Berserk 357Spoiler ベルセルク 357 raw

As they stand on the cliffs of Skellig, Guts asks the Skull Knight why he’s come. SK answers that causality has led him here. Guts tells him that he's talking cryptically again.
He also thanks him for all the advice he's given him in the past, but cracks a joke saying that despite SK's over-worrying, he's made it here "in one piece", albeit with just one eye and one arm. Although there was "a bit of violence" on the way. The Skull Knight tells him to stay alert, because "causality hasn’t yet been concentrated". Guts gets worried and asks him what he means, but they're interrupted by Gedflynn.

Gedflynn tells SK it's been a while and calls him "your majesty". But then corrects himself, since nowadays he goes by the monicker "Skull Knight". Guts is confused at the "your majesty" bit. The Skull Knight tells Ged that his face looks familiar to him... "You're the child of Vido." Gedflynn states his name and tells him that when he was a boy, he accompanied his father during several audiences with SK. And now he oversees this village. SK replies with a backhanded compliment "that sly boy became an excellent man". Guts goes "wait a minute old man, how old are you?". Gedflynn replies that it’s meaningless to ask that of a being that exists in a different time flow.

Gedflynn in turn asks Guts how he knows the Skull Knight. Guts replies that it's some kind of ominous relationship that is fated to be and can't be avoided. Ged is like "is that so.....". He then suggests to the Skull Knight that he visit Hanarr along with Guts. Hanarr is the dwarf blacksmith who created both the Berserk's armor and the Skull Knight's current armor. SK agrees and says he'll use this occasion to ask him to repair his armor. We move on to Molda sleeping on a tree branch. She awakes and sees the three of them going down a gorge. Meanwhile Schierke's trying to learn how to fly on a broom. Molda uses this as an excuse to take off with her. She gives her a "first flight" experience. She teases her but also gives her genuine information, comparing how it's different to flying with one's body of light. She also says that, without boasting, she's the best at flying on the island. Of course it's more or less an excuse to follow Guts and co, and as she points them out, she and Schierke decide to follow.

They're headed into a deep gorge, and Schierke remarks that the atmosphere is different in there. Molda explains that it's for the eccentrics of the island. Because no matter how bright and beautiful the queen of the elves is, some people prefer dimness to sunlight... Just like the spirit Schierke summoned earlier. Molda also reveals that her teacher lives there. She's curious as to where Guts and Gedflynn are going, as well as that strange knight she's never seen before. As they get deeper, Schierke gets worried. Now the atmosphere is really different... and this place is close to the Qliphoth. Then they come across inactive Wicker Men. Molda explains that long ago, they came under attack from a big country on the continent, and so some magic users sacrificed the souls of enemy soldiers to create these constructs. They also get a bit into Molda's outlook on life and her slight disdain for the village above, as well as Schierke's relationship with her comrades.

They encounter Volva (or maybe Volvapa), Molda’s teacher. She chastizes Molda for taking out a Wicker Man. The old crone is a master of curses and other dark arts. Schierke introduces herself as Flora's apprentice, who the old witch seems to know (or at least has heard of). They ask her if she hasn't seen Gedflynn and two knights pass by, and she tells them they went to the stone forest. It's where the dwarves dwell. Molda is not happy as she does not like the place. They leave and Molda's teacher basically yells at her because she never helps her with anything. She briefly muses throwing a curse on her, but also reflects on the fact she's made a friend, although... She seems worried by the fact said friend is related to Flora, and that the Skull Knight (who she calls by name) is here. Thinks to herself "that old man's usual nonsense will finally become true."

The girls get to the entrance of the stone forest. Molda explains that they'll have to walk from here on out. The place is narrow and dark, but it's also got a high concentration of Barytes, which makes it very tiring to fly. Meanwhile, Gedflynn and his guests come upon Hanarr the blacksmith. He asks him what's a magician doing down here, but then he sees the Skull Knight is here. He says it's nostalgic to see him, and calls him "king". He also comments on the fact he hasn't passed on to the other world, then says it's no surprise, since it's thanks to his skill. The Skull Knight replies "Thanks to you, I'm doing fine, my friend". Hanarr isn't having it though. "Hah, doing fine you say? You're just babbling in your coffin."

Hanarr then turns his attention to Guts. He didn't seem to think he'd see that armor again. He tells Guts that it looks like he's been using it for a long time. Guts answers that indeed, and thanks to it he's been able to dodge death many times. He thanks Hanarr. The dwarf tells him that since he's now the owner of that armor, he can use it skillfully and without limits. However... the armor can also devour its owner, as it is possessed. He then says he'll test it, and strikes the armor with his hammer. It immediately activates, and the episode ends.