With time running out, Kouga leaves for the Forest of Glen. Though knowing he would die, Kouga convinces the gatekeeper Tamu to give him safe passage after she tests his character. Fighting his way though the forest's traps and many Horrors, Kouga finds Kaoru's disembodied soul and convinces her to keep on living as he entrusts Zaruba to get her back into her body while he goes to the Barankas. However, Kouga ends up facing the Barankas Fruit's guardian. Enabled by the being to assume his Makai Knight form, Garo summons Gouten to battle Grou Dragon physically and ethically. Though Rei helped Kouga at the last second, Grou Dragon accepts its defeat before dissolving. With Rei carrying him back, Kouga manages to give Kaoru the Barankas fruit just in time.
カオルがホラーの返り血を浴びてから、100日目が近付いていた。生死の境を彷徨うカオルを目の当たりにした鋼牙は、魔戒法師でなければ入れない『紅蓮の森』へと向かう決意を固める。昼夜問わずホラーが跋扈する禁断の森。果たして、鋼牙は『ヴァランカスの実』を持ち帰る事が出来るのだろうか?