Chapter IX In Ruins Chapter 9 of 11 · University
- Journal steps
- 3
- Lanterns
- 4
- Chests
- 13
- Side Quests
- 0
- Methodology
- Data Methodology
- Author
- Dakota Chinnick
Chapter IX In Ruins is chapter 9 of 11 in Valor Mortis, played in University. Its journal has 3 steps; the region has 4 Lanterns, 13 chests and 2 letters, and one boss: The Orphan.
- Location
- UniversityRegion IX
- Boss
- The Orphan4,000 HP · 7 unblockable
- Lanterns
- 4Main Hall
- Chests
- 131 holds an Amber
- Side Quests
- 0
- Journal steps
- 3
Chapter route, step by step
CalculatedOur recommended order through University, Lantern by Lantern: what sits near each one, where the side quests start and how to prepare for the boss. Distances are straight-line metres from the map data.
- Light Main Hall (#901). The Shield Transmutation altar is 46 m away. The Library Key (44 m) and Auditorium Key (76 m) open the library and the auditorium, and a Quintessential Transmutation Material chest sits 37 m from the Lantern.
- Take the Lift Shaft Key (28 m from Lift Shaft, #902) and ride down. The Ferrofluid Flask Power Upgrade chest about 60 m from Lift Shaft is trapped; the Project Volunteer — Experimental Report (34 m) explains what lives below.
- Light Laboratories (#903, internally 'PreExperiments'). Both chests within 10 m are trapped — a Ferrofluid Flask Power Upgrade and the Lunatic's Grasp Amber. The Excerpt from Dr. Moreau's Journal is 41 m away.
- Rest at Sewage Drain (#904, internally 'PreOrphan') and fight The Orphan about 39 m away: 4,000 Health, 1,550 Posture, 7 of 16 attacks unblockable. Fire is neutral in this fight (both phases reset its Fire resistance to 0%) and it resists 70% of Ignite build-up, so bring your best-upgraded weapon and aim for the head, which takes double damage; it is immune to infection. It pays 40,000 Catalysts and Coup de Grâce.
Tips & missables
The University is where Chapter VIII's journal finishes (the laboratories and the volume for Louis). Chapter IX's own entries pick up afterwards at the castle ruins of the Fortress.
Three trapped chests in one region: open them at full Health.
The Ambers here come from elites — Warrior's Fury (Howler) and Payback (Remnants of the Iron Regiment), and Payback has no other source — plus the trapped Lunatic's Grasp chest. The University keeps fast travel.
Lanterns in order: what's nearby
| Lantern | Boss | Amber chests | Keys | Side quest clues | Also nearby |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #901 Main Hall | — | — | Library KeyAuditorium Key | — | 5 chests · 0 letters · 1 ability altar · 1 mouse hole |
| #902 Lift Shaft | — | — | Lift Shaft Key | — | 2 chests · 1 letter |
| #903 Laboratories | — |  Lunatic's Grasp trapped | — | — | 2 chests · 1 letter |
| #904 Sewage Drain | The Orphan ~39 m | — | — | — | 4 chests · 0 letters |
Full missables checklist →Every choice and the Mice friendship →
Chapter IX In Ruins journal
Game dataWilliam's journal entries for this chapter, in order. They describe the story, so they are hidden until you open them.
SpoilerShow all 3 journal steps
- 1
From the tome I delivered to Louis, it is clear that a relic of immense power lies hidden within the castle ruins. I must venture there myself and attempt to recover it, no matter the perils that await.
- 2
I've stepped into the ruined castle. Although the fortress seems abandoned, I can feel something dangerous lurking here. Still, the relic I seek lies within these walls, and I must push forward.
- 3Final entry
I must confess, a stark terror seized me during the struggle. That wretch's ramblings have gotten under my skin... What could he possibly have meant by 'the betrayal'? Yet, I held my ground, even as my hands trembled more than I would ever willingly admit.
- 3 journal steps from the game's quest data.
- Played in University
Lanterns in University
Game dataThe region's Lanterns in the game's numbering order. Rest at each one you find; they are your respawn points.
#901Main HallOn the Lanterns listShow on map
#902Lift ShaftOn the Lanterns listShow on map
#903LaboratoriesOn the Lanterns listShow on map
#904Sewage DrainOn the Lanterns listShow on map
Boss of Chapter IX
Game dataCore numbers of the boss fought in this chapter. Open its page for every move and weakness.
| Boss | Health | Posture | Unblockable / attacks | Catalyst reward | Steam players beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The Orphan | 4,000 | 1,550 | 7 / 16 | 40,000 | 0.8% |
Unblockable attacks cannot be stopped with a guard; dodge them.
Enemies in Chapter IX
Game data14 enemy types placed in University.
Collectibles in Chapter IX
Game dataAmbers, keys and letters you can pick up in University.
Ambers (3)
| Amber | How to get it here |
|---|---|
| Lunatic's Grasp | Treasure chest |
 Payback | Elite enemy drop |
 Warrior's Fury | Elite enemy drop |
- 13 chests (1 with Ambers), 3 keys and 2 letters are placed in the region.
- Keys: Auditorium Key, Lift Shaft Key, Library Key
Letters (2)
Data: Steam build 25907482 (1.0 launch). How we source this
Shop stock unlocked by Chapter IX
Game dataAfter completing Chapter 9, these items go on sale.
James's Iron Bench
| Item | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|
 Stasis-Clad Rounds | 300 | ∞ |
 Stasis Whetstone | 300 | ∞ |
 Crude Blade Material | 1,500 | 2 |
 Pure Blade Material | 3,000 | 2 |
 Distilled Blade Material | 6,000 | 1 |
 Standard Firearm Parts | 1,500 | 2 |
 Superior Firearm Parts | 3,000 | 2 |
 Exquisite Firearm Parts | 6,000 | 1 |
Louis's Laboratoire
| Item | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|
 Crude Transmutation Material | 2,000 | 1 |
 Pure Transmutation Material | 4,000 | 1 |
 Distilled Transmutation Material | 8,000 | 1 |
 Ferrofluid Flask Power Upgrade | 3,000 | 1 |
University map
Game dataWhere this chapter's Lanterns, chests, keys and letters are placed.
Everything placed in University
Ability altars: 1
Bosses: 1 (The Orphan)
Boss arenas: 1
Chests: 13 (Ferrofluid Flask Power Upgrade, Distilled Blade Material, Distilled Transmutation Material, Masterwork Firearm Parts, Empty Ferrofluid Flask, Lunatic's Grasp, Superior Firearm Parts, Quintessential Transmutation Material)
Keys: 3 (Lift Shaft Key, Library Key, Auditorium Key)
Lanterns: 4 (Main Hall, Laboratories, Sewage Drain, Lift Shaft)
Mouse holes: 1
Letters: 2 (Project Volunteer — Experimental Report, Excerpt from Dr. Moreau's Journal)
Chapter IX collectible checklist
Tick things off as you go. Progress is saved in this browser and shared with the region page for University.
Lanterns (4)
Chests (13)
Keys (3)
Letters (2)
Chapter navigation
Chapter IX In Ruins is chapter 9 of 11, set in University, with 3 journal steps and 4 Lanterns to rest at. Its boss is The Orphan; The Orphan has 4,000 HP, 7 unblockable attacks and pays 40,000 Catalysts. 0.8% of Steam players have beaten The Orphan. Explore it fully for 13 chests (1 with Ambers), 3 keys and 2 letters. Ambers obtainable here: Lunatic's Grasp, Payback, Warrior's Fury. Finishing it opens 12 new shop items at James's Iron Bench, Louis's Laboratoire. Next comes Chapter X Shackled.
See Also
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Chapter IX In Ruins FAQ
Where does Valor Mortis Chapter IX take place?
Chapter IX In Ruins takes place in University, region 9 of the campaign. Its first Lantern is Main Hall.
What is the boss of Chapter IX in Valor Mortis?
The Orphan. The Orphan has 4,000 HP and 7 unblockable attacks, and beating it pays 40,000 Catalysts. 0.8% of Steam players have beaten The Orphan.
How many Lanterns are in Chapter IX?
University has 4 Lanterns: Main Hall, Lift Shaft, Laboratories, Sewage Drain.
What collectibles are in Chapter IX?
University holds 13 chests (1 with Ambers), 3 keys and 2 letters. The checklist on this page tracks them.
Which Ambers can you get in Chapter IX?
Lunatic's Grasp (Treasure chest), Payback (Elite enemy drop), Warrior's Fury (Elite enemy drop).
What does finishing Chapter IX unlock?
Completing it adds 12 items to the stock of James's Iron Bench, Louis's Laboratoire. The list is on this page.
What is the best route through Chapter IX In Ruins in Valor Mortis?
Light Main Hall (#901). The Shield Transmutation altar is 46 m away. The Library Key (44 m) and Auditorium Key (76 m) open the library and the auditorium, and a Quintessential Transmutation Material chest sits 37 m from the Lantern. Take the Lift Shaft Key (28 m from Lift Shaft, #902) and ride down. The Ferrofluid Flask Power Upgrade chest about 60 m from Lift Shaft is trapped; the Project Volunteer — Experimental Report (34 m) explains what lives below.
What can you miss in Chapter IX In Ruins?
The University is where Chapter VIII's journal finishes (the laboratories and the volume for Louis). Chapter IX's own entries pick up afterwards at the castle ruins of the Fortress.
What comes after Chapter IX?
Chapter X Shackled follows.