Dick's exploitation of the rotund Harvey is restrained; after all, true friendship must be balanced, lest it falter. It suffices for Dick to seize opportunities each month to extract a hearty magical feast from Harvey. Anything beyond that would be excessive. Alina's gifts of magic crystals and magical gold to Dick were graciously accepted.

Navigating the boundaries wisely ensures that friendships endure, does it not?

"Dick, how are you preparing for the annual assessment?"

"Not too worried. It's been over a month since I advanced to a First-Level Mage, and I've grasped the basic spells of fire and water. The theoretical assessment poses no challenge to someone as sharp as me; as for the practical combat, there's no need to face opponents beyond my level, so I trust the instructors will not be overly harsh." The first three years at the Magic Academy involve not only tuition but also annual proficiency tests.

For those with a knack for magical training, such assessments are relatively straightforward. The academy does not typically make these assessments unduly difficult.

However, if one cannot advance to a First-Level Mage within a year, or if a newly advanced mage cannot cast even a single First-Level spell, such ineptitude often leads to expulsion. Every year, some students are dismissed directly for such shortcomings.

Of course, those expelled are nearly always commoners. Nobles, with their resources of magic crystals and magical gold, often advance to First-Level Mage within six months.

It is said that becoming a mage is indeed a contest of resources. Despite lacking magic crystals and magical gold, Dick has managed to reach the First-Level Mage rank through diligent meditation and training.

Many commoner students, in a bid to achieve the First-Level Mage status within a year, align themselves with noble students for access to magic crystals and magical gold. Commoner students often end up as servants, henchmen, or cannon fodder for the noble families during their academy years.

Such arrangements are crucial for the noble students. After all, when advancing to the second level of magic, one must venture into the magical beast forest, where additional support from commoner mage allies can significantly enhance their survival chances.

Observing Harvey's subordinates at the dining table, it is likely that their presence is also driven by the pursuit of training resources. Poverty in this world makes it exceedingly difficult for commoners to stand out. Commoners seeking advancement often find themselves in subservient roles to nobles, which has become a common and accepted practice.

Dick's magical aptitude is commendable among students, yet it took him nearly a year to become a First-Level Mage. Without access to magic crystals and magical gold, one can only imagine the difficulty of magical training.

Certainly, possessing vast amounts of gold could also be beneficial. Students like Harvey, who have ample gold, can exchange it for magic crystals and magical gold for training.

Stolen novel; please report.

However, the use of magic crystals and magical gold is not unlimited. Excessive use can result in unstable magical power and impurities in the body, undermining the foundational strength and affecting future training negatively.

Otherwise, wouldn't wealthy scions be able to amass great mages solely through monetary means? Such a notion is unrealistic.

The academy offers guidance on the most effective and scientific use of magic crystals and magical gold, which is one of its advantages.

"Dick, there are rewards for the top three in the annual assessment."

"What kind of rewards?"

"At least ten thousand gold coins."

"What! That much? For someone like me, ten thousand gold coins is an astronomical sum, enough to acquire numerous magic crystals and magical gold."

"What are the reward stipulations?"

"Martial combat!"

The annual assessment involves more than just martial combat; it seems the academy encourages mages to engage in it. A mage with weak combat skills is less valuable. After all, the ultimate purpose of magical training is to excel in combat.

"Dick, your chance has come." Harvey knows that Dick is not only a mage but also proficient in martial combat. With a strong warrior physique, Dick's ability to cast spells while moving surpasses that of many physically frail mages. In battles between mages of the same level, even a small advantage can be decisive.

During their previous trial arena match, Dick made excellent use of his warrior skills, almost matching Harvey's performance. Since then, Dick has diligently improved his magical skills, and Harvey fears he might now be outmatched.

Trial arena battles also incur costs, so Dick is reluctant to frequently ask Harvey for money; once a month is already a lot.

"Well, the annual assessment doesn’t prohibit the use of martial skills, does it? Haha!" For the sake of the reward, Dick is unconcerned about appearances. If Uncle Taita is risking his life in the Magical Beast Mountains to secure magic crystals, Dick feels it’s only fair to make an effort himself.

Though not unheard of, individuals excelling in both magical and martial skills are rare. After all, everyone’s energy is limited, and those gifted in both magic and martial arts are even rarer.

The academy has no special regulations for such rare talents.

A reward of ten thousand gold coins is a substantial sum even for noble students. It is clear that the martial combat phase will be fiercely contested. Even with instructors overseeing the event, injuries are common in magical duels.

Severe injuries can be treated quickly by light or healing water mages. Alternatively, the academy is well-stocked with healing potions.

Thus, during the academy’s martial combat, instructors will not intervene unless absolutely necessary. If someone is severely injured, they might be bedridden for a month or two. If one wishes to earn rewards without effort, such a situation is unlikely. Martial combat is meant to test practical skills, and injuries are part of the process.

First-Year Mage combatants are mostly inexperienced novices, so Dick does not feel inferior to others.

Moreover, this year, with Harvey and Alina’s generous 'sponsorship', Dick has had ample opportunity to practice in the academy's trial arena. Although his warrior skills have been at this level for over six months, his proficiency in using combat energy far surpasses his magical skills.

The arena for martial combat is spacious, and observing the fierce battles, Dick finds them quite brutal. Many commoner students are truly fighting hard for the rewards.

Well, being poor, I have no choice but to fight.

"Alina!"

"Dick, are you sure you’re up to the challenge?" Alina has come to observe, as battles between mages of the same level can offer valuable insights.

"Why not? I’ve been holding back in the trial arena battles to give you a chance, haha!" Alina’s rapid progress, likely nearing the Second-Level Mage rank, far exceeds Dick's magical power accumulation, making her a challenging opponent.

Fortunately, Alina’s prowess as a First-Level Mage is an exception. Besides, if Dick is pushed to his limits...