He may not excel in it but more than what is required enough to move as a squire he passed with flying colors and as a Prime Magician that was enough but his excellence towards magic is what he needs. Being physically fit was easy but his requirement to become a magician also peaks when he can mentally stabilize himself and focus on certain aspects that need it, like the training he’s doing right now on one of the contraptions made on the grounds.
The puppet he’s been appointed could be considered a playpen for dodging, with a series of wooden balls triggered from above to diagonally attack him in possible blind spots. The aim was to send his body a sense of familiarity, in terms of moving presence. Each wooden contraption is imbued with magic that has a specific element within, the moment it hits him it will trigger the side effect.