Ibarin had not always been a Grand Magus. In fact, the very concept of the Grand Magus hadn't even existed back when he and Raze had stood side by side.
Back then, they were simply colleagues, two ambitious mages working within the academy, shaping students, pushing research, and building reputations. To Raze, it had been an honest partnership. He believed they were coworkers, perhaps even friends. But in Ibarin's heart, the truth had always been different. He had never seen Raze as an ally. He had seen him as a rival.
That truth revealed itself most clearly when the position of principal opened at the academy. Raze had been the favorite. Everyone knew it. His record was clean, his research pioneering, his teaching admired. Even without a natural affinity that dazzled, his ability to innovate and work relentlessly had earned him respect.
Nearly every colleague who was asked the question had answered the same way: Raze Cromwell would make the better principal.
