Dick went to the martial arts arena at the Magic Academy, where he could practice combat techniques without any cost.

He repeatedly practiced the basic steps of the "Fire Cloud Step" technique, gradually understanding the pattern between the step sizes. Dick finally grasped why combat techniques could only be mastered after reaching the second rank as a warrior. For instance, the "Fire Cloud Step" technique required a substantial amount of fighting aura to cover a distance of several meters, involving at least nine step variations. For Dick at present, the consumption of fighting aura was too great.

With such significant aura expenditure, reaching his opponent would leave him with little energy remaining.

Rapid charging demands energy; fighting aura is a form of energy, and magic is too.

To some extent, a practitioner who excels in both magic and martial arts possesses an additional core in their dantian. In this regard, the overall energy of the magical and fighting cores may not be double that of opponents of the same rank but can be somewhat higher.

After all, the energy storage capacity of an individual is finite. The exact amount of energy depends on the size of the magical and fighting cores in the dantian. A simple example is that the dantian of a second-rank mage has significantly greater magical capacity compared to that of a first-rank mage.

In this light, Dick's magical and fighting cores’ energy total had an advantage in the early stages of dual cultivation.

The magical and fighting cores in the dantian exist separately and do not conflict.

For Dick at his current level, understanding the essence of magic and fighting aura was challenging. Nevertheless, as a practitioner of both, having both cores in his dantian posed no issue.

Dick often utilized both magical and fighting aura simultaneously in combat.

By using fire-element magic to assist his fighting aura, Dick believed he could perform the "Fire Cloud Step" technique.

Frustratingly, after experimenting for several days, it became clear that magic could indeed compensate for some of the fighting aura deficiency, allowing the execution of the "Fire Cloud Step." However, the consumption was overwhelming. Even though Dick was a first-rank warrior and mage, it did not equate to the capabilities of a second-rank practitioner.

Executing the "Fire Cloud Step" drained most of his fighting aura and magic.

What was the point? If he had to deliver a final powerful strike with his great sword, his combat would be nearly a one-time affair. In essence, one strike could be the only one.

He needed to continue training. Once his magical and fighting aura reserves improved, he would have some leeway.

Thus, whether mage or warrior, cultivation level was fundamental. The notion of fighting beyond one's rank was unrealistic for someone like Dick, who was only at the first rank.

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For now, unable to use the "Fire Cloud Step," Dick continued to follow his previous combat methods in the trial arena. A first-rank practitioner should focus on the basics rather than rushing to master combat techniques. Dick consoled himself with this reasoning.

Dick was gravely injured, with a broken leg and torn muscles.

"Dick! Is it really necessary to push yourself so hard?" The ever-generous Harvey provided excellent magical healing ointments and visited him frequently.

"It’s not about my effort; that guy was just too ruthless. If the trial arena instructor hadn’t intervened, I would have killed him with one strike. Damn it! Even when he was clearly losing, he still managed to injure me…" Dick was displeased with the outcome of the battle.

However, Dick gained insight from the experience. In real combat, one must guard against the opponent’s desperate counterattacks. In essence, Dick had learned a valuable lesson.

"Ah! Dick, you’re quite fortunate."

"Harvey, I'm severely injured, and you’re making light of it... What’s your point?"

"Dick, take this. It’s a token of gratitude from your opponent. After this battle, he found an opportunity to break through the second-rank mage bottleneck. Soon, he will become a second-rank mage. This ten thousand gold coin magic crystal card is his way of thanking you."

"Really? That’s quite generous of him." Dick was pleased and accepted the magic crystal card without hesitation. "Harvey, why the sigh? Once I recover, I’ll treat you to a magical feast."

"Becoming a second-rank mage, Dick, do you know? As long as the resources are sufficient, accumulating enough power is easier. The real challenge is breaking through the second-rank mage bottleneck." Harvey’s plump face showed a hint of worry.

Dick was aware of this, having studied extensively over the past year at the academy. The theoretical knowledge had not been in vain.

The Magic Academy admits several hundred students each year, and the dropout rate is around forty to fifty percent by the time students reach the second-rank mage level, primarily due to difficulties in breaking through the bottleneck.

For a wealthy noble, ten thousand gold coins is insignificant compared to overcoming the bottleneck.

Mage cultivation, beyond advancing to the first-rank mage, involves substantial bottlenecks with each level. A practitioner is akin to a pyramid; the higher the rank, the fewer advancements.

At the Royal Magic Academy, students pay tuition for the first three years. After reaching the second-rank mage level, only then can they continue their training. Beyond the third year, age is irrelevant, as students who have been there for three years or thirteen years might both be second-rank mages.

This explains why Alina’s family cannot force her into marriage before she turns thirty. If Alina breaks through to the second-rank mage within three years at the academy, she can continue her training until at least thirty.

If she doesn’t reach the third-rank mage before thirty, she must leave the academy. For practitioners, whether mages or warriors, talent is crucial, and youth signifies potential. Failing to reach the third rank before thirty generally indicates a lack of potential.

A mage receives an additional hundred years of lifespan upon reaching the fourth rank. Thus, a third-rank mage only lives slightly longer than an ordinary person. If one does not reach the fourth rank by sixty, it suggests that their potential is exhausted.

Hence, thirty and sixty are recognized limits for potential for third and fourth-rank mages, respectively.

The gap between magical levels becomes more significant, with the time required for training and overcoming the bottleneck increasing exponentially.

"What’s wrong? Harvey, are you doubting your ability to reach the second-rank mage? There’s still over a year left."

"Yes, there’s still over a year."

Not only Harvey but every first-rank mage worries about the second-rank bottleneck. Fast progress doesn’t guarantee a swift breakthrough.

Liu Tiesheng, despite his extensive use of potions, has managed to overcome the second-rank bottleneck and can continue his training at the Royal Magic Academy until thirty. Liu Tiesheng’s achievement is admirable, and one might even envy his progress.

Therefore, at the Magic Academy, despite Liu Tiesheng's inability to join the second-rank mage circle, he remains influential and popular among first-rank mages.