A dim memory, the smell of books, and the glow of magelight

"Cledwyn my boy, knowledge is power. Given how entwined magic and knowledge is, that should come as no surprise," a half-forgotten memory stirs. You can't make out the details of the voice, admittedly. "Every mage hoards their secrets, sharing only with apprentices and family of arcane bent. A mage clan that lasts long enough... Well. The nobles don't like having competition. We often know as much of their dirty laundry as they do..."

Was... was that one of your parents? A grandparent? Focus. You push past the urge to chase the memory. You have to deal with the here and now.

"Cledwyn, hmm?" Lyrissa muses, apparently not noticing . "Pleased to meet you. Properly this time." You decide you like her smile.

"Thank you," You return her smile. "And aye, it is a pleasure to properly meet you."

She fiddles a bit with a menu you can barely see, and you're greeted by a popup.

Lyrissa invites you to her party! Accept?

Y/N

You blink, the feel like hitting yourself. "Ah, I didn't actually state that I accepted, did I? I merely implied it. The party-magic is specific, I suppose. Aye, I shall be your partner for this quest."

The popup vanishes, Lyrissa regains the 'party' icon, and it's her turn to blink. "So verbal acknowledgement works, then. Interesting. Haven't heard of that feature..."

"The offer also works verbally- Should you make it in good faith, and they accept in good faith, the pact shall be formed. You don't normally have to worry about it happening among those of us with the Monster tag, as the basis of the magics is good faith dealing and far too many of us are incapable of it." You tell her.

Your party member nods. "Ah, that makes sense."

You both set out for the tower. Barring interruptions, you should get there about nightfall.