The Library in Castlevania: Belmont's Curse presents a significant challenge, blending intricate puzzles with challenging combat. This section of the walkthrough guides players through its entirety, focusing on solving the planetarium's constellation puzzles and culminating in a boss fight against Carmilla, which rewards Rose with the crucial Aerial Rush ability.
Navigating the Library's Puzzles
The Library's core mechanic revolves around Planetary Orbs, which act as trampolines, allowing Rose to reach new heights and traverse spiked areas. Players must master precise jumps on these orbs to progress through rooms like the Poetry Shelves and Rhetoric Shelves. Early exploration yields valuable items such as the Lich's Mark, which reduces spell casting costs, and access to shortcuts. The Rhetoric Shelves introduces the first of many globes that require specific patterns to be activated, hinting at the area's planetarium theme.
The Planetarium and Its Star Charts
The central area known as the Planetarium houses three large globes, each requiring a unique Star Chart pattern to be solved. To obtain these patterns, players must locate specific clues hidden throughout the Library. The first Star Chart, for the Vitruvian Man, is found in the Astronomer's Office. Subsequent Star Charts, for the Vitruvian Skeleton and Vitruvian Woman, require further exploration and puzzle-solving, often involving environmental clues like constellations seen in rooms or cryptic notes.
One notable puzzle involves discovering a constellation in the Natural Philosophy Shelves. After finding the clue and solving the corresponding globe puzzles, players can access new areas and collectibles. The Blood Poem clue, found in a narrow, dark room, directly references the need to 'gaze at the stars,' reinforcing the planetarium theme and the importance of the celestial puzzles.
Boss Battle: Carmilla
Upon reaching the Observation Tower, players will confront Carmilla. This boss fight introduces a blood curse timer that counts down with each hit Rose takes from Carmilla's attacks. Players must destroy Carmilla's skull shields before they can inflict damage on her directly. Successfully dodging her blood waves and managing the timer is key to victory. Defeating Carmilla rewards Rose with the Occultist card, the Blood Spikes ability, and Brauner's Paintbrush, a key item for later progression.
Acquiring Aerial Rush and Exiting the Library
Following the defeat of Carmilla, Rose gains the Aerial Rush ability, a mid-air dash that significantly enhances traversal. This new skill is immediately put to use in a challenging platforming sequence within the Curiosity Cabinet, allowing access to Lisa's Laboratory. Here, players can acquire the powerful Durandal weapon. The Library also holds the Thorn Whip, obtainable after using the Aerial Rush to navigate a previously inaccessible area in the Fine Arts Shelves. With these new abilities and items, Rose is well-equipped to face the challenges of the Clock Tower, marking the end of the Library section of the walkthrough.