Y/N POV

It took all the energy I had to get back to my feet. My leg was in complete agony, blood virtually dribbling from the wound Miranda had inflicted. Though my adrenaline and determination were far stronger than any pain I felt. It was that adrenaline that kept me going right now as well as the determination to make Miranda pay for all she'd done!

I first made sure I had everything with me. It seems Miranda hadn't taken my weapons away. I knew I didn't have enough ammo to deal with Miranda as-is though so I'd have to get some more. I also still had the statuettes of the other three lords.

Picking up Angie, I now had relics from all four of the Lords though. Angie was different from the others. I was taking this with me as a memory of Donna. What she did caught me off guard, saved my life. It was the least I could do to honour her memory. At least she died free from Miranda's control.

Aside from Angie, there was nothing more for me at House Beneviento. I gave one last look to the remaining dust-pile that had been Donna. I calmly said "You won't have died in vain Donna. You have my word."

And with those parting words, I left the dollhouse for what I knew for certain was the last time now and once more ventured out into the mist back in the direction of the ceremony site where me and Ethan had stored the flasks, that was my best guess for where Miranda was headed.

Despite my motivation allowing me to work past the pain, I still couldn't walk proper. I was forced to limp back towards the lift, before I got into it, I gave one last look to the gloomy house, I could dimply see the light remaining inside. I sighed before hitting the down button on the lift making the shutter close.

The descent was quick before the lift finally came to a stop, I stepped back out into the open courtyard where the grave of Claudia Beneviento was placed. I limped past it and continued, squinting to get a look at the ground in front of me. Between the fog and the darkness, there was difficulties seeing what was ahead of me.

I did snap into action though when I heard the familiar growls of the Lycans nearby, getting closer. I had a feeling Miranda would just let them loose now that the ceremony was so close. Sure enough, the sound of their footsteps could be heard as well.

Suddenly, one lunged out of the darkness towards me, letting out a feral growl. Of course, I'd seen this coming so I wasted no time reaching for my handgun and opening fire. It only took a few shots to take it down however that was only the beginning.

As I continued to make my way back towards the ceremony sight, I proceeded to be hounded by even more Lycans. One swung its sharp weapon at me, I barely managed to step out of significant harm's way, however due to my wounded leg, I wasn't able to avoid it entirely, the blade sliced my arm making me grunt in pain.

I took that Lycan down shortly after and soon arrived back at the gate to the ceremony site, I had no idea what I'd find so I took a deep breath and pushed the wooden gate open. What was on the other end made my eyes widen in shock.

A giant tree-like structure towered over me! I just stared up at it with shock. Of course this hadn't been here before, so I knew this must have been linked to that Megamycete I'd heard about from Miranda. It seemed to be constructed purely of the Mold. The thick black substance I was more than familiar with.

Image of the strange Mold structure from a distance (From where Y/N is, he's much closer to it.):

Beyond it, I could see fires burning throughout the village. The roars of Lycans could be heard as well as, surprisingly enough

I stepped towards the giant structure, confusion etched across my face as I asked myself "What the hell is this thing?" I hadn't expected a reply, however a voice behind me responded to my question with another one of his own. "What indeed. That is quite the question isn't it?"

Spinning around, I will admit, I was both surprised and relieved when I saw the Duke sat in the back of his carriage as per usual. With his wares on display and a jolly smile across his face. I sighed with relief turning to him.

His smile remained as he stated "Luckily for you. I may have some more information for you. Remember what I told you in the castle? Information is free." I stepped towards him, "Go on. What do you know?"

The Duke took a deep breath, before beginning his explanation. "What you see before you, is the birthplace of everything within this village. You could consider it a makeshift fortress of sorts. Within there, is the heart of the Megamycete."

My eyes narrowed when he said this before I asked "And Miranda?" The Duke responded "More than likely inside, preparing the ceremony as we speak." I growled in anger "Damn it, there's not much time left."

The Duke commented "Indeed, it seems your friend Mr Redfield has already made his play as well. There's also another group here intent on combatting the increasing Lycan numbers. You'll have to be cautious if you want to find Rose."

I looked up at the merchant and nodded before stating in a determined tone "I will find her. I must. For Ethan. That bitch will pay for what she did!" At this the Duke's eyes widened. I will admit I was confused at first causing me to ask "What's the matter?"

He began chuckling for a saying "What's the matter, have you misplaced Mr Winters?" I snapped "He's dead! This is no laughing matter!" The Duke continued to laugh at my growing rage until he explained.

"My dear boy, it seems you've got the wrong end of the stick. Mr Winters is still very much alive, in fact I was on my way to fetch him myself." I looked at him confused "Don't bullshit me!" The Duke raised his hands and retorted "I'm not, have I ever lied to you up to now?"

He was right, while I hadn't trusted him in the slightest, everything he'd said up to now had in fact been factual. That did provide some footing as I asked "How is this possible?" The Duke shook his head "That's not for me to say. I'll just say that Ethan Winters is in fact a very special individual, and it was this special nature that Rose inherited."

Next I instructed "Then take me with you, I need to speak to Ethan, let him know what I found out. His wife is alive, he'll want to know that." The Duke just stared down at me for a moment before closing his eyes and shaking his head.

"I'm sorry but no, your destiny lies somewhere else. I can promise though that you will meet Ethan again shortly. You have my word." I knew there was no point arguing and my mistake with Heisenberg had proven why I should think things through properly. If we hadn't fought him, Donna may still be alive!

I decided to just take the Duke up on his word and nodded in understanding. He smiled "Don't feel bad Y/N, now, how about we have a look at restocking your supply before we part ways."

I reached around, saying "I do have something you may be interested in." The Duke raised an eyebrow as I looked at what I had on me and held up the crystallised remains of that propeller Soldat. The Duke clasped his hands in delight.

"Ah perfect! Seems you took down one of Heisenberg's stronger creations for this. I'll gladly buy it from you." We exchanged the statuette for the necessary Lei. The Duke asked "Are you certain you don't want to sell the remains of the Lords as well? I'd very much like them."

Shaking my head, I replied "No, sorry. I'm keeping these for when I get home." The Duke pointed at me "I see you have little miss Angie as well. I'm sorry for your loss." I smiled a bit "No worries, I promise though, Miranda will pay for this!"

After I'd sold the remains of that Soldat, I began to browse the wares before me. My priority was a bottle of first aid medicine. I bought three of those, one for now, two for later. I also bought large supplies of ammo as well as pipe bombs and landmines. I didn't know if I'd be seeing the Duke again, so I wanted to spend every last bit of Lei I had.

Business concluded and as I placed all my ammo in its spot on my belt, having trouble fitting it all in there was so much. Once that was done, the Duke announced "A pleasure doing business with you Mr L/N."

We went into silence before he asked "This is more than likely going to be our last meeting. Are you certain you have everything you need?" I nodded with confidence "Yes, besides not like I have any more Lei to spend."

The Duke laughed saying "Looks that way. Now I suppose all I can wish you is good luck. I hope you find what you seek." I looked up before asking one final question "Why? Why did you help us?" To that the Duke just grinned. 

"Why it's just good customer service!"

With that, he suddenly rolled backwards, the hatches to his carriage closed and too my surprise it instantly started moving, rolling off. As it did so I heard the Duke's voice calling "Remember what I said! Be patient, I will bring Ethan back with me!"

I was left standing there as the carriage got further and further away. I turned my attention to the giant Mold structure. I knew now, the end was growing near...

Author's Note: And that's this chapter now. Only a few more now until the book either finishes or just goes on hold depending on whether the DLC in October is worth including. I hope you liked the chapter and as always, thanks for reading.