Phoenix Vanguard: Legends of Astravera

Reflections and Worries

The morning light filtered into their room, casting soft shadows across the wooden walls as Andres, Max, and Haruki sat around a small table, warm cups of tea cradled in their hands. Their faces were flushed with a mixture of pride and exhaustion as they recounted the relentless week of training and battles that had led them here.

Andres leaned back with a smug grin, running a hand through his hair. “Not that I’m complaining—well, maybe I am a little—but hitting level 30 took way too much grinding! I mean, I had to take down 90 Glacial Wolves, 85 Chilling Specters, 85 Ice Elementals, 87 Blizzard Serpents, 89 Frost Revenants, 92 Snow Beasts, and—wait for it—a whopping 292 Glacial Phoenixes!”

Max chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Oh, come on, Andres, you’ve got to admit, after that second Glacial Phoenix Commander, you practically begged for more! You can’t get enough of them.”

Haruki smirked, shaking his head. “And that’s not counting the times you nearly got yourself roasted by frostfire. Or the times Max and I had to cover for you because you’d charge in like you were invincible.”

Andres laughed, though his cheeks tinged a little red. “Hey! I thought I was being ‘tactically aggressive.’ Besides, if it weren’t for me, that last Phoenix Commander would’ve probably taken us all out.”

“That’s true,” Max said, taking a sip of her tea. “You did save us with whatever mysterious power those sword shards gave you. I don’t think we would’ve made it without that final boost.”

The three of them fell into an easy silence, smiles tugging at their faces as they thought back on their victories and near-misses. The past week had been brutal—physically, mentally, even emotionally—but they’d emerged stronger and closer as a team. Each of them had taken their skills to a new level, forging bonds that were as resilient as the weapons they wielded.

After a moment, Haruki’s expression grew serious. “But we can’t forget our mission. As rewarding as leveling up has been, we haven’t heard from Ashton since we arrived in Frostveil. It’s been a full week without any word from him.”

Max nodded, her smile fading. “Yeah, and Ashton isn’t the type to go silent without reason. If he’s not reaching out, then it’s probably because he’s either deep into something dangerous or… he’s in trouble.”

Andres’ face clouded over, his previous light-heartedness gone. “I’ve been thinking the same. We’ve been so focused on training that we haven’t had the time to check in with him. But now that we’re at level 30—and you’re at 32, Max—we’re ready for whatever comes next. If he’s in danger, we can’t waste any more time.”

Haruki placed his cup down, his gaze steely. “So, what’s the plan? Do we backtrack and try to pick up his trail? Or should we press on, assuming he’ll eventually contact us if he’s able?”

Max thought for a moment, then nodded decisively. “We should head in the direction he was last seen, retracing his steps to find clues. Frostveil has its secrets, and if Ashton stumbled into something we didn’t expect, we’ll need to be at full alert.”

They exchanged determined looks, a silent promise passing between them. Their week of intense training had prepared them not only for whatever battles lay ahead but for the mission that awaited. Ashton had been their guide and ally, and now it was their turn to look out for him.

Andres rose, his expression fierce. “Alright, let’s pack up. Ashton’s counting on us, wherever he is. And after this week, there’s nothing Frostveil or its monsters can throw at us that we can’t handle.”

The scene shifted, revealing a hastily erected hospital tent, its canvas flapping in the chilly evening breeze. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of antiseptic and the muted cries of the wounded. Ashton knelt beside his brother, Garrick, whose pallor contrasted starkly against the stained linen of the cot. The flickering light of a nearby lantern cast long shadows across Garrick’s face, highlighting the deep gash that marred his forehead.