‘Stronger Than Achilles’ Quest Walkthrough in The Blood of Dawnwalker

In The Blood of Dawnwalker, the “Stronger Than Achilles” mission draws Coen and Anca toward the legendary Font of Life. While Coen seeks to awaken a dormant ability, Anca hopes to wash away the shadows of her past. Standing firmly in their path is a ravenous, bloodthirsty idol that complicates every step of their journey.

Here is a complete breakdown of what occurs when either Coen or Anca taps into the Font of Life during this gripping chapter.

‘Stronger Than Achilles’ Quest Guide for The Blood of Dawnwalker

The “Stronger Than Achilles” mission unfolds immediately after the events of “Where Old Devils Lie.” Together, these chapters comprise the second phase of Anca’s personal quest line, following closely behind “Echoes of Silenced Bells” and “Between the Words.” To embark on this journey, Anca must still be breathing.

Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: Rebel Wolves/Bandai Namco Entertainment via Polygon

During “Where Old Devils Lie,” Coen and Anca stumble upon an ancient shrine tucked away in the easternmost corner of the map. Stepping inside and exploring the initial antechamber concludes that mission and instantly triggers “Stronger Than Achilles.” Your objectives entail the following:

1. Choose whether to delve deeper into the catacombs immediately or postpone the expedition.
2. Decide whether or not to offer your hand to the ominous idol.
3. Figure out how to bypass a seemingly impassable dead end.
4. Determine the ultimate fate of the Font of Life.

Exercise caution regarding your initial decisions—they carry weightier consequences than you might initially anticipate.

Should you leave Anca behind in ‘Stronger Than Achilles?’

Venturing further into the subterranean ruins during this quest consumes six time segments and is strictly restricted to daylight hours. While you can opt to leave and return later, you must thoroughly purge the initial temple chambers of all hostile entities before leaving Anca unattended. Overlooking even a single monster will result in a grim discovery upon your return: Anca’s lifeless body.

The primary group of foes lurks directly along the main thoroughfare, right in the chamber adjacent to Anca’s resting spot (virtually impossible to miss). Meanwhile, a secondary group hides within a concealed side room accessible via the northwest corridor of the first chamber.

Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: Rebel Wolves/Bandai Namco Entertainment via Polygon

How to investigate the idol in ‘Stronger Than Achilles’

When you feel prepared to advance the quest, converse with Anca. Navigate the linear pathway through the sanctuary, cutting down the undead threats along the way. Upon stepping into the circular chamber, brace yourself for a sudden ambush by a pack of vicious wraiths.

Once the dust settles and the area is secure, examine the eerie idol. As Anca observes, someone must feed the stone structure by sliding a hand into its gaping maw—an action that promises to exact a physical toll.

Image: Rebel Wolves/Bandai Namco Entertainment via Polygon

You are presented with three distinct approaches:

• Allow the idol to take Coen’s blood: Select “Alright… Wish me luck” followed by “keep still.” This ensures the statue feeds solely on Coen, sparing Anca from harm.
• Feed the idol with both Coen’s and Anca’s blood: Choose “Alright… Wish me luck” and then select “take your hand out.” Scripted events will force Anca to insert her hand regardless.
• Sacrifice only Anca’s blood: Reply with “Hell no. I’m not doing that,” then follow up with “If you think that’s best.” This results in Anca bearing the entire burden.

If Coen sacrifices his blood, he suffers a minor HP penalty, but avoids any catastrophic outcomes, and Anca remains unharmed. Rest assured, declining to offer your own blood does not negatively impact your romantic prospects with Anca.

Find a way forward in ‘Stronger Than Achilles’

Continue pressing onward while staying alert for more restless undead. Eventually, you will arrive at a cavernous room bisected by a fractured floor. Anca will urge you to find a crossing; because it is still daytime and time has not advanced, you must rely on standard platforming rather than Shadowstep. Leap onto the central pillar, spring across to the northeast ledge, and loop around toward the west to discover a breach in the wall. From this vantage point, you can unbar the portal to let Anca through.

Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: Rebel Wolves/Bandai Namco Entertainment via Polygon

Take a moment to scour the adjacent chamber using focus mode, which counts as an optional objective. When you are ready, cross into the hall dominated by a massive rectangular monolith, preparing yourself for yet another skirmish as enemies close in.

Should Anca use the Font of Life in ‘Stronger Than Achilles’?

Once the combat concludes, you will discover the Font of Life tucked away in the final chamber. This marks the ultimate crossroads of the “Stronger Than Achilles” storyline in The Blood of Dawnwalker. Will you utilize the font yourself, shatter it entirely, or allow Anca to claim its power? Review the options and outcomes below before making your choice.

Image: Rebel Wolves/Bandai Namco Entertainment via Polygon

• Let Anca use the Font of Life: Anca successfully purges her witchcraft, achieving her desired peace of mind, though Coen receives no tangible reward for his trouble.
• Let Coen use the Font of Life: Coen unlocks the passive Font of Life skill within the witchcraft tree, granting daytime-only health regeneration. Anca retains her innate witchcraft abilities.
• Destroy the Font of Life: Anca eventually agrees this is the safest course of action. In return, you acquire the Ancient Greaves legendary heavy leg armor. However, Anca is denied her clean slate, and Coen misses out on the skill tree perk.

​​The Blood of Dawnwalker is an intricate, time-sensitive narrative RPG where every single choice ripples across the world. If you are just embarking on this adventure, be sure to peruse our comprehensive beginner’s guide. Once the prologue concludes, Vale Sangora opens up completely, granting you absolute freedom to challenge Brencis’ boyars however you see fit—though the sheer openness can initially feel daunting. To help you get your bearings, consult our recommended priorities for the post-prologue hours.

Source: Polygon