After a long day, Salia comes to her room exhausted from her near death experience. She took off her hat and left it on the table along with her backpack. And then, she went straight to lie on her bed. She was not trying to sleep at all. In fact, she was reliving the events that transpired that day. Why did all of that happen? And what is all that fuss about? Izordat was acting so weird in that ancient tomb. The girl was concerned and worried for her friend. She can’t help but wonder if Izordat even trusts his team. What is he hiding? If it was her, she would… Wait, Salia stops to recall that she herself hides a secret from her team. It’s been a while for her to think about it and she almost entirely forgot about it. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that she barely escaped that miserable fate.

It happened a few days ago, Cursed dragons were reunited at the bar of the silvered armors, drinking away their vexation and reminiscing of their adventures and triumphs. They were interrupted by Egren, one of the attendants of the guild, he approached their table hearing Izordat and Salia bickering as they are used to do.

- Hi Cursed dragons! Someone has requested for you specifically. He announced with an eager voice

- Really?! They requested for us! Did we really gain that good of a reputation? Salia exclaimed

- Yes, I was surprised as well. We don’t usually receive named requests. But it is good for the fame of the guild

- Well, I am not surprised, we are very strong after all! Izordat said is a cheery voice

- Ha ha ha, Egren chuckled, I guess you are. The name of your client is Afra Nethergrip. She is a researcher from the brightstaff tower.

- The brightstaff tower! Are we about to witness the discovery of a new spell? Drumar asked excitedly.

- You might be. All I know about your mission is the fact that you are requested to explore an old lab. Apparently, it belonged to a famous wizard that lived a long time ago. It should be safe according to our client, but they prefer to take precautions. Needless to say, your mission is to secure the place. Do you accept the mission?

Cursed dragons looked to each other. After few exchanges, they unanimously agreed. Izordat shouted in an energetic voice: “we will do it”

After sobering up in the morning, they assembled their gear and headed to their employer. They were impressed by the size of the tower that looked even bigger up close. It was not the first time they saw the tower. In fact the tower is much higher than every other building in the city. The place was lively, filled by students and researchers alike. Moving to their destinations at a constant pace, like a symphony. The group was welcomed by an attendant who attracted their attention with a welcoming smile brightening her face.

- Welcome! How may I help you today!

- Where is that researcher woman named Af… Izordat started before being interrupted by Salia

- We have been summoned by ms. Afra Nethergrip. I believe she needs the help of adventurers for her research. Salia said nervously while shutting Izordat's mouth with her hands.

Drumar observed the smile fading from the kind lady. And from the corner of his eyes, he noticed her colleague throwing a look of concern towards them.

- Yes, you can find her… on the second floor, desk 215.

- Thank you.

The group headed to the specified place. Along the way, Salia continuously scolded Izordat for his behavior while he ignored her .However, despite his companions energy, Drumar couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. As soon as the group stepped to the stairs leading upwards, He announced his suspicions.

- Friends, once we meet the researcher and set out on our mission. we must stay on guard. Something is off.

- Oh, c’mon Drumar. I know you are a careful guy. What’s the worst thing that could happen? Izordat commented.

- Izordat, it is no time to joke. The attendant’s nervousness should have clued you about the situation.

- He is right! Salia added. Mages like to call warriors and knights brutes, yet some of them are more brutal and ruthless than monsters.

From her reaction Drumar suspected that he unintentionally reminded Salia of a bad memory. He rarely saw her talking in this ominous manner before. Hoping to comfort her he said.

- Salia, please forgive me for reminding you of your past. If you ever need to talk about it, I will be glad to listen to you.

Salia didn’t answer Drumar, and awkwardly continued waking up the stairs, with her team following behind. Izordat didn’t say anything, ye, he looked perturbed and concerned for her. He was hoping he can comfort his friend yet he doesn’t know how to do it. After a few moment of silence, He mumbled: “Like I’d let anyone hurt her.” Drumar noticed the mood of Izordat and couldn’t help but smile

They reached the office of their client to find an untidy room. Rubbish thrown everywhere, books scattered unorganized and dust layers everywhere. The lady which they came to see was standing behind a desk.

- Good, you are here! Thank you for accepting the mission. As I already told your guild, I need you to explore an old lab. Follow me. I shall lead you to the entrance. She said as she was heading outside with a book she picked up from her desk

- Wait, we are going directly to the place in question? No debriefing whatsoever? Izordat criticized her still showing his anxiety

- I must agree with my companion here. I understand that you need the job done as soon as possible. But even a slight hint about what we are facing can go a long way in helping us perform our mission. Drumar added

- I apologize; I got excited by your arrival. But I must admit, I don’t know much myself. I just found a note in a book describing how to find the entrance. It must belong to the writer himself but the fact that you need to utter a password to access the place made me concerned that we are not welcomed inside. You’ll see what I mean when we get there.

- Are you leading us into a trap? Izordat continued with his aggressive attitude, recently gained toward mages

- I hope not. But that’s why we are hiring you. You are talented in the art of avoiding them.

- Yeah, let’s just get this over with. Salia said with a gloomy voice that seemed to aggravate Izordat even more

Afra Nethergrip led them to an abandoned building in the town. On their way, she presented the writer of the book in her hand as the old owner of the construction. But she discovered that the late mage’s actual lab was hidden in a pocket dimension. So far, no means to access the lab were found besides uttering a specific password in front of a specific location. When the group arrived at their destination, the researcher shouted “Atensis Quism”. A magic portal opened in front of them in thin air.

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- This should be the entrance, I’ll await your report in my office.

Afra left the party wondering how to approach the situation. The content of the room was visible from where they were standing. The walls were painted in yellow with numerous sculptures inside. Each of these statues depict an individual with a different kind of clothing; one looked like a noble man with luxurious clothing, the second wears a servant outfit, the third one was armored and is holding a sword to the sky, the fourth was sitting on a stone throne with a crown on his head, and the last one appears to be a wizard, denoted by the classical long robe and pointy hat. On the opposite end of the room, they could see what appeared like an inactive portal gate with writings on top that looked like some magical runes rather than a language. After a moment of contemplating the suspicious room, they decided to step inside through the portal.

No trap was triggered when they ended up inside, but they heard a manly and booming voice “Show your respect!” Izordat annoyance became even more apparent as he protested.

- Let me guess we need to bow to your statue. Are all wizards this pretentious?

- No, it is the servant we need to bow to, not the wizard. Salia responded

- What makes you think that? Drumar asked after the surprising reply from Salia

- It’s written there, on top of the door. Do you see it?

- You can read that language? Exclaimed Izordat

- Yes, of course I can read it. It is written in common. Can’t you read it guys?

Izordat and Drumar looked at each other for few moments then Izordat said

- No, it is not written in common.

- What?! Wait, could it be enchanted?

- What do you mean? Izordat asked

- I read before of an illusion spell that prevents others from reading a certain message. Unless the reader respects a certain condition. It is possible to dispel this kind of magic, but I don’t understand the point of hiding the message here nor can I tell the condition to be able to read this one?

- He must be a pervert who only allows women to read his messages. Izordat insults the creator of the illusion.

- Well give me a minute; I’ll dispel the illusion for you.

Salia began the ritual needed to show her companions the hidden message. After a few minutes, Izordat and Drumar were able to read it. “Remember, the servant of the people is their real master”. Drumar was impressed by her talent and felt reassurance from having a competent companion, while Izordat continued condemning the wizard for his pretentiousness. Salia paused for a moment to think about the writing. Why was it hidden under that illusion? Why was she the only one capable of reading it? Was it only readable by mages? Or maybe Izordat was right, and he only welcomed women for immoral motivations? Or maybe it was a trap for her, a trap designed to capture a magilium.

While remembering this mission, Salia feels a chill down her spine and she stops to grab a glass of water to calm herself down. The stressful experience still causes her nightmares during the night. And despite the dangers she faced back then, she still wonders about what bypasses that illusion. The worst case scenario in her mind is detecting magiliums. She knows if the old wizard was looking for one, he couldn't have good intentions. Perhaps, the trap has already captured one in the past. She collects her thoughts thinking of all the possibilities.

She suddenly connects the dots concerning Izordat’s behavior. She remembers multiple writings on the different walls of the tomb. Is it possible that his secret revealed some warnings to him? Or worse it might be the reason for animating the king’s corpse. She is very glad to have survived the dangerous situation, but she can’t help but wonder about what he is hiding. And how can she reproach him if she herself does the same thing. In fact, she never revealed her identity as a magilium.

Salia was born with a rare and powerful ability that allows a person to absorb magic from their surroundings. One can’t be blamed to think that such power is a blessing, however Salia feels otherwise. Her ability does nothing but makes her a target. Numerous nefarious wizards managed to capture a magilium and abuse their power even in the current time. The magiliums’ natural ability is ideal for various magical experiments, as their bodies can be used like a magical battery. This is the reason why she hides this fact,fearing for her life. She regards being captured in this manner as a fate worse than death. In fact, she barely escaped imprisonment by her old master for that very reason.

She starts to find in her heart the desire to trust in Izordat. If he feels that he must protect his secret then it doesn’t matter what it is. What’s important is to work as a team and protect each other. After all, their hardship in the wizard’s lab never weakened her teammates' resolve. And they never left her side.

She remembers how suspicious she acted during their exploration. They went through multiple rooms each hiding a secret only she herself could see. It was obvious that whoever put these puzzles here was making sure that a magilium is present. During this time, Izordat was spouting off every insult he could think of targeting their dead host, hoping to cheer up Salia.

It continued until they reached one entirely empty room. Salia’s suspicions rose to the maximum level and she couldn’t continue anymore. She broke down and started shivering, like a child in a storm. Izordat immediately rushed to her and kneeled beside her to check up on her, Drumar followed him close behind.

- What is it? Is something wrong? Are you under a spell? Izordat screamed in a panicking voice.

- I… can’t… continue. I… am... terrified. I… don’t want to… be captured. Salia mutters in a shaken voice

- Salia! You don’t have to worry I’ll protect you I promise.

- Calm yourself down, Izordat! Salia, can you tell us why you can’t continue? Drumar intervened to calm his two friends

- No! Salia shouted

- You don’t have to explain yourself. Let’s just abandon this mission at once.

Drumar took Salia on his back and the group retraced their steps. Fortunately, they managed to do that without any difficulties. But it barely helped to ease their concerns about their traumatized friend. This incident was their first failed mission during their career. Salia felt awful being its main cause, yet in the following day her friends managed to comfort her. And despite the awkward situation she created, they never pressured her to reveal what she hides in her heart. They couldn’t even get closure after they coming back with the bad news back as Afra was nowhere to be seen

Salia finally smiles as she remembers the happy conclusion of that mission. She learned that she can trust her friends and believe in them. In fact, maybe they hold the same feeling she has right now regarding Izordat.

She decides to go and hang out at the bar. Perhaps, a drink or two can cool her mind. She goes down, asks for ale, and then looks around for a table to sit at. Suddenly, She Spots her best friend from the guild, Selenia. She is a fellow adventurer from the guild. They met not long after Salia joined the guild. And they have been drinking buddies since then.

- Hi-ho Salia, care for a thrink together?

- Hi, of course you can. If I don't drink with the crazy Selen, who else can I drink with?

- Well said! So, how was your thay? I saw Izortat completely out of it earlier.

- Yeah, the last job was very dangerous! We almost died. He busted his ass saving us!

- Really?! It’s hard to believe he has it in him. He always acts like a fool.

- How about you? Did you go through a hard mission today?

- Well, I was called to help in the investigation of a murder in the brightstaff tower. a bothy was thiscovered. The poor woman was frozen to theath in her office. A painful way to go.

- Really, I was there a few days ago. Salia replies with a shocked voice

- So you might have hearth of the victim. Her name is Afra Nethergrip. Apparently, she was frozen for a month now.

Salia becomes immediately shocked as she hears the news. She met the woman just a few days ago. How could she be dead for so long?

- What? Are you sure? I met her a few days ago. She was alive and well. She even hired my group Salia asked with a confused tone.

- Really? We hearth something similar from the staff and researchers at the tower. They even mentioneth that she was acting very strange before the thiscovery of her body. It turns out she even requesteth assistance from the silvereth armor multiple times thuring that time.

Salia covers her mouth after listening to what Selenia said. Is it possible that they were actually led into a trap by an imposter? Did her hesitation at the end saved her life? She can’t answer this question. But she is pretty sure of one thing. Someone is looking for a magilium in the town. And she is not quite safe yet.