Granblue Story Archives

Dolza Rhem is the only one who can revoke the primal beast Ganesha's protection over Reiche Island if the crew and company want any hope of rescuing Pholia. They head down an underground passage to confront the primal beast.

Katalina

Hyaagh!

Istavion Soldier

Rgh...

Reinhardtzar

The path is clear... Let's move. We want to be out of this sector before reinforcements come.

The crew proceeds through Reiche Island, taking on Istavion soldiers along the way.

Cain

Everyone ready to make a break for it? Their garrison's pretty close by. Keep your guard up or we'll be surrounded!

Lyria

I'm ready!

Dialogue Option

Forward is the only way to go.

Katalina

Yes, I'm sure we'll be fine, but...

Dialogue Option

I can keep going.

Katalina

Yes, I'm sure we'll be fine, but...

Katalina turns back, a hint of worry in her eyes.

Dolza Rhem

Huff... Huff... Wheeze...

Vyrn

I'm starting to wonder if this was the right move.

Katalina

It was the king's decision to have us come along after all...

Dolza Rhem

Heave... Pant...

It all began shortly after Gran and company left the resistance hideout.

Cain

Dolza Rhem... Why would the king of Rhem be in a place like this?

Reinhardtzar

It makes sense. The resistance is fighting against rebel forces—

Reinhardtzar

A job usually left to the army.

Reinhardtzar

But with the army unable to act, it's only fitting for the king to join the resistance.

Katalina

The king's safety is most reassuring. It means this land can still be rebuilt when this is all over.

Dolza Rhem

Do you consider yourselves... strong?

Lyria

Huh?

Lyria

Um...

Vyrn

Hehehe... Funny question to ask a crew of primo battle-hardened skyfarers!

Vyrn

We've gone toe to toe with primal beasts and collected all the Sky Map pieces to make our way to this skydom!

Dolza Rhem

Oh? You've fought primal beasts!

Katalina

Most of our allies who've come with us into Nalhegrande are off training though...

Dolza Rhem

So you're here to rescue the Idelva sovereign who's been taken captive?

Dolza Rhem

They've likely taken her to the prison of the royal palace.

Dolza Rhem

Which is under the protection of a primal beast.

Dolza Rhem

Its name is Ganesha, a primal governing good fortune who safeguards my kingdom and my lineage.

Dolza Rhem

A frontal assault would be nigh impossible.

Cain

Well, I guess you'd know better than us... I never imagined Rhem to have such defenses...

Cain

Maybe we should divert our efforts into dealing with Ganesha first.

Katalina

No... If our opponent is a primal beast, pushing with numbers is not necessarily the best strategy.

Reinhardtzar

It's not like we have all day either. I say we attack both simultaneously.

Dialogue Option

Let's split into two groups.

Cain

Hm... Good call. We can have a small elite force tackle the primal beast while an army charges into the royal palace.

Dolza Rhem

The pact with Ganesha is always carried out by the head of the Rhem family, which would be me.

Dolza Rhem

Meaning that things will go a lot smoother if I can simply get to Ganesha and order it to defuse the barrier.

Vyrn

Heheh... I guess we already know which group you're going with, Rotundus.

Dolza Rhem

R-Rotundus?

Cain

So how exactly should we divide our forces?

Dolza Rhem

A-he-he-hem!

Dolza Rhem very conspicuously clears his throat to gather everyone's attention.

Vyrn

You gonna be okay? Something caught in your throat?

Dolza Rhem

Confound it all with your perverse remarks!

Dolza Rhem

Ahem... I'd like to choose the people who will accompany me.

A crinkle forms in Katalina's brow despite her understanding of the matter.

Katalina

I suppose it's only fair to want to handpick your personal security detail...

Katalina

As king, you would naturally want your most trusted vassals closest by your side.

Dolza Rhem

No. You mistake my intentions.

Katalina

Hm?

Dolza Rhem

I want your crew to protect me on the way to Ganesha.

Ganesha is sealed in an underground chamber directly below the royal palace.

Gran and company head for the cave leading to the chamber.

Dolza Rhem

Huff...

Dolza Rhem

Ngh, I need a break! I'm all worn out!

Reinhardtzar

So he says... What do we do?

Cain

Hm... I want to get there ASAP, but we can't do this on our own...

Dialogue Option

We could use a breather.

They find a quiet alleyway to lie down for a bit.

Dialogue Option

Let's rest up.

They find a quiet alleyway to lie down for a bit.

Dolza Rhem

Pant... Wheeze...

Lyria

Um... Are you okay?

Dolza Rhem

Do I... huff... look like I'm okay?

Dolza Rhem

I've never received training to fight on the frontlines... Not to mention I live in excess every day...

Cain, with a grave expression, turns to Dolza Rhem who has finally caught his breath.

Cain

Your Highness, Dolza Rhem... Seeing no other course of action, I chose not to speak earlier, but...

Cain

Does Gilbert know of Ganesha's existence?

Dolza Rhem

Of course. He knows the kingdom inside-out, even more so than me.

Cain

Then we can suppose he's aware that Ganesha is the cornerstone of the palace's defense.

Cain

With that in mind, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume he has troops placed strategically around Ganesha.

Cain

I'm not too sure we can take on such a force with our paltry numbers...

Dolza Rhem

That won't be a concern. There's a limit to what he can do. Even if he has placed troops, their numbers would be meager.

Reinhardtzar

What makes you so sure?

Dolza Rhem

I have two reasons. And one of them is quite pitiful...

With the preamble out of the way, Dolza Rhem continues.

Dolza Rhem

Chances are Ganesha is extremely unstable right now.

Katalina

Huh?

Dolza Rhem

Everything that's happened in the kingdom has no doubt had an effect on Ganesha.

Dolza Rhem

No one in their right mind would try to tame a primal beast who's gone out of control.

Dolza Rhem

Placing troops around it would present too great of a risk.

Vyrn

Whoa, why didn't ya tell us sooner?

Dolza Rhem

Wasn't it you who claimed to have gone toe to toe with primal beasts? If that's true, then I don't see the problem.

Vyrn

Well...

Lyria

So that's why you chose us to go with you.

Dolza Rhem

Well, that's definitely one reason.

Lyria

...?

Dolza Rhem

As for the other reason...

Dolza Rhem pauses briefly as if to steady his own resolve.

Dolza Rhem

I don't wish to dissolve my pact with Ganesha.

Reinhardtzar

Hm... What are you saying?

Dolza Rhem

Ganesha governs prosperity. Without the pact, my bloodline would fall from grace.

Dolza Rhem

Losing Ganesha's influence could very well spell the end of the Rhem bloodline with my generation.

Dolza Rhem

The mere thought of it frightens me. And Gilbert knows that all too well.

Dolza Rhem

Not even in his wildest dreams would he imagine me approaching Ganesha with the current state of things.

Dolza Rhem takes on a self-deprecating tone as he explains his reasons.

Cain

Well... That's certainly reason enough.

Reinhardtzar

Are you sure this is what you want?

Seeing the king's eyes still downcast, Reinhardtzar tests his resolve.

Dolza Rhem breathes a weary sigh before answering in resignation.

Dolza Rhem

As thickheaded as I might be, even I know this is the only option left to us.

Dolza Rhem

This is the beginning of the end for my bloodline unless I take action now.

Dolza Rhem

As a coward without the least bit of talent, I'm a far cry from the man my brother Guza was.

Dolza Rhem

If my family's reign is to end here, then I want to see it off by doing something meaningful for once.

The well-rested crew continues the trek toward Ganesha.

The bold determination in Dolza Rhem's eyes is apparent as he keeps up with their stride.

Lecia and Monika arrive in Nalhegrande to investigate the sins of the skydom, as ordered by Walfrid. They theorize that Nalhegrande's past unification might hold some answers and head for Starke Island to gather more information.

Walfrid

Investigate the sins of the Nalhegrande Skydom.

Walfrid

That was the request that was brought to me.

As ordered by Captain Walfrid, Lecia and Monika proceed in their investigation into the sins of Nalhegrande Skydom.

They've been quietly let aboard Walfrid's airship, a vessel capable of traversing across skydoms.

The two have now made their way to Merkmal Island, a remote region in Nalhegrande.

Monika

The sins of this skydom, eh?

Lecia

Honestly, it's so vague I don't even know where to begin...

Monika

Yeah... If only we had some kind of clue to latch onto...

Monika

It's not exactly practical to go hopping across the entire skydom to find out what those sins might be.

Monika

But it's very likely that someone—or should I say some country or organization—is involved.

Monika

Focusing our efforts on the heavily populated islands and countries first seems like the best way to go about it.

Lecia

Great, we came to Merkmal for nothing...

Lecia

What we see here are the camps of bandits who have long since disbanded.

Monika

Well, I wasn't expecting to find much at our first stop anyway.

Monika shifts emotional gears, focusing back on their mission at hand.

Monika

Let's head to the next place. Where do you think we should go?

Lecia

Hm, good question...

Lecia produces from her pocket a report detailing recent happenings in Nalhegrande.

Lecia

These two powerhouses would probably present us with the greatest leads...

Lecia

The Idelva and Rhem kingdoms...

Lecia

Word is they've only recently engaged in warfare.

Lecia

This report from the third fleet cautions us to avoid approaching for the time being...

Lecia is driven to her wits by this report from the Third Fleet of the Crew of Enforcers, responsible for overlooking the Nalhegrande Skydom.

Monika

Does it give any specifics on how the war is progressing?

Lecia

Idelva suffered an attack from Rhem during the absence of its sovereign and is now on the losing side.

Lecia

This report came in the form of a letter, so things may have changed since then.

Monika

The absence of the sovereign? The way everything adds up worries me.

Lecia

Hm?

Monika points to a passage in the report.

Monika

A shocking turn of events shakes the kingdom at its very core during the sovereign's sudden disappearance—a development all too similar to the downfall of the Torhid Kingdom.

Lecia

So, Monika, you think there's some sort of link between what happened to both kingdoms?

Monika

I'm not positive of that. It could all just be a coincidence.

Monika

You could also say that a ruler's absence can easily lead up to such things.

Lecia

Yeah, I guess we can't be too sure...

Monika

Anyhow... We can't reveal ourselves just yet.

Monika

Captain Walfrid made it very clear that we're to look into the matter from behind the scenes.

Monika

So sneaking into these warring kingdoms with only us two doesn't seem very practical.

Lecia

Kluger Island and Bestia Island might house lower populations, but maybe we can do a quick survey there?

Monika

Hm... I'm not too sure myself...

Although Lecia and Monika have only just arrived in Nalhegrande, their investigation has already hit a snag.

Lecia flips through the pages of the report on Nalhegrande and offers a third suggestion.

Lecia

Monika, what do you think of Starke Island?

Lecia holds the report in front of Monika, pointing to a specific passage.

Monika

The accursed island subjected to divine retribution?

Lecia

It was once home to the former capital of the now fallen Torhid Kingdom.

Lecia

People left in droves when the kingdom began to fall apart. What remains is nearly in ruins.

Lecia

Its reputation as a cursed island has kept neighboring kingdoms from wanting to add it to their territory.

Lecia

Which is understandable, of course. The very thought that such retribution could occur again would keep anyone away.

Monika

Hm...

After perusing the section pointed out by Lecia, Monika speaks her thoughts.

Monika

Say, Lecia... I noticed something just doesn't add up about this mission.

Monika

You remember how Captain Walfrid asked us to look into the sins of Nalhegrande Skydom?

Monika

His choice of words seems to suggest that the sins were perpetrated not by any one person or kingdom, but by the entire skydom.

Monika

Do you know what this means, Lecia?

Lecia

N-not really...

Monika

These sins could be referring to something as far back as when Nalhegrande was one.

Lecia

You mean when Nalhegrande was unified? As in the Torhid Kingdom?

Monika

It's possible. No—I'm almost sure of it.

Monika

Of course, we can't discount the notion that Nalhegrande was also, in a way, a single unified entity during the reign of the Astrals.

Lecia

The reign of the Astrals...

Lecia

That reminds me... The Great Wall of Nalhegrande has been around since the time of the Astrals.

Following Lecia's lead, Monika looks up into the sky.

Monika

The Great Wall, eh? What is it even? And how does it stay afloat?

Lecia

That I don't know...

Lecia

But what I do know is it's a grave marker... A giant tombstone.

Monika

A grave marker? Hm, doesn't sound like it relates much to our current investigation.

Monika

Anyway, let's see what we can dig up on the Torhid Kingdom.

Monika

I'm sure we'll find something on Starke Island.

The duo from the Crew of Enforcers head to their next destination in search of new clues.

The fates of many begin to converge on a single point.

The Scarlet Knight visits Hal while he sleeps in his cell, revealing his motivations for protecting Hal to Pholia, a light sleeper. Before leaving, he informs her that Idelva troops are attempting to break her out.

Pholia

...

Hal

Zzz...

Confined to a cell underneath the royal palace...

Pholia and Hal have fallen into a peaceful slumber from fatigue.

Pholia

Hm?

A visitor's presence melds with the tranquility.

Scarlet Knight

...

Scarlet Knight Baragona is careful not to make too much noise as he checks in on Hal.

Hal

...

Scarlet Knight

...

His expression is full of compassion as he leans forward.

Pholia

I'm finding it hard to believe, but is Hal actually your child?

The Scarlet Knight shows no hint of surprise at the question.

Scarlet Knight

Wrong. I am without wife and child.

Scarlet Knight

Regardless... I must protect the boy at all costs.

Pholia

I suppose you do share common ground in your Torhid royal heritage.

Pholia

You two are relatives in a way... But how close are you really?

Scarlet Knight

It's not very becoming of a sovereign to pry into other's affairs.

Pholia

Heh... Bai Ze would've said the same.

Pholia

But this is not Idelva—we're deep in enemy territory here.

Pholia

And the reason I've been locked in here is unrelated to my standing in Idelva.

Pholia

With this in mind, you would still call me sovereign?

The Scarlet Knight gives in to Pholia's pressing.

Scarlet Knight

Halvarda is, in essence, the very embodiment of all my sins.

Scarlet Knight

To look after him was also the dying wish of someone I respected greatly.

Scarlet Knight

It's imperative that our lives are linked.

His resolve makes for a curious juxtaposition with the regret in his eyes.

Hal

Mm...

Scarlet Knight

Let's cut our chat short. Wouldn't want to wake the boy.

Scarlet Knight

I take it you're a light sleeper, Pholia, but I hope you don't make so much noise as to wake him.

Pholia

Of course not... I'll be wiling away in here as I take in Hal's adorable sleeping face.

The Scarlet Knight prepares to walk off.

But not before leaving Pholia one last thought to chew on.

Scarlet Knight

You asked if you're worthy of being called sovereign in such a state...

Scarlet Knight

And to that... I say absolutely. You are a most brilliant sovereign, truly loved by her subjects.

Pholia

What do you mean?

Scarlet Knight

Idelva troops have been spotted fighting alongside the resistance.

Scarlet Knight

They've no doubt come to rescue you. I can't say for sure they'll succeed, but it's obvious they believe in you.

Pholia

...

With that last remark, the Scarlet Knight takes his leave of the dimly-lit cell.

Pholia

(Rgh... Why do they bother...)

Although she finds herself bemoaning what's come to pass, a part of her is rather pleased.

Gran and company continue down an underground passage, only to be met by Anissida and Hailak. Although the Golden Knight isn't with them, it appears a difficult battle is ahead.

Under Dolza Rhem's guidance, Gran and company continue through the underground passage leading to Ganesha.

Along the way a violent, ear-piercing shrill shakes the very air they breathe.

Katalina

Rgh... That was intense... Is that what Ganesha is capable of?

Lyria

It sounded like it was in so much pain... I guess Ganesha really has gone out of control...

Dialogue Option

We'll make things right.

Lyria

Of course!

Vyrn

If we can hear its voice, then we must be getting close! Let's get a move on—

???

How did you even reach such a conclusion? You heard how terrifying that scream was, right?

Anissida

What's up ahead is one heck of a beast you do not want to mess with.

Anissida

I'd suggest turning back if you want to live through this day.

Hailak

It'd certainly make our lives easier.

Hailak

Cleaning down here can be a real mess, you know?

Katalina

You two! We met at Silverwind Stretch...

Anissida

How nice to know you remember us! You just made my day!

Vyrn

Sigh... And I also remember these guys are with Istavion too...

Vyrn

Wait, if they're here, then the Golden Knight's gotta be...

Gran and company brace themselves for the Golden Knight's appearance, but no one else appears to be in the vicinity.

Vyrn

She's not around?

Hailak

Nope. We've been left in charge down here.

Cain

So it's only you two then...

Hailak

Mm-hm... Got a problem with that?

Cain

Nope! Just making sure.

While Cain breathes a sigh of relief, Dolza Rhem lets out a chuckle with a tone of self-mockery.

Dolza Rhem

I... I can't believe he actually only placed two soldiers here...

Dolza Rhem

Is that how lowly the stinker thinks of me?

Dolza Rhem

To think that I placed all my trust in him...

Anissida

...

Dolza Rhem

It's clear as day now... I was never fit to be king. I'm just a sad old milksop compared to the venerable ironside that Guza was...

Anissida

Correction, Your Highness. Actually, make that two corrections.

Dolza Rhem

Huh?

None are able to contain their surprise at the unexpected remark.

Hailak

Anissida? What are you playing at?

Anissida

First, a truly worthless king would never deign to slander himself.

Anissida

You care for your people. In your inability to help them, you curse yourself because you share in their pain.

Anissida

That alone shows you fulfill the most basic criteria for a king.

Dolza Rhem

...!

Anissida

Secondly!

Anissida

The reason there's only two of us here defending Ganesha isn't because we've underestimated you. Nor does it mean we've thinned our ranks.

Anissida

Ganesha is unstable right now. Anyone close by needs to adapt accordingly to anything that might happen.

Anissida

That includes keeping Ganesha in check if the need arises.

Anissida

With that in mind, the top brass chose us two rather than a hundred or so foot soldiers.

Anissida

You get it now?

Anissida

Look down on us again, and we'll make you regret it!

Anissida and Hailak move in perfect unison as they rush toward the crew.

Reinhardtzar

Heh... They're not gonna make this easy for us one way or another!

Reinhardtzar

You say Ganesha back there's one heck of a beast? I'm game! You guys had better be good for more than a warm-up!

Instead of chasing after the retreating duo, Gran and the others make haste to confront Ganesha and invade the palace before word can reach Gilbert.

Reinhardtzar

Yaaargh!

Hailak

...!
That's some impressive firepower for someone barehanded!

Anissida

Hahah! Just goes to show Idelva troops aren't pushovers.

Anissida speaks calmly, but she furtively eyes Hailak.

Anissida

(We need to pull back. Relaying what's happened here comes first.)

Hailak

...

The two create some distance from the crew and rush off down a branching tunnel.

Katalina

Wait!

Cain

Leave them. Chasing them won't do us much good right now.

Cain

Fighting has broken out above ground too. It won't be long before Gilbert finds out we're here.

Cain

That's why we have to get to Ganesha right away.

Staying on the alert, the crew presses forward through the underground passage, toward the agonizing screams.

Dolza Rhem

...

The time for the king to make the most crucial of decisions draws near.