Granblue Story Archives

The Scarlet Knight peers out over Nalhegrande airspace under the shadow of the Great Wall. He vows to atone for the sins of the skydom.

A man on a remote island in the Nalhegrande Skydom stands alone, looking up at the skies above.

???

Nalhegrande's past is stained with blood...

???

The details of how it all started elude me.

???

I only know that so much happened long before even my birth.

???

This massive wall has always towered over the Nalhegrande skies and its denizens with its scornful gaze.

???

We've fought long and hard to escape its curse.

???

I don't ask for much. Riches, fame—I've never cared for any of that. To live like everyone else is all I've ever wanted.

???

And to that end, we chose a path of bloodshed.

???

Not many will condone the path we've chosen.

???

But it was our choice. We cannot detest others for what they might think.

???

And that's when it all began...

???

No, it may have begun even before these skies came to be known as the Nalhegrande Skydom.

???

But enough—the time has come to clean up this mess. As one of the few remaining, it is my duty to cleanse us of past sins and to pass the torch on to the next generation.

???

I will put an end to it all. This may very well be the only way to atone for all that's come to pass.

???

...

The man looks toward the skies again, his eyes glinting with steely resolve.

The iconic relic of Nalhegrande utters not a word; it merely continues to exist as it always has.

Despite Pholia surrendering herself to Gilbert to prevent further conflict, Reinhardtzar still has questions for the sovereign. Leona is unable to forgive Pholia and stays behind while Reinhardtzar, Cain, and the crew head to the Rhem Kingdom to rescue her.

Pholia has surrendered herself to Gilbert in exchange for an end to the war.

But the citizens of Idelva remain divided even after the incident.

Idelva Citizen 1

We should immediately set out to attack Rhem and retake Her Highness!

Idelva Citizen 1

Our very sovereign has been dragged away! There's no way we're going to take this lying down!

Idelva Citizen 2

You still call that woman sovereign even after knowing all she's done?

Idelva Citizen 2

Heck, Idelva exists only because she destroyed the kingdom that used to be!

Idelva Citizen 2

Things would be so much more peaceful if this were still Torhid. It's her fault that everything's changed!

Those who once dwelled in a kingdom now lost clench their fists in ire.

Idelva Soldier 1

What could have driven Her Highness to go so far to create Idelva?

Idelva Soldier 2

Beats me... But whatever the reason, it's no excuse for starting a war.

Idelva General 1

Who cares what happened in the past!

Idelva General 1

What matters is how we run this kingdom now! We need to choose the next sovereign!

Idelva General 2

Surely you jest! Whatever their justifications, Rhem has captured our sovereign!

Idelva General 2

If Her Highness is truly guilty, we can conduct a trial after retrieving her!

Katalina

This is awful...

Cain

Idelva prospered because of the strength granted to its ruler.

Cain

A ruler now being charged for Torhid's downfall...

Cain

To be honest, I'm drawing a blank here...

Cain

I'm trying to think of a fix for this whole mess, but the past rears its ugly head in every scenario I come up with.

Cain

I keep thinking of how things might have been better if Torhid were still around.

Cain

We'd probably still be at peace...

Cain clutches his head in frustration.

But Reinhardtzar watches everyone in silence.

Vyrn

I'm surprised you seem cool with all the stuff that's gone down, Reinhardtzar.

Reinhardtzar

There's too much I'm trying to piece together. Making a fuss won't make things any clearer.

Lyria

Yeah, it's all still a haze...

Lyria

But I can't imagine Pholia doing something so terrible!

Reinhardtzar

I'm sure it's true. Otherwise there's no way she'd confess to everyone in the manner she did.

Reinhardtzar

But something just doesn't fit in this whole story...

Dialogue Option

What's bothering you?

Reinhardtzar

I've said it before, but Torhid was already rotten from the core.

Dialogue Option

It does seem fishy.

Reinhardtzar

Right. Torhid fell because it was rotten from the core.

Reinhardtzar continues, absorbed in his thoughts.

Reinhardtzar

I heard it with my own two ears, you know. The top brass of the Torhid military weren't fooling around.

Reinhardtzar

They told me themselves that they were using the kingdom and its people as fodder.

Reinhardtzar

That is the truth behind Torhid's downfall. And it's why the pieces don't fit.

Cain

...!

Reinhardtzar

Sabotage and the deaths of key members persisted for some time thereafter.

Reinhardtzar

There's no doubt that contributed to the turmoil and eventual collapse of the kingdom.

Reinhardtzar

But that's not all. There were a multitude of other factors too large to ignore. Are we to believe Pholia was the one behind it all?

Cain

It's a hard pill to swallow...

Reinhardtzar

The only possible explanation is that she possesses the power to control others.

Reinhardtzar

But if she does, why would she admit to any wrongdoing?

Reinhardtzar

She could just as easily have manipulated Gilbert into taking back every claim he made.

Reinhardtzar

And let's not forget the divine retribution that brought about the beginning of the end.

Leona

Cain!

The crew turns toward the voice to find Leona covered in cuts and bruises.

Leona

Cain! Thank goodness you're safe...

Cain

Leona? You stole the words right outta my mouth!

Cain

What happened to you? How did you get like this?

Leona hesitates before letting out a whimper.

Leona

I tried to settle things my way...

Leona

What's the situation here? Is the sovereign...

Cain gives a rundown of everything that's happened in the kingdom.

Leona

So that's how she chose to repent...

Reinhardtzar

Everyone's in a full-blown panic, but there's no real movement as of yet.

Katalina

What should we do, Gran?

Lyria

I'm worried about Pholia...

Lyria

I don't know what happened in the past, but I just can't imagine her being a bad person at heart.

Dialogue Option

Let's go rescue her.

Vyrn

About time! I was on pins and needles waiting for someone to say it!

Reinhardtzar, too, expresses his desire to help.

Reinhardtzar

Count me in. There's something I need to ask her.

Reinhardtzar

Anything more might be interpreted as an attempt to silence her.

Gran nods with total agreement.

Reinhardtzar

And you, Cain?

Cain

...
Let's go... There's more to this than meets the eye.

Leona

Cain! But why?

Cain

Leona...

Leona

Pholia's trying to repent in her own way for what she's done.

Leona

She's admitted her crimes. As for Abel...

Bai Ze

That's enough.

Leona

Bai Ze

The memories of the fallen are not to be besmirched. Exceptions are made only to help survivors overcome the pain of loss.

Leona

...

Bai Ze

However, I cannot stand beside Cain as I am now.

Bai Ze

As a primal who follows the sovereign, I must respect her wishes over my
own—whatever they may be.

Bai Ze

I will prepare you an airship. I'm afraid that's all I can do for now.

Cain

Much appreciated. That reminds me: Rackam is still out training, isn't he?

Katalina

Yes. We can't fly the Grandcypher yet.

Bai Ze

I leave the matter of the sovereign to you.

Bai Ze

As for Idelva, I will work with the other generals on a plan of action.

Cain gives a firm nod before turning back to Leona.

Cain

How about you, Leona?

Leona

I can't come along. I've lost too much.

Leona

My mind keeps wandering back to how things might have been if Torhid hadn't fallen...

Leona

Abel and I could have been living happily with a child right now.

Leona

Or we could have been at arm's length after fighting, like so many couples do.

Leona

Either way, Abel would still be alive.

Leona

But now, I can never see his smile again... Or even fight with him...

Leona's fists clench up in her best attempt to hold back tears.

Leona

You know, Cain... I really wish Abel were still here with me... If he could just be... alive...

Leona

Perhaps even that was too much to ask...

Leona

So no matter her reasons, I can never bring myself to forgive Pholia.

Seeing that Leona has made up her mind on the matter, Cain bites his lip as a void fills his heart.

Cain

I see...

Cain

Well, we should get going before it's too late.

Cain begins walking toward the docks with the crew.

Leona calls out from behind.

Leona

Cain. Truth is... you're really important to me too.

Leona

So you watch yourself out there, okay?

Cain

...

Cain has no words for her.

Before departing, the crew sends out letters detailing the situation to Rackam, Eugen, Io, and Rosetta.

The crew sets a course for Rhem Kingdom to reclaim their sovereign.

Gilbert gains control over the main island of the Rhem Kingdom by taking its citizens hostage. The Rhem Army, having been sent away from the island at the time, cooperates with the crew in a bid to quash Gilbert's insurrection.

The crew has arrived at Rhem to reclaim their sovereign.

But a most dreadful sight unfolds before them around Reiche—the central island of Rhem Kingdom.

Rhem General 1

Open the ports! Sweep them off their feet!

Rhem General 2

Blast away at the docks! We need to do this swiftly, or we'll be out of provisions!

Vyrn

Erm... Those are Rhem battleships, right? Why are they attacking one of their own islands?

Reinhardtzar

Yes, every one of those battleships bears the insignia of Rhem... What could they possibly be thinking?

Katalina

Well, we definitely didn't come here expecting this.

Katalina

Looks like they haven't noticed us yet.

Katalina

Hm, it won't be easy for us to land at this rate...

Cain

Let's take a wait-and-see approach. I wouldn't want us to get caught up in whatever's about to go down.

Cain

Besides, if those ships are all landing at the docks, we might be able to sneak in amid the confusion.

Lyria

Good idea! Let's do that—

Lyria

Huh?

Lyria

Hey, Gran, do you see that?

Lyria points to a small shadow floating around the lower part of Reiche Island.

Dialogue Option

It's a skyskimmer.

Katalina

A skyskimmer? Is it trying to get off the island?

Reinhardtzar

Considering its position, it doesn't look like an official departure from their docks.

Cain

Could it be a scrapped skyskimmer they're trying to get rid of?

Reinhardtzar

No, someone's on it.

Reinhardtzar

You can tell from the trajectory that the ship's not just floating along. Though whoever's piloting doesn't seem to have a grip on the controls.

Cain

Wait... Doesn't that mean the ship is going to crash?

Vyrn

Whoa, we gotta help 'em out! We should be able to close the distance fast!

Gran and company have their helmsman dive to the rescue.

The crew barely manage to catch the skyskimmer on their deck.

A relieved woman pops out of the skyskimmer and politely bows at the crew.

???

Thank you... I know it was only a skyskimmer, but I have little experience in piloting airships of any kind...

She looks anxiously at Cain and the others on deck.

???

Um... I take it you're all from Idelva?

Cain

Correct. We've come to rescue our sovereign who's been captured by the Rhem Kingdom.

???

By Rhem? I-I see...

Katalina

Seeing as you have no injuries, can I inquire as to who you are?

The woman hesitates for a moment before casting her eyes upward.

???

Forgive me for being so forward, but I must ask you for something instead...

She points toward the Rhem battleships which continue their assault.

???

Can you take me to that ship?

Vyrn

Wha!

Rhem General 1

You're safe!

???

My love!

Considering the dire circumstances, the crew had readily agreed to the woman's request.

The woman turns out to be the wife of a Rhem general, and this show of good will allows the crew access to the battleships.

Rhem General 1

You just came from Reiche Island, right?

Rhem General 1

Tell me what's happening down there.

Rhem General 1

We were on our way back to the island, right behind Gilbert's high-speed ship.

Rhem General 1

But when we got close, the island started firing at us.

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

Yes, well, they released me to inform you of the current situation.

Rhem General 1

What?

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

Gilbert's started a rebellion. His faction has already taken over the island.

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

It seems he was in contact with powerful forces from other skydoms.

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

Knights bearing insignias I've never seen before marched into the royal palace before I knew it. Gilbert was surely the one leading them.

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

The few soldiers who remained could do little to resist, and they all...

She stifles her tears, unable to continue the sentence.

Cain

(Forces from other skydoms...)

Cain

(Considering that the Golden Knight is involved, it's most likely Istavion...)

The general's face contorts in unbridled anger.

Rhem General 1

Damn you, Gilbert! The king placed his complete trust in you, and you've gone and spat on it!

Rhem General 2

Did you all hear that? Our enemy is Gilbert! We'll have to retake the island by force!

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

N-no, you can't!

Rhem General 2

Huh?

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

My son's life would be...

Rhem General 1

Wait, what do you mean! They've got our kid?

The wife grievously shakes her head.

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

No, it's not just our child... The families of all the commanding officers have been taken captive by Gilbert.

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

I was let go to relay that info.

Rhem General 1

So they want us to cease the attack, huh...

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

There's more...

Rhem Gen.'s Wife

They also said to turn about at once and launch an all-out assault on Idelva. Only when we have taken it over entirely can we return...

Rhem General 1

What!

Reinhardtzar

Idelva may be in turmoil, but its entire army is still active.

Reinhardtzar

A full-scale war would only lead to death and destruction on both sides.

Rhem General 2

Is this Gilbert's way of telling us to die?

The Rhem troops are at a loss for words.

Katalina

This is just repulsive...

Reinhardtzar

Yeah... There's one thing we learned from this though.

Reinhardtzar

Gilbert is not a man of his word.

Cain

There's no telling what'll happen to the sovereign at this rate.

Lyria

Pholia...

Cain offers a suggestion to the flabbergasted Rhem troops.

Rhem General 1

Us fighting together?

Cain

We want to reclaim our sovereign; you want to reclaim your island.

Cain

And we all share a common enemy: Gilbert.

Cain

This can be a temporary alliance until we've accomplished our goals for the time being.

Cain

There's no reason for us to be fighting amongst each other right now.

Rhem General 1

Do you have a plan in mind?

Cain

A concrete plan is impossible without working knowledge of the island's layout.

Cain

But I'm thinking of having our small group sneak onto the island. We'll bear all the risk, so if you could just help us get close.

Silence fills the air as the general ponders the suggestion.

Rhem General 1

No. I can't agree to those terms.

Cain

...

Rhem General 1

We'll send a small force from our side as well.

Vyrn

Ah! Then...

Rhem General 1

Reiche Island is our island. We'd never be able to sleep right if we got it back on Idelva's efforts alone.

And thus Gran and company forge a temporary pact with the Rhem Army to take on a common foe.

With their full support, the crew manages to skirt past all the cannon fire and safely land on Reiche Island.

Gran and company infiltrate Reiche Island where Pholia is being held, but they're immediately surrounded by Istavion troops. Luckily a group of resistance fighters come to their aid, allowing the crew to escape.

To take back Pholia, the crew has infiltrated Reiche Island—the central landmass of Rhem Kingdom.

They've come with the Rhem Army after learning of Gilbert's rebellion.

Cain

So this is Reiche Island...

Vyrn

From out here in the boondocks, it doesn't look all that different from other islands.

Rhem Soldier

True... Reiche is under the protection of a primal beast who governs prosperity...

Rhem Soldier

So outsiders tend to see this island as a congested metropolis.

Rhem Soldier

But undeveloped areas like this one still remain.

Katalina

The lack of people here makes it fitting for our infiltration.

Reinhardtzar

No... I'd say they've got this covered.

Reinhardtzar lowers his voice, gesturing with his hands to signal trouble.

Istavion Soldier 1

...

Istavion Soldier 1

Huh? Isn't that...

Istavion Soldier 1

You there! Stop where you stand! What are you doing here?

Cain

Crap, they've found us!

The crew immediately tries to scurry away.

Istavion Soldier 1

Don't know who the heck you are, but you can't be up to any good if your first reaction is to run.

Gran and company are quickly surrounded by the large platoon of Istavion troops, their coordination spot-on.

Reinhardtzar whispers in Cain's ear.

Reinhardtzar

What's our move? We can probably handle them.

Cain

No... Without a base of operations, I don't want to tire us out too soon.

Cain

If we can just distract them somehow...

Istavion Soldier 1

An Istavion soldier the man may be, but he all too easily falls unconscious after an attack from behind.

Istavion Soldier 2

Cripes! So you brought backup!

The soldiers turn in unison to find a motley mix of men standing defiantly.

???

We'll take you all on! You miserable cowards waited till our army was away! Pathetic!

Istavion Soldier 2

Say that again!

The mysterious man's provocation immediately draws their hostility toward him.

Vyrn

Someone explain to me what just happened!

Cain

Beats me, but this is our chance! They've broken formation!

Cain

C'mon, Gran!

The resistance reveals that Gilbert allowed Istavion troops onto Reiche after sending the Rhem Army away to invade Idelva. Pledging to work together with the freedom fighters, the crew is introduced to their leader—the rightful king, Dolza Rhem.

Gran and company work with the mysterious group to incapacitate the soldiers.

The crew learns more about them at their hideout.

Dialogue Option

Resistance?

Res. Member 1

Yes. We're gathering everyone willing to help take back our kingdom.

Though the man is armed, his appearance differs little from the average townsperson.

Res. Member 2

It all happened shortly after the Rhem Army departed for the offensive on Idelva Kingdom.

Res. Member 2

Those guys in yellow armor...

Res. Member 2

The Istavion troops came outta nowhere and took over the island before we knew it.

Res. Member 2

We were too afraid to resist since our army wasn't around.

Rhem Soldier

So that's why Gilbert pushed for the assault on Idelva...

After learning of the situation on the island from the resistance members, the crew explain their purpose in coming.

Cain

So the gist of it is we've teamed up with the Rhem Army to take back the island and our sovereign.

Cain

To come up with an efficient strategy, we need help from anyone familiar with the island. Do you think you can lend a hand?

The man's eyes crinkle at the corners.

Res. Member 1

You couldn't have come at a better time. We'll do everything we can to help.

Res. Member 2

If we're gonna work together, I suppose we should introduce you to our leader.

The man proudly directs the crew to a Harvin seated on a chair in the back.

Res. Member 2

He... is the leader of our resistance. His Highness, Dolza Rhem!

Dolza Rhem

...

Katalina

The king?

While Gran and company are dumbstruck at the identity of the one leading this ragtag group of insurgents...

Dolza Rhem scowls at the crew with uncertainly in his eyes.