The political fire is mirrored by a quiet, somber shift in Guts’ own path. Realizing he is merely a tool for Griffith’s ambitions rather than a "true friend" (as defined by Griffith in earlier episodes), Guts decides to leave the Band of the Hawk:
After surviving a poisoning attempt by the Queen and her conspirators, Griffith orchestrates a ruthless counter-strike: Berserk Episode 18
The 18th episode of the 1997 Berserk anime, titled serves as a pivotal psychological and political turning point for the series. It marks the moment where the "Golden Age" begins its descent toward the tragic eclipse. Griffith’s Machiavellian Triumph The political fire is mirrored by a quiet,
: Griffith locks them inside a castle tower and sets it ablaze, watching the "tombstone of flames" from a distance with cold detachment. Berserk Episode 18