Guts helps the Hawks drive off the mercenaries. Casca has a plan to rescue Griffith from the Tower of Rebirth where he is being held. Casca blames Guts for Griffith's problems, but realizes it is not his fault. They make love and Guts asks her to go away with him after the rescue.

Back at the camp, everyone is forlorn because of Griffith's terrible condition. The Raiders ask Guts to take them along with him. Casca feels she must take care of Griffith, and tells Guts to leave. Delirious and horrified at what he has been reduced to, Griffith takes off in a wagon and crashes into the river. He finds his Behelit and unintentionally activates it, taking everyone present to the Astral Realm.