The Frugal Mage

Rayven paused for a moment as he sat in his chair… He was considering his answers for a moment before giving his answer.

"I appreciate the offer." He said while meeting Jenna's curious gaze. "But for now, I'm still running with the Gray Ring team. Drosk, Victor, Emma, and Hale. Once my mission with them is over, then I'll think about forming or joining another group."

The three adventurers' eyes lit up. Jenna's mouth actually fell open.

"Wait… Gray Ring?" Roger asked as he lowered his voice slightly.

Fen's eyebrows shot up. "You're with that team?"

Rayven tilted his head slightly. "Yes. Why?"

He was worried that there was a problem with the group or something bad that he wasn't aware of. After all, they seemed to be careful with their words.

However, Jenna just gave a small laugh, though it came out more like disbelief.

"Why? Because Drosk's team isn't some casual silver squad. They've cleared more than a dozen difficult missions. One's even gold-ranked adventurers avoid. People say the Gray Ring is already pushing the limits of Silver-rank."

First, Rayven didn't know that the silver-ranked party could actually accept gold-ranked missions.

Then, had no idea that they were actually famous!

Roger nodded as he realized that Rayven was definitely a talented mage.

"They're the kind who will be recommended to Gold before long. If you're with them, you're already in very good company."

Rayven hadn't thought of it like that. He knew they were competent, more than competent, but hearing it put that way gave him pause. He recalled how quickly they had handled their last mission together. Perhaps he really had underestimated their reputation in the guild.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, a familiar voice came from behind him.

"Oi, Rayven. You're making friends already?"

Rayven turned, and sure enough, Drosk was striding into the guild hall, Victor at his side as he studied Jenna's group and behind them walked the two women, Emma and Hale…

The three adventurers at Rayven's table straightened immediately.

The cheerful air they had carried just moments ago shifted into something more respectful, almost cautious.

It was one thing to talk about the Gray Ring, and another to see them in the flesh.

"Speak of the devils…" Fen muttered under his breath.

Emma glanced at the table, eyes flicking over Jenna, Roger, and Fen, then settling on Rayven. "Making yourself popular, I see."

Rayven gave a faint smile. "They just wanted to know if I already had a party."

Victor chuckled, pulling out a chair beside him. "And you told them you're with us? Good."

Drosk was quite happy to hear that. He then looked at the three adventurers…

"If you're trying to poach our mage, you'll have to wait your turn. He's still under our wing for now."

The three exchanged quick looks, caught between laughter and nervousness. Jenna finally raised her hands. "Relax, we were only asking. No offense meant."

Hale knew that Drosk was only teasing them, so she immediately spoke to ease them up.

"Don't worry. I'm sure that if he's paid enough, you can bring Rayven to your team soon."

The three just nodded quickly, and just like that, they started making their excuses to leave.

As they walked away, Jenna glanced back once more, giving Rayven a grin before she nodded, implying that they would probably talk later.

***

Just like that, Drosk pulled a chair closer and dropped heavily into it. He then waved for Emma and Hale to sit as well. Victor then sat beside Rayven.

"Well… Since we're all here, let's talk about the important matter. Skitterfangs and razorlings… Nasty little things." Drosk said…

"Razorwing Stalkers…" Victor corrected.

"Right, razorwings. Flying pests with blades for wings. Whatever you call them, they're not the sort you want to fight unprepared. Skitterfangs are bad enough in the tunnels. They're fast, armored, and they like to swarm. Fighting them in the open field is one thing, but underground they'll be climbing the walls and ceilings."

Rayven agreed. "So… what's the difference in approach?"

Emma answered. "Outside, you can burn or blast them apart before they reach you. In the dungeon, you don't always see them until they're already on top of you. That means traps, oil flasks, smoke bombs, anything that slows their swarms might be a good choice. Fire helps, but you need to control where the fire spreads in those cramped tunnels."

Hale agreed. "And don't forget the razorwings. They don't fly like birds. They dash forward and use the dark to their advantage. An armor… Maybe shield spell or barrier is a must, otherwise you'll get shredded just from one swooping past you." She glanced at Rayven.

Rayven nodded slowly… With his Telekinesis, he could just carry a shield and control it for better defense…

"We'll want extra torches, chalk for marking, and at least two nets. I heard Razorwings hate being tangled. As for skitterfangs, they hate loud sounds. A couple of thundercrackers from the Mage Shop should scatter them long enough for us to regroup." Victor added.

Drosk liked this idea…

"Exactly. We'll make a supply run after this. Oil, nets, noise-makers, and some dried rations. We might be in there longer than expected." He then eyed Rayven. "And maybe a potion or two to keep our new mage standing after all his spell-flinging."

Emma chuckled. "Don't forget bandages. Drosk always pretends he doesn't need them, and then Hale and I have to patch him up."

"I don't pretend," Drosk said with mock offense. "I just don't like buying them when we can patch me up for free."

Hale shook her head with a sigh, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.

After the brief round of laughter, Drosk turned serious again.

"We'll leave here at five… And head into the dungeon at dusk. Six o'clock sharp. By then, most of the casual explorers will have cleared out. Less traffic means fewer surprises, and we can move at our own pace without some fool tripping over our heels."

"Alright!"