Chapter 158: A real smile

Dark Magus Returns

The device in his hand, Raze recognized it in an instant. Because it was a communicator, which wasn't just any item but one that was used among the mages in his world.

It had the same design and the same markings as products made by Idore, one of the Supreme Magus who had great power in creating items of the highest caliber. The communicator was one of the lower-tier products but well-distributed because it had an additional effect.

The range of the item could be increased with one's mana. It could also be set to only react with the same type of device. Essentially, multiple organizations could have communicators and be in the same room, but they would only react with each other.

When mages made guilds, it was a good way for them to know who was on their side. This included when one would work as a double agent and spy. At times, mages had guild wars between each other.

There were multiple times where there were those acting as double agents, and having a communicator was not only a good tool for talking to others but confirming who was on your side and not. It also had the added bonus of being unhackable, unlike a phone.

It wouldn't run out of power as long as one had magic ability. Looking at the back of this one, it seemed to have been adjusted slightly. There was a gradient-like panel made of a strange material Raze hadn't seen before.

He imagined it was what was used to power it if magic couldn't be used. Despite all of this, this wasn't the question he had on his mind. It was, what was the device doing here, and why did Alter have them?

"Did you say all of those in Alter have these?" Raze asked.

"All apart from the field agents. Is something wrong?" Himmy asked.

"Ah, you must recognize it, right?" Charlotte said with a smile. "These were quite the thing back on Alterian as well. It's amazing that we're able to have them here. I was quite surprised when I saw them as well."

"How is it even possible?" Raze asked. "Does that mean that there's a way back to Alterian?"

"No," Himmy replied instantly. He didn't even want Charlotte to entertain the idea, which was why Himmy had decided to reply instead. "We do not know the origins of these items, but otherworlders have worked together to adapt the current version. I'm sure you have noticed that there are some slight changes.

"But I want to make one thing clear to you, Raze. Many of those who come to this world, all of us hope to go back. There are those of us who have family left behind, friends, or even enemies. But during the whole existence of Alter, no one has ever found a way to go back."

Raze stayed quiet after Himmy's words, and although what he said was true, Raze was finding that hard to believe. For one, he was a squad leader, and according to Himmy himself, there were those with higher positions, so who was he to rule out that there was a way back, but they just hadn't informed him about it?

Seeing the communicator in his hand, he could think of three things. The items were imported in, either a portal or a way to connect to the other world. Another factor is there is a mage who is able to create the communicators based on a similar style of Idore.

Lastly, the communicators and Idore himself have something in common. Maybe he is even coming into this world. Clenching his fist, he held the communicator in his hand firmly. Seeing this just made him realize that he was moving in the right direction and was moving ever so closer to his goal.

"I'm afraid that we have to leave; the world is getting pretty hectic, and we're getting called all over the place, but I have something for you," Charlotte said as she lifted her beret off her head, her orange bright hair dangled onto the ground.

It was the first time Raze had seen her like this, and instantly it almost brightened the room. Her hair was so orange it felt like one might get a burn from touching it. Reaching into the open head of her hat, she then pulled out something, and it was a book.

"Oh? So that magical hat is actually a magical item as well. It's quite a nice hiding space, a bit better than my robe." Raze thought.

The book was in pristine condition. It was hardbound and had a hardcover on it, unlike the worn and old manuals the Pagna warriors used.

Taking the book and opening it up, Raze knew what it was instantly.

"A spell guidebook?" Raze repeated back.

"Not just any spell guidebook!" Charlotte smiled. "But one that is based on the teachings of wind magic. I noticed that you used some wind spells before, so I thought it could come in handy. Although magic is forbidden in Pagna unless under extreme circumstances, the same can't be said if you go to the other dimensions."

"So it would be good for you to learn."

Raze knew most wind spells already due to his past life using wind elemental magic, but he appreciated the gesture and wouldn't decline it. Before saying anything, though, he closed it and looked at the name of the author, which had the name 'Jake Dove' written on the front.

Almost immediately, Charlotte noticed something, a big smile that spread across Raze's face.

"Thank you for giving this to me; I really appreciate it," Raze said, his words seemingly quite genuine.n)-O1n

Both Charlotte and Himmy were quite stunned; it was the first time the two of them saw him smile, and it wasn't one that was filled with ecstasy or joy at beating someone like at the event. This felt warm.

Seeing the smile, Charlotte's face started to blush a little red, her face heating up. With his smile, it was the first time she was able to see his looks.

"You should smile more; it suits you," Charlotte said. "Anyway, we'll be off now. We're quite busy as it is, and we used our break to come here. We doubt they will make a move again so soon, but just be careful."

"We will pop around and meet again."

With that, the two of them waved goodbye, and those from Alter had left. Raze had learned a large amount of information that was available to him, and he had a goal in sight. When Alter would call him for a mission, he needed to impress, and if he did, he would be able to move up in ranks.

However, that wasn't the only way. Alter appreciated those with high positions as well, which was why he had been offered to become a squad member as well.

"I almost died though from those in the Bonum Society. What I need to do is continue getting stronger, so that doesn't happen again. I can't just worry about the threats from the Pagna Society, and I know just the thing."

Dark magic filled Raze's hand, and the statue had appeared.

"Let's unseal this thing."