Step 2: Defeat Commander O'Neil

Location: West of Sellia in Aeonia, you must defeat Commander O'Neil.
Challenges: This fight is tricky due to O'Neil's scarlet rot attacks. Summon Pollyanna to Elden Ring Items distract him while you deal damage. Watch out for archers that respawn. The key here is dodging O'Neil's rot-inflicting attacks and attacking from range.
Reward: Unalloyed Golden Needle.

Progressing the Quest
Step 3: Return the Needle to Gowry

Objective: After defeating Commander O'Neil, take the Golden Needle back to Gowry.
Next Steps: He will give you a piece of paper that tells you to best place to buy elden ring items light three beacons in Sellia. Lighting these beacons removes the magical barrier preventing you from climbing the hill.