So it turns out Liu Tiesheng was aiming for a marriage alliance with Alina. A prudent person knows when to bide their time; life is precious. Before one grows stronger, enduring is necessary.

Even Liu Tiesheng, however formidable, would not dare to openly pursue vengeance off the arena, would he?

Being third place is commendable, and the reward of ten thousand gold coins is substantial.

I should seek an opportunity to inquire with Alina about Liu Tiesheng’s motives. Why does he seem intent on eliminating me? I have done nothing to offend anyone while studying earnestly at the academy.

The grand annual martial arts tournament has concluded with Liu Tiesheng claiming the top spot. The magic instructors then announced that Liu Tiesheng had advanced to a second-tier mage. Achieving such a rank within a year is indeed the mark of a prodigy, and the academy rewarded him generously.

What a surprise! Of course, there’s likely some intrigue behind the scenes.

Dick collected his reward of ten thousand gold coins and invited Alina and the plump Harvey to a sumptuous magical feast, a rare indulgence.

Despite Harvey’s injuries, he took pleasure in benefiting from Dick’s generosity.

Alina, too, offered her congratulations to Dick, acknowledging the honor of being among the top three in the annual tournament, though with a touch of envy that Dick did not mind.

After the feast, Harvey secretly approached Dick’s dormitory.

“Dick, do you know why Liu Tiesheng is targeting you and Alina?”

“Harvey, you know?” Dick was taken aback.

“Don’t underestimate families like ours. Without ample information, a merchant cannot navigate the world. It’s crucial to avoid offending powerful factions,” Harvey explained. Indeed, without proper knowledge, offending the wrong people could be disastrous for a merchant.

“Is it because of Alina?”

“Smart! Dick, you catch on quickly,” Harvey said with a nod of approval. “Liu Tiesheng is the direct descendant of a viscount family, which ranks one tier below the earl family of Alina. Now you understand the significance of the potential marriage alliance between Liu’s and Alina’s families, don’t you?”

Liu Tiesheng’s family, being viscounts, holds substantial status. The prospect of a marriage alliance with Alina’s family is bolstered by Liu Tiesheng’s status as a prodigious mage. Talented mages are rare and highly sought after by the nobility.

It seems that Alina’s family also views Liu Tiesheng’s magical potential favorably.

In a melodramatic turn, Alina, still a young girl of about eleven with remarkable magical talent, is unlikely to willingly accept such a forced union.

At least until she reaches thirty, Alina’s family cannot impose a marriage upon her, as per the unwritten rules among the nobility. However, if Alina proves herself a formidable mage in the future, even high-ranking figures in the earl’s house would hesitate to confront her.

A mid-level mage is a rare and formidable figure in the Great Yan Kingdom, with no more than twenty existing. Their status is exalted, and the kingdom’s magic towers rely on their support.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Thus, despite the earl’s interest in the marriage alliance and Liu Tiesheng’s impressive magical abilities, no one within the earl’s house would dare broach the subject with Alina directly.

As for Dick, he is merely collateral damage. In the Great Yan Magic Academy, Alina’s closest male friend happens to be Dick. Perhaps Liu Tiesheng sees Dick’s lower status as an opportunity to set an example.

The Liu family, being a viscount’s, likely has sufficient influence to collaborate with the academy’s instructors without much difficulty.

Despite being a prodigious mage, Liu Tiesheng is just an eleven-year-old child. How much sophistication can he possess? Attempting to scheme against someone as seasoned as Dick? He’s still inexperienced.

Dick may enjoy scheming, but he has his limits. Despite the unintended fallout involving Alina, he would not distance himself from her due to Liu Tiesheng’s threats. After all, in this new world, only Harvey and Alina have been true friends and have supported him.

Even if Alina is a friend, Dick still unabashedly capitalizes on her wealth.

With his reward of ten thousand gold coins, Dick invested it entirely in his training. The luxury of ample resources truly makes a difference in one’s practice.

“Dick! Congratulations on third place! York has produced a remarkable talent, haha!” Thomas Sharp, the second son of a baron, arrived to extend his congratulations. Having previously been indifferent to Thomas, Dick noted the stark contrast in Thomas’s demeanor—he seemed eager to display his superiority.

“Just luck, nothing to speak of. Thomas, with your superior magical talent, I’m sure you’ll be first in next year’s first-tier mage tournament!” Dick, increasingly disinterested in engaging with the second son, barely concealed his irritation.

Thomas, who had initially appeared respectful, was now showing his true colors.

“Dick, you’ve risen. My second brother struggles with financial constraints and lacks a decent weapon. As your brother, shouldn’t you consider supporting him with some of your winnings?”

“Thomas, my second brother is your servant. If you, the noble second son, cannot afford to support your own servant, how about this: I’ll solve your problem entirely by purchasing my brother from you. This way, your burden will be completely lifted,” Dick offered with a sardonic smile.

“Dick, you’ve gone too far!”

“Oh? Second son, why do you say that? I’m merely helping you and my brother. My brother is just a first-tier warrior, right? Market price for a first-tier servant is a hundred gold coins. You’re not losing out,” Dick maintained his respectful facade.

“Dick, you’re too arrogant. You’re just a lowly commoner…”

“Thomas, how dare you insult a mage of the Magic Academy! You’re very bold!”

“Don’t regret this!”

Thomas Sharp left in a fury, finally showing his true colors.

How infuriating! The baron’s son is utterly uncouth. Is it not better to conceal one’s malice behind a façade of civility? Why must he tear off the mask so blatantly?

Dick couldn’t believe that a mere baron’s son could have such influence within the Magic Academy.

Lately, he’s been unfortunate—first, the inexplicable enmity from Liu Tiesheng, and now a falling out with the baron’s second son. Is it so difficult to simply focus on training?

Well, having already offended a viscount’s son, he might as well add a baron’s son to the list of grievances. Dick consoled himself with the notion that not being hated is a sign of mediocrity.

Everything else is secondary; strength is paramount. Dick could only continue striving in his training.

“Dick, your magical prowess has surpassed mine.”

“Harvey, my friend, I’m now a wealthy man, haha!”

In another trial arena match, Harvey, still struggling, lost to Dick numerous times.

“Dick, since you’re now wealthy, shouldn’t you cover the costs for this trial arena?”

“Harvey, you can’t be so shameless! Am I supposed to pay while accompanying you as a master?”

“Damn it! Dick, you’re really something. Even when I was stronger than you, I still had to cover the costs.”

“Well, I was poor back then!”

Despite the tensions, Harvey did not distance himself from Dick despite his clash with Liu Tiesheng. The Liu family may have power, but the Magic Academy’s influence is not absolute. Even if Liu’s machinations remain in the shadows, they are just that—shadows. Magic practitioners value honor and disdain underhanded tactics.

Moreover, Harvey’s magical talent is impressive, and with the support of a wealthy merchant family, he need not fear Liu’s family.

Most importantly, Dick himself possesses extraordinary talent, which is beginning to shine through, making him a valuable ally.