It took the group a few minutes to finish mulling over and memorizing this new set of information. Being the most intelligent one in the group Kronos was the first to finish digesting all of it, with Asmodeus finish slightly after while Atlas being the last. Kronos started to ponder about the process of joining the Underneath the Sky group, because it seemed to be the best way for them to gain even more knowledge.   Taking a moment to organize his thoughts Kronos asked Skymaster Doug, “How would we go about getting to larger city where we could join Underneath the Sky?”

Slightly startled for a split second by Kronos’ forwardness Skymaster Doug quickly recovered and replied, “There are two ways to get to Avitius, the largest city nearby. The first way is to go over the Bridge of Leviathans which judging from the direction you came from you must have already seen it. You know that large bridge across that ravine. The second way is to use the transfer gate, which requires more money than you could possibly possess. Of course for people who can’t pay the fee they can also use a seal of approval from a Skymaster which isn’t too impossible to get.”

“So which way would take the shortest amount of time in order to get there?” Asmodeus added in before Kronos got a chance to ask.

“Well strictly speaking the Bridge of Leviathans would be the best option, but I wouldn’t recommend going that way this season as this is the time of year that the Sea Leviathans are most active.” Skymaster Doug continued saying, “In all honesty I’d recommend taking the transfer gate in order to get to Avitius. Of course I’m willing to give you my seal of approval, but only if you help me out with a slight task.”

“And what task might that be Skymaster Doug?” Atlas happily asked.

“Oh nothing much, there’s just a local band of bandits holding up near here. My manpower is too low at the moment to deal with them so to prove yourself worth of my seal. That is why I would like your help in dealing with these punks.”

“Hmm… I think we may just take you up on that offer.” Asmodeus replied back to Skymaster Doug.

“Good. The most we know right now is that the bandits headquarters is sequestered somewhere in the woods east of here but we don’t know the exact location. We also know that they number at least fifteen strong. Keep an eye out for the vice-captain and captain though, because you are barely their match.” Skymaster Doug informed them, “So knowing all this do you think you’re up for the challenge?”

“Oh there is no question in my mind about whether or not we can handle it. Just be prepared to hand over that seal Skymaster.” Kronos arrogantly remarked with a smirk on his face. For once Asmodeus fully agreed with Kronos albeit preferring to be more respectful as he replied with an air of confidence, “No problem Skymaster, this’ll be a piece of cake.”

“Good to hear how confident you all are. Well if you need supplies for your trip the weapon shop is two buildings down from the inn that you were staying at, and you can get dry supplies and rations from the innkeeper.” Skymaster Doug replied while chuckling. The group nodded their heads, acknowledging this new information.

“Now if there is nothing else to discuss I have business to attend to.” Skymaster Doug stated as if in a rush to get back to his guild work.

“Yeah I think we’re good for now, we’ll come find you again when finish this task.” Asmodeus said while taking a mental note not to be rude. Skymaster Doug still gave him a heavy ominous feeling as if warning him of impending danger.

Skymaster Doug started walking away from the group until he went past a corner and down an alley where he went out of sight. As he was walking down the alley a shadow dropped down on one knee behind him. Upon closer inspection one would notice that it was the same scout that had been tailing the group from the day before. Standing up the scout quickly asked, “Are you sure that we can trust them to take care of that group of bandits?”

Skymaster Doug took a short moment to think before replying back, “Don’t worry so much, it’s bad for your health, and besides if they aren’t able to complete the task then it’s no skin off my back since that’d be a potential threat terminated.” As if reconsidering his words he quickly added, “Either way I think it would be best for you to continue to tail them. As long as they don’t’ try to cause any trouble for this town it should be fine.” He continued to speak with his once cheerful expression melting off his face to be become more emotionless and expressionless stating, “But the moment they do something that might be considered a threat to us and our people take them out.” With a crisp “Yes Sir” the scout’s image abruptly shattered as he faded into nothingness.

Unaware that they were being talked about the group proceeded to head towards the weapon shop. Which was in a very easy to find location it being the only building that loud clangs could be heard coming from. Taking a glance at the building Atlas noticed that it was made completely out of heavily compressed stones. Above the door hung a wooden sign with the symbol of two swords crossed. Eager to see what the shop had to offer, Atlas walked ahead of Kronos and Asmodeus opening the front door to the shop.

The shop had a certain roughness to it as all the walls had barrels lined up that were full of several different weapons. Above the barrels were shelves lined with higher quality weapons. Toward the back of the shop was a giant granite counter with a door behind it that appeared to lead to a smithy. Sitting behind the counter was a short gruff looking man with a course brown beard. The man had a very muscular build with arm that was as thick as a normal man’s thigh.

Upon noticing that he had customers, the short man quickly went out from behind the counter to greet them. Upon coming out from behind the counter he took Kronos, Atlas, and Asmodeus by surprise. It turned out that the man looked like the epitome of a dwarf from Germanic lore. While the group was gawking in sheer surprise the short man roughly quipped while chuckling, “What you ain’t never seen a dwarf before?!”

“Sorry our bad, you just took us by surprise,” Atlas joyfully remarked.

“No problem lads s’not the first time I’ve caught someone by surprise nor will it be the last. Name’s Argus by the way. Now what can I help you kids with?”

Kronos decided to remain silent as he was still looking around the shop checking out all possible weapons that he could utilize. “I’m looking for a new bow, arrow, and quiver as these just won’t cut it anymore,” Asmodeus replied while pulling his bow from his back.

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Glancing at the bow Argus nodded his head while turning towards Atlas asking, “And how bout you lad what kinda weapon are you lookin fer?”

Atlas quietly thought to himself before replying, “I’m looking for a weapon that works well in close quarters combat. Preferably one that could be worn on the hands, as I’m more of a fist based fighter.”

“Oh ho that’s certainly an interesting choice of weapon, since that’s the case I’ll deal with you first.” Argus said while looking at Asmodeus, “We’ve got some cast iron and steel bows that’ll cost ya round 1 silver a piece. I’d recommend the cast iron bow as lookin at yer build you look like a kid that needs a bow with a high pulling force.” Moving over to a different area he continued, “As fer arrows I can sell you a bundle of sturdy wooden arrows with barbed steel tips for about 15 copper a set which comprises of 12 arrows.”

“Hmm…. Alright sounds good to me, I’ll take 5 sets of arrows and the cast iron bow.” Asmodeus responded while calculating the cost of all the goods he needs. Seeing that Asmodeus was satisfied with his choice, Argus walked over to a shelf grabbing a silver looking bow. After that he went towards a shelf next to the counter that was full with several different quality arrows. He shifted through the items until he picked out 60 arrows and a large wooding quiver.

“Here you go lad, this’ll amount to 1 silver and 60 copper pieces, quivers on the house.” Argus said while he held out his hand to Asmodeus

Asmodeus quickly counted out the amount needed out of his bag of coins before handing them over to Argus. Once Argus had the coins he proceeded to hand over the bow, arrow, and quiver to Asmodeus. Quickly shifting his new equipment over his shoulder Asmodeus, he then proceeded to hold out his old stuff while asking, “So would you be willing to buy this hunk of junk from me?”

“Hmmph… I suppose I could dismantle them for parts. I’ll give ya 35 copper for all of it.” Argus told Asmodeus in a very business-like manner.

“Sounds good to me.” Asmodeus quickly replied back to Argus who took out 35 copper from the coins Asmodeus just gave him and handed it back.

“Now on to you lad, I’ll show you my assortment of fist typed weaponry.” Argus said as he turned his attention towards Atlas.

Walking towards the back of the store Argus proceeded to grab a crate from the top shelf. Bringing the crate back up to the front he opened it up revealing what was inside. Looking into the box Atlas saw a multitude of odd weapons. While he was looking through the crate one particular weapon caught his eye. The weapon looked similar to a sloth’s claw with three curved blades extending out of what looked to be a vambrace. At the back of the vambrace it had three slightly curved pieces of metal that appeared to be meant to wrap around the arm. On the surface it had a twin skull design etched into the dark red metal that made up the rest of it. On the underside of the hand guard had what appeared to be a handle wrap is a soft fur.

Instantly liking the ferocious air that the pair of weapons emitted, Atlas immediately decide to get this weapon set. Seeing the look of interest of Atlas’ face Argus commented, “Ah bout time someone came in who wanted these claws. Cause yer the first person to show such an interest in them I’ll sell em to ya for just 1 silver and 15 copper.” Atlas quickly nodded his head to agree with the amount, so he looked towards Asmodeus who proceeded to pay Argus the amount needed for the weapons.

Upon seeing the other two members of the group finishing up, Kronos decided that it was time for him to say what he wanted. With little hesitation or deliberation he informed Argus of his choice stating, “I’ll take ten of your cheapest throwing daggers.”

“Sure thing kid, that’ll be 2 silvers in total,” Argus told Kronos with a smile on his face.

“Asmodeus quickly pay the man we don’t have all day,” Kronos commanded Asmodeus as if he was his servant.

Slightly glaring at Kronos, Asmodeus commented, “Shut up man… well whatever no use arguing about it.” sighing immediately afterwards. After quickly handing over the money to Argus, the group decided that they should grab the rest of their supplies before heading out. So they left the weapon shop, and proceeded to head towards the inn.

When they arrived back at the inn they noticed that Axle was behind the counter who nodded at them in greeting.

“What can I help you with young men?” Axle asked.

“Oh sup Axle. Could we get some rations, and dry supplies that could last us a few days’? We’re planning on heading out soon, so it would be much appreciated.” Asmodeus answered.

“Sure thing, I’ll be right back with you order.” Axle answered back without batting an eyelid. It didn’t take him long to return with three large hiking-packs worth of supplies.

“With this amount of supplies it should last you all a few days. However this won’t be on the house so you’ll have to pay a total of 2 silvers.” Axle informed the group.

Deciding that they was no use arguing with a man who was providing much needed supplies Asmodeus quickly nodded his head before handing the money over to Axle. After quickly picking up the backpacks, the group left the inn giving their thanks to Axle for his hospitality. Noticing that it was still early in the day the group decided to leave town to look for the bandit camp.

Walking with a brisk pace the group quickly headed towards the gate that they had used to enter the town. The guard in front silently nodded towards them, as he had already been informed of their impending arrival. He quickly opened up the gate enough to allow the group passage as they left.

Upon exiting the gate the group proceeded to head east towards the direction of the bandit camp. They started to trek through the forest of towering trees. The sun shone through the leaves creating small shadows that shifted with the wind. It wasn’t long before the sun reached its peak in the sky causing even deeper shadows to appear around them.

Becoming aware of a foreboding sense of danger Atlas stopped to tap into the ability he gained from consuming the beast causing metallic plates to emerge from his skin, while also equipping the claws he had just acquired. Taking note of Atlas’ actions, both Asmodeus and Kronos prepared themselves for any possible danger that could be heading their way.

When the group started to walk again a giant shadow struck out with a blur aiming towards Atlas. Before Atlas could react he was bitten by a behemoth of a viper. Although Atlas was caught completely unaware due to his prior preparations the bite was unable to puncture his skin. Confused by the fact that its’ powerful fangs were unable to piece its prey the viper grew angry. Before it could act on this anger, it found itself being stabbed by Atlas who had reached over his back in order to impale it with his claws. Making sure that he had a firm grip on the viper Atlas proceeded to fling it over his shoulder high into the air.

After sailing through the air the viper landed back onto the ground, after which it coiled up preparing to strike at this prey that caused it pain. With its’ body fully exposed in the sunlight the group could finally get a glimpse of its full appearance. It was a large purple-scaled snake that looked to be about three meters long, with its body having a mosaic of patterns on its scales. Hissing out in pain from the wound that Atlas had caused the snake reared back ready to lunge once more.

The viper lunged out at Atlas in anger only to find that it wasn’t moving as fast as it normally could. As it flew towards Atlas it felt an unusual weight pressing down upon it. This feeling of extra weight caused its head to lower mid-flight. Seeing that his gravity powers worked Asmodeus proceeded to let loose two arrows from his new bow toward the viper. Further amplifying the arrows power with gravity, the arrows rocketed toward the vipers eyes fully puncturing them stopping just short of the brain. Satisfied with the results Asmodeus focused all of his gravity powers on the snake causing it to slam into the ground. Before the viper could even react to all of this, Kronos dashed toward it with his glaive in hand. Speeding up his bodies time caused him to move even faster. As Kronos charged forward he managed to get right next to the vipers neck. Arriving at his destination he lifted his glaive over his head violently bringing it down with as much speed and force he could muster. Slamming the blade into the neck of the viper he felt it pass through the vipers flesh, before finally severing its head from its body leaving behind a crater due to the excess force.