Phoenix Vanguard: Legends of Astravera

Into the Eternal Ember Sanctuary

Upon reaching the hall, the two decided to go straight to their now shared room. Lying in their own beds, Andres still could not fall asleep, feeling exhausted and despairing over the recent battle. The danger they had faced loomed in his mind, and he realized that if they continued to fight that monster, they could both end up dead. 

“I need to find a way to beat that monster. We need to get stronger,” he thought to himself. He was about to ask Haruki for some details, but he saw him sleeping already. So he continued to ponder the battle in silence.

Noticing his master’s seriousness, Light asked, “What are you thinking?”

“We need to become stronger to kill that monster,” Andres answered, frustration in his voice.

Light considered this for a moment. “I may have a solution, but it is only for you. You can’t bring anyone along.”

Andres frowned, “What are the chances Haruki could come?”

Light explained, “As Haruki has no fire attribute, he might die being burned in that place.”

“What place?” Andres asked, intrigued.

Light continued, “It is our domain known as the Eternal Ember Sanctuary. There, you can train faster—one minute here is equal to one hour in the sanctuary. I can also help you train there.”

“Can I really not bring Haruki along?” Andres reiterated, feeling anxious. “He badly needs to be stronger. Did you see how close he came to dying early?”

Light thought for a moment. “There was one time a human brought a friend to train alongside him. I think we can. But we need to equip him with an item that has a fire attribute.”

“That will work,” Andres replied, determination returning. “Okay, I’ll talk to him about it tomorrow. Let’s rest for now. Thank you for your help today. You did great supporting us.” He placed his hand on Light’s head in gratitude.

Light chirped happily, and Andres lay back on his bed, hugging his companion as he drifted into sleep.

The next morning, Andres woke up to find that Haruki had already left the room.

“Where did he go?” Andres asked Light.

Light signaled that he didn’t know.

Andres shrugged it off and decided to take a bath. In the tub, he asked Light to cast an Ember Spark to make the water hotter. Light complained but still created a small spark of fire and tossed it in the tub. The two played until they heard footsteps approaching the door.

“I’m back!” Haruki shouted, knowing Andres was taking a bath because of the fog created by the hot water.

After a while, the two talked about the fight from the night before. “It’s very dangerous to approach a boss monster like that,” Haruki said, still shaken by the experience.

Andres agreed without hesitation. “I don’t want you to die. I care about you, even if I don’t show it,” he thought, but didn’t say aloud.

Haruki then pulled out a bag full of potions. “That’s why I bought potions for us!”

“No,” Andres said firmly. “We’re getting you an equipment.” 

Haruki looked puzzled. “What for?”

“Just don’t ask. Let’s go,” Andres insisted.

The two left the room and headed west of Valoria to hunt fire cats. Fire cats were wild cats that hunted in the town; they were agile and unpredictable. They needed to get a rare drop: an Emberstone Amulet. A fiery-red gemstone amulet was infused with the element of fire and radiated a warm glow, providing fire resistance to its wearer.