Maverick's back was to a large stone formation, having weathered most of the Bandit's arrows. He had half a mind to run after the fleeing cowards, but his rational mind easily won the argument. He had endeavored to act as little as possible in the battle, his newly found Materials were almost upended and thrown down a cliff by a near hit from a Bandit Arrow.
He had spent the entire time in the battle quickly disassembling, then reassembling his Weapons. Reconfiguring them with the new Materials at hand. There was an instance where a Bandit had found Maverick, probably sent in a flanking maneuver, and attempted to rush The Artificer with his knives. Maverick, who had been partially finished with his pistol Modification, shot at the bandit. The Discharge was Fire related, and so burned out a good portion of his skin.
Unfortunately, Maverick had not yet modified the pistol for more than 1 shot. So the Bandit managed to escape before he could fire another round. Obviously taking his chances and deciding to leave when he could. The Artificer had shrugged and continued with his Modifications.
He replaced the nearly worn out catalysts with the new, more efficient Catalysts that the Royal Hound had given him. He modified the structure of the pistol so as to fire 6 rounds, though repeated, Unceasing use will easily destroy the Catalyst. Which would force him to replace it, which would cause a valuable loss in time. He modified the Rifle as well, adding a slot for a magazine, though he still needed to cock the Weapon. The Modifications would allow him to fire 5 rounds now. In addition, the Rifle had been re calibrated into firing Long Range shots. This would give him an advantage in the current situation, though he may or may not change it once again if they were to enter the cave. Thus making Long Range Useless.
These were all the modifications he was willing to do with anyone watching him however. He had used up a third of his Materials, and a Fourth of his Catalysts. The remaining pieces would allow him to build another Rifle, with a little less than half of the Catalyst remaining.
However, The Artificer wasn't planning on making another Rifle. There were other, more clandestine designs that he would not allow anyone else to see. That, he would create once they got back from this Useless Quest. Then, once the Hound had given him the rest of the Supplies, then he could continue with the other designs as well.
He crouched at his position, hand on his pistol, and his Rifle slung securely on his back. He pulled out one of his Knives, painted black and sharp enough to pierce through Leather Armor easily. He began to move towards the High Ground, allowing him to make use of his Rifle.
