Chapter 9 of Beast of Reincarnation, "Branching Out," sees protagonist Emma venturing into the Inukami River Zone. Following an encounter in the Crater Zone, Emma must contend with more formidable Nushi, including the Crimson Malefact, and locate the missing Koo.
Navigating the Inukami River Zone
Upon arrival in the Inukami River Zone, Emma's first task is to speak with Overseer Gigi. After collecting items in a room filled with Golems and books, take the first right to find Gigi. She will provide information about the Crimson Malefact, the zone's primary Nushi threat, and identify it as the next target. Before departing, collect the Crop Seedling: Strawberry and Normal Recipe: Strawberry Sandwich from this area.
Gathering Information and Locating the Nushi
Next, Emma must gather information about the Crimson Malefact from residents within the Colony. Four quest markers will appear, guiding Emma to speak with various individuals. The initial residents offer little concrete information regarding the Nushi's location, though one expresses fear of it. During this investigation, players can gather various Crop Seedlings, including Lettuce, Biwafruit, Soya Bean, Apple, Tomato, Wheat, and Carrot.
A more helpful resident advises that the Scout Golem likely possesses knowledge of the Crimson Malefact's whereabouts. Before reaching the Scout Golem, players will encounter a Keeper Golem beneath a bridge. This Golem can provide information on a nearby Swordmaster Golem or Crop Seedlings.
Continuing through a tunnel and past the Inukami River Colony: Approach Campsite, players will utilize Emma's hair traversal abilities and nearby cable cars to progress. Emma must navigate past hostile Golems to reach the Scout Golem.
The Scout Golem will mark the Crimson Malefact's lair on the map, situated in the northernmost part of the Inukami River Zone. Along the direct route to the lair, players can find the Ruined Plaza Campsite.
An optional Elite Enemy Golem can be fought at the end of a small tomb to the right of the plaza, yielding loot for the Cleanse Walker and a Painting of Lore.
Defeating the Crimson Malefact
Approaching the Nushi's Lair Entrance Campsite, players will find a Merchant Golem nearby. Entering the Nushi's Lair initiates the boss fight against the Level 45 Crimson Malefact.
The Crimson Malefact is weak to Water, making the Spring Storm sword a recommended weapon. Its attack patterns are similar to Wolf Elite Enemies but with increased damage. Players should focus on parrying its repeated paw swipe attack and prioritizing the depletion of its stagger bar. With Koo absent to restore FP, concentrating on direct attacks to break the stagger bar is crucial for victory.
Upon defeating the Crimson Malefact, Emma is reunited with Koo and returns to the Cleanse Walker. Players receive Koo's Memories (Nushi) as a reward, and the path is cleared for Chapter 10, which focuses on Starfall Tower.