The reason our Barbarian Adventurer decided to join the 'Arcane Vanguard' was not entirely due to the enticing offers. Another significant factor that influenced his decision was his desire for extra protection, especially when faced with the intense curiosity from mages.
Bartlett knew that there were some secrets about him, secrets that even he couldn't comprehend, that were bound to attract the attention of mages after his return from hell. In his view, if he joined the 'Arcane Vanguard', then everyone was part of the same organization. He believed that the mages, being colleagues, wouldn't dissect him or subject him to "fun" little experiments over some harmless little secrets.
And, retreating ten thousand steps back, even if he couldn't deter the mages from wanting to study him, at least he might make them hesitate when deciding.
