In the blink of an eye, more than half a month passed.
Since the battle between humans and demons at the site of the Hill of Swords, Guts and Casca had been staying at Godot's place for over twenty days. With the protection and concealment provided by the elf mine, their lives—which had long since become a complete mess—had finally settled down, at least somewhat.
But that battle had also shown Guts just how vast the gap was between him and the immortal Zodd, and just how far he fell short of Griffith, who had somehow regained his human form!
So, from that day onward, Guts began training even more furiously and intensely.
Day or night, in wind, thunder, or rain, he was almost always exercising or going out to lure demons and evil spirits into battle. As a result, people only rarely caught sight of him at important gatherings, or saw him sneak back one night to the elf mine—which could hide the Brand's presence—to be with Casca.
But today was an exception!
Though it was only noon, Guts had returned to Godot's place. He joined Godot, Rickert, who had just gotten back from a delivery, and the others who had come to see what was going on—Elektra and Annie.
Godot and Rickert had heard some startling news from a group of rebel militia who had come to order weapons, armor, and arrowheads: news about the Kushans and the new Band of the Hawk, especially the "Falcon of Light," whose name was making waves throughout the Kingdom of Midland.
"Ahem!"
"Is everyone here?"
"Mm..."
"Then I'll tell you what we heard!"
Looking around at everyone gathered in his workshop, Godot saw that Guts, little Annie, Elektra, and Casca were all there. He glanced at Rickert, but when it was