Phoenix Vanguard: Legends of Astravera

Frost Giant Leader

Hidden in the mist and snow, the figure continued trailing them, waiting patiently for the right moment to reveal themselves—or perhaps for the two adventurers to stumble into danger.

As Andres and Haruki made their way westward, the desolate landscape of Frostveil Tundra stretched endlessly before them. Snow-covered hills rolled on and on, broken only by the skeletal remains of trees and the occasional stone ruin buried beneath layers of frost. Despite the haunting silence, Andres remained undeterred, his gaze sharp and focused, his excitement evident.

“Do you feel that?” Haruki asked, scanning the area. The stillness here was different—dense and unnatural.

“Yeah,” Andres replied, gripping his Bolo Flameblade tighter. “Feels like something’s lurking around here.”

Light chirped a warning from atop Andres’s head, and the two adventurers halted, glancing around. Then, a flicker of movement caught Andres’s eye—a dark, slender shape darting between the ruins ahead.

“Haruki, did you see that?” Andres asked, pointing toward the shadow.

Haruki nodded, moving cautiously beside him. “Keep your guard up. We don’t know what kind of monsters roam this part of the Tundra.”

The ground suddenly shook, snow and frost shifting underfoot as something massive lumbered into view—a creature covered in icy armor, with claws that gleamed like shards of glass. It looked like a twisted, oversize wolf with jagged icicles protruding from its back, and its breath was a freezing mist that curled into the air.

“A level 23 Frost Giant…” Haruki whispered, eyes wide. “These things are no joke, Andres.”

Andres grinned. “Sounds like the perfect warm-up!” He charged forward without hesitation, Flameblade blazing in his hand, and unleashed a fiery slash at the creature.

The beast roared as the flames seared its icy exterior, but it responded with a powerful swipe of its claws, sending a cascade of icy shards toward Andres. Andres dodged just in time, but the chill of the shards stung his skin even from a distance.

“Idiot! Stop being reckless!” Haruki yelled, drawing his katana and moving to flank the creature. With a well-placed slash, he struck at one of the creature’s legs, trying to weaken its balance. “Work together, or we’ll end up like those poor adventurers in the hall!”

They launched into a coordinated assault, darting around the Frost Giant and avoiding its icy swipes, carving away at its thick hide bit by bit. Light soared above, his small form emitting a faint glow as he circled, ready to dive in if either needed help.

Just as they seemed to be gaining the upper hand, an eerie whistle echoed through the Tundra, and the Frost Giant paused, turning its head sharply toward the sound. In that split second, it bounded backward, retreating into the mist.

“What was that?” Andres asked, glancing around in confusion.

Haruki frowned, sheathing his katana. “Someone or something just called it off… like they’re controlling the monsters.”

In the shadows nearby, the mysterious gunner adjusted their rifle, watching the two adventurers with a smirk. "Looks like I might have to step in soon," they murmured, eyes glinting with amusement as they faded back into the mist, leaving Andres and Haruki on high alert.

“Let’s stay sharp,” Haruki muttered, a hint of tension in his usually calm voice. “We’re not alone out here, and whoever’s watching us… they’re playing a dangerous game.”

Andres’ grin returned, though it was tempered by caution now. “Well, if they want to play, let’s show them we’re up for it.”

As the Icebound Behemoth retreated into the mist, Andres’ curiosity got the best of him. Ignoring Haruki’s cautionary glare, he gestured toward the creature's path. “Come on! It’s heading somewhere… Maybe to where the Frost Giants gather?”