Phoenix Vanguard: Legends of Astravera

Meeting the Mentor

Trapped and cornered by the Frost Giant leader, the oppressive aura of danger weighed heavily on Andres and Haruki. Light, sensing their fear, let out a determined chirp, fluttering above their heads. With a gentle glow, he cast Flame of Courage, infusing the two with renewed resolve, instantly dispelling the icy dread that had held them back.

Just as they braced themselves for the Frost Giant's strike, a thunderous gunshot echoed across the valley. The impact struck the ground directly beneath them, causing the ledge they stood on to crumble, sending them plummeting over the edge.

“What just happened?!” Andres yelled, glancing around in shock.

Haruki shook his head, eyes narrowed. “I don’t know, but brace for impact!”

The wind whipped past as they tumbled downward, and Andres kept glancing up, hoping to catch sight of their unknown benefactor. But Haruki was already focusing on their landing. Channeling his ki, he muttered the incantations, casting Zephyr Dance and Windwalker’s Grace to soften his fall, gliding gracefully downward like a feather caught in the breeze.

Andres, still pondering their savior, realized too late that he hadn’t prepared himself for the landing. With an undignified yelp, he plunged headfirst into the deep snow below, his legs sticking comically out of the snowdrift. Haruki, now safely on the ground, stifled a laugh as he walked over to help.

“Nice landing,” he said, tugging Andres out by his ankles.

As Andres stumbled to his feet, he brushed off the snow, shaking his head. “Seriously, who’s helping us? It feels like someone’s been watching us since we left Valoria.”

Haruki’s expression turned thoughtful as he surveyed the ledge above. “No idea. But it looks like whoever it is, they saved us from a world of trouble up there.” He glanced back at the jagged cliff they’d fallen from. The Frost Giants' roars grew faint in the distance as their massive figures faded back into the misty valley, leaving the two adventurers alone.

Just then, a shadow flickered at the edge of their vision, disappearing behind the snow-laden trees before they could catch a proper look. Andres pointed excitedly. “There! Did you see that?”

Haruki nodded, his eyes narrowing. “Looks like we might find some answers if we follow that shadow.”

As Andres and Haruki weaved through the dense trees, the shadowy figure ahead kept moving at a steady pace. The brisk crunch of snow under their boots was the only sound between them until Andres, with his usual curiosity, couldn’t help but blurt out, “Haruki, do you think this guy is friend or foe? He’s got style, I’ll give him that.”

Haruki sighed, glancing back. “Less talking, more focusing. We don’t know what his intentions are yet, so keep your guard up.”

They pressed on, navigating the winding trails until they reached a secluded, snow-covered clearing. The shadowy man stopped, turning slowly to face them. The barrel of his rifle gleamed coldly as he leveled it directly at Andres, his finger hovering over the trigger. Before he could squeeze, Andres reacted instinctively, deflecting the shot with his bolo in a single fluid motion.

“Whoa!” Andres shouted, holding his ground. Haruki, observant as ever, merely gripped his katana’s sheath, ready to act but staying patient.

The stranger’s voice cut through the chill, rough yet steady. “You two would be dead if I hadn’t stepped in. Haven’t you heard the warnings about Frostveil Tundra? Or do you just ignore good advice?”

Haruki’s eyes narrowed, keeping silent but unable to disagree. Andres, on the other hand, wasn’t about to let the stranger’s words go unanswered. “We could’ve handled those giants, with or without you!”