Granblue Story Archives

In Agastia, Drang and Sturm guide the crew to Loki, whose demeanor has grown far more brooding and cold. While attempting to persuade him to aid their journey, Gran disappears momentarily, much to the astonishment of everyone present.

Pommern

Truth be told, I have my hands full with the reconstruction of the city, I do say.

Pommern

But I can't very well ignore a request from the heroes who saved the world, can I?

Pommern

On behalf of Agastia, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Dialogue Option

Thanks for the help.

Pommern

It is I who should be thanking you.

Pommern

Against the forces of the Otherworld, even the military might of Erste was confined to self-defense.

Dialogue Option

Glad to see you safe.

Pommern

Heh heh heh... I must say, it's an odd feeling to hear a former adversary express concern for my well-being.

Gran and the crew have resumed their quest for Estalucia in order to recover their lost companions.

Hoping that Loki might be able to assist them, they make their way to Agastia, the former imperial capital.

Pommern

News has reached me regarding the battle. To think that even Lieutenant Katalina would fall victim to the Otherworld...

Lyria

...

Pommern

B-but I digress... You're searching for Loki's whereabouts now, yes? I have already taken the liberty of looking into the matter.

Noa

Thanks for that. We had a feeling that he might have come here to Agastia.

Rackam

Well, to be fair, this is the only island he really has any connection to...

Pommern

I must remain here to oversee the restoration efforts, but I have arranged for a suitable guide.

At this, two figures emerge from the shadows.

Vyrn

Well, whaddya know!

Drang

Hey, long time no see! So how was that for a surprise? Bet you didn't expect us!

Drang

When I heard yesterday that you guys were coming, I immediately started brainstorming ways to break the ice—

Drang

Ouch!

Sturm

Read the room! You know full well what happened to Gran's crew!

Drang

But Sturm, that's exactly why I did what I did!

Drang

I thought it'd be nice if we could cheer them up, if only a little.

Lyria

Sturm, Drang... I'm glad you two are okay too.

Sturm

Thanks. Er... I'm sorry we weren't able to come help you in Oarlyegrande.

Pommern

Both Agastia and Mephorash were doing all we could to withstand the onslaught of the invading Otherworlders, I do say...

Pommern

Afterward, I received word that you were searching for Loki and requested an investigation.

Sturm

Since his location had been narrowed down to Agastia, we were able to sniff him out faster than we expected.

Sturm

Or rather...

Drang

He didn't display the slightest bit of caution. It was like all his ambition had completely vanished.

Though uneasy about this update on Loki's condition, Gran and company follow Sturm and Drang to his location.

Loki

I should have known. What do you guys want?

Despite Loki's icy demeanor and unabashed disinterest, Lyria responds without batting an eye.

Lyria

We want to go to Estalucia.

Loki

Estalucia? Oh, come to think of it, I do remember hearing something about that.

Loki

Didn't Gran's father send a letter saying that he was waiting there?

Rackam

Well, yeah... but that's not all there is to it now.

Vyrn

We lost a lot of friends in the battle with the Otherworld. And the skies still haven't gone back to normal.

Noa

But if we can reach Estalucia...

Noa

If we can make it there—to a higher plane than even the sky—we might be able to resolve everything.

Noa

But unfortunately, we can't get our hands on a complete Sky Map now that some of the skydoms in this realm have been lost.

Noa

So we're searching for a clue... A clue that will help us get to Estalucia, even if the method is unorthodox.

Dialogue Option

That's why we need your help.

Loki's response is cold, lacking every bit of his usual composure.

Loki

And if I say no?

Rackam

Wha—

Loki

I agree that the world's in an awful state. With everything you and I have lost, things are beyond desolate.

Loki

But as I am right now, I can't help you.

Loki

I can't run from reality anymore.

Lyria

B-but that's—

Just as Lyria speaks up in a desperate attempt to persuade Loki, Gran's vision suddenly grows distorted.

Percival

Let us not cling to past honor. Failure to act will make this a nightmare. That thing's going down with Isabella!

Vane

Right on, Percival! Let's make him sorry he ever slithered into our realm!

Lyria

Us too! We want to fight by your side!

Vyrn

Are you ready, Gran?

Lancelot

Thank you, Gran.

Lancelot

Now to show you the power of the knights worthy of the name White Dragon!

Lowain

Kat... Zzz... I'll... protect ya... Zzz...

Elsam

Nnghh... can see... the G. Cyph...

Tomoi

Nnn... We made... it...

Katalina

Wh-what's with you guys? How do you manage to have the same dream?

Lowain

I love you... Kaaat...

Paracelsus

Let's see how you stand against this.

Cagliostro

Ha! You call that ultimate? Don't make me laugh!

Clarisse

Ultimate or not, we'll kapow it to bits all the same!

Gran

...

Lyria

Huh? Wh-what was that?

Vyrn

The heck's goin' on?

Eyes fraught with worry, the pair grasp Gran's hands tightly in an apparent attempt to reassure themselves.

Drang

So... judging from your reactions, I assume that wasn't some new trick Gran picked up—

Drang

Yeowch!

Sturm

Of course not!

Sturm

Hey, are you feeling all right?

Seeing the captain's clearly bewildered response to their inquiring gazes, Rackam clears his throat.

Rackam

Er... I want you to listen calmly, now. It was only for a moment, but...

Rackam

Gran... You just disappeared. As in, you poofed right out of this place entirely.

Noa

I'm worried that something might be happening to you, Gran—something less than ideal.

This unforeseen occurrence only serves to deepen the anxiety and confusion of the crew.

Loki

...

A cruel, harsh path looms before them on their journey to seek out the boundary for the sake of their friends.

The crew theorizes that Gran's visions and momentary disappearances could be the result of using the boundary's power to draw out alternate possibilities. Meanwhile, Loki speaks with Zwei and the Black Knight, who tell him that clinging to the status quo will only lead to his own destruction.

Loki

Trying to take back what you lost is all well and good...

Loki

But I think you might want to worry about yourself first, Gran.

With this, Loki trudges away.

In search of a path to Estalucia, the crew had come to Loki—an Astral—for clues...

But something unexpected had happened to the captain.

Drang

We can worry about tracking Loki down again later.

Drang

So what was all that about? Gran just vanished into thin air like a volunteer in a magic trick.

Vyrn

Wish I knew what to tell ya.
We're all just as clueless as you are, huh, Gran?

Dialogue Option

Actually...

Ever since the battle against the Legion Void, Gran has occasionally caught glimpses of mysterious memories.

The captain admits to having experienced such a phenomenon during the earlier disappearing act.

Vyrn

What! You should've told us earlier if there was somethin' crazy like that goin' on!

Rackam

Well, I imagine it was hard to bring up since it wasn't anything physical—just some unfamiliar memories.

Rackam

And it seems like things have been all over the place since the battle with the Legion Void.

Lyria

Even so, please tell us right away if something happens. I'm really worried...

Sturm

...?
Does that mean nothing's out of the ordinary with you, Lyria?

Lyria

Huh? Well, no...

Sturm

If I recall, you and Gran share a life link.

Sturm

Then if something is happening to Gran, shouldn't you be affected too?

Lyria

That's a good point...

Noa

So that must mean Gran's condition isn't life-threatening...

Noa

That, or it involves something that transcends the power connecting them together...

Rackam

Hey... Quit tryin' to freak us out.

Noa

Sorry. I guess that was thoughtless of me.

Noa

It just feels like a force greater than the Astrals—like the Otherworld or the Omnipotent—is at play here...

As though hoping to lighten the mood, Drang turns to address Gran in a cheerful voice.

Drang

Hey, Gran. I was wondering about those strange memories you've been seeing.

Drang

What were they about? Like, were the people in them total strangers?

Sturm

I see what you're getting at. There could be some sort of clue hidden in those visions.

Nodding, Gran describes the contents of the memories.

Drang

Wow! Now that's what I call interesting!

Vyrn

Yeah, none of that rings any bells. Think they could be glimpses of the future or somethin'?

Lyria

Then... if all our friends were to appear in those memories, that would mean we'll definitely get them back.

Noa

I hope that's the case. But on the other hand...

Drang

What if Gran's seeing alternate possibilities? Things that could have happened, I mean.

Drang

I like the sound of that. Sure would be nice if there was a world where Sturm and I got to go on a big adventure together.

Sturm

I could do without the trouble. Especially if it involves you.

Lyria

Possibilities...

At those words, a past conversation suddenly pops into Lyria's mind.

Shitori

This is something I thought of after seeing how the Otherworlders rewrite history...

Shitori

The properties of Ebisu, the primal beast I have a pact with, allow it to traverse different timelines in a similar manner.

Shitori

And you're the singularity, Gran. A critical existence in any one of the parallel worlds.

Shitori

Who knows what you might be capable of with Ebisu's aid.

Lyria

I wonder...

Lyria

Gran... Maybe the effects of using the power of the boundary to draw out your greatest possibilities are still lingering...

Lyria

And you're experiencing those various alternate possibilities as memories.

Noa

Because it's been happening since the battle with the Legion Void, that seems quite likely.

Rackam

But then... why did Gran disappear earlier?

Lyria

I'm not sure...

Although the crew is able to formulate a hypothesis for the unfamiliar memories, there are still questions that remain unanswered.

Loki

...

Zwei

What are you doing?

Loki

I could ask you the same thing. I never expected you to be the one to reach out to me.

Zwei

It was just a whim. What I do is none of your business.

Loki

Haha, yeah... You're right.

The pair simply stare into the distance for a time without making eye contact, until at last Loki breaks the silence.

Loki

What are you planning to do now?

Zwei

No idea. I assume you're not interested in continuing our journey.

Loki

No, I'm not. I lost my airship... and my companions. I guess this means the crew will be disbanded.

Zwei

Gandharva went missing during the battle with the Otherworld...

Zwei

So we're the only two left.

Zwei

And just so you know, I'm dead set against the idea of traveling alone with you.

Loki

Does that mean you think you can make it on your own now?

Zwei's lightly purses her lips and cocks her head to one side.

Zwei

Better than before... I guess.

Zwei

They were a haphazard, wild, disjointed group that pissed me off to no end...

Zwei

But those chaotic times were important to me.

Zwei

If I could have more of those moments, I'm sure I'd be fine.

Noticing that Zwei seems more mature somehow, Loki lets out a small sigh of relief.

Loki

Then could I ask you to hear me out?

Zwei

Suit yourself.

Brushing off Zwei's exasperated shrug, Loki begins to speak.

Loki

Let's see... I think it all started with him—someone you and I know very well.

Loki

Although I'd always had an interest in the view that Gran and my brother saw.

Loki

I thought if I could find something similar for myself, I'd be able to see the same view. That's really all it was.

Covering his own eyes, Loki continues.

Loki

But now I'm not sure anymore. I don't know if this is what I wanted to see.

Loki

I don't even know where I am, or whether I'm looking forward or backward.

Loki

Fenrir gave me time. But at this point, I'm just afraid of it.

Loki

Even when I'm at a standstill, time marches on. Like it's tormenting me...

Zwei

Isn't it obvious where you're looking?

Loki

Huh?

Zwei

You keep looking back at the people who are gone. Instead of the view you're sharing with somebody else.

Zwei

And it's because you don't realize it that you're such a mess.

Loki

...

Black Knight

If you don't accept that, all that awaits you is destruction.

Zwei

Ugh...

Loki

What do you want?

Black Knight

There's no need to be so cold. We used to belong to the same empire, after all.

Loki

I've never once considered you a comrade though.

Black Knight

What a coincidence. I loathe you as well.

Black Knight

And I, too, once lost my sense of self and tried to walk the path to my own destruction.

Black Knight

Looking back... I think an aversion to change was at the heart of it all.

Black Knight

For so long, you've continually changed your position in a haphazard fashion, placing the world at the mercy of your whims.

Black Knight

But now, something within you that remained constant through it all must be showing signs of change as well.

Black Knight

I don't know what it is you cling to...

Black Knight

But if it's the status quo, I can assure you that you will face nothing but destruction ahead.

Loki

...
Thank you for your words of advice.

Loki

But it seems pretty clear to me that I need more time.

Loki

I can't even think of a single sarcastic retort after everything you said...

Looking thoroughly exhausted, Loki wanders off like a ghost.

Black Knight

I didn't intend for that to turn into a lecture. Perhaps somewhere along the way, that man crept into my mind.

Black Knight

(It seems I can't escape the connection we share, no matter the distance between us.)

Zwei

Hey... What do you think he'll do?

Black Knight

Who can say? It all depends on him.

Loki disappears into the streets of Agastia, watched by two others who had once stood in opposition to Gran and the crew.

The ruined cityscape around him appears to reflect the uncertainty consuming his heart.

Asked by Loki if it's right to bend the laws of nature to bring back the dead, the crew respond by saying that they want to travel with their friends again and restore the world to how it was before the invasion. Acting a bit more like his old self, Loki agrees to lend a hand.

The following day finds Gran and the crew confronting Loki once again.

Loki

There's one thing that's been bothering me about this whole conversation.

Loki

What exactly did you say you were going to do when you got to Estalucia?

Vyrn

We wanna get back the friends we lost in the battle against the Otherworld.

Lyria

We need Katalina and everyone else with us on our journey.

Despite their obvious grief, Loki appears somewhat disappointed.

Loki

I have to ask... Do you genuinely think it's right to do something like that?

Noa

What do you mean?

Loki

Let's say someone dies of an illness. It's obviously a heartbreaking thing. You could even call it a tragedy.

Loki

But is it really okay to bring them back to life on a whim?

Vyrn

...

Lyria

...

Loki

You know the answer, but you're choosing to turn a blind eye.

Loki

In the past, I have no doubt that you would have intervened to stop anyone who was trying to bend the laws of nature.

Loki

So that no matter what tragedy they had faced, they could look to the future and live on.

Loki's tone is genuine, without a hint of mockery.

Loki

If you guys say you've changed, that's fine with me.

Loki

I just want to know what you've got your sights set on for my own sake—so I can walk my own path.

Dialogue Option

We just want to see our friends again.

Loki

Good answer. Believe it or not, I understand that feeling.

Dialogue Option

We're prepared for whatever happens.

Loki

I guess that was a pretty silly question, considering how many times you've come face-to-face with the world in crisis.

Loki nods somewhat resignedly, as though he had known all along what Gran's answer would be.

Lyria

I tried to accept it at first too. I told myself that the dead don't come back—that's just how the world works.

Lyria

But if there's a way to make the impossible possible, whatever it is...

Loki

You want to travel with your friends again, even if the world may not view your actions as "correct."

Loki

Is it accurate to say that those are your honest feelings right now?

Rackam

Well, it's not like we just wanna go to Estalucia for our own selfish reasons.

Rackam

If we don't do something about that crack in the sky, who knows what might happen?

Rackam

In order to patch it up, we've got to turn the world back to how it was before the Otherworld invaded.

Noa

And you mentioned the laws of nature...

Noa

But is there anything natural about damage caused by invaders from another realm that exist outside of reason?

Loki responds to Rackam and Noa with an exaggerated shrug.

Loki

In that sense, you may have a point.

Noa

All that aside, I'm pretty sure Gran was already sufficiently prepared without the need for these mind games...

Loki

Yeah, sorry. That was mean of me.

Loki

Your eyes were just so bright and innocent that I felt the need to tease you a bit.

Acting a little more like his old self, Loki takes Gran's hand.

Loki

Unorthodox is just the way we like it.

Loki

Let's do whatever it takes to get there. To the place where every wish is granted—the Holy Seat of Genesis, Estalucia.

According to Loki, Gran's state resembles that of beings known as gods in the Sky Realm, which may have been caused by the captain absorbing possibilities from other worlds. Noa suggests that they might be able to use Gran's newfound "divinity" to reach Estalucia.

Loki

By the way, did you discover the cause for Gran's condition?

After being welcomed on board the Grandcypher as an ally, Loki raises a question.

Vyrn

Well, we figured out that Gran might be catchin' glimpses of alternate possibilities...

Lyria

But we still don't know why he disappeared for a second.

Loki

Hmm...

Loki

Actually, I have an idea about that.

Loki

I've met others with a presence similar to our Remarkable Vanishing Gran here.

Rackam

So you're saying there are folks who've ended up the same way?

Loki

Well, I wouldn't say they ended up that way, per se. It's more like they were that way from the beginning...

Loki waves his finger in the air, as if to indicate the very atmosphere around them.

Loki

Gods. The divine beings of the Sky Realm that we Astrals turned into primal beasts.

Noa

The gods of the Sky Realm...

Loki

Not primordial deities like the Omnipotent who was involved in the creation of the world...

Loki

But gods born out of the different beliefs and legends that take root on each island.

Loki

They are nowhere, yet everywhere. Invisible, yet their presence is felt by everyone.

Loki

We've taken those ambiguous beings and given them a concrete form as primal beasts.

Loki

And at the moment Gran disappeared, I sensed a presence strikingly similar to that of such a god.

Rackam

A-a god? Is that even possible?

Loki

I think it is.

Loki

During the previous battle, you forcefully absorbed possibilities from worlds apart from our own. Right, Gran?

Loki

I have a feeling that triggered countless alternate realms and versions of you to begin converging into one.

Loki

As for the friends you met in those other worlds...

Loki

Without a doubt, your stories with them exist—each with a different Gran. And all of them are you.

Loki stares into the captain's eyes as though speaking to the depths of them.

Loki

As a result, your existence as an individual is reaching its greatest potential...

Loki

And you're becoming a powerful yet ambiguous being yourself, much like an omnipresent deity.

Noa

So to paraphrase, Gran has acquired something akin to divinity that spans multiple worlds?

Loki

Exactly. On top of being the singularity connecting the Sky and Astral Realms...

Loki

Gran is awakening as a singularity in the truest sense—an axis that runs through infinite worlds and infinite stories.

Vyrn

Th-that sounds like a pretty big deal...

Lyria

So, um... Does that mean Gran is going to be okay?

Loki

That I don't know... But it could be that all of this was inevitable from the beginning.

Loki

Maybe it wasn't the journey that led to Gran becoming the singularity...

Loki

Instead, maybe Gran being a singularity tied to innumerable stories is precisely what's allowed your journey to continue for so long.

As Vyrn, Lyria, and Rackam take in Loki's words, Noa places his finger to his chin in thought.

Noa

I wonder... No, but that's...

Rackam

What's up? That's some frown you've got on your face...

Noa

...

Following a silent pause, Noa's expression turns resolute.

Noa

If we take advantage of Gran's current state...

Noa

We might be able to go to Estalucia without needing to collect the Sky Map pieces in this realm.

Lyria

Really? Then...

Noa

But this is a long shot based on nothing more than supposition. I can't say I recommend going through with it.

Noa

With that in mind... let me share my reasoning.

Noa chooses his words carefully to make sure they're all on the same page.

He then begins to share a sliver of hope for reaching Estalucia from their world—a world where so much has been lost.

To prove Noa's theory that Gran might be able to obtain the missing Sky Map pieces from other worlds, Loki offers to turn the captain into a quasi-primal beast. Though Loki admits that Gran's safety can't be guaranteed, the captain agrees without a moment of hesitation, intent on recovering their friends—and the world.

The Grandcypher has set sail with but one destination in mind—Estalucia.

On its deck are Vyrn, Lyria, Rackam, Noa, Loki, and Gran.

Loki

Are you sure about this, Gran?

Loki

As for me, I've never heard of a similar precedent, so I assume I'll probably be fine...

Loki

But you're a different story. Like I said before, I can't guarantee your safety.

Loki

So the decision is completely up to you.

As the meaning behind Loki's warning sinks in, the glimmer of hope that Noa spoke of returns to their minds.

Noa

First, about the Sky Map pieces...

Noa

Their true essence consists of power and information. The crystals are nothing more than a form of packaging, in a sense.

Noa

And that's exactly why there may still be hope for us.

Rackam

I get that the Sky Map pieces aren't technically physical objects... but what does that have to do with anything?

Noa

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, just let me confirm—Gran drew power from the boundary, correct?

Lyria

Yeah... But didn't Loki say that's what caused all this in the first place?

Noa

Well, yes—that's true. But the focus here is simply that Gran drew power from the boundary.

Noa

In other words, even if physical objects can't be pulled across worlds, power can.

Rackam

...!
And if the Sky Map pieces are power and information at the core, that means they can be too!

Noa

Here in our world, the Ecksegrande Skydom has already been destroyed.

Noa

But if the possibilities are infinite, there may be a realm in which it still exists.

Noa

In an infinite number of worlds and stories, any possibility is, well... possible.

Noa

There could plausibly be a world out there where you've obtained the Sky Map pieces from other skydoms... or even all of them.

Vyrn

Then if Gran could borrow the missing pieces from those other worlds, like borrowing power from the boundary...

Lyria

We'd be able to complete the Sky Map and go to Estalucia in our world too?

Noa

Theoretically. But we have no idea what sort of impact it might have, so we could only borrow them temporarily.

Although Noa's suggestion beggars belief, it also carries a certain degree of credibility.

Rackam

But wait... Even if we could collect the Sky Map pieces that way...

Rackam

Can we really make it to Estalucia using pieces from other worlds?

Noa

I'd say the odds are greater than zero, at least. To begin with, Estalucia is a place that transcends the bounds of this world.

Noa

And I imagine no one would have anticipated someone obtaining a completed Sky Map using such a method.

Noa

But even so, a lot is still uncertain. When it comes down to it, this is no more than a desperate gamble.

Noa

Besides, there's one problem with making this work.

Noa delicately expounds upon the issue to his companions, as though hoping to temper their enthusiasm.

Noa

Gran, every time you've been affected by those alternate worlds in the past, it's been unintentional, right?

The captain nods in response.

Noa

So in short, those events happened by chance, and you aren't able to interfere with other worlds of your own volition.

Noa

Let me be clear—there is absolutely no doubt that you possess the power to affect other worlds right at this very moment.

Noa

But you have to be able to control that power and decide when and where to use it—

Loki

I can take care of that. If you're willing to trust me and leave everything in my hands, that is.

Vyrn

Wh-whaddya mean? What are you gonna do?

Loki

It's simple. I just need to turn Gran into a quasi-primal beast.

All Three

...!

Loki

If you go from being an ambiguous deity to a primal beast, you'll retain your power and establish a sense of self.

Loki

Then you'll be able to make that power stemming from legend and divinity your own and use it at will.

Loki

And as an Astral, I can support you so it doesn't go out of control.

Lyria

B-but is something like that even possible? Can you really turn Gran into a primal beast?

Loki

I honestly don't have much experience with creating primals, but... yeah, I expect I can.

Loki

And Gran is already moving beyond the realm of an ordinary person. I'd say the captain's more than qualified.

Noa

Well... that's certainly making the most of the situation. In fact, it almost feels like cheating...

While Gran and company are still reeling from his extraordinary proposal, Loki continues.

Loki

But I'm sure you realize that it wouldn't be without risk.

Loki

I'd wager it's unheard of to turn a living skydweller into a primal beast, imitation or not.

Loki

Doing so would mean affixing Gran—who exists somewhere between mortality and divinity—temporarily to the divine realm.

Loki

And I can't say for sure if Gran will be able to return to the mortal realm afterward.

Lyria

If Gran can't come back from the divine realm... what will happen?

Loki

Your captain will most likely disappear. Possibly from all worlds.

Loki

Unless given form as a primal beast, Gran will lose all sense of self, just as a god is unbound by mortality or corporeity.

Loki presents the captain with a perilous decision, in which failure would mean certain death as a person.

Loki

It makes no difference to me what you choose. After all, I refused to even cooperate at first.

Loki

So what'll it be, Gran?

Dialogue Option

Let's do this.

Loki

Heh... Just don't regret putting your life in my hands after all is said and done, okay?

Dialogue Option

Sounds epic.

Loki

Haha! I'm impressed. So that's how a challenger of the world does things, huh?

Gran responds without a moment of hesitation, intent on recovering the friends and the world that they have lost.

This determination to keep moving forward transforms into the strength to carve out a path, no matter how unorthodox it may be.

After being transformed into a quasi-primal beast, alternate worlds and possibilities pass through the captain's consciousness, as well as countless other Grans and their friends. With Gran's venture a success, a completed Sky Map appears before the crew, and they continue on their journey to the legendary end of the skies—Estalucia.

Rackam

Okay, we're all set on our end!

The Grandcypher climbs through the fractured skies before coming to a stop at a sufficient altitude.

On the deck, Vyrn and Lyria grip Gran's hands tightly, unable to conceal their anxiety.

Lyria

...

Lyria

I... I'll do whatever it takes to travel with everyone again.

Lyria

But... that doesn't mean I'm willing to lose any more people who are precious to me.

Lyria

I couldn't bear to have anyone else I care about get taken away right before my eyes...

Dialogue Option

I'll be all right.

Gran squeezes Lyria's hand back in an attempt to ease her trembling.

Dialogue Option

I promise I'll come back.

Gran squeezes Lyria's hand back in an attempt to ease her trembling.

Lyria

I'm holding you to that, okay?

Lyria

And if it does seem like you're trying to go off somewhere on your own, I'll definitely call you back!

Vyrn

You won't be the only one callin'! Don't forget—I'm here too!

Vyrn

I don't wanna go through somethin' like that ever again either.

Vyrn

So you'd better come back, Gran!

Gran grasps their hands firmly as an expression of comfort and determination.

Having been watching this interaction unfold from a distance, Loki calls out to the captain.

Loki

If you're ready, we should get this ball rolling.

Loki

That being said, there's nothing in particular that you need to do, Gran.

Light shines from Loki's fingertip, and he begins tracing intricate patterns with its glowing trail to create a magic circle in midair.

Noa

At this point, all we can do is watch and wait.

Noa

I know this isn't exactly a journey by ship, but I'm praying for your safe return, Gran.

Rackam

Hey, remember what I said way back when?

Rackam

I said I'd take you anywhere as the crew's helmsman—even to Estalucia.

Rackam

Things are different now, and the ship's a lot lonelier than it was before...

Rackam

But even so, I'm still the helmsman of this crew. Your crew.

Rackam

So make sure you come back and let me fulfill that promise I made.

Gran nods firmly in response to Noa and Rackam.

After completing the magic circle, Loki slowly walks over and holds his palms in front of Gran's eyes.

Loki

All right... Let's begin, Gran.

Loki

First of all, since this is simple imitation of the real thing, I'll limit the power you can use to the bare minimum.

Loki

From here on out, what defines you is not your body, but an Astral shell.

Loki

And what lies at your core is not a living soul, but a guidepost to a beyond encompassing infinite possibilities.

Loki

I've confirmed the connection to alternate worlds that you possess as the singularity.

Loki

All that's left is to secure this path and select the worlds necessary for our goal—

Gran's field of vision turns stark white, leaving only Loki's words and the sensation of his hands.

Within the dazzling light, untold worlds and possibilities pass through the captain's consciousness.

Diaspora

Almitenie balcosets.

Lyria

Diaspora's doing something!

Vyrn

It's headed this way!

Zeta

Time to take it head-on! I'm ready!

Beatrix

If we can keep this up, we might even finish it off before Eustace gets back!

Zeta

Aw yeah! More spotlight for us!

Gran has never before laid eyes on them, yet they are somehow familiar.

Zooey

With so many lives coexisting in the Sky Realm, it's only natural that the aspirations of some will conflict with others.

Zooey

But it is in those situations that we must each find a path forward for ourselves.

Zooey

For that is how we will continue to live on in this world we call home.

Lyria

Mm-hm. We're going to do this together, Zooey.

Zooey

Yes. Together!

Despite never experiencing them personally, something deep inside remembers these many adventures.

Orologia

Talk about reckless...

Orologia

It never even crossed my mind that such a thing could be possible with Kamuzumi's power.

Orologia

I wonder if the strength of will to produce such an unexpected result is what makes the singularity the singularity...

Vyrn

Makes the singularity? I think you're a little off there!

Lyria

Hehe, I agree. That's what makes Gran Gran!

At the same time, the captain's vision returns with a stranger sensation than ever before.

And the fact that Gran is not alone becomes clear as day.

Not to mention the friends along for the same long, long journey, bringing with them a sense of competition and camaraderie.

In the divine realm, Gran is able to understand and appreciate their existence, when otherwise they would remain unknown.

But the next moment, the captain's view is once again engulfed in white, and within it two figures appear.

???

...

???

...

Though their overwhelming power is plainly evident, their presence somehow invokes a sense of nostalgia.

Gran reaches out to take the hands of these great beings, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

But hearing a faint voice echo from behind, the captain glances back.

There stand Gran's most precious and irreplaceable friends in all the skies.

Upon seeing them, the captain turns away from those great beings...

And takes off running back to all the crewmates who are waiting for their captain's return.

Lyria

Gran!

Vyrn

Hey, are you okay? Do you know who we are?

Dialogue Option

Thanks for that.

Vyrn

Heheh! Sheesh, you had us worried there for a sec...

Lyria

Welcome back, Gran. Thank goodness... I'm so glad you kept your promise!

Rackam, Noa, and Loki look on as the three embrace tightly, their faces breaking into relieved smiles.

Rackam

Phew... Well, I guess that's that.

Noa

Actually, it seems this is only the beginning.

Noa

Look, Gran. You've won the bet. We've won.

Gran looks up to see the Sky Map pieces coming together to form an enormous pattern in the skies above.

Noa

A completed Sky Map... With this, we can go to Estalucia.

Noa

This is all thanks to you, Gran. And the infinite versions of you who helped from their own worlds.

Loki

You know, I did my part too. Don't I deserve a little praise?

Gran turns to offer a heartfelt thanks to Loki, who appears rather tired.

Loki

I don't consider it compensation for my help or anything, but just so you know, I'm going to be accompanying you to Estalucia.

Rackam

Not like you could hop off the ship at this altitude anyway.

Rackam

Well, there ya have it! The Grandcypher will carry on its course to Estalucia!

Rackam

This is a journey to the legendary end of the skies. Everybody get your game faces on!

All Four

Yeah!

At long last, Gran and the crew set sail for the Island of the Astrals and Holy Seat of Genesis—Estalucia.

Whatever awaits them at the end of their journey, they will have no regrets.

To be continued...