He has but one quest, that is true. But even if you fail his quest (i.e. give the jewel to the goblins), you can still upgrade one time. If you bring him the jewel, twice. So in the end, if you want, you can still upgrade twice with Radcliff.
Honestly for me I choose the malachite gems over the upgrade if getting him as enchanter, since enchantment ingredients can be easily get when you fully equip your runners.
