Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide

Quick Links

  • Character Overview
  • Hulkenberg’s Bond Ranks Explained
  • Rank One
  • Rank Two
  • Rank Three
  • Rank Four
  • Rank Five
  • Rank Six
  • Rank Seven
  • Rank Eight

In this thrilling tale of knights, magic, and intrigue, I find myself utterly captivated by the resilient spirit of Hulkenberg. Her journey is one that resonates deeply with me, as we both share a relentless pursuit for justice and a refusal to back down in the face of adversity.


Since the debut of “Persona 3”, ATLUS has excelled at crafting characters with rich histories and progressing them via gameplay, a talent they demonstrate yet again in “Metaphor: ReFantazio“. This is achieved primarily through the Social Links system, now rebranded as Bonds within this fresh fantasy RPG.

In the game “Metaphor: ReFantazio“, the main character engages in conversations with one of his followers, gaining deeper insights into their personal experiences and challenges. These interactions not only strengthen their relationship but also elevate their Bond level, enabling access to new gameplay features.

In contrast to the Metaphor: ReFantazio, Persona doesn’t require you to pick the right answers to boost an unseen connection gauge in order to advance. Instead, every interaction enhances the bond level directly.

However, some ranks require you to talk to the Follower in a particular location or to have a certain level in a specific Virtue. In this case, Wisdom Virtue. Using Hulkenberg as our example, we’ll show how to progress her Bond ranks and what’s required to do so.

Caution: As we delve into key storyline elements concerning Hulkenberg, we advise you to visit this post only when you find yourself stumped by her relationship advancement. If you prefer to uncover these details personally, feel free to return later.

Character Overview

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide
RaceRoussaint
Personality TraitsStoic
Faithful
Glutton
Signature ArchetypeKnight
Party MembersYes

In her younger years, Hulkenberg received the title of a royal knight. However, when she couldn’t stop the assault that afflicted the prince with a curse, her weak-willed nature suffered greatly from this defeat. She was profoundly impacted by her inability to succeed.

Following the announcement and disappearance of the prince, the knight remained convinced that he was still alive. Over an extended period, he tirelessly searched for him, but unfortunately, his efforts were fruitless.

In our storyline, you’ll encounter Nico Hulkenberg for the first time following an attempt by Grius to publicly behead Louis, which ultimately proves unsuccessful. Upon venturing into the Regalith Grand Cathedral in pursuit of the Necromancer, she extends her assistance to you.

Following our initial exploration of the Mausoleum, where I came face-to-face with my old battle buddy Hulkenberg, and discovered that the prince was still alive, I found myself tapping into the strength of the trusty Knight persona.

As the player progresses through Hulkenberg’s Bonds, they uncover details about what transpired following the character’s resignation as leader of the royal knights, where she pursued knowledge regarding the prince and the repercussions of her decision to step down.

Hulkenberg’s Bond Ranks Explained

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide

Just like other Bonds, Hulkenberg accumulates eight levels, which rise with each fresh encounter she has.

Just as characters in the game “Metaphor: ReFantazio” have some encounters within the city and others aboard the Gauntlet Runner, her interactions can take place in both urban settings and during travel. Additionally, certain ranks necessitate reaching a specific level of Virtue, which we’ll elaborate on below.

Rank One

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide
LocationMausoleum
Perks/AbilitiesThe Party can now study the Knight Archetype
Checks/RequirementsDefeat Grius

When Hulkenberg encounters Grius, now under the influence of necromancy, she momentarily wavers, yet the revelation that the prince is still alive rejuvenates her, igniting the strength of her Archetype within her.

In simpler terms, when you begin playing, the game pairs you with Hulkenberg and grants access to the Archetype Knight tank character for everyone in your team.

Rank Two

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide
LocationGrand Trad (Hushed Honeybee Inn)
Perks/AbilitiesKnight Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost to study the Knight lineage
Guard Duty – Hulkenberg may defend the protagonist from an attack on his weakness
Checks/RequirementsComplete Grand Regalith Cathedral Operation

The first interaction with Hulkenberg begins with the knight proposing a training session with the protagonist. The training takes place off-screen, but after that, she feels comfortable enough to talk about her early days as a royal guardswoman.

Hulkenberg mentions that she spends each evening training with one of her dearest friends, aiming to master her skills and promising to earn the title of a noble knight through dedication.

Interestingly enough, a woman named Rhodanthe, who goes by the name Rhoag, suddenly arrives. However, unlike Hulkenberg’s warm recollections of her, Rhodanthe is antagonistic towards our Elda protagonist. She hurls derogatory remarks based on alien prejudice at our protagonist and even levels accusations of desertion against Hulkenberg. However, the protagonist remains calm in the face of this hostility.

A questioner inquires from Hulkenberg about their acquaintance with the man, only to depart afterwards. Meanwhile, the knight proposes another training session on the Gauntlet Runner.

Rank Three

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide
LocationGauntlet Runner
Perks/AbilitiesKnight Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Magic Knight Archetype
Checks/RequirementsAcquire Gauntlet Runner

In the imaginative tale of “Metaphor: ReFantazio”, Hulkenberg assumes the stern character of a drill instructor on the Gauntlet Runner. Here, the protagonist and Strohl are put through rigorous training sessions.

At some point, Hulkenberg actually perches on Strohl as he holds a plank position – an amusing scene that most athletes would likely be envious of. This playful incident adds a touch of humor to the game, providing a refreshing change from the generally somber atmosphere portrayed in the storyline.

Towards the close of their conversation, Hulkenberg expresses regret for her firmness and shares that she and Rhodanthe created the training program. She confesses that his claims of her being an ex-knight struck a chord with her, affecting her deeper than she’s prepared to acknowledge.

She attempts to dismiss any tension by giving the main character a desiccated caterpillar, which further highlights her recklessly uninhibited appetite.

Rank Four

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide
LocationMartira
Perks/AbilitiesScion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Knight lineage to 2
Checks/RequirementsN/A

During practice, the training swords snap, prompting the group to make their way to Grand Trad to acquire replacement ones. Meanwhile, in Sunshade Row, Rhodanthe is overseeing a public execution. Upon interrogating the culprit’s offense, she discovers it was for disrespecting the royal knights.

In a challenge, Hulkenberg accuses Rhodanthe of misusing his authority as a knight-commander, yet he remains unconvinced. As a result, Rhodanthe stands on the brink of being charged with treason until the main character intervenes.

She expresses her regret over the current state of the royal knights and acknowledges a sense of accountability regarding Rhodanthe’s outcome. However, she chooses to address these feelings at a later point. Meanwhile, the bystander from earlier is found listening in on their discussion.

Rank Five

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide
LocationGauntlet Runner
Perks/AbilitiesKnight Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Knight lineage
Battle Aura – While in reserve, the amount of experience Hulkenberg gains increases
Checks/RequirementsClear the Kriegante Castle Operation

On board the Gauntlet Runner, Hulkenberg discloses a unique aspect of her background – although her family gained nobility through academic pursuits and political maneuvers, she herself never quite fit in with their social circle.

Instead of attempting to enlist with the guards, she was compelled by her family to become a knight, upholding House Hulkenberg’s prestige.

During my training, I crossed paths with Rhodanthe. Interestingly enough, we both hail from backgrounds that aren’t traditionally privileged in our field. Instead of leaning on familial connections, we’ve strived independently to establish ourselves based on our merit alone.

Initially, Rhodanthe seemed like a strong contender for a role within the prince’s personal security detail. However, ultimately, it was Hulkenberg who was chosen, not due to his qualifications, but rather as a result of influential connections within his family.

Following her departure from the royal guard, Rhodanthe rose through the ranks to become a knight-commander, but there are concerns about her misuse of power. Hulkenberg wonders if she is qualified to criticize him, since it remains unclear whether she earned her position based on her personal merit or because of familial influence in the knighthood.

The main character aids Hulkenberg in firming up her determination. She expresses the necessity of straightening out her mental processes prior to making her subsequent moves.

Rank Six

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide
LocationGauntlet Runner
Perks/AbilitiesScion’s Merit – Increases skill Inheritance slots for the Knight lineage to three
Battle Hypnosis: While in reserve, Hulkenberg will gain experience at the normal rate
Checks/RequirementsClear the Charadrius Skyrunner Operation

After pondering for a while, Hulkenberg ultimately decides to propose a challenge to Rhodanthe in public. She believes that the knight-commander would not decline this offer, as he would want to preserve his honor.

She states that this duel is not just to right the wrongs of Rhodanthe’s actions but also to prove that she possesses the skills worthy of a knight by defeating her once-comrade.

She requests the main character to observe the upcoming fight, yet under no circumstances should they get involved, regardless of the outcome. Hulkenberg plans to suggest this battle at a later time.

Rank Seven

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide
LocationGrand Trad
Perks/AbilitiesKnight Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Paladin and Dark Knight Archetype
Checks/RequirementsWisdom (4+)

Let’s revisit Sunshade Row, a place where Hulkenberg encounters Rhodanthe, who is performing a public execution of eight people. In full view of the crowd, she challenges the knight-commander, leaving him with no other option than to agree.

Rhodanthe enlists Nacetum as her witness, and they decide to stage their confrontation near the grand entrance to minimize civilian casualties. When the skirmish commences, Nacetum uses a spell that leaves Hulkenberg immobilized.

When the main character steps in to intervene, Hulkenberg prevents him, asserting that this contest is hers alone. With an incredible display of determination, Hulkenberg manages to break free from her paralysis and delivers a decisive blow to Rhodanthe with just one strike. Despite the man’s verbal attacks, Hulkenberg remains unfazed.

From a prior hidden position, the figure resurfaces, unveiling himself as a Knight belonging to the Shadowguard. Previously working in cahoots with Hulkenberg, they had been plotting to catch Rhodanthe in the act, thereby stripping him of his rank as knight-commander.

Rank Eight

Metaphor: ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Walkthrough & Guide
LocationGauntlet Runner
Perks/AbilitiesScion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Knight lineage to four
Special Guard Duty – High probability for Hulkenberg to defend the protagonist from an attack on his weakness
Grand Fantasy – Hulkenberg is ready to acquire a new Heroic Embodiment
Checks/RequirementsN/A

Once more on the Gauntlet Runner, Bond listens as Hulkenberg reveals that Rhodanthe has been confined to a hidden subterranean cell following her incarceration at the hands of the Shadowguard.

The knight shares that venturing across the globe demonstrated to her that she possesses far more than what’s needed, and from now on, she vows not to conceal herself behind her authority to camouflage feelings of inadequacy.

She reaffirms her dedication to the knighthood, asserting that a knight without their vow is worthless. Hulkenberg pledges to safeguard the hero until the prince is rescued and peace is restored. (This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler language and a more conversational tone.)

Finally, she thanks the protagonist, thus concluding Hulkenberg’s Bond.

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2024-10-15 15:09