On their way to Elfhelm, the homeland of the elf Puck, Guts and his companions find themselves stranded in the port city of Vulitanis. Their hopes for a swift passage to Elfhelm are dashed, as all ships have been requisitioned for military purposes due to the war against the Kushans. While the companions desperately search for a way out in the city flooded with soldiers and various shady figures, Farnese has already made the decision to make a great sacrifice for the good of all.