Dark Magus Returns

Chapter 1027: A Real Friend

Raze had done as his old student had requested, and the two of them had gotten together to talk about the olden days. It went beyond just having a drink, as they continued and even shared a bite to eat together, despite Raze not having an appetite before.

Jake would bring up some of the other kids who would be told off from time to time, as well as the funny moments and projects in his life.

It was a nice break-a break from the rambling voices that constantly echoed in his head, replaying over and over how he would get payback against those who had wronged him one day.

He hated to admit it, but he enjoyed his time spent with the student. As the time and conversations were coming to an end, even Jake could tell there was some sort of pain on Razeʼs face.

”Professor, actually, Iʼve become quite the talented Wind Magic researcher thanks to you,” Jake continued. ”Iʼve been picked up by a publisher to write a few books. Itʼs not a research book or as academic as professor papers.”

”But itʼs more of a tool that will help Wind mages of all ages and stars grow stronger. If it does well, the publisher thinks it will be a big hit.”

There were plenty of magic books aimed at increasing oneʼs mana, power, and skills. However, there were always issues with them.

Some didnʼt explain the basics and jumped several steps. Others were written for specialists or by those talented enough that they didnʼt know how to teach.

So Raze could see the gap in the market for such a book.

”You were always the best at breaking down and explaining the small details that made the bigger picture. Thatʼs why I wanted to ask-why donʼt you help me write the book?”

The question was completely innocent. Having such a pleasant experience, Raze couldnʼt wait to experience it again, so with less hesitation than he expected, he agreed.

Over the next year, Raze and Jake met frequently. In his spare time, Raze still tried to learn from the Dark Magic scrolls he had obtained and worked in the black market from time to time.

However, he had been doing so less often, as he looked forward to helping Jake Dove with his book.

Finally, the time had come-the book was complete, and it was ready to be sent off to the publisher for a final review.

This time, the two met at a coffee shop by a large open river. Raze, with his hood up, still covered his face wherever he went-a habit he thought he might never break.

Jake, sitting beside him, thought about all the times they had met and finally decided to ask a question that had been on his mind for a long time.

”Professor, weʼve known each other for a while now. Do you know-all weʼve talked about is magic-do you even know I have a wife and kid?” Jake asked.

The professorʼs eyes widened. He realized he hadnʼt even asked or pried into Jakeʼs life once. Hearing he had a wife and child, Raze thought he would feel saddened, as Jake had something he didnʼt. Instead, he felt happy for him.

”Donʼt worry, itʼs not a big deal. Weʼre friends whoʼve been linked to each other through magic-not just teacher and student. I hope you know that,” Jake said. ”Which is why I wanted to ask-would you be willing to put your name on the publication with me as a co- author?”

Raze had helped a lot with the book, giving heavy advice. It would have been natural for anyone to insist their name be put on it, but Raze already had an answer.

”No. You know how heavy my name is,” Raze replied. ”If you put my name on there, the publisher might even cancel the contract.”

”No one will buy it because theyʼll know whoʼs on it.”

Jake gave a deep sigh.

”I had a feeling youʼd say that, and I know thereʼs no pushing you. But, you know, Raze, I never thought you did what they said you did.”

”I always believed you were a good professor. Something must have happened back then. I thought maybe youʼd tell me what actually happened, but we just talked about magic all the time.” Jake laughed.

The two continued talking, with Raze steering the question away. Jake asked a few more times about having his professorʼs name on the book, but in the end, he knew it was truly a losing battle.

So the book was sent to the publisher and eventually released. It was a massive success-one of the first of its kind. Wind Magic users praised it regardless of their star level.

It allowed them to open their eyes and explore new possibilities, and because of it, Jake Dove became quite famous as an author.

He earned a good amount of money for himself and his family. Seeing Jakeʼs success warmed Razeʼs heart.

Once again, the two met, half a year later, at the same coffee shop. They had met a few times before, but so much had changed in Jakeʼs life.

”I have you to thank for everything, you know,” Jake said. ”You donʼt understand-my family and I get to live extremely happy lives because of your help, and you got nothing-not even credit for it.”

”I promise, if thereʼs anything you need, Iʼll help you out. Even if you want fifty percent of the book earnings-heck, seventy percent.”

Raze shook his head.

”I donʼt need the money. Itʼs of no use to me.”

Jakeʼs head sank into his chest. He hated that he couldnʼt help Raze, because despite how many times they had met, there was still a dreadful feeling lingering in the air above him.

”I want to help you, Raze. I want to make you happy, like you did for me. Iʼd be a pretty lousy friend if I didnʼt at least do that.”

Getting up, Jake was determined to find out the truth, while Raze remained unaware of what Jake had set in motion.