Granblue Story Archives

The young girl's name is Pholia, and she intends to guide Gran and the others to the cave. Pholia seems strange to everyone at first, but after revealing that she's friends with Leona, she earns some of their trust.

Cain has been carried off by a white beast that suddenly appeared.

While everyone looks on in astonishment, a mysterious young girl appears behind them.

???

What is the matter? You look befuddled...

???

It makes one wonder if you can carry out the sovereign's wishes.

The young girl knits her brows together, a strangely serious expression for her young face.

Dialogue Option

Who are you?

???

Hm? That's right... I suppose I should tell you my name.

Pholia

You may call me Pholia. I reside in the village near the West Forest. Just a fair young maiden!

Pholia

And you are the ones sent by the sovereign to defeat the primal beast, are you not?

Pholia

Thank you for coming all this way for our sake.

Pholia

I am an envoy of the village. I've come to guide you to the cave where the raging primal dwells.

Lyria

Wow! Thank you so much, Pholia!

Pholia

Heh-heh... Pholia...
I could get used to that...

Pholia

You needn't worry about anything else. Providing guidance is the least we could do. You need only follow me.

Dialogue Option

That's a big help!

Katalina

Well, yes... I suppose. Now we're sure to make it to the cave without getting lost.

Katalina

But something about this girl...

Vyrn

Just doesn't add up, right?

Dialogue Option

I dunno about this...

Katalina

Hm... You have a point. And I know it's rude to think this about someone offering to help us...

Vyrn

But no matter how you see it, something's weird about this girl...

Reinhardtzar

...

Leona

Well... I know she's nothing to worry about. She's someone we can trust.

Reinhardtzar

And how do you know that?

Leona

Well, I... You see...

Pholia

Leona and I are old acquaintances. Many a time we would play together in the village and the forest.

Lyria

So you two are friends then!

Leona

Friends? I guess so... I mean, we are... right?

Pholia

Indeed. Even bosom buddies, one might say. But I wager this outlaw wouldn't know anything about that!

Reinhardtzar

Ah...

Pholia

Now then, we should hurry. One of your friends was seized by that primal beast, no?

Lyria

Yikes! That's right! We have to hurry and save Cain!

Pholia

The primal has a habit of collecting prey within its lair.

Pholia

It won't consume him at once, but we've no time to waste.

Pholia

If we dally any longer, then we'll lose daylight. I shall lead the way, so follow me!

Pholia begins to walk, leaving the others behind her.

Vyrn

Hey! Hey, wait!
Walking off alone is bad for your health, you know!

As the group makes its way toward the West Forest, Reinhardtzar directly questions Pholia's true identity. She retorts that telling him won't change their duty to the sovereign. Unable to argue, Gran and the others continue to follow her.

Katalina

Hrh!

Monster

Grrr...

Pholia

Splendid job, Katalina! Your swordplay is a rare sight in Nalhegrande Skydom, I'd say.

Katalina

Ah, thanks. Well, I'm a graduate of Albion Military Academy, you see. Are you interested in swordsmanship?

Pholia

Heh-heh... Perhaps! But a sword may be difficult to wield for me.

Katalina

There's no need to hurry. After you grow a little taller, you can look for a blade that suits you.

Pholia

After I grow a little taller, you say...

Katalina

...?

Pholia's expression grows cloudy, but soon a smile returns to her lips.

Pholia

But you are quite skilled, Katalina. Your self-discipline is akin to my little sister's.

Lyria

Oh! So you have a little sister, Pholia?

Lyria

Katalina is like a big sister to me...

Lyria

But sometimes... just sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to have a little sister of my own.

Pholia reaches out a hand to gently pat Lyria on the head.

Pholia

It doesn't hurt to wonder sometimes. But sisterhood isn't always good fortunes and blessings...

Lyria

...?

Reinhardtzar

By the way, young lady... did you come out here all by yourself?

Pholia

Hm? Indeed I did.

Pholia

My village is small, you see. There aren't many who could be spared to come.

Reinhardtzar

I see... That's a mighty feat for a little one like you.

Reinhardtzar

So I've gotta ask... Who are you anyway?

Leona

...

Pholia

What do you mean?

Reinhardtzar

I mean exactly what I said. You seem to know a lot about what's going on.

Reinhardtzar

Like the fact I was captured as an outlaw. And how this primal beast has its habits.

Reinhardtzar

And with kiddies in tow, how'd you figure us for the folks to take out that primal beast?

Reinhardtzar

On top of that, I share a common trait with Cain, Leona, and Katalina.

Reinhardtzar

So if you've got an ex-soldier, a general, an adjutant, and a military academy graduate all in one place...

Reinhardtzar

How'd you manage to sneak up on all of us unnoticed? No ordinary village girl could do that.

Pholia

Hm... Indeed. Your judgment is not far off.

Pholia

However... even if you knew who I truly am, what good would it serve you?

Pholia

Knowing who I am will not change the duty you must fulfill. And you must fulfill it to move forward, you see.

Reinhardtzar

...

Pholia

If you do not trust me, then you are free to choose another path forward.

Pholia

But the forest is just ahead. I should think that turning away now would only be a waste.

As she speaks, Pholia points ahead toward a dense cluster of trees.

Reinhardtzar

Hm... Fine. You're certainly right about that.

Reinhardtzar

So you're saying we should just hurry and finish the job, eh?

Reinhardtzar

That will help you finish your job sooner too, right?

Pholia

Indeed. My only job is to guide the way after all.

Reinhardtzar

Humph...

Reinhardtzar thinks for a moment, and then appears to accept her answer.

And guided by a curious girl named Pholia, the party eventually sets foot in the West Forest.

Katalina begins to wonder how much longer Pholia can be trusted. Although her motive is unclear, Lyria senses that Pholia's not a bad person. After Leona asks everyone to believe in Pholia, they decide to stay patient and continue following the young girl.

Gran and the others enter the West Forest, which is thick with trees.

Pholia continues to guide them to the cave of the primal beast.

Pholia

You'll find many more monsters ahead. Take special care as you follow me.

Heeding her warning, Gran and the others stay on the look out as they walk deeper into the trees.

After a while Katalina begins whispering to Reinhardtzar.

Katalina

Reinhardtzar... Do you have any clue who Pholia is?

Reinhardtzar

Maybe, though she's not trying very hard to hide her secret anyway.

Reinhardtzar

But what she said is true. In the end it doesn't change a thing about our mission.

Reinhardtzar

So how'd all of you get swept up in this anyway?

Gran explains to Reinhardtzar about the plan to find the missing crew members.

Reinhardtzar

Is that right? Then there's really no point in prying.

Reinhardtzar

If the sovereign of Idelva made a promise to you, then that's all there is to it.

Reinhardtzar

Don't go blaming me when a monster closes in while you're still hung up about this.

Reinhardtzar hurries ahead without another word.

Lyria

Well... I don't think Pholia is a bad person.

Katalina

Hm... Then what do you think about her, Gran?

Dialogue Option

She can be trusted.

Katalina

Yes, she might seem a bit cryptic, but she hasn't steered us wrong yet.

Katalina

And Lyria's a pretty good judge of character when it comes to these things.

Dialogue Option

She can't be trusted.

Vyrn

If you say so... But she led us all the way here without any trouble!

Katalina

You're right... If she wanted to, she could have done what she pleased the moment she appeared right behind us.

Katalina

We don't know her intentions, but it's safe to assume that she won't bring harm to us for now.

Leona

I'm really sorry... I must've worried you since I couldn't tell you much else back there.

Lyria

Oh, because you'd said you were a friend of Pholia's, right?

Leona

Huh? Oh... Ah, yes...

Leona

At any rate the—I mean, Pholia is not our enemy.

Leona

As for who she is, I'm sure she will reveal herself once we've completed the mission.

Leona

But even with your worries... you'll still come along with us, won't you?

Dialogue Option

We're not worried.

Vyrn

Heh-heh! It's true that we've only just met your friend...

Vyrn

But we still owe you a lot, Leona!

Vyrn

And you obviously trust her, so we know there's nothing to fear!

Dialogue Option

We've got no choice

Katalina

It's true. Even if we asked for more answers, I doubt you'd give us any.

Katalina

But whether or not we trust her, I know we can trust you, Leona.

Katalina

Besides, she can't be a bad person if you're willing to vouch for her like this.

Leona

Thank you... Thank you so much!

Pholia

Now, pray tell, what do we have here?

Leona

Whoa!
It's you. Pholia...

Pholia

Yes, yes... It has a nice ring to it...

Pholia

But more importantly we must hurry before the sun goes down. The forest is quite perilous at night.

Lyria

You said it! Let's hurry, Gran!

Gran and the others reach the cave to see Cain lying on the ground behind the white primal beast who took him away. Lyria senses something odd about the primal, but the crew has no time to spare as the beast begins its attack.

Pholia guides Gran and the others through the forest to the cave where they will battle the primal beast.

Before long they find themselves at the entrance to the peculiar cave.

Pholia

And here we are... This is the cave where the primal dwells.

Leona

Then Cain's here too...

Pholia

Indeed. And the primal beast's lair is in the deepest part of this cave.

Pholia

Let us proceed, Gran. Be sure to stay close behind me!

Katalina

Hold it... Do you think you could wait here instead?

Pholia

Hm? You wish to cast me away, do you?

Katalina

No, but if the primal beast really is inside this cave, it can only get more dangerous from here.

Katalina

It's best not to bring a child like you any further.

Pholia

Hm... I see.

Pholia

What you mean to say is that you cannot fight a primal while keeping your back turned to me, yes?

Katalina

What?

Pholia

Heh-heh-heh! I'm only jesting! But you needn't concern yourself about me.

Pholia

You see, there is nothing that can bring me harm here.

Pholia

Now let us be off. This cave is not very deep, so you shall come face-to-face with the primal soon.

With a bounce in her step, Pholia starts down the cave path.

Vyrn

Holy moly... What's the deal with her?

Reinhardtzar

Let's go then. Wondering aloud will get us nowhere.

Reinhardtzar

She's not exactly trying to hide anything, but she's not about to open up either.

As they move through the cave, a menacing growl reaches their ears.

???

Grrr...

Dialogue Option

It's a primal beast!

Katalina

Yes. That's the primal for sure. And do you see what I see, Gran?

Katalina points to an area beyond the primal beast.

There Cain can be seen lying perfectly still on the ground.

Katalina

It doesn't look like he's injured. Let's hope he's only passed out.

Dialogue Option

Hey, primal! Let Cain go!

Vyrn

Gran, look! Over there!

Vyrn points beyond the primal beast at Cain, who's lying perfectly still on the ground.

Vyrn

From what I can see, it doesn't look like he's hurt.

Lyria

Wait a second...

Katalina

What is it, Lyria?

Lyria

I mean, we came to the cave because that primal beast is in a rage, right?

Katalina

That's what the sovereign said. The primal beast in this cave has caused problems while rampaging.

Lyria

Yeah... It's just that—

???

Groarrr!

Vyrn

While you're chewin' this over, we're about to get chewed up! Let's do this, Gran!

While Gran and the others battle the primal, Lyria senses that the beast isn't rampaging. Pholia reveals that she's the sovereign of Idelva and that the beast is her advisor Bai Ze. She says the task was a test of their might and since they've passed, she'll allow them to stay in Idelva to search for their lost friends.

???

Grrr!

Gran and the crew manage to fend off the primal beast for the moment.

But the primal still seems aggressive, and it growls as if it will attack again at any moment.

Reinhardtzar

That's a primal, all right... Looks like it will take more than that to take it down.

Katalina

Indeed... Let's give it one more shot!

Lyria

Wait!

Suddenly Lyria jumps out to stand before them, as if protecting the primal beast.

Lyria

Why?
Why do you keep fighting?

Katalina

Lyria, this primal is dangerous. We have to calm it down somehow...

But Lyria turns her back to Katalina and speaks again to the white beast before her.

Lyria

Why is it that you keep fighting us even though you aren't really in a rage?

???

...!

Lyria

You haven't attacked anyone. I know because the real you is so warm and kind...

Pholia

Lyria, why is it that you think this primal isn't really raging?

Lyria

Well... it's not that I think it. I just know.

Katalina

Yes. I can't explain it myself, but Lyria has that sort of power within her.

Katalina

And that power has saved us time and time again.

Gran explains Lyria's mysterious power to the others.

Lyria

And so I just know it. I know this primal is gentle and doesn't hold any rage...

Having heard this, Pholia's face begins to twist as if she's struggling to keep her composure.

Pholia

Heh...

Pholia

Heh-heh! Ha-ha-ha!
It seems we've chanced upon an interesting find! Wouldn't you say, Bai Ze?

Appearing slightly vexed, the primal beast sighs before answering her.

Bai Ze

Your Majesty... I've expressed to you several times that this sort of laughter is unrefined.

Pholia

Do not speak of such trifling matters! I'm so very pleased at this moment!

Pholia

It was utterly unexpected, but who could wish for a happier surprise?

Pholia

A splendid day! This is a splendid day, indeed! This ought to give that kingdom a shock!

Vyrn

...

Vyrn

What's going on here exactly? What and why and how and...

Seeing that Gran and the others are completely stunned, Leona timidly steps forward.

Leona

Well... allow me to explain...

Leona

And so introducing to you once again...

Pholia

Yes! I am Pholia, founder and sovereign of Idelva Kingdom!

Bai Ze

And I am her advisor, Bai Ze.

Bai Ze

This was all a trial Her Majesty contrived to determine your strength.

Katalina

That means... the primal in the cave that was supposed to be running amok...

Bai Ze

Yes. There was no such beast from the beginning.

Bai Ze

I was ordered by Her Majesty to impersonate a rampaging primal beast.

Reinhardtzar

So what was the point in taking Cain all of a sudden?

Pholia

This was a trial to decide whether you were fit to serve Idelva, you see.

Pholia

I knew that Leona would still cooperate even after I appeared and she ascertained what was going on.

Pholia

But that overzealous young fellow, on the other hand, would have spoiled the ruse. I had to be rid of him first.

Bai Ze

I brought Cain to this cave and explained everything to him.

Bai Ze

He seemed highly offended about being the odd man out, and then he fell asleep.

Gran looks over at Cain, who does indeed appear to be sleeping peacefully.

Leona

I'm sorry. It's because of all this that I couldn't tell you about Pholia.

Reinhardtzar

Using your primal beast underling for some fake mission... Is ruling a kingdom that boring?

Pholia

Heh-heh-heh! Being confined to a palace can leave one in low spirits, you see. Pardon me...

Reinhardtzar

Unbelievable...

Pholia

In any case, you have all passed the trial. You shall have my favor in dealing with your matters.

Pholia flashes a bright smile at everyone.

Katalina

Goodness... I thought we wouldn't be in for any more surprises.

Vyrn

Well, we can say everything's settled for now, right?

Lyria

Sure! I'm relieved that there really wasn't a primal beast causing trouble!

Despite the unexpected ending to their mission, everyone seems at ease.

Gran and the crew have found a host in Idelva Kingdom, bringing them one step closer to finding their friends.

Groz Island