A Freebie

After the results of the second round of the Barnabus Finkley Outstanding Spellcasting Technique Competition were announced, Barnabus Bar quickly emptied out. Most of the wizards flocked to The Daily Prophet's betting pool. Some had come to collect their winnings, while others continued placing bets after hearing that contestant No. 17 had earned an overwhelming score in the previous match.

Perhaps No. 17 could win the championship, or even the gold award. Many wizards who favored Albert, this dark horse, chose to bet on him taking the final championship.

As for winning the gold award, though, that was rather difficult.

The Daily Prophet had no choice but to lower Albert's odds again. The odds for the gold award were now only a third of what they had been, while the championship odds had dropped to just a fifth. 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 Skill Panel, so his understanding of spellcasting techniques naturally far surpassed that of other wizards.

Still, after several consecutive rounds, Albert had begun to have doubts about the Barnabus Finkley Outstanding 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 quite a few questions.

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

"Barnabus Finkley's Curse Method?"

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

"I got it specifically for you. There's only a Spanish edition, but I figured you wouldn't have any trouble reading it!"

"This thick... Was the