Erhard raised an eyebrow when he saw the door open, and Atreus and co. barged into the store. He went to the front of the counter, fiddling with his fingers.

'You're back. Again,' Erhard said. 'You're starting to become a regular. So, what can I help you with this time?'

'Hey Erhard,' Atreus greeted. 'First of all, we're going to need new gear for our ally here.'

He gestured towards Rino, who bowed respectfully. She was wearing Atreus's old clothes, for now.

'My name is Rino,' she greeted. 'And I am part of the Shield Hero's party.'

'Name's Erhard,' Erhard greeted back, making a small smile. 'Nice to meet ya.'

'Yes. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.'

'Yeah, she kinda ran into a bit of trouble last night,' Atreus said. 'I saved her from a bunch of slave traders. They were going to make her a slave after Myne betrayed her.'

Erhard froze deathly still as he lost his smile, staring at Atreus sternly. He frowned, then sighed, shaking his head.

'I guess the rumours are true then…' he muttered.

'What do you mean?' Atreus asked. Erhard frowned as he leaned closer to Atreus.

'There's been news,' he said. 'Word's gotten out that the guy who owns the slave place in the centre of town was killed, along with two other people.'

Atreus just looked at him. He kept composed, but internally he started panicking.

'What did the rumours say?' Atreus asked.

'Well, the official story's that a monster killed them,' Erhard explained. 'The cages were empty when the guards investigated, so people think it was maybe those Demi-Humans. I didn't think that you had something to do with it.'

Atreus sighed. There was no use hiding it.

'Yeah. I was the one who killed the Slave-Trader,' Atreus whispered, so that no prying eyes could hear. 'Then we saved the slaves afterwards. They should be far from this country now. They said that they were going to Siltvelt.'

Erhard muttered to himself as he rubbed his chin, taking in everything Atreus told him, closing his eyes as if contemplating. Raphtalia shifted onto one leg uneasily, rubbing her arm.

'I guess rumours really do spread quickly in Melromarc, eh?' Mimir asked.

'Indeed,' Raphtalia said.

'Anyway,' Rino said, wanting to change the subject. 'I'll need new gear. You do not mind if I look around?'

'Knock yourself out, ma'am,' Erhard replied. Rino smiled and began searching the store for new equipment and armour. Atreus tapped the counter with one finger, leaning against it.

'Oh yeah, we also have another problem,' he said. From out behind Kratos's leg, Drífa came up beside Atreus, looking up at him curiously. She wore Atreus's cloak around her body.

'Oh,' Erhard said when he saw her.

'Yeah,' Atreus said. 'We're going to need some clothes for her. Preferably some that won't rip when she transforms. Know anything?'

Erhard rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then smirked.

'Not sure if I can do it,' Erhard said. 'But there is a tailor shop nearby that specializes in special clothes. You should check there.'

'Alright, we can check that out,' Atreus said.

Rino eventually found new amour and head into the dressing room, getting changed into it. She came back out after a moment and paid for it using the little money she had left. The trio left the shop, Atreus taking Drífa by the hand as he led her out.

The group head out down the street and made their way to the tailor shop. It was a small building but seemed bigger on the inside. They were met with the tailor, a young-looking woman around Atreus's height, who greeted them with a smile and a wave.

'Hi there!' she said jovially. 'What can I do for you, sir?'

'Well,' Atreus said. 'We're gonna need new clothing. For our member Rino here.'

Rino bowed politely, smiling.

'And also, for this one here.'

Atreus took Drífa by the hand and introduced her to the tailor. The tailor squealed excitedly as she knelt in front of her, smiling.

'Hello! I'm Drífa,' Drífa introduced herself.

'Oh my goodness, she is adorable!' she said.

'Yeah. She's a Filolial I hatched the other day,' Atreus explained. 'She can transform into a human and a Filolial at will. Only problem is, she rips her clothing whenever she transforms. I've been told that you can craft special clothing for her?'

'Well, I certainly can!' the tailor replied. 'Come this way, darling. I need to take your measurements.'

'Okay!' Drífa replied happily. The tailor led Drífa onto a stool and took her measurements, writing them down on a piece of paper. Meanwhile, Rino explored the store, picking out fresh clothing for herself.

'Okay!' the tailor said once she was finished. 'The measurements are done! Now I just need a special thread from Drífa's mana to make the dress!'

'Thread?' Atreus asked, tilting his head in confusion. The tailor only smiled patiently.

'Yes,' the tailor explained. 'I will need Drífa's mana in order to make the dress. It requires a special gemstone that will allow Drífa to make the thread. You do have one, do you?'

'Not really,' Atreus replied.

'That's okay. There's a Magic Shop nearby that can help you create the thread. I'll wait here until you come back.'

'Thanks. We'll be back soon.'

Rino eventually picked out her new clothing and got changed into it in the dressing room. Atreus helped her pay for the new clothing, before they left the tailor shop.

'Alright,' Atreus said. 'Next stop, the Magic Shop.'

The Magic Shop Owner smiled when she saw Atreus and Co. enter her store, greeting him with a warm smile as she came out behind the counter.

'Welcome back, Shield Hero,' she said. 'I hope you've put those books I gave you to good use.'

'Of course I have,' Atreus said. 'Raphtalia's been helping me make the words out. Those books you gave me helped a lot.'

'I'm glad that I was able to help you, Shield Hero. What can I do for you today?'

'Well,' Atreus said, gesturing to Drífa, who waved at her happily. 'I hatched a Filolial the other day that can transform into a human. We're trying to get special clothing for her that won't rip when she transforms. The owner of the Tailor shop said you could help us create a special thread for her?'

'Of course! I am willing to help you any way I can!'

'Great! The tailor said we need a special gemstone to create the thread. Do you have one?'

'Of course! Come this way, sweetie!'

'Okay!'

The Magic Shop Owner took Drífa's hand and led her to a small sewing machine, one that contained a bright shining gemstone on top. Drífa sat down in front of it, examining the machine curiously.

'This machine allows one to turn their power into special clothing,' the Magic Shop Owner explained.

'I see,' Atreus said. 'But how does it work, exactly?'

'The machine turns a person's power into thread,' the shop owner went on. 'They can then decide on their own timing to turn it back into thread, and vice-versa.'

'So you're saying that when she transforms, she can use her magic as clothing?' Mimir asked.

'Yes,' the Magic Shop Owner replied. 'Because it's not clothing, exactly. Drífa here can store her power within her when she transforms, then use it as special clothes when she turns back into a human.'

'That sounds a bit nifty,' Mimir said. 'The magic here sure is convenient.'

'Yeah, I guess it is,' Atreus agreed.

'Alright, Drífa, may you please turn that handle for me?'

'Okay!'

Drífa took hold of the handle and began to turn it. As she did so, a light blue thin thread began to come out of the other end. The Magic Shop Owner took the thread and began to wrap it around the Dowel, collecting it.

'I feel so weak!' Drífa complained. 'It's like I'm getting more tired.'

'We are turning some of your magic powers into thread, darling. You'll be a little tired, but that is only part of the process. Do keep turning the wheel, sweetie, we don't have enough thread.'

'Ugh, no fun!'

Drífa continued to turn the handle, looking absently around the room. Suddenly, the gemstone snapped in two, ending the thread.

'Oh no!' The Magic Shop Owner said. 'My gemstone! Broken!'

'Damn it,' Mimir said. 'Now we won't be able to craft Drífa her clothing.'

'Yeah, that's gonna be a problem…' Atreus replied. 'It'll be impossible for Drífa to transform without special clothing. And the prices for new clothes here seem like a lot…Is there anything we can do?'

'You can find the materials on the market, but they're pretty expensive. I don't think you'll be able to afford it…'

'Yeah, this is a problem…'

Kratos grunted as he lowered his head, thinking for a moment.

'Is there any way we could make it?' he asked.

'Hmm…Let me think,' the Magic Shop Owner replied, before grabbing a map behind the counter and laying it out in front of the group.

'I believe, in Melromarc, we may be able to get the materials we seek. Right here, in this cave.'

She pointed to a mountainous area in the southwest portion of Melromarc, and Atreus nodded.

'There's supposed to be a rich vein running through the basement of these caverns. If we find the materials, we can make the gemstone for not much money.'

'Alright, sounds like a plan,' Atreus said.

'Of course, I shall be going with you.'

'You sure?'

'Yes. How will you know if a gemstone is of high quality?'

'Good point.'

'That settles it then,' Rino said. 'Shall we get going?'

'Let's.'

'Is this the cave?' Atreus asked, hopping off the cart and looking up at the ruined temple they had come across. The building had appeared abandoned.

'It looks pretty intimidating,' Raphtalia said.

'Yeah, just looking at it…I can't shake off this feeling of dread…' Rino replied.

'Yes, this is it. I am sure of it,' the Magic Shop Owner said, looking up at the temple. 'I know this place. I've heard rumours of an alchemist living here.'

'You don't say?' Mimir said. 'What's the story?'

'From what I've heard, the alchemist was very evil. He had used this temple as a base for his research on a dangerous plant. They say the plant is still sealed inside. We must not unseal the plant, lest we bring calamity on this world.'

'It could be dangerous inside,' Kratos said.

'Never stopped us before, hasn't it?' Mimir replied. Kratos grunted in response.

'Regardless, we should be ready for anything,' Raphtalia said.

'Think you can handle it, Rino?' Atreus asked.

'I can,' Rino said confidently. 'Let me show you what I am capable of doing, Shield Hero.'

'Alright then. Let's head inside. Come on Drífa.'

'Okay Master!'

The group head inside the abandoned temple, Drífa chirping happily as she followed behind them.

The inside of the temple appeared to be man-made. It was made of stone but had been carved and formed into concrete and complex shapes. They eventually came upon a luxurious looking room, one that was decorated with furniture and luxurious rugs and banners.

'This room…' The Magic Shop Owner said.

'Is this where the alchemist did his research?' Mimir asked.

'Yes,' The Magic Shop Owner replied, seeming fearful. 'This is where the seed was made. And where it was sealed.'

The group saw a treasure chest at the end of the room, opened and empty. A group of symbols could be seen inscribed on the chest. Atreus knelt and examined the symbols.

'Can you read them?' Rino asked.

'Yeah,' Atreus replied. 'It's very old and worn though: "To whoever breaks the seal of this chest, I would prefer you never release it onto the world. It shall grant people's wishes of ending a famine in the worst way possible, and spell untold destruction. The seal is not so easily broken."'.

'A seed, huh? So that was what was in this chest…' Rino said.

'But…The chest is already opened,' Raphtalia said, noticing the empty treasure chest.

'Someone must have unsealed the chest at some point,' Mimir speculated.

'We shall worry about that later,' Kratos said. 'Do not forget why we have come here.'

'Father's right. We should move on.'

The group left the room, heading deeper into the caverns. The caves were getting darker and darker, to the point where Kratos had to use his blades to help light the way. Even then, they couldn't see more than a few inches in the darkness. As they ventured deeper into the caves, they came upon a trail of footprints.

'These footprints still look fresh,' Rino examined.

'Yeah, and judging by their size, whoever made them appears pretty big,' Atreus said, who knelt and examined the footprints. Kratos made a low growl, and it was then that he heard Atreus's voice.

'I'll kill you for what you did to your family, monster.'

'Atreus? What did you just say?' Kratos asked, freezing in shock from what he heard.

'I didn't say anything,' Atreus replied, before he too heard a voice. One that sounded like Rino.

'I hate you, Shield Hero. Give me your money.'

'What?!' Atreus said, turning to Rino.

'I said nothing,' Rino replied.

'I pretended to be in trouble, but it was all an act so I could get close to you. I could kill you right now. I've always wanted to kill you.'

'Rino…'

Voices began appearing all around them, seeming to try and scare them. It quickly bought them on the verge of panic.

'Stay calm!' the Magic Shop Owner said. 'The monsters here are mimicking our voices to trick us! They are not real!'

'What kind of a monster like that is lurking down here?!' Mimir asked.

'I don't know, but it sounds like it means business,' Raphtalia said. 'We must exercise caution.'

'Aye.'

The group held their weapons tightly as they followed the footprints deeper into the cave, trying desperately to ignore the voices of their friends taunting them. It took an effort for them to see within the pitch blackness, requiring them to squint slightly.

They soon came upon an open area, one that glistened with an array of large gemstones lining the walls. Kratos held the group back when he heard a feminine voice, squinting as he peered into the darkness. The group froze when they caught sight of a creature within the cavern.

It looked like a human. It's torso and head resembled that of a woman. It's only clothing was a small loincloth and some bandages wrapped around its stomach and shoulders, leaving the breasts exposed. However, where the limbs should've been, were instead long, razor sharp purple spikes. What should've been its hair, was instead a bright burning fire that engulfed the entire head but didn't seem to affect it. The creature didn't seem to have noticed them. They kept their distance, watching it unnervingly.

'What is that?' Atreus whispered.

'An Empusa,' Kratos answered. 'Another creature from my homeland. They were known for being very agile, and very dangerous. We must be careful.'

'Say the word, and I'm going,' Raphtalia said to Atreus.

'Don't think we have much choice but to fight,' Atreus said, holding out his bow. 'Let's get it.'

'Right!'

Raphtalia gripped her sword tightly as she charged at the Empusa, swinging her blade at it. The Empusa screeched as it quickly leapt out of the way with amazing agility, running on all fours. Kratos bought out his blades, right before Drífa rushed pass him and tried to swipe at the Empusa with her claws. As she did this, Atreus charged and began to fire arrows at the creature. The Empusa screeched, quickly avoiding Drífa's claws before leaping over Atreus's arrows.

'Yikes! This thing's fast!' Atreus said. Rino frowned as she stepped forward, holding her staff out.

'Oh, great earth, as a source of thy powers I order thee, create a series of boulders with which to crush my enemy with! Rock Blast!'

Her staff glowed, and a large mass of boulders suddenly came firing out of it, barrelling towards the Empusa. The Empusa leapt and bound past the boulders, seeming like it was a ballerina, only to get hit by a few of them. The Empusa screeched as it tumbled to the ground, right as Ingrid unsheathed itself and began slashing at the Empusa. The Empusa screeched, swiping at Ingrid and dodging its swings, as Raphtalia charged and swung her sword at it. The Empusa leapt away from both Ingrid and Raphtalia, climbing up onto a wall. Atreus shot his arrows at it as it clambered across the cavern, too fast for any of them to fight. Rino aimed her staffed at the Empusa, and a blue aura surrounded her.

'As a source of thy powers I order thee, decipher the rules of nature and send a blast of water at my enemy! Aqua Blast!'

Rino held out her staff, and a blast of pressurized water shot out of it, aiming straight at the Empusa. The Empusa screeched as it tried to scramble away, only for the water blast to impact the wall, sending the Empusa tumbling to the ground.

'Now!' Atreus yelled. Raphtalia and Drífa yelled as they all charged at the Empusa at the same time. The Empusa screeched as it swiped at the two of them with its sharp spikes, slashing them both and knocking them away.

'Raphtalia! Drífa!' Atreus yelled out. 'You okay?!'

'I'm okay, Master!' Drífa said.

'We are fine, Loki!' Raphtalia said, quickly getting back up. She had been cut in her side, but it didn't appear serious. 'Please, focus!'

'Right!'

Atreus gripped his bow tightly as he charged at the Empusa, swinging at it. The Empusa leapt out of Atreus's way, before it lunged at him and latched onto his body, driving its spikes deep into his chest.

'Hrrrk!' Atreus grunted in pain, flailing his limbs to try and throw it off. 'Get off of me!'

Kratos roared as he charged at the Empusa, grabbing it by the throat and prying it off of Atreus, before throwing it at a nearby wall. Atreus grunted in pain as he clutched his chest, his wounds bleeding profusely. The Empusa's attack had pierced his defence, causing massive damage.

'Atreus, are you alright?' Kratos said.

'Kind of,' he said. 'That thing's really powerful, watch out!'

Kratos snarled as he turned to the Empusa, which had quickly scrambled into a bipedal stance, screeching at Kratos. Kratos roared as he charged the beast, swinging his blades at it. The Empusa attempted to evade Kratos's attacks, but Kratos proved faster, slashing the creature repeatedly. Raphtalia, Drífa, Ingrid and Rino all assisted Kratos as he fought, attacking the Empusa whenever it was left open. It was useless. The Empusa proved too fast for any of their attacks, and too powerful. The Magic Shop Owner watched their plight, before she stepped forward, holding out an open palm.

'As source of thy powers I order thee, decipher the laws of nature and send a blast of fire at my enemy! Zweite Fire Blast!'

A large ball of fire formed at her hand, before shooting out through the cavern fast, hitting the Empusa and exploding just at it had dodged a swing from Ingrid. The Empusa screeched in pain as it was knocked to the ground, writhing in agony.

Kratos roared as he grabbed the Empusa by the throat, throwing it up into the air before slamming it onto the ground. He gripped its leg as it tried to get back up, twisting it and driving it right through its skull. The Empusa made a rattling cry as its skull was pierced, before it laid motionless on the ground, dead.

Atreus sighed in relief, before clutching his chest in pain. Blood poured out of his open wounds, leaving him weakened. Kratos turned to Atreus, concerned, before Atreus nodded and closed his eyes tightly. Slowly, his wounds began to close up on their own, his blood drying up.

'Impressive,' the Magic Shop Owner said. 'You really are a God as you say you are.'

'Yes, Loki,' Rino said. 'The rumours of your power were not exaggerated.'

'Thanks,' Atreus said. 'Good job out there, Rino. Your magic looked really powerful.'

'Thank you, Loki.' Rino made a polite bow. 'I only wish I could've done more.'

'You did really good, don't worry.'

Rino smiled at the compliment. The Magic Shop Owner examined the gemstones within the cavern, before nodding when she found a brightly-shining blue one.

'Is that the gemstone?' Atreus said.

'Yes. This is the one we seek,' the Magic Shop Owner replied. 'If you may?'

Kratos grunted as he pulled out his axe, before hacking a piece of the gemstone away. The Magic Shop Owner took the gemstone and put it into a small pouch by her hip, making sure it was secure and protected. Atreus began to absorb the dead Empusa into his shield and unlocked a new shield.

Empusa Shield conditions met

Empusa Shield

abilities locked equip bonus: Attack 9

'Right, we got what we came for,' Atreus said. 'Let's get out of here. I don't want to be here any longer than we have to.'

'Aye. I'd say we've had enough excitement for one day,' Mimir replied. The group began to make their way out of the Alchemist's Cave, maintaining a brisk pace.

The group made it back to the Magic Shop, where the Magic Shop Owner and Drífa finished getting the rest of the magic thread. After paying the Magic Shop Owner for her help, Atreus and co. returned to the Tailor Shop, where the Tailor put together the special clothing for Drífa. It consisted of a small, white dress, with blue patterns on the sleeves.

'Alright, deary,' the Tailor said, putting Drífa into the new clothing. 'I want you to transform into a Filolial, then back into a human again, okay?'

'Sure thing!' Drífa said, before she transformed into her Filolial form. Her clothing had taken on the form of a large blue bow perched on her head. When she transformed back into a human, the bow changed back into her dress. Atreus smiled, impressed.

'Neato!' Mimir said.

'Yeah, pretty great,' Atreus agreed. 'Thank you so much for your help.'

'No problem, sweetie! Sinc you're a Hero, I can give you a discount for the clothing! How's that sound?'

'Sounds good. Thank you again.'

Atreus paid for the new dress, smiling as he watched Drífa jumped around excitedly. The Tailor waved goodbye as the group left the store, Drífa following at Atreus's heels.

A few days passed since. The villagers of Riyute Village decided to gift Atreus with a new, better-looking carriage, so Atreus decided they would roam the country side for a bit. Kratos, Raphtalia and Rino stayed at the back of the carriage while Atreus took the reins. Drífa sang a happy tune as she pulled the carriage, elated. Atreus smiled as Kratos got up and took a seat in the front next to him. For once, Atreus felt content.

'The horizon looks beautiful,' Atreus said.

'Aye, it does lad,' Mimir replied. Kratos grunted as he nodded.

'You feel better, Atreus?' Kratos asked.

'Yeah. It feels good, not having to deal with the King,' Atreus replied. 'Just roaming the world, going on adventures, exploring new places. It feels good going an adventure again.'

'Aye, lad. Aye.'

Drífa came to a stop suddenly, becoming quiet. Atreus raised an eyebrow at her as he got up, before Drífa turned to him.

'Master,' she whispered. 'Some weird people are up ahead.'

Atreus and Kratos frowned as they both got off the carriage, taking a look. Raphtalia and Rino both looked out, wondering why they had stopped. Up ahead, a few metres away, were a group of bandits, wearing rugged clothing. They were all smirking, Atreus realised, staring at something in front of them. Looking onward, the group noticed a black figure that, upon closer inspection, was a humanoid dragon. The dragon was female, with scales coloured deep black and piercing golden eyes. She wore the leather clothing of an adventurer and was bound tightly in rope and sat in the middle of the men. She glared at all of them contemptuously.

'Hey, she looks like she's in trouble,' Atreus said. 'Maybe we should do something.'

'At your mark, I will charge,' Kratos said, readying his axe.

'I reckon we'd outta sell ya to some horny noble,' one of the bandits said. 'We could make a lot of coins selling ya.'

'No way, we already paid a lot for her,' another replied. 'Cost nearly everything we had. Why not keep her as our new toy for a while? I'd reckon you'd like that, would ya?'

Most of the bandits laughed, nodding profusely, as if agreeing with the suggestion. One of the bandits stepped forward and grabbed her by a horn, lifting her onto her feet.

'Guess ya gonna be staying with us for a while!' the bandit said, laughing. 'We should get ya out of these clothes and into something more fitting as our new toy!'

That was all Atreus needed to hear. He turned and nodded towards the group, before he grabbed his bow and charged at the bandits. He yelled as he bashed his bow over a bandit's head, sending them to the ground.

'Hey,' he yelled. 'You better let her go, if you know what's good for ya!'

The bandits turned to Atreus, frowning. After realizing who he was, they only laughed.

'Well, if it ain't the dreaded Shield Hero!' one bandit mocked.

'Dreaded?! Ha! What's so dreaded about him? Those skinny arms of his can barely lift his shield!' another mocked.

'I mean it, if you don't let her go, I'll make all of you pay,' Atreus said.

'Big words coming from a rapist!' one more mocked. 'I'd say we kill him! I'd reckon Melromarc will thank us for killing you!'

The bandits laughed, all brandishing daggers and swords from their cloaks. Atreus only stood defiantly, gripping his bow tightly, not once feeling intimidated by the bandits.

One of the bandits was hit square in the face with an axe, groaning in pain as he fell to the ground, dead. The axe suddenly flew out of the bandit's face and back into the hand of Kratos, who charged at the bandits with a roar as he swung, taking off the head of another bandit. Another bandit tried to swing his blade at Kratos, aiming for the neck. Kratos parried the attack with his shield, before plunging his axe deep into the man's shoulder, nearly taking the arm off. The bandit gripped his wound in agony as Kratos pulled his axe out, before cutting the bandit's head clean off.

Three bandits attacked Atreus all at once, charging him in different directions. Atreus yelled as he swung his bow and struck one bandit in the jaw, sending the bandit to the ground, blood pooling out of his mouth. Another bandit ran at him with a sword, trying to run him through.

'Air Strike Shield!' Atreus yelled, throwing out his hand. A large green shield appeared right in front of the bandit, causing him to run straight into it. He groaned as he fell to the floor, writhing in agony. Atreus quickly pulled out a dagger from out of his cloak and plunged it into the bandit's neck, killing him, before swiping at another bandit and slashing their throat. The dragon watched as Atreus fought, finding herself impressed by his fighting skills.

Several more bandits all charged at Atreus and Kratos, blades and daggers held high as they yelled. Drífa suddenly charged in and dug her claws into one of the bandits, caving their skull in and leaving behind blood, before leaping and clawing at a large group of bandits, slashing them deeply as they all fell one by one. As a large group of bandits tried to attack her, Rino sent out a large mass of boulders, crushing them under the boulder's weight.

Raphtalia gripped her sword as she swung at several bandits, cutting one head off before slashing three more of them. She failed to notice one bandit sneaking up behind her, grabbing her and pressing a dagger to her throat. The bandit chuckled as he held her hostage, bringing one hand to her breasts and fondling them roughly.

'Heh, guess you're mine,' the bandit said, smirking.

'Loki!' Raphtalia yelled. 'Help me!'

Atreus turned and saw Raphtalia, his fury flaring up as he took out an arrow and fired at the bandit. The arrow plunged into the space between the bandit's eyes, making him groan as he fell to the ground, before going limp and dying.

'Thanks, Loki,' Raphtalia said, blushing faintly.

'No problem,' Atreus replied.

More bandits came, still, coming from the forest. Kratos pulled out his blades and swung at the bandits, killing several in only a few swings, while Atreus opened fire at them with his arrows. Raphtalia and Drífa leapt around the area, slashing any bandits that came their way, while Rino sent a water blast at another that charged her, creating a hole through the bandit's head and killing them. The bandits all yelled as they turned to flee, realizing the group was too powerful for them. Atreus gritted his teeth as he sent forth several metres of rope from his shield, tying the bandits up with a single length of rope. One bandit holding a katana tried to charge at Atreus, swinging his blade. Kratos pulled out a spear and plunged it into the man's skull, before wrenching it and snapping the bandit's neck, sending him to the ground with a groan as he died. Atreus stood over the bandits triumphantly. The battle was over.

The bandits all squirmed in the tight binding, gritting their teeth as they looked up at Atreus in fury. The dragon watched on with a raised eyebrow, finding herself intrigued. Atreus only glared at them, angered.

'I warned you what would happen,' Atreus said. 'Do we need to beat you even more?'

'W-what the hell even are you?!' one bandit said, snarling.

'I am Loki, God of Mischief, Champion of the Jötnar,' Atreus replied. 'And Hero of the Shield. If you had done what I said and let this dragon go, I wouldn't have had to do this. But, I am willing to let you all go, if you agree to never terrorize these roads again.'

The bandits only chuckled, smirking at Atreus.

'Oh, so the dreaded Shield Hero has had a change of heart, has he?' one bandit mocked. 'What are you gonna do, take us to the authorities? Haven't you forgotten that Melromarc hates you? We'll just say that the Shield Hero attacked us, unprovoked! Then they'll have to let us go free! And you'll end up paying for it!'

The bandits all laughed horribly, overjoyed by the thought. Atreus sighed and turned to his father, nodding. Kratos grunted as he took out his axe, walking up to the bandits. The bandits stopped laughing, confused, then panicked as Kratos started to chop their heads off. Their cries for mercy went unheeded as Kratos killed them, one by one, as if he was carrying out an execution.

Night had come. Atreus decided that the group should stop to sleep, and were camping in a small forest, a little way off the road. Atreus, Rino and Drífa had already gone to sleep, while Kratos and Raphtalia remained awake. The dragon they had saved earlier was sitting at the fire with them, having been released from her bindings after the bandits were killed. She stared into the fire intently, occasionally glancing at the others with increasing suspicion.

'Why did you save me?' the dragon finally said. She had not said a word since the encounter with the bandits. Kratos looked up at her through the flames, making a low growl.

'They would have made you a slave,' Kratos replied. 'I would not wish that fate to befall on anyone.'

'Bullshit. You obviously had some ulterior motive for it. Did you save me just so you could keep me as your slave?'

'Loki would've never done that. He freed me from slavery,' Raphtalia said. She felt uncomfortable with the intensity in the air and decided to try and chance the conversation.

'What is your name anyway? We never got it.'

The dragon glared at Raphtalia with her golden eyes, frowning at the question.

'I shall not say,' the dragon said. 'Why should I give my name to my potential captors?'

'We're not your captors,' Atreus said, peeking one eye open at her. 'No one is forcing you to be here. You could've left at any time. You chose to follow us.'

'Only because,' the dragon said, 'if I try to leave, I'd either be killed, or be found by someone way worse. Following you would be the more pragmatical option here.'

Atreus sighed, squirming uncomfortably.

'I get it,' he said. 'You don't trust us. Maybe you met someone you thought you could trust, but ended up betraying you. Please, allow us to earn your trust. Let me show you that I am not the monster they say I am.'

'How did you…?' the dragon said, glaring at Atreus with a snarl, then shook her head.

'Fine,' she said. 'If you must know my name, then it is…Vandri.'