in Orario!
Bell squealed inwardly as he walked(hopped) happily to the inn he was staying at on cloud nine.
He couldn't wait to tell somebody about his encounter! Truly, a life-changing moment in his life!
"Something wrong?"
Elias watched as the white-haired boy disappeared around the corner and hummed.
"Just thinking."
Hand on door, they caved in and Elias and Maria stepped into the foyer of the Hunter's Guild.
An old Victorian era hallway greeted them; wooden chairs pressed to the walls with a fine carpet leading towards a desk that faced the doors. Other hallways to the side led to other important rooms.
Walking through the warmly lit foyer, the receptionist looked up and smiled, waving once to the hunters as they passed through the archway on the left-
-And descended stone stairs into an enormous open courtyard, a fountain in the centre surrounded by plants and paved pathways that led to separate buildings.
To the left, a large three-storey building overlooked the beautiful courtyard, resembling a gothic Victorian castle that both hunters knew descended deep into the ground.
Opposite the residential quarters, a long open-design building was filled with blacksmiths, the other half closed off and building into multiple storeys: the financial and information department. And just like the residential area, both departments descended into the ground for storage, and had more space in rooms behind the 'face' of the building.
Beside the residential mansion, connected by an open shaded walkway, was the dining hall, a smaller building but vast enough to contain majority of the adventurers.
Straight ahead, past the fifty-metre squared courtyard, the earth elevated into an even older building, a strange mist pooling off from the water feature surrounding the building.
Old, cracked stone ascended into a small opening, a fountain at the base pouring more of the silvery mist as two separate stairways led up into a tall yet small rectangular building.
This was the home of Gehrman, where Hunters went to seek advice, or practice old Hunter skills alone, in the workshop that the First Hunter maintained.
To the sides far from the workshop, training fields were laid out, small buildings and sheds providing tools and equipment.
The entire compound was massive, taking up a majority of the ruins that used to be on the outskirts of Orario. Once, it stood by its lonesome, but due to the rapid expansion, was now surrounded by countless other buildings both residential and business.
And to top it all off, this was the first of two blocks of land the guild owned. The second was an entire floor in the Tower of Babel that only high-ranked Familia members could access.
Indeed, the Hunter's Guild/Familia was powerful, having enough power behind them to take on both the Freya and Loki Familia at the same time and most likely win.
"Ah, Elias, back from your walk?"
"Ran into an interesting person," Elias said casually, passing the Hunter. "I'd keep an eye on him if I were you."
"Interesting, you say. Full of potential, I believe."
"Which makes him an intriguing person," Elias retorted, casually making his way towards the residential quarters. "A small bundle of untapped potential that Bell Cranel is. I'm certain he'll be a driving force in the Dungeon."
Maria raised a lone brow.
"Even though we haven't managed to defeat that beast yet?"
Elias scoffed, passing by a gargoyle statue that seemed to glare at them.
"That beast has gotten lucky so far," Elias said, voice tight. "People are too confident in their skills and jump in, hoping to take it down and gain a legendary status. That's why we haven't done an expedition in the past year."
What Elias said was indeed true.
On multiple occasions in the past, he had the chance to kill the beast. And every single time, some newcomer thought they could 'steal' the glory and kill it, unaware of how many times the monster had outwitted adventurers before them.
And every time they did, they put themselves in mortal danger alongside everybody else present.
His scars burned as he pushed open the doors to the castle, beautiful Victorian furnishing greeting them.
He knew that Finn now sported an eye-patch because of one of his subordinates' foolish action, and that Ottar bore an ugly scar across his broad back because a stupid cat stepped out of line. They weren't the only [Mithril] adventurer's that now carried deep wounds because of a foolish mistake.
Elias' mind wandered to Ludwig's mechanical hand, an insanely intricate piece of technology that shouldn't have existed to begin with.
The two Hunter's ascended the staircase silently, climbing until they reached the third floor before the pale-blonde hunter took the lead, dragging her counterpart towards their room.
Door opened then closed, Elias sighed as he set his hat on top of the coat rack then set aside his cloak.
Their 'room' was similar to the other high-ranking members in that it was essentially a miniature home to themselves.
The bed was an exquisite super-wide bed, pressed against a wall next to a wall of windows that overlooked the compound and out towards the tower of Babel, curtains currently closed hiding the view. An open wardrobe was situated close by, a folding screen and room dividers creating a 'U' shape to hide the person changing from anybody that happened to walk in or was trying to look through the windows; though due to their height and the small dividers, the couple could see each other's faces over the top.
A closed off room nearby held the bathroom, a white-grey textured marble-tile room containing a semi-closed shower, separate room for the toilet and large vanity sink. Mirrors lined the wall by the sink, revealing a spa-like bathtub in the corner, and other items and furnishings to make life extremely easy.
In the main room, another area was sectioned off again, couches and small tables forming a lounge area with bookshelves lining the wall. There was even a device on the wall that acted as a heater or air cooler, expensive magic gems implanted into it that could be controlled manually.
Truly, the top Hunters lived in luxury, with the normal hunters having a little more than the bare basics in a much smaller room. But even for the top tier hunters, Elias and Maria had slightly more in their room, mostly due to their own interference.
Elias nearly even moved his office into the room, only to decide against it at the last moment. His work life was important, but since their decline of trips into the lower Dungeon, he had more time to himself.
No constant threats for a year made him relax, be not as on edge, and let him actually pursue a relationship with somebody he had been with essentially his entire life.
Some called him dense, but he was painfully aware of his own and Maria's feelings the whole time. He just refused to act on them, up until now.
"Elias."
Her features intruded his vision, and he couldn't help but smile.
Platinum blond hair that almost seemed to be like snow, beautiful eyes of blue of countless shades and features that he believes rivals that of Freya's, her delicate body image spoke nothing of the lean muscle hidden beneath. He had seen her strength first hand countless times, and that strength was part of what took his breath away.
"Just lost in thought," Elias finally said, smiling gently as he pressed his head against hers. "I'm fine. No nightmares."
Maria sighed, frustration laced in her voice but more playful as pulled away.
"You have a meeting with the others," she reminded her partner. "We're planning the induction ceremony and party, then heading to the hostess for dinner."
"I haven't forgotten," Elias huffed, unbuttoning his shirt partly before focusing on his boots. "We usually tend to stick to the same routine, but I understand the necessity of it."
"Yes, indeed," Maria frowned. "While you get to have fun, I have to check up on everything else with the others."
"It's not that bad," Elias protested. "Besides, our 'fun' is staring at a board while Ludwig drones on about everything else. I remember why we follow the same routine every year now."
"Same routine, different speech," Maria noted idly. "He does an unnaturally good job of inspiring the newcomers and veterans, so it's fine."
Elias simply nodded in agreement as he walked towards the bed, slightly weary from the day's events.
He didn't mind going on walks, as they usually tended to make him feel better and energised. Today was not one of those days.
Instead, he plopped onto the bed and sighed, already dreading the next few hours of his life.
The sound of knocking broke his moment of relaxation as he sat up, the door opening slightly.
"Enter," Elias said as the sound of water running filtered through the closed door.
"Apologies for the intrusion."
The tall man rested his hat on the rack as his black-grey garbs filled the space in the door.
"Father Gascoigne," Elias smiled. "What brings you to my humble abode? A drink, perhaps?"
"A drink would be nice," his elder admitted. "But our business is never of that kind, is it Young Elias?"
"Unfortunately not," the man sighed. "So, what's needing of my attention?"
"She requires your attention," Gascoigne sighed. "It has been too long since she has felt our touch. We need to remind her that we are here, and that her creations will not ever make it to the surface."
"Beasts all over the shop, huh… very well. Have you had a communion with the Gods already?"
"Indeed. It is tradition before delving the darkness below; to cleanse ourselves of any impure thoughts so she cannot capitalise on them."
Elias simply sighed.
"Good thing our Gods are understanding then."
The door clicked open, and Elias turned and watched as Maria stepped out of the bathroom, black pants and a simple white blouse adorning her body.
"Lady Maria," Gascoigne bowed. "Lovely to see you again."
"Always a pleasure," Maria replied drily. "Have you anymore business, Father?"
"Not here," Gascoigne said, reclaiming his hat. "Pleasure to see both of you, but I should be on my way."
The door clicked shut and Elias gave Maria a half-frown.
"You know my standing with him," she said tightly. "Until the day he apologises for what he did."
"Father Gascoigne follows tradition very closely," Elias said tiredly. "And I've already forgiven him."
"Doesn't mean I have to."
Elias simply sighed, getting to his feet instead of collapsing onto the mattress again.
"Well, I should be heading out soon. Don't get too worked up."
"Tell that to Ludwig," she snorted lightly.
"Of course, lovely."
Elias kissed her cheek as he swept by, pulling his cloak around his frame as he slipped into his boots, hat in hand.
"See you at the Hostess later~"
"Ah, Mr Cranel, how may I help you?"
Despite the receptionist's sharp gaze and intimidating figure, his voice was kind and soothing, a stark contrast the white-haired boy struggled to process.
"I-I was told t-to come back today for the orientation…"
"Ah, yes, I just found your application form."
The receptionist shuffled through the papers, eyes skimming through the lines before he settled the papers onto his desk.
"Head out the door to your left then follow the signs," the receptionist smiled. "Good luck, Mr Cranel."
"T-Thank you very much!"
Bell quickly made his way through the archway, his jaw dropping at the full view of the compound now decorated with banners and streamers everywhere.
Countless adventurers were milling about, a heavy chatter filling the background as newcomers and veterans alike made their way to their destinations.
His eyes were sparkling stars as he took in his dream Familia's compound, joining the crowd with a wide and excited smile as he made his way towards the [COMBAT] banner in the distance.
Joining the crowd of excited youth, Bell followed the line that seemed to stretch towards a combat field in the distance, close to the floating island holding a single building.
The sun was nice today, warm and welcoming as Bell slowly moved up in the line, buzzing with excitement as he quickly progressed forwards.
He spoke with a few fellow adventurers excitedly, chattering about what was coming up, and time soon passed as Bell nervously stepped up.
Three men stood in front of him, analytical eyes staring him down.
A God, Takemikazuchi, garbed in lilac robes looked Bell up and down, Elias beside him nodding slightly in acknowledgement.
The final man, broad and sturdy, narrowed his eyes at Bell before suddenly smiling and nodding.
"Yes, he will be a great addition to the team," the man beamed. "Take, Elias, any objections?"
He's too young to be diving down deep," Takemikazuchi frowned. "Another two years, I believe…?"
Bell blinked, realising the question was directed at him.
"Y-Yes!" He squeaked. "In two years, I will be sixteen!"
Takemikazuchi rubbed his chin, glancing at Elias.
"Well? Your thoughts?"
Elias shrugged, leaning on his cane and giving his associates a half-smile.
"Potential," he simply said. "In less then a year, I believe he'll be within our top ranks if Young Cranel is nurtured properly."
"I'll leave it in your hands," the other man said. "Anybody else?"
"I'll stick around a while longer." Elias looked over at the snow-haired boy. "Bell, go to the blacksmiths and wait there. There'll be others joining you shortly."
"Y-Yes sir!"
Elias chuckled and shooed the teenager away, the three men focusing on the new recruit in front of them.
"Ludwig, do you trust me."
Ludwig simply closed his eyes.
"Do as you will."
"Tonight…"
This was it, Bell smiled in excitement. The moment his idol began teaching them how to be the best they could be! To show him how to become a top-notch Hunter, to dispatch of monsters with a certain degree of coolness! To become apart of a legendary guild that everybody has heard of!
"We feast!"
…eh?
"Ehhhhhhh?!"
Bell blinked as he sat a rowdy table in the Hostess, his fellow recruits tearing into their food with delight as they chattered amongst themselves. Elias watched over them, sipping from a tankard at the end of the table as Bell sat there dumbstruck, still unable to process the days events.
"Bell dono, are you not hungry?"
Yamato Mikoto, a teenage girl the same age as Bell, asked her new ally, curious as to why he was hesitant to eat.
"A-Ah, no! T-That isn't it!" He quickly stammered before looking down at his lap. "It's just that I thought we'd start training together straight away is all…"
"Ah, that. It's tradition to get to know your comrade-in-arms before training to build a healthy relationship." Mikoto smiled as she raised her mug. "So cheers, Bell dono!"
"A-Ah, cheers!"
Mugs clashed and hearty chatter filled the table as they enjoyed their night, the young boy slowly but surely beginning to fit in with his new teammates.
Alcohol tends to make people social, and thus the Higher-Ups used it to help form the beginnings bonds they'd require later on.
"I'd kick yer out, but the Hunter's wouldn't give alcohol to such young ones."
Elias smiled as he closed his eyes, "Of course, Mama Mia. I wouldn't do something as foolish as that… Gascoigne maybe."
"Bah! That old fool needs to get that stick outta his ass," Mama Mia scowled, slamming a tankard onto the bar bench. "I know you're finished with that, so hurry up and move onto your main drink."
"Gracias," Elias raised the tankard in appreciation. "Never met somebody who could make some butterscotch spirit taste as good as you."
"Gotta be useful for something," Mia grumbled. "So, your evaluation?"
Elias simply smiled as he brought his tankard to his lips.
"I can give your Goddess a run for her money."
"Hah! So Orario's finally entering its new generation. Should we be scared?"
"Yeah."
Mia frowned, pausing her polishing of glass.
"You serious?"
"She's starting to move," Elias simply said. "In a few years, there'll be a war that neither side will escape from unscathed. We'll have to move soon, otherwise we won't be able to prevent the fighting reaching the surface."
Mia set aside the glass, pulling a large bottle out and popping the cork off.
"If that's the case," Mia grinned, "then let's enjoy tonight to its fullest!"
Elias glanced at the current patrons and sighed despite his small smile.
"If it's a private occasion, then I don't mind," Elias admitted. "Is everyone here already?"
"They'll be here within the hour."
Elias picked the glass up and poured himself a shot.
"Might as well indulge first then."
Pushing the bottle aside, Elias passed the shot to Mama Mia, then raised his tankard.
"Honour to the Hunt."
Mia scoffed despite lifting the shot glass.
"Glory to the Hunted."
AN:
Yes, I have countless stories, and yes, I don't care lmao
I've been itching to write a Danmachi story for a while, but didn't want to stick with normal Danmachi. The Soulsbourne series crossovers really caught my attention, but I really thought about it and I decided I wanted to do something more.
So! Instead of just having Soulsbourne elements cross over into Danmachi's world, I grabbed both worlds and smashed them together like an idiot.
Bloodbourne/Dark Souls elements have become an integral part of the Danmachi world and vice versa. History has changed, the [Dungeon] has been reworked greatly, and so has the ranking system and combat system.
Since I've changed the lore and quite a few systems, this is obviously AU and to help y'all understand the world I think I'll be leaving quotes of sorts at the beginning of chapters to slowly build a bigger world-view. I'm taking a different approach to this story compared to my others, and like my others, I will not be promising a certain upload schedule.
''A basic weapon can kill nightmares but will be terribly shoddy and take forever. Upgraded weapons allow for easier combat ability, but skill still takes precedence. '' - - Former Adventurer of the Loki Familia
Anyway, the BOLD is a very basic quote, but will be in that format (if I remember to write it like that lmao)
Any questions regarding lore will most likely not be answered unless it doesn't affect future plot.
The story won't revolve around a single character, but multiple. So, at points in the story, you may have perspective of a certain character for a few chapters before swapping over, etc cetera.
Don't scream for a next chapter either, I'm still setting up the rest of the timeline/plot for the story, and have been for a while now.
May also upload character sheets as separate chapter stand-alones to help with the new systems in play.
Anywho, gonna blast.
Ciao~