"Dick, what nonsense are you spouting?" The commotion drew a growing crowd of students and several instructors.

"Lord Buck!"

Among the instructors, one stood out with impressive presence. Dick did not recognize him, but many students and instructors bowed in respect.

Buck! Dick knew this name. He was reputed to be a level six mage from the royal family, stationed at the Royal Magic Academy—truly formidable.

In the Great Yan Kingdom, there were no mages above level six; level six mages were considered the pinnacle.

"Dick, speak with evidence. If you have no proof, refrain from making baseless accusations. Considering your youth, I will overlook this incident this time. Should there be a next time, there will be no leniency!" Buck’s authoritative tone, while stern, also indirectly defended Dick.

After all, Dick was considered a prodigious talent at the academy. Moreover, the academy was known for its liberal atmosphere and had never persecuted anyone for their words—mages were, after all, a noble breed.

"Yes, thank you, Lord Buck, for your guidance!" Dick showed remarkable tact and a sincere attitude of repentance. In the presence of true power, Dick did not dare to be arrogant, especially with the head of the academy himself. He would need to maintain a good relationship with the academy for his future.

Moreover, if he avoided falling into Frank or Liu Tiesheng’s schemes, he would come out unscathed.

Dick initially thought that by stepping back, the matter would be settled. However, Frank once again took the stage.

"Lord Buck, duels or challenges between students are permitted by the academy. I still wish to spar with Dick."

This kid must be out of his mind. Dick was at a loss for words.

"Indeed, Frank, you are correct. The academy encourages practical combat among students," Buck said, showing no visible disapproval of Frank. A true master maintained an air of dignity.

"Dick, do you accept Frank's challenge? I will personally oversee the duel!" Buck’s gaze held a hint of malicious amusement.

Damn it! This old Buck is quite the idle spirit. What pleasure could he derive from a duel between low-level mages?

Since Buck had spoken, Dick could hardly refuse the challenge.

"Frank, let's see the ten thousand gold first. What if you try to welch on the deal?" Since a fight was inevitable, Dick wanted to ensure it wasn’t in vain.

Whoosh! A magic gold card flew towards Dick.

"Does this really contain ten thousand gold? Don’t try to trick me; I'll have it verified first." Dick was not fully trusting of Frank.

"If the amount is insufficient, I will personally guarantee it," Buck added.

"Fine! For Lord Buck’s sake, I accept your challenge." Dick had no more reason to delay. The prestige of a level six mage was not to be compared with a mere ten thousand gold. "Frank, even if you have advanced to a level two mage, I’ll still deal with you."

"Alright, no need to go to the training grounds; we can duel right here."

Fine, with a level six mage overseeing, at least Dick’s life was secure.

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"Is Frank really a level two mage?" Many first-year students were curious, as their end-of-year assessments had just concluded.

"Impossible. Although Frank topped the martial assessment, he must be a level one mage with deep cultivation. If he had truly advanced to level two, the instructors would have made a grand announcement and reward, just like last year with Liu Tiesheng."

"Maybe. Didn’t Dick say that Frank might have hidden his true level to kill him in the duel?"

Speculation ran rampant. Mages were no different from ordinary people in their love for drama and conspiracy theories.

The duel took place on the spot, overseen by Buck.

Frank’s combat style was typical for mages—he quickly summoned a magical shield. Dick also employed a conventional strategy, launching several fireballs first.

In mage duels, the key was to launch the fastest spell to prepare for the most powerful magic.

Frank was indeed a dual-element mage, using a wood-based magical shield while simultaneously attacking Dick with several gold-element magic swords. Impressive!

Level one mages’ opening spells were usually not heavy; the real action generally came after twenty seconds.

Frank’s gold-element magic swords attacked rapidly, making it difficult for Dick to advance quickly. Clearly, Frank’s magical power was substantial.

Dick’s renowned water-fire magic sword was only partially formed, while Frank’s most potent gold-element spell was nearly ready. The duel seemed to hinge on the ultimate clash of powerful spells.

Suddenly, as Dick’s water-fire magic sword was still forming, he charged forward. Despite Frank’s rapid and frequent attacks with the gold-element swords, causing some damage, Dick remained resolute.

The distance between them closed drastically. Both mages unleashed their ultimate spells in a hasty exchange. Despite the slight disadvantage of Dick’s water-fire magic sword, the impact was minimal. With his robust physique, Dick ignored the magical damage and fiercely struck Frank’s final wood-element shield with his large sword.

"Boom!"

The force of the thousand-pound sword barely breached Frank’s wood-based shield. For a mage, having their shield broken and facing a close-range warrior was nearly a death sentence.

An unexpected event occurred.

"Bang!" The sound of metal clashing resonated, and the crowd gasped in astonishment.

Dick had a short sword as well, but what was surprising was that Frank, who was in close range, blocked Dick’s short sword with a jet-black short sword. Moreover, Dick’s sword was broken. Frank’s sword was clearly a prized possession.

Dick’s short sword was made of refined steel; to break it, Frank’s sword must be an exceptional, magic-imbued warrior’s weapon.

Frank’s black sword, which broke Dick’s short sword, continued its assault on Dick.

To break Dick’s sword in a clash required not only a razor-sharp, magic-enhanced blade but also sufficient strength and fighting spirit, which Frank clearly had.

It turned out that Frank, who had been hiding his abilities, was also a dual-skilled prodigy in both magic and martial prowess.

"Clang!" Dick’s Fire Cloud Step technique paid off. Even in close combat, a slight adjustment allowed Dick to partially evade the attack. Frank’s black sword struck Dick’s left shoulder, while Dick’s right fist landed on Frank’s chest.

Dick was injured, but Frank was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground. If not for Frank also being a level one warrior with a protective aura and a partially defensive magical robe, Dick’s punch might have been fatal. Buck’s sharp eyes did not intervene in the final blow.

Dick was in pain, feeling his right shoulder was severely damaged. Damn it! With such severe injuries, what about potential aftereffects? The magic-imbued sword had inflicted significant magical damage.

"Dick wins!" Buck announced.

In his agony, Dick saw a flash of white light. A soothing energy began to heal the damage to his shoulder. Damn, light magic was indeed impressive, even better than magical healing potions.

Dick felt his shoulder injuries gradually healing.

Dick looked gratefully at Lord Buck. A level six light mage—no wonder.

Buck was fair, treating Frank, who lay on the ground, with the same light magic.

Frank struggled to stand. His injuries were more severe, particularly internal ones. Light magic was not a panacea, so he would likely need ten days to two weeks of recovery.

"Frank, there’s no need for such hidden tricks in a mere academy duel. Dick is your classmate, not your enemy." Buck’s words were somewhat harsh, but the observing faculty and students found nothing amiss.

Intra-academy duels did not require such treacherous tactics. This was not an external battle where any means were justified.

There was an implicit consensus that Dick’s suspicions about Frank’s hidden motives were correct. Frank had clearly kept his true abilities concealed, and given his commoner background, where did he acquire such an expensive magical sword?

"Professor Buffon, you are no longer suitable to remain at the academy. Go serve the country at the Snowwind Battlefield," Buck decreed.

"Yes!" The magic instructor suspected of colluding with Frank appeared despondent.