Aseo the Tarnished bustles through the Lands Between in search of a way up to the Altus Plateau, where the Erdtree takes root. On this journey, he joins Nepheli, and the two witness a tragedy that spurs him to butt heads with Gideon Ofnir. A return to Liurnia results in a meeting with the blind Lightseeker Hyetta, who promises to teach him how to climb the Altus Plateau in exchange for a favor. But they're not alone, as a fearsome foe who fights with the Frenzied Flame suddenly rears his head! It's Festering Fingerprint Vyke, the man who came closest to becoming Elden Lord-- and he's got something to say to Aseo!!