Granblue Story Archives

In the days after the True King's abdication, Gran is urged to take the throne. The True King is trying to show Gran something, and the people of Istavion seek stability. Raclitus, now acquitted, comes to thank the crew. He says he suddenly found himself back in the city. When asked if he knows who Zarazustra and Guillota are, he says he doesn't.

The whiplash from the True King's abdication still lingers in the days after.

Gran

...

Within the throne room, Gran is perhaps among the most flabbergasted.

White Knight

How did it come to this?

Vyrn

That's what we'd like to know! What's that old coot thinking!

White Knight

I myself cannot read His Majesty's mind, but the sad truth is, Istavion is without a king.

White Knight

At this rate, the citizens of every island will fall into panic.

White Knight

I'm not asking for this to be a permanent solution. However, will you take the throne until we are able to locate His Majesty?

Gran

...

The Luminary drops to one knee and bows his head. What will Gran say?

Dialogue Option

This is too much to handle...

Lyria

Ahaha... Oh dear. This really is a pickle...

Rescuing the shrine priestess. Making it to Estalucia.

These are the crew's top priorities.

White Knight

I understand you have prior engagements.

White Knight

However, assuming the throne doesn't mean it will hinder your journey.

Rackam

You sayin' it could be to our benefit?

White Knight

Yes.

Dialogue Option

Sure

Katalina

Gran? You can't be serious!

Rosetta

You don't plan on setting down roots here, do you? Is there something you're not telling us?

Of course the captain has no plans to stop journeying. It's just that this offer is too good to refuse.

The throne bequeathed to the True King comes with all the privileges of Istavion as one would expect.

Such perks include the easy traversal of the Grim Basin.

Vyrn

Oh, right. Don't know how they do it, but the Seven Luminary Knights can cross the Grim Basin too.

Lyria

Does that mean we won't have to collect Sky Map pieces anymore?

Gran nods.

The last words left behind by the True King are also of intrigue to the captain.

White Knight

That's right. Those words are probably His Majesty's true intent.

True King

All of this is for the greater good of the skies. The invisible hand is starting to move.

True King

Watch from the king's throne, Gran, to see what I had witnessed in this courtroom.

True King

Then come find me on Estalucia, Island of the Astrals. I will be waiting.

White Knight

His Majesty could clearly see something we couldn't.

White Knight

He's trying to show whatever that is to Gran as well. That's what I think.

Eugen

The hell could it be? And what's the invisible hand he was goin' on about?

White Knight

The threat to the skies—the Otherworld—could be on the move.

Vyrn

So... he knows what the Otherworlders are goin' after?

Rackam

Havin' the authority to cross the Grim Basin whenever we want is great and all, but...

White Knight

You won't have to reign for long. Only until we find His Majesty and the citizens feel safe. Please. What do you say?

As Rackam had pointed out, there are benefits to the role. Besides, leaving the kingdom's populace to descend into disorder doesn't sit well with the crew.

The students of Philos, the pleasure seekers of Libertaria... They're not total strangers.

Raclitus

Gran.

Katalina

Raclitus! You've finally been released!

Raclitus

Oh, Ms. Katalina! Good to see you too. I'm a free man now thanks to you and Gran.

Lyria

I'm so glad you're okay. Um, you got a lot skinnier.

Raclitus

The food I was provided with appeared out of thin air, and it wasn't much. That's why I'm not as strong as I used to be.

Katalina

A few days of training should fix that right up. I'll be your trainer.

Raclitus

Haha... I'd really appreciate that.

Vyrn

Gran got you out just in time. I was gettin' antsy.

Eugen

It's been a whirlwind of confusion, but at least this is one case closed.

The crew takes comfort in Raclitus's smile, despite how haggard he looks.

White Knight

Pardon me, Raclitus, but may I inquire as to where you had gone after the prison's teleportation circle activated?

Raclitus

To tell you the truth, I'm not really sure. Next thing I knew, I was back in the city.

White Knight

Did Ruby Pop Irotis use teleportation magic?

Raclitus

I have no idea what she did. Sorry.

White Knight

I see...

White Knight

Lastly, do the names Guillota and Zarazustra mean anything to you?

Raclitus

...

Raclitus

No, can't say that they do.

White Knight

Hm...

White Knight

Why would His Majesty bring up those two names? I feel it has to be a clue of some kind...

Neither Gran nor the rest of the crew recognize the names spoken by the True King before he departed.

The two individuals remain a mystery to them.

Former True King Tau'luk summons a Violet Knight from a "different world" to accompany him and the shrine priestess on their journey to Estalucia. Tau'luk explains that this world is one of many, and due to the Otherworld's meddling in a different world, this world was nearly destroyed. He claims his sudden and unexpected abdication in the courtroom is what saved this world from that destruction.

Tau'luk

...

Former True King Tau'luk is on an island in a sector of Istavion airspace.

Shrine Priestess

What are you going to do now?

Tau'luk

You will see in a moment.

Shrine Priestess

...

Tau'luk is dressed like an ordinary traveler. Standing beside him is the shrine priestess, gloom evident on her face.

???

There you are, True King.

Tau'luk

Hmph. Even in abdication, I cannot escape that moniker.

Violet Knight

Forgive my rudeness. You go by Lord Tau'luk now.

Shrine Priestess

...!

Tau'luk

How does it feel to be here? Have you adjusted accordingly?

Violet Knight

Not in the slightest. There's no telling when my cover will be blown.

Violet Knight

That being said, I'm grateful I got to see my family again, Lord Tau'luk.

Tau'luk

That is good to hear.

Shrine Priestess

Who is this person?

Tau'luk

We require assistance on our journey, therefore I "summoned" help.

Violet Knight

You pulled a real shocker. Why were you in such a rush to publicly step down in the courtroom?

Tau'luk

Surely you witnessed it too—the abnormality that arose during the trial.

Violet Knight

Ah, you mean how Guillota and Zarazustra were suddenly replaced by Gran and Katalina. What about it?

Tau'luk

It seems the Otherworlders have switched tactics. Excluding you and me, no one else was able to sense their latest assault.

Violet Knight

I see.

Shrine Priestess

Wait a moment. What is it that you know?

Tau'luk

This world is corrupted. Otherworldly power is trying to overwrite the timeline itself.

Shrine Priestess

The timeline itself?

Tau'luk

This timeline is but one possibility among many in a multiverse.

Tau'luk

Imagine this sky as one limb of a grand tree that supports countless other limbs. We exist in the now due to the branching of many events, large and small.

Tau'luk

When a branch shakes in the wind, the surrounding branches shake with it. When one branch withers from an affliction, its neighbors suffer as well.

Violet Knight

So what you're saying is the Otherworld killed the Guillota and Zarazustra of a different branch.

Tau'luk

At the very least, a branch close to this one was nipped at the bud.

Violet Knight

They're doing some pruning.

Tau'luk

That is the worrisome aspect of it. Those who live further along a branch will have no knowledge of what transpired in other branches.

Shrine Priestess

Then this world...

Tau'luk

Nearly saw its end. We have diverged greatly from the branch that was damaged by the Otherworld's meddling.

Violet Knight

By abdicating, you spawned a new branch.

Tau'luk

This is merely a stopgap measure. Thankfully I still retain the throne in every nearby branch.

Violet Knight

So what do we do now? No doubt the afflictions will continue traversing other branches in their pursuit of us.

Tau'luk

Hmph. Why do you think I relinquished my kingly vestments?

Violet Knight

Fine, fine. I'll come along. Onwards, to the Island of the Astrals—

Shrine Priestess

The Holy Seat of Genesis?

The man formerly known as the True King nods and slowly walks off.

Tau'luk

Separating from the ruined world they've conquered bought us time, but only just.

The shrine priestess turns to look back at the castle where Gran and the others are currently staying.

Shrine Priestess

...!

With a frown, she hurries to catch up to Tau'luk.

Loki, along with Mikaboshi and Fenrir, watch as Gran grapples with being the True King. Repti appears before True King Gran and announces a leave of absence to accompany Tau'luk to Estalucia, and then he vanishes. Mikaboshi suddenly tenses up—she senses that something has arrived in Duat.

Loki

Hehe... Hahaha!

Fenrir

Ugh, can you be any creepier? What's so funny?

Loki

Hehehe... See for yourself, Fenrir.

Gran

...

Woman 1

It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Majesty. I am the minister of finance for the islands.

Man 2

You look well, Your Majesty. I am the minister of health and welfare.

Over the course of the morning, various heads of state come to introduce themselves to Gran.

The captain has been roped into more and more duties as the True King.

Loki

True King Gran. That's way too funny.

Mikaboshi

...

Loki

Hm? Feeling jealous, Mikaboshi?

Mikaboshi

No way. I'm just worried.

Loki

Ah, you mean about the conversation we had when we first came to Duat.

Loki

Almost, Fenrir. Not something but some things. Three, to be exact.

Fenrir

Now that all this stuff has happened, how about telling me what those three somethings are?

Loki

One is the Otherworldly river that crashed the prison. Something that big wasn't made in a day.

Loki

Another something is the coffer. The star coffer as it were.

Fenrir

And the last something?

Loki

Jury's still out on that one, but we'll find out in due time. Until then we'll be watching from the wings.

Fenrir

It's always waiting with you.

Loki

Oho, what's this?

Something piques Loki's interest.

Gran

...

Repti

Salutations to the new True King. You fill that throne nicely.

Repti

This jester came to congratulate your ascension as soon as he heard the news.

Repti puts his respect on full display, bowing deeply to Gran.

Repti

Duat, island of tribunals. Not only did you rescue your friend from an illegal death, but you even toppled the True King. An absolute brilliant display of skill.

Dialogue Option

What are you scheming now?

Repti

Tis merely a piffling matter I thought you should hear, Your Majesty.

He answers without skipping a beat.

It remains unclear whether this was all part of Repti's plan when he had urged Gran to come to Duat.

Repti

I hereby bid farewell for an extended period of time.

Repti

I will be stepping out of the spotlight to see what awaits former True King Tau'luk on his journey.

White Knight

...!

The White Knight, standing at attention next to Gran, reflexively steps forward.

Repti

We shall meet again. Our paths will surely cross considering what's written in your letter.

White Knight

Wait!

The White Knight's command goes unheeded as Repti disappears like smoke.

Fenrir

Is he the last something?

Loki

Nope. Look at Mikaboshi's face.

Mikaboshi

...

Loki

The last something seems inextricably linked to Mikaboshi.

Loki

Haha, what could it be, I wonder?

Eventually, the stream of visitors coming to see Gran dries up.

Gran

...

Still not used to sitting on the throne, Gran's tiring day comes to an end.

At the end of a busy day, Alliah leads Gran to the king's chambers. Gran notices a journal left behind on a desk. Before Gran can read it, Irotis appears out of nowhere and kidnaps the captain. Gran has been brought to a stone room, and next to Irotis is the star coffer, which contains a figure who resembles Lyria. Stricken by this sight, Gran instinctively grabs Irotis, knocking off her hood and mask to reveal her true identity: Shitori.

Lyria

Hooray! Gran's finally done for the day.

Vyrn

You look bushed, buddy. You gonna be okay?

White Knight

Please attend to your captain. Meanwhile I will attempt to lessen Gran's burdens as much as possible.

Katalina

You seem to be taking a lot of responsibility upon yourself...

White Knight

Yes, well, that's to be expected. I'm extremely busy dealing with messages from all corners of the kingdom.

Rackam

We've had our disagreements, but I wouldn't mind helpin' out with some of that. You in, old-timer?

Eugen

Sure. I ain't a fan of his politics, but we gotta find the True King fast.

White Knight

Thank you. Sigh, where has His Majesty gone...

Rosetta

Telling us he'll be waiting at the Island of the Astrals seemed intentional. Does he have a plan?

White Knight

I can't say much to that. But if it came from His Majesty's mouth, I'm certain he has a plan.

Vyrn

Island of the Astrals, Estalucia...

White Knight

My knowledge of Estalucia only comes from myth. As far as I know, Istavion's national archives don't carry any literature associated with that island.

White Knight

However, His Majesty may have left behind personal writings on the subject.

Alliah

If there is anything to be found, it will likely be in the king's chambers.

One of the True King's daughters, Alliah, removes her helmet and approaches.

Alliah

I'm sorry for being late to your inauguration, even though I'm your partner.

Lyria

Wh-what!

Alliah

Is something wrong?

Lyria

W-well... Um... This is kind of weird? Because, you know...

Alliah

Despite the absence of a wedding ceremony, the previous king proclaimed that the current king is worthy of my hand.

Alliah

It is only natural that I behave like the current king's betrothed to maintain public perception.

Alliah

White Knight. Does my interpretation run counter to the law?

White Knight

Huh? You're putting me on the spot... From a technical standpoint... I would say no...

Alliah

In any case, a good public image is crucial for keeping our citizens from faltering.

White Knight

Erm, yes, you make a valid point... Let me consider this for a bit. I will advise you afterward.

Alliah

Do as you like. Come, my partner. The king's chamber has been made. Follow me.

Vyrn

Things just got more complicated.

Lyria

Ahaha... Mm-hm, in more ways than one...

Leaving the crew and White Knight—his face as pale as his armor—behind, Gran follows Alliah into the king's chambers.

Alliah

Please retire here after finishing your duties for the day. Be sure to inform the servant when you need to leave.

For something as grandiose as the king's chambers, the room is rather frugal.

Its furnishings, the highlight being a well-stocked bookcase, meet the bare minimum. A journal on a modest desk catches Gran's eye.

Gran

...

The captain walks over to it.

Alliah

You may use anything in here however you see fit. That was the previous king's wish.

Alliah

But aside from blood relatives and the specially appointed servant, please refrain from letting anyone else in this room.

Gran speculates there must be a reason behind this restriction.

The captain has no intention of throwing the kingdom into chaos.

Irotis

Sob...

Alliah

...!
Who's there!

Gran spins around to confront the unfamiliar voice that seemingly came from nowhere.

Two bright red eyes stare back at Gran, nearly causing the captain to yelp.

Irotis

We finally meet...

The red-eyed woman grabs Gran's arm.

Lyria

...!

Katalina

What is it, Lyria?

Mikaboshi

...!

Loki

It's here.

Fenrir

Huh? What's here?

Loki

The elusive something number three.

Mikaboshi

...!

Lyria

Gran! Are you okay?

Rackam

What the—

Alliah

Ah... Ah...

Alliah has no words for what she's seeing.

Irotis

...

Irotis

Sniff... I'm sorry...

Irotis

I'm so sorry!

A black hole suddenly opens in the air, and Irotis pulls Gran through.

Irotis

Sob...

Irotis

I have to... show you this... It wasn't... supposed to be this way!

Gran appears to be in a dark, stone room.

Two red eyes stare back at the captain.

Retreating several steps, the captain takes a defensive stance.

Irotis

Sniff... Please forgive me...

But Gran's kidnapper only wipes the tears from her eyes.

Then Ruby Pop Irotis points to the stone coffer nearby.

A dull light glows from the coffer, which is topped with a pane of smooth glass. She seems to want Gran to look inside.

Upon inspecting the contents, Gran's mind refuses to accept what the eyes see.

Irotis

I'm sorry, Gran... Lyria, she...

Confused beyond belief, hearing the woman speak Lyria's name pushes Gran over the edge. The captain lunges at her.

Irotis

Gasp!

Yanking off the woman's hood and scarf, Gran reels from the face hidden underneath.

Dialogue Option

Shitori?

Irotis

Stop... Don't call me that!

Any semblance of the woman's composure crumbles, and she curls into a ball on the floor.

Irotis

Waaah... I said I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

Her mournful apologies and wails ricochet off the stony walls.

To be continued.

New Utopia