His mother is an intermediate healer, but she only a beginner in attack magic. She isn't that strong.
The reunion gets into something I don't want to spoil.
There wasn't any "struggle." He didn't set out with that goal in mind. I think it was a year but don't quote me on that.
Yes, Rudy is still a student. He has some side jobs as an adventurer(and has a scholarship) so he isn't hurting for money. He even has his own house.