It seems that the jade pendant's spatial properties are related to the magician's rank, or more precisely, to the strength of the magician's mental energy. After all, the mental power of a second-level magician is significantly stronger than that of a first-level magician.

A magician not only needs to channel the core magic power from their dantian but also relies on their mental energy to manipulate the magical elements in the surrounding air. This combination is necessary to create powerful, simulated-form attack spells. Thus, the strength of one’s mental energy is a crucial measure of a magician’s prowess.

Having honed his mental energy in the jade pendant's space for so long, Dick was confident that his mental strength was on par with, if not superior to, that of other outstanding magicians of his level.

Dick immersed himself once more in the jade pendant’s space. The area of light held no significance, but the dark region of the pendant brought a sharp, intense pain.

Dick was dissatisfied with the power of his 'Flaming Blade' technique. Of course, Dick had only recently advanced to second-level warrior, and his mastery and understanding of 'Flaming Blade' were still in the preliminary stages. Thus, he needed to continue his efforts.

The second-level 'Flaming Blade' technique could only cut through the hide of first-level magical beasts, a rather modest degree of damage. Without the added power of the water-fire magic sword, Dick would have been incapable of defeating first-level magical beasts.

Since fire magic can enhance the power of the ‘Fire Cloud Step’ technique, it stands to reason that fire magic could also amplify the power of the fire aura technique 'Flaming Blade.' Determining the optimal way to use fire magic to enhance 'Flaming Blade' required ongoing experimentation and research.

Given that Dick was skilled in both magic and combat, he could not afford to squander this advantage. He needed to leverage every possible advantage to boost his combat effectiveness.

After a month of diligent effort, Dick successfully merged fire magic with fire aura, but he remained unsatisfied, feeling something was still amiss.

Suddenly, Dick recalled his unique spell, ‘Water-Fire Magic Sword.’ Since water and fire magic could merge to produce great power, could water magic also be fused with fire aura?

"Boom!" The battle blade seemed not to cut through the stone but to cause it to partially explode.

"Hehe!" Dick grinned with satisfaction. His efforts were not in vain. The fusion of water magic with fire aura indeed significantly increased the power of the technique. With continued practice and proficiency, it would become a formidable weapon.

A successful start provided a clear direction for continued efforts.

The relentless pursuit of mastery is no surprise; it’s no wonder that practitioners often seclude themselves for months on end, researching techniques. A single month had already passed.

The month-long absence from training had cost Dick a considerable amount in missed training fees.

Fortunately, Anna had successfully advanced to third-level magician, ensuring that the viscount’s residence would not lack a practice magician due to Dick’s absence.

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"Dick, acting all high and mighty now, after only two sessions at the viscount's estate, and you’ve taken over a month off," Annie had grown accustomed to their bickering.

"I had no choice. Having just advanced to second-level magician, I needed to quickly familiarize myself with the capabilities of a second-level magician," Dick could only use this excuse. His prolonged seclusion in his cavern was not entirely deliberate.

"Dick, someone from the viscount’s estate might be looking to cause trouble because your training fee has doubled."

"Cause trouble? What do you mean? Isn’t the increased fee willingly paid by the viscount's estate?" Dick felt vexed. The complexities of noble families were truly baffling. What was a mere doubling of the training fee to a wealthy viscount?

"You should understand the complexity of internal conflicts within noble families. However, internal strife is their own issue. As students of the capital’s magic academy, we have our own dignity. The viscount’s people wouldn’t dare to mistreat us excessively, as it would tarnish the family’s reputation."

"Annie, are you suggesting they might cause trouble within reasonable limits?"

"Yes. When my sister and I began as practice partners, we faced similar difficulties. Retreating is not an option. To advance in the capital’s practice business, one must face challenges head-on. There are many second-level magicians in the capital. Understand?" Despite their frequent banter, Annie, as a friend, was willing to offer advice.

Perhaps it was their shared common background as commoners that fostered a sense of camaraderie.

"Alright! I’m no pushover. It’s just a competition, isn’t it?"

"Yes, as long as you keep that in mind."

By becoming a practice partner for nobles, you essentially represent the interests of a particular faction within the viscount’s estate. Facing pressure, if you shrink away, the faction seeking your services will lose face. Such a magician would no longer be desirable for the noble family.

A practice magician receiving a high salary is inevitably entangled in family disputes. To earn a high salary, one must pay the price. At least, there’s no indenture contract involved, right?

No wonder Annie was concerned about her sister working alone at the viscount’s estate. Survival was challenging, especially for commoner magicians, who found earning a living even more difficult.

"Dick…"

"What is it, Annie? Are you suddenly feeling shy, you little firecracker? Haha!"

"The Sixth Young Master of the Zhao family, Zhao Haibin, a third-level warrior, has been advanced for two years and is extremely powerful. It is said that he has cultivated advanced techniques from the Zhao family’s special physique, making him very formidable. Zhao Haibin is friends with Allen…"

"Oh… I see. Haha!" Dick laughed. "Allen has been pursuing you, hasn’t he? Now, with a handsome and charming guy like me appearing out of nowhere, he must be feeling jealous and resentful, wanting to use Zhao Haibin to challenge me, right?"

"You…" Annie’s face flushed red.

"Don’t worry, Annie. From now on, I’ve got your back. Tomorrow, I’ll deal with Zhao Haibin. How dare he target my little Annie? He’s getting too bold."

"Ha!" Anna, who had been silent, couldn’t help but laugh. Everything Dick said seemed to have a unique twist.

"Anna, have you been injured badly in the Beast Forest? You seem to be low on vitality," Dick observed Anna’s weakened state, clearly indicating significant injuries.

"Not yet. I’ve recently advanced to third-level magician and am still stabilizing my realm and learning new third-level spells, which takes time. Injuries are common in practice sessions," Anna replied calmly.

"Ah! It seems that earning a modest living as a commoner magician is no easy feat," Dick understood well.

"Do you think so? My sister and I have been practice partners for many years… The Zhao family is relatively better. Some practice magicians have been maimed, while others have sustained serious injuries with lasting effects. As long as we’re not dead, the magic academy won’t fault the nobility," Annie explained.

"Annie, Anna, if things get too difficult, you two should consider stopping being practice partners. With Anna being a third-level magician, it won’t be long before she can team up for the Beast Forest. Third-level magicians are the core of hunting teams and are relatively safer," Dick suggested. "Frankly, as two young women navigating noble circles, trouble is bound to arise sooner or later."

"Easy for you to say. If a hunting team has unreliable members, they can easily be schemed against. Internal strife within hunting teams is quite common," Annie, despite her youth, had experienced much.