The crackling of the campfire punctuated the momentary silence among the five adventurers. Finally, Wesley broke the stillness, his gaze drifting towards the distant figure of the black-robed man. "Do you all have any idea what kind of magic that man used earlier?"
The others shook their heads. Nia contemplated for a moment before speaking. "It was certainly not my light magic, nor did it seem to be any of the other elemental schools - fire, water, wind, or earth."
Seeing their inquiring expressions, Nia elaborated, "Currently, there are five recognized schools of magic: fire, water, wind, earth, and light. Each has its own distinct visual characteristics when cast. For example, fire magic glows with fiery crimson and gold hues, wind often carries a blue-green tint, and my light magic emanates a white radiance."
"But the spell he used was silent, colorless, and odorless. He simply traced a symbol and uttered a word, and I cannot fathom what kind of magic that was," she concluded, perplexed.
Thal waved a dismissive hand. "No matter, it's likely a new form of magic we're unfamiliar with. Hmm, I have an idea - since he seems to be a powerful mage, why don't we invite him to join us? It would be a tremendous asset."
Wesley was the first to object. "No way, that would mean dividing the treasure..."
"Your own origins aren't exactly clear, are they?" Uni interjected coolly.
Wesley bristled. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Uni replied evenly, "I merely thought it would be wise to have additional support, rather than facing challenges alone."
The others fell silent, but the dwarven saying about thickening skin with age seemed to apply here. Thal was the first to recover. "Haha, while Uni's courage is admirable, haha, more hands are certainly better than fewer, haha. It's settled then - I'll speak to him in the morning."
Suddenly, Roderick spoke up. "Have you all noticed something about him?"
"What?"
"He seems to be gravely injured or ill," Roderick observed, his usually flippant demeanor replaced by a thoughtful air. "After using that spell, he appeared utterly drained, but from what I know, only powerful magic should consume so much of one's energy. Yet that spell didn't seem all that formidable..."
"Roderick," Nia interrupted sharply, "why are you inching closer? Trying to take advantage?"
A resounding thud echoed through the night.
Thal refrained from watching the pitiful fate of the lecherous bard and continued, "Roderick makes a fair point. However, if this man can so easily dispatch an Ape Fiend while injured, he must be truly formidable. I believe the benefits of having him join us outweigh the risks. What do you all think? After all, we may encounter even deadlier monsters in the future... No objections? Very well, I'll speak to him in the morning."
The group took turns on watch through the night, but the hours passed uneventfully, with no further signs of threats.
As dawn broke, the chirping of small birds pierced the tranquil mountain air. Dew-kissed, verdant leaves and grass greeted the slowly awakening peaks.
After Nia's breakfast, the group gathered around. Listening to Thal's invitation, the black-robed man, who introduced himself as Charmion, spoke up. "I'm familiar with the Lost Cavern, but it is home to powerful monsters, and its numerous branching paths make it a veritable labyrinth. You'd do best to abandon this quest."
Nia quickly interjected, "But Thal has a treasure map that should guide us to the correct path."
Charmion's eyes lit up. "A treasure map, you say? May I see it?"
Thal hesitated momentarily before retrieving an ancient, yellowed parchment from his pack and handing it to Charmion. After carefully examining it and pondering for a while, Charmion returned the map. "This map appears genuine. Ah, if only I had known of its existence earlier... Very well, I shall join you."
The others visibly relaxed, with the exception of Wesley, who seemed dismayed at the prospect of dividing the spoils.
Charmion then inquired, "Do you know the nature of the treasure within the Lost Cavern?"
Thal shrugged. "I've only heard rumors of great wealth, but the details are unclear."
Charmion paused, his gaze briefly flickering towards Wesley, who was visibly swallowing in anticipation. "Well, should we indeed uncover the treasure, you may keep whatever riches you find. I have no need for them."
The others were baffled, with Wesley, in particular, finding it nearly incomprehensible (for a thief's mind rarely grasps the concept of not coveting wealth). "Then what is it you seek?" he blurted out.
Charmion offered a slight smile. The rest had clearly taken their toll, and his complexion had improved significantly since the previous night's events. "I only desire a single black staff from the hoard - one that matches the color of the robe I wear."
This revelation further piqued the group's curiosity. Nia hesitantly ventured, "But why would you want just a single staff? Wouldn't the entire treasure trove be more valuable?"
Charmion's expression darkened momentarily, a deep sorrow flickering across his features. "The black staff holds great significance for me. It is a... personal matter." He quickly composed himself and continued, "Regardless, the treasure is yours to keep. I only ask for that one item in return for my aid."
Thal stroked his long, white beard, contemplating the offer. "Well, if that's all you want, I see no reason not to accept your assistance. Your magic proved invaluable against the Ape Fiend. We could certainly use someone of your caliber in the dangers that lie ahead."
The others nodded in agreement, even Wesley, albeit somewhat reluctantly. Charmion's selfless request had evidently made an impression, softening their initial wariness.
"Then it's settled," Thal declared. "We leave for the Lost Cavern as soon as we've finished our morning meal. Charmion, we welcome you to our party."
Charmion inclined his head, a faint smile gracing his lips. "I appreciate your trust. Let us be off, then. The path ahead may prove treacherous, but with your aid, I believe we shall succeed."
As the group finished their breakfast and prepared to depart, a palpable sense of anticipation and uncertainty hung in the air. Their unlikely new companion had proven himself both powerful and enigmatic, and the challenges that awaited them in the Lost Cavern remained unknown.