Phoenix Vanguard: Legends of Astravera

Shadows of the Frostveil Giants

Andres, feeling the thrill of a new adventure bubbling inside him, simply nodded. He was happy to go along, trusting Haruki’s judgment as they took their first steps into this cold, eerie world.

When they reached the hall, both Andres and Haruki stopped in their tracks. In Valoria, the Adventurer’s Hall was a lively place, buzzing with laughter, the clink of mugs, and excited chatter. Here, in Frostveil Tundra, it looked more like an abandoned hostel. Dim lanterns hung from cracked walls, and the air smelled faintly of stale herbs and smoke. In the center, where adventurers would normally gather and share tales, injured souls lay scattered like the aftermath of a battlefield. Bandages, splints, and healing herbs were scattered across tables, turning the hall into a grim triage area.

“Is it always like this here?” Andres whispered, glancing at Haruki with a look of unease.

“Quiet,” Haruki muttered under his breath, giving his friend a quick nudge. “They can hear you.”

Andres leaned closer, undeterred, his eyes widening. “Don’t they have healers here?”

“I don’t know,” Haruki answered quietly, glancing around. “Let’s just ask and see what we can find out.”

Andres couldn’t resist a smirk. “Good thing we bought some potions, huh? You’re really one reliable slave,” he teased, flashing Haruki a grin.

Haruki rolled his eyes but allowed a small smile to tug at the corner of his mouth. “Just follow my lead.”

They made their way toward the receptionist’s desk. A tired-looking woman sat behind it, her eyes half-closed as if she’d long given up on finding comfort in this bleak place. She noticed them, her face lighting up with a small spark of hope.

“New to Frostveil?” she asked, her voice low and weary but welcoming.

Haruki nodded. “We’re here to help, or at least try to understand what’s been happening. Can you tell us about the recent attacks and the missing adventurers?”

She sighed, casting a glance toward the wounded scattered around. “It’s been getting worse, even more so in the last few months. The rifts have been opening more frequently, and the creatures that come through… they’re relentless. No one goes out into the tundra unless they’re prepared to never return.”

“What about healers?” Andres asked, looking around. “Why aren’t there any here?”

The woman hesitated. “Most of our healers left for safer territories. They couldn’t keep up with the injuries, and many were… taken by the darkness themselves.”

Haruki frowned. “Then who helps the adventurers who still come here?”

“Only a few of us left,” she replied, her gaze dropping to her hands. “And those who remain know they may be next. It’s all we can do to keep this place standing. Supplies are dwindling, and morale is at its lowest. If you’re smart, you’ll head back south. Leave Frostveil while you still can.”

But the warning only fueled Andres’s resolve. “We’re not leaving. We came to put an end to whatever’s causing this. Those fallen heroes may have been corrupted, but they won’t be allowed to torment anyone else.”

The receptionist gave him a tired, almost pitying smile. “You’re brave, kid. I’ll give you that. But remember, this place has claimed far stronger souls than yours. If you two are serious about helping, I suggest you start with the rifts west of the town. But be careful… the corrupted heroes, or what’s left of them, guard the areas around the rifts.”

Haruki placed a hand on Andres’s shoulder. “We understand the risks. Just one more thing—are there any other groups currently out in the Rifted Zones?”

Andres exchanged a look with Haruki, the gravity of their mission settling on them. “We’re prepared,” he said, his voice firm.

She shook her head. “Not today. We haven’t had new adventurers willing to go out there in weeks. Most stay here, hoping for the courage to leave.” She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “The shadows… they watch. They know when you enter their realm. Don’t stray too far from each other. Once they separate you, you’re as good as gone.”

Haruki gave a short nod, resolute. “We’ll do what we can. Thank you for the warning. We’ll stay alert.”

The receptionist reached out, pressing a small vial into Haruki’s hand. “Take this. It’s one of the last healing elixirs we have. Use it wisely.”

“Thank you,” Haruki said softly, pocketing the vial with care.

As they turned to leave, Andres caught sight of a young boy lingering near the edge of the hall, watching them with wide, curious eyes. His clothes were patched, and he clutched a small, makeshift wooden sword in his hand, his gaze unwavering.

“Hey, kid,” Andres called softly, giving him a friendly nod. “What’s your name?”

The boy shuffled his feet, glancing down before meeting Andres’ gaze. “Lee Yin. Are you really going to fight the shadows?” 

Andres smiled, ruffling his hair. “That’s the plan, Lee Yin. But don’t worry—we’ll be careful.” 

Lee Yin’s eyes shone with a flicker of hope. “Then… then bring them back. The heroes, I mean. They used to protect us. Now they’re just… angry.” 

Haruki and Andres exchanged a glance, their silent agreement solidified at that moment. “We’ll do our best, Lee Yin,” Haruki said gently. “Stay safe here in town.” 

As they stepped out of the hall and back into the biting cold, Andres took a deep breath. “Well, Haruki… looks like we have our work cut out for us.”

Haruki adjusted his scarf, his gaze hardening. “Let’s finish this. For them.”

They stepped out of the hall and back into the frozen streets, their breaths fogging in the cold air. The shadows stretched long in the setting sun, reminding them of the grim journey ahead. And though the town’s despair weighed on them, the two friends carried a spark of hope—and the determination to face the shadows of Frostveil Tundra together.

As they made their way out of Frostveil’s Adventurer’s Hall, Haruki gave Andres a stern look. “That’s what happens when you overestimate yourself,” he chided. “It’ll only lead to your death one day.”

Andres grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Yes, sir!” he replied with a broad smile. “Besides, we’ve got Light here to watch our backs.”

Light, perched comfortably atop Andres’s head, chirped cheerfully in agreement, his tiny eyes glinting with readiness.

“Alright,” Haruki sighed, though a small smile broke through his usual serious expression. “Let’s check out the west and see what monsters are causing all this trouble.”

But before he could say another word, Andres bolted forward, dashing through the snow with a burst of energy. “West, here we come!” he shouted, eager to dive into action.

“Hey! I just told you not to overestimate yourself, you idiot!” Haruki shouted, racing after him. “Be careful for once!”

As the two bounded across the icy landscape, their voices and laughter faded into the vast expanse of Frostveil. Neither noticed the shadowy figure keeping a steady distance behind them, weaving between trees and ruins, staying close enough to track their every move.

The mysterious gunner from Valoria watched the duo with keen interest, a smirk tugging at the corner of their lips. "Watching these two is really fun," they muttered, adjusting their weapons. “Let’s see if they’re as strong as they think they are.”