In Diablo 4 Season 9, the questing resumes with Reopening the Wound, the direct continuation of To Walk Where Spirits Tread. This round, the activity moves away from the familiar strongholds and deeper into one of the darker and more treacherous parts of Sanctuary: The Scar—the location where Astaroth was originally sealed.
Whereas your quest starts out with aspirations to cleanse the Blood Relics, things soon become clear that this will not be going according to plan. The following is how to finish each step of this lore-dense, story-rich seasonal quest.
Meeting Bryona in Tirmair
This quest differs from others in that it starts in Tirmair, not Cerrigar. If you do not have the waypoint unlocked, be prepared for a lengthy ride. Upon arrival, go into the hut indicated by the season quest symbol and talk to Bryona to start the quest.
Make sure to mark the quest manually in your journal if it does not automatically show up in your quest tracker.
Travel to the Scar
Your next stop is The Scar, which is to the east. This is a significant story location that is connected to Astaroth’s background and the corruption you’ve been exploring all season. Upon arrival, you will talk with Davish, who is waiting by the quest marker.
As you enter the Scar, you’ll start the ritualistic portion of the quest. Proceed along the thin passageway until you again encounter Bryona at the next goal.
Performing the Ritual
Bryona requests your assistance in activating a Horadric ritual. Start by responding to the Cleansing Incense that is deposited around the chamber. After activating all four, a belligerent Fallen enemy will spawn. Kill it to obtain the Fallen’s Head, which is one of the ritual’s primary components.
Then provide the head to Hluttred, the wolf spirit, by putting it in the ceremonial bowl. This initiates a creepy cutscene and represents the point of divergence in the quest—and in the season’s narrative.
A Spirit Corrupted
When you put down the offering, stand inside the Horadric Glyph and watch the ritual. As the glyph is charged with energy, you will see Hluttred’s tragic corruption. The one-time guiding spirit is overcome by Astaroth’s power and comes forth shrouded in flame.
You are now confronted by a mad demon ambush. Battle waves of foes as the ritual crumbles around you.
After the battle, exit the tunnel and talk to Bryona for the last time. The atmosphere is dark—what was to be a purging ritual has culminated in another defeat, and the strength of the enemy remains unabated.
That concludes the Reopening the Wound quest, paving the way for the next part of Season 9’s developing storyline.
