Damien responded, removing the cigar from his mouth as he contemplated the masked stranger's proposal. "What exactly is this business you're proposing?" he inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity and skepticism. The stranger, unfazed by Damien's demeanor, explained the nature of their request—a mission to acquire a magical stone housed within a prestigious magical academy.
The challenge, however, lay in the academy's stringent security measures, permitting entry only to teachers and students. With the upcoming student welcoming celebration on the horizon, the masked stranger saw an opportunity for infiltration. Damien listened intently, recognizing the potential benefits of such a venture, yet wary of the risks involved.
"I see," Damien replied thoughtfully, "but we don't accept jobs without some form of upfront payment." The masked stranger nodded in understanding, performing a spell that conjured a bag overflowing with gold. "Consider this a token of goodwill," they remarked, "a down payment, if you will."
With the promise of payment secured, plans were set in motion for the mission ahead. Tomorrow, Damien and his bandits would depart, embarking on a journey beyond the mountains to fulfill their end of the bargain. As preparations began, Damien turned to his most trusted soldier, Aleric, known as the Shadow Spark.
"You're the only one who can pass for a student on this mission," Damien declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "I don't know how he knows of your existence, but he's chosen you for this task." With a nod of acknowledgment, Aleric accepted his role, ready to embark on the perilous journey that lay ahead.
And so, as the carriage departed with Aleric and the masked stranger, bound for lands unknown beyond the mountains, the stage was set for the ultimate test of cunning, courage, and deception. The fate of their mission, and the elusive magical stone, hung in the balance as they ventured into the unknown depths of the academy.