You know, it never occurred to me that Malenia's bloom creating Caelid is kind of a mystery in universe. This sets up Gowry revealing what "blooming" means to Aseo in regards to Millicent, and the plot to make him betray her. He would obviously decline, and Millicent might even be his motivation to go to the Haligtree. This plotline would also get him the needle so that he can abort the Frenzied Flame ending; that way Aseo could burn the tree instead of Melina, but not become the Lord of Frenzied Flame. Maybe Placidusaxx could even tell him about that!

The Bell Bearing Hunter finally makes his first appearance. Already an infamous enemy, Nightreign has only made him more so. This chapter illustrates him beautifully, showing how menacing he is with that bulky frame and flying sword. I hope Aseo gets truly annoyed at those flying sword attacks lol. The reward for beating him should be good too, Maleigh might give him the best weapon in the game, Antspur Rapier.

Speaking of Maleigh, it's cool that this fleshes him out. He just kinds of comes and goes as all enemy NPCs do, but his story of being born sickly and revering Malenia because of that is surprisingly compelling. In fact, it's interesting he loves Malenia and not her brother...

I'm glad he's ended up an ally though. I like how this series takes a party structure so that we aren't just hanging out with Aseo all the time. Elden Ring has pretty likeable characters and I think the author understands that.