Granblue Story Archives

The armor-clad knight tells Lyria that her primal beasts can't hear her in the Otherworld. When Katalina, Mikaboshi, and Rackam finally reunite with Lyria, they are surprised by the knight, none more so than Mikaboshi. The knight goes by the name Ares; originally an Astral, Ares has for some reason become a primal beast.

When Lyria awoke to find herself alone in the Otherworld, she had submitted to the feeling of helplessness.

But the arrival of a knight, fully clad in armor, saves her life and perhaps her spirits.

Lyria

E-excuse me! I want to thank you for saving me.

Lyria

Um, can I ask who you are? Where you came from?

Lyria

You don't feel scary, so I don't think you're an Otherworldly—

???

Girl in blue.

Lyria

Y-yes?

???

Although the Otherworld is in close proximity to the Sky Realm, it possesses great discontinuity.

???

Your summoning power creates a borrowed copy of a primal beast.

???

A copy requires a source; should the original beast not hear your call, a copy will not be granted.

???

In the Otherworld, even the power of the Astrals may hold no sway.

???

Power that is merely borrowed is even less effective here.

???

You would do well to distinguish one's own power from that which is borrowed.

Lyria

Okay...

Having said all that needed to be said, the knight prepares to leave, but Lyria isn't ready to see her rescuer go.

Lyria

Um, do you know something about me?

Lyria

I think I sense the aura of a primal beast coming from y—

Katalina

Lyria!

Lyria

Katalina!

A familiar figure runs toward Lyria. The young girl happily leaps into Katalina's arms, hugging her extra tightly to make sure it's not a dream.

Lyria

Katalina... Thank goodness you're safe.

Katalina

Yes, I got lucky. I was able to rendezvous with Rackam and Mikaboshi soon after I came to.

Katalina

I'm so sorry, Lyria. It seems you went through a lot while I was away again.

Lyria

No, it's okay. Someone came to save me.

Lyria gestures toward the armored knight.

Katalina

You saved Lyria?

Katalina

I don't know how to express my gratitude, but thank you.

???

...

Katalina

...?

???

Could it really be?

Katalina

Er, have we been acquainted before?

Katalina

I'm sorry, but I don't seem to recall ever meeting you... Perhaps your name will jog my memory.

???

Hm...

The brusque armored knight studies Lyria and Katalina. As the knight ponders, another familiar face comes in late.

Rackam

Hey, you two! You both okay?

Rackam

Everything looks in order here. Good. No major injuries.

Mikaboshi

I know how important the girl in blue is to you, but could you just—

Mikaboshi comes chasing after Rackam, but she immediately has the wind sucked out of her when she catches sight of the armored knight.

Mikaboshi

Why... Why are you here?

???

It's been a long time, Mikaboshi.

Lyria

Oh, do you two know each other?

Rackam

Wait, what? You actually recognize someone in this forsaken Otherworld?

Mikaboshi

Aha... So that's how it is. It's coming back to me now. You hadn't been unsealed yet.

Mikaboshi

No wonder I thought this skyfarer knight looked familiar...

Mikaboshi glances from Katalina to the armored knight, comparing the two faces in her head.

Katalina

My face looked familiar to you? What do you mean?

Rackam

So, uh, I'm guessing that walking tank isn't our enemy?

Mikaboshi

Who can say...

???

Your enemy, I am not. I have no reason to antagonize you in this realm.

Rackam

Just who are you then?

Ares

Ares. My name is Ares. You are free to call me as such.

Mikaboshi

Ares is like me, an Astral who once invaded the Sky Realm.

Mikaboshi

We'd met several times before control of the skydoms was divided and allocated.

Mikaboshi

Your swordcraft and leadership on the battlefield was peerless, even within the superior ranks of the Astral forces.

Ares

That... was a long time ago.

Lyria

But wait a minute! I can feel the aura of a primal beast coming from Ares...

Ares

You are not wrong. No, perhaps it is better to say that you are correct.

Mikaboshi

Ares? Does that mean you...

Ares

My body has taken on the properties of a beast, though I do not fully understand why.

Ares

This transformation has remained unchanged since my arrival in the Otherworld.

Ares

Primal beast Ares is what I have come to be.

A complicated fate connects Lyria to her armored rescuer.

As for Gran and the others, the question of whether to confront this particular fate will have consequences for their future.

With no means of engaging primal beast Ares for now, the crew do the next best thing: seek out the map piece held by primal beast Ganesha so that they can strengthen the connection with Lyria and the others. Upon arriving at Rhem Kingdom, the crew find manipulated Rhem soldiers attacking the Violet Knight, so they hurry to his rescue.

The crew learns about the fourth primal beast, Ares, from Zeyen.

Unfortunately there's no way for the crew to interact with a primal beast who technically no longer exists.

For now, they concentrate on strengthening the connection with Lyria and the others.

Their plan is to head to Rhem Kingdom to obtain a Sky Map piece from Ganesha.

Ferry's gonna be okay, right?

She said she'd do what she can in Bestia since she can't fight, but...

I wonder if it's safe for her to be that close to the Otherworld.

Rosetta

I'm worried too, but we're out of options. We have to rely on her ghostly abilities.

Rosetta

That's not the only thing that worries me. From this point on, we'll be dangling over a precipice.

Rosetta stares grim-faced at Reiche Island.

Rosetta

The plan is to strengthen the tether between us and Lyria's group using Sky Map pieces...

Rosetta

But that also relies on them getting a map piece from Echidna on the Otherworld side.

Rosetta

And to stop the invasion, we need to bring Echidna back to the Sky Realm.

Rosetta

It's already a daunting task, made worse by the fact that we don't even know if they're hurt or not.

Rosetta

But our only choice is to put our faith in them.

Rosetta

The life link between Gran and Lyria can be severed at any moment.

Rosetta

No matter what dangers we face, everyone has to do their part or else we'll fail.

Rosetta

Ferry understands this.

Vyrn

No matter the dangers...
Do our part, huh...

Vyrn looks down at his paws, wondering about his own power.

By the way, Gran, are you feeling okay?

Dialogue Option

I'm getting by.

Mm... Your face isn't pale or anything, but you're probably still hurting a little...

Dialogue Option

I'm feeling a bit better.

Rosetta

The situation hasn't changed all that much though...

Rosetta

Maybe it's psychological. Well, a small glimmer of hope is something at least.

Rosetta and Io take turns feeling out Gran's state of mind.

This isn't the time to be relaxing, and it isn't good to be hasty either.

But just this once, even if it's risky, we might have to take our chances!

They are interrupted by the sound of pounding footsteps approaching from the bridge. It's Eugen, who's out of breath.

Eugen

Are you seeing what I'm seeing? Something's not right about the Rhem Kingdom.

Vyrn

What's that supposed to mean?

Eugen

Take a gander from the deck and see for yourself.

Even from a distance, it's clear that Rhem Kingdom is on high alert, just as the Violet Knight had said.

From the center of a throng of soldiers comes a flash of purple.

Rhem Soldier 1

Haaa!

Violet Knight

Aw, so close!

Violet Knight

Have you realized that winning is futile yet? There are limits to how far bravado can take you.

Rhem Soldier 1

Gaaah!

Violet Knight

Okay, okay. Looks like you're not in the mood to listen!

Rhem Soldier 1

Ugh...

The little powerhouse sends the larger Human soldier flying back with ease.

However...

Rhem Soldier 1

Huff... Huff...

Violet Knight

Sigh. I hate this, you know. I really do.

The soldier is short on breath, but madness compels him to stand and level his sword at the Violet Knight.

Violet Knight

Listen, son. You got a family? Are you their pillar of support?

Rhem Soldier 1

Aaaah!

Violet Knight

Whew...

Violet Knight

See, I've got a wife and kids. So I'd like to sympathize with you...

Violet Knight

Sorry, but I'll be breaking both your legs now. If you still manage to stand after that, I'll have no choice but to kill you.

Rhem Soldier 1

Aaargh!

The Violet Knight smashes the soldier's knees with pinpoint accuracy, forcing his attacker to the ground.

Violet Knight

I'll make sure you're compensated for being injured in the line of duty. So just stay down.

Rhem Soldier 1

Aaaugh! Gaaah!

Despite his excruciating pain, the writhing soldier's hostility toward the Violet Knight hasn't subsided.

Violet Knight

Well then—

Rhem Soldier 2

Grraaah!

Violet Knight

Whoa there!

Violet Knight

One soldier goes down, and another takes his place! You boys sure know how to fight!

Vyrn

Wait, why's the Violet Knight fighting Rhem soldiers?

He's supposed to be in charge of the kingdom now instead of the king.

Maybe it's a backstabbing or something?

Rosetta

Actually I think the soldiers themselves are acting strangely.

Rosetta

It's like they're being controlled by something...

Eugen

What's the call, Gran? Can't get to Ganesha without passing through here, but...

Dialogue Option

We provide the Violet Knight with backup.

Vyrn

Yeah! Nothing's right about this at all!

Dialogue Option

We could probably take him out.

Eugen

Use the confusion to our advantage? Well, that's one way of handling things, but...

Rosetta

Watch closely. He's doing his best not to fatally injure the soldiers.

Rosetta

If we don't help give him some breathing room, the death toll is going to climb as he gets desperate.

We need to stop those soldiers. They're not right in the head...

As soon as the airship touches down in Rhem, the crew rushes to the Violet Knight's aid.

The Violet Knight explains that Ganesha has gone mad trying to defend the island against the Otherworld invasion, and as a result the soldiers and citizens have also gone mad. Vyrn vows to face his past and volunteers to use his power to pacify Ganesha.

The crew rally to the Violet Knight, and they repulse the soldiers who have lost their common sense.

They retreat to the palace, with the Violet Knight tersely answering the crew's questions along the way.

Rosetta

Ganesha is out of control?

Violet Knight

Yes. It appears to be a self-defense mechanism.

Violet Knight

Defending Reiche Island from the Otherworld invasion is causing the primal to, in a sense, overheat.

Violet Knight

Like how your own skin keeps out foreign substances, Ganesha's trying to insulate the island from external threats, be it the Otherworld or otherwise.

Violet Knight

As a result all the soldiers are reacting to Ganesha's frenzy.

Violet Knight

Ganesha's power originates from the people, which probably makes it easy for them to be affected.

The Violet Knight breathes a big sigh of relief.

Violet Knight

You guys are really doing me a favor by coming here.

Violet Knight

They may not be thinking straight, but they're still citizens of Rhem. Killing them, even in self-defense, is akin to murder.

Violet Knight

On the other hand, if I were to slay Ganesha, the island would lose its divine protection. I might as well be inviting the Otherworlders in for tea.

Violet Knight

And without the primal beast's power of prosperity to guide the island's reconstruction, Rhem is finished.

Violet Knight

Enter Gran and the company Gran keeps. Truly you are our saviors, our guardian angels.

Huh? Hey, wait a minute. We're not—

Violet Knight

Now, now, no need to be humble. Only you can get us out of this awful dilemma.

Violet Knight

Ah, which reminds me...

Violet Knight

Aren't you a tad shorthanded? Where's the girl in blue?

Dialogue Option

About that...

The crew give a brief explanation of what they've had to endure before making it to Rhem.

Eugen

So it ain't just you guys who are in a rough spot.

It wouldn't be hard to calm Ganesha down if Lyria were here.

Rosetta

Unfortunately we need the piece Ganesha has first in order to bring her and the rest back.

Violet Knight

That is a pickle...

Faced with this undesirable turn of events, the Violet Knight falls into silent thought.

Violet Knight

Hm... How should we handle this...

Would it really be that bad to beat up Ganesha?

Violet Knight

I'm highly against that option. I still have ties to this kingdom, you know.

Violet Knight

I can't bring myself to thank our divine protector with a savage beatdown.

Violet Knight

Not that it'd help end Ganesha's furor anyway. You don't simply stop when you've gone berserk.

Violet Knight

Ganesha will keep drawing out power, long past its breaking point, until it collapses on itself.

Violet Knight

If we don't cure its madness, all that awaits the primal beast is its own destruction.

Rosetta

If Ganesha goes, then the map piece goes with it...

Eugen

That rules out brute force. We have to calm it down somehow.

Eugen

But without Lyria, we're sunk...

Vyrn

...

While everyone tries to come up with an idea, a small paw rises up.

Vyrn

Um, just throwing it out there, but maybe I can do something?

Dialogue Option

Vyrn?

Vyrn

This is kinda like the time Rosetta first met Gran's dad, isn't it?

Rosetta bristles when Vyrn brings up this relic from the past.

Rosetta

I'm sure having a pact with an island changes one's motivations...

Rosetta

But when you crave the power to protect something, anyone is susceptible to going overboard. Ganesha and I have that in common in this case.

Vyrn

Yeah! And me and Gran's dad stopped you, didn't we?

Vyrn

I'm just saying we can do it again!

With a determined look in his eyes, Vyrn suggests unleashing the ultimate power slumbering within himself.

Rosetta

But, Vyrn, aren't you—

Vyrn

But Gran isn't the type to hesitate!

Vyrn

And I'm Gran's best pal! I can't just float around shivering in my scales!

Rosetta

Never mind. You've made up your mind, haven't you?

Vyrn

Darn right! Plus we're gonna need my power once we get Lloyd back!

Vyrn

I think it's time for me to learn everything about myself.

Vyrn

No more running away! I'm not gonna bring shame to the skyfarer name 'cause I'm afraid of my past!

This sudden outpouring of energy from Vyrn washes away the gloom surrounding the crew.

Hehe. So what you're saying is, "Bring it on!"

Vyrn

Yep! Ganesha's just a warm-up for bigger things to come!

Eugen

Haha! Big words for a little dragon!

Eugen

But that doesn't make it any less true. I'm countin' on ya, great skyfarer!

Vyrn

Aw, yeah! Let's get this show on the road!

Violet Knight

Good, good. Speed is of the essence.

Violet Knight

It's only a matter of time before the enemies streaming into the palace bring the whole place crashing down.

Violet Knight

I'll keep them occupied.

With all eyes on Vyrn, Gran asks the long-time pal one final question.

Dialogue Option

You ready for this?

Vyrn

Hehe. As ready as any skyfarer!

Vyrn

I've been ready since we left to go after your dad!

Dialogue Option

Are you going to hold back?

Vyrn

I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't scared.

Vyrn

But I gotta live up to bein' an awesome skyfarer!

Vyrn

What's more awesome than crushing your fears and standing up to a big baddie for your friends?

Gran can see that Vyrn's will is ironclad.

Leaving the outer perimeter of the palace in the hands of the Violet Knight, the crew prepares to face Ganesha.

While the Violet Knight holds off more Rhem soldiers, the crew heads underneath the palace to face Ganesha. Eugen, Io, and Rosetta buy time for Vyrn as he concentrates on unleashing his power.

Gran and company proceed through an underground tunnel they had used during a previous incident in Rhem.

I almost forgot Ganesha lives beneath the palace.

Rosetta

I remember the last time we were here...

Rosetta

It was... livelier back then.

Rosetta casts her eyes downward as the faces of her friends trapped in the Otherworld pop into her head.

Eugen

Our crewmates are fighting tooth and nail to claw their way back to the skies.

Eugen

Business is business, and we've gotta take care of it on our end.

A powerful roar blasts through the underground passage, signaling that the enemy has caught wind of them.

Sounds like Ganesha's home.

Eugen

It's time for the showdown.

Eugen

Get ready to fight, Vyrn! Gran!

Vyrn

Gotcha!

Dialogue Option

Let's go!

Ganesha

...!

They follow the corridor until it opens up to a bigger room and Ganesha comes into view.

Oof. My staff would've blown away if I wasn't holding it tightly enough!

Rosetta

Vyrn, are you ready?

Vyrn

Yeah! Just say the word!

Eugen

We're down a coupla bodies compared to last time. This ain't gonna be a walk in the park.

Eugen

But defeat is not an option! Charge!

Here we go, Rosetta!

Ganesha

...!

Io, Eugen, and Rosetta take the front line to draw Ganesha's attention.

Vyrn

(It's like that time I first used my power to stop Yggdrasil Malice in Lumacie...)

Vyrn concentrates on testing his power as he waits for an opening.

Vyrn

(I can do this! No more cowering behind everyone else. A skyfarer's gotta do what a skyfarer's gotta do!)

Vyrn

(I—)

Dialogue Option

Vyrn!

Vyrn

Wha!

A chunk of rock launched by Ganesha is flying straight toward the preoccupied Vyrn.

The resulting impact would be like a cannonball smashing into a bullet.

Gran, who isn't about to let a good friend perish, dives in front of Vyrn.

Vyrn

Gran, you...

Dialogue Option

I'll handle bodyguard duty.

Vyrn

R-right! I got this! My power is yours, buddy!

Dialogue Option

Eyes on the prize, Vyrn.

Vyrn

R-right! I got this! My power is yours, buddy!

Vyrn's response puts a smile on Gran's face.

Vyrn

(Yeah, I've got this. 'Cause I'm Gran's best pal.)

Vyrn

(Gran's always gonna have my back. That's why there's nothin' that can stop me.)

Vyrn

(This is what separates the lizards from the dragons!)

Vyrn

(If I can't stand firm right here and now, then I don't deserve to be called Gran's friend!)

Thanks to the efforts of Vyrn and the others, Ganesha's rampage is quelled, and the crew earn a Sky Map piece for their troubles. But amid the celebration, Vyrn is filled with dread when he, and only he, suddenly sees a terrifying memory in which he faces an almighty god.

Ganesha

...

Vyrn's power and the crew's fighting prowess combine to calm down Ganesha.

Vyrn

Huff... Pant...

I think it might... finally be listening... to us...

Eugen

Knowing Ganesha was only trying to do the right thing made it hard to go all out... What an annoying handicap...

Rosetta

Haha. That stings, considering I've made similar mistakes in the past.

Rosetta

But look.

Ganesha

...

Ganesha calmly looks at the crew and extends a hand.

It offers them a mysterious glowing crystal.

Dialogue Option

The Sky Map piece!

Ganesha

...

The primal beast hands over the object to the elated captain and then vanishes.

Rosetta

The island's divine protection is still intact, but the invasion won't stop just because the barrier is still in place.

Eugen

Yeah, we're still a long ways off from being able to say "case closed."

Eugen

But it's one step at a time. Right, Gran?

Vyrn

Yeah!

Vyrn

This should help pull Lyria's group from—

Vyrn

Huh? What's going on?

Vyrn

Wha? Where...

Vyrn looks behind him. A figure with giant wings dwarfs him, its roar powerful enough to shake the entire realm.

???

...!

Vyrn

Yikes!

This being, which one could call a god, turns the focus of its world-creating power toward the red dragon, who is tiny by all comparisons.

Vyrn

Whoa, whoa, wait a minute! I—

Bahamut

...!

Vyrn

...!

Vyrn

Huh? Uh, what happened to me?

Dialogue Option

Vyrn?

You blanked out for a sec back there. Do you need a nap after using up your powers?

Rosetta

It sounded like you were talking to yourself. Were you having a nightmare?

Vyrn

A nightmare?

Vyrn

(Like my dreams... Is it related to my journey with Gran's dad?)

Vyrn

(But what I saw was...)

Vyrn trembles when he recalls the terror etched into his being.

Vyrn

(Could that be the reason why my memories were sealed?)

Vyrn

(What the heck did Gran's dad go up against?)

Vyrn keeps the troubling vision to himself.

But it won't be something the crew can avoid forever.