Giving It Away

After the results of the second round of the Barnaby Finley Excellent Spellcasting Technique Competition were announced, Barnaby's Bar quickly emptied out. Most of the wizards flocked to the Bullfighting Daily's betting pool. Some were there to collect their winnings, while others continued placing bets after hearing that contestant number 17 had received an overwhelming score in the previous round.

Perhaps contestant number 17 could win the championship, or even the gold award. Many wizards who favored Albert, this dark horse, chose to bet on him winning the final championship.

As for the gold award, though, that would be rather difficult.

The Bullfighting Daily had no choice but to lower Albert's odds again. The odds for the gold award were down to a third of what they had been, while the championship odds were only a fifth of the original. Many wizards who had not placed their bets early beat their chests in regret.

"What are you thinking about?"

Bard put down the newspaper and looked at Albert, who was eating ice cream.

"This competition is different from what I imagined." Albert had the Status Panel, so his understanding of spellcasting techniques naturally far surpassed that of other wizards.

Still, after several rounds of competition, Albert had begun to have doubts about the Barnaby Finley Excellent Spellcasting Technique Competition.

What were spellcasting techniques?

Put simply, they were experience and skill in using magic.

However...

Well, the first two rounds had indeed left Albert with plenty of questions.

After listening to Albert's doubts, Bard smiled and placed a book before him.

"Barnaby's Finckley Spellcasting Technique?"

Albert glanced at the title and discovered that it was actually in Spanish.

"I got this especially for you. There's only a Spanish edition, but I figured reading it wouldn't be a problem for you."

"This