“Hey, that guy Norman, he’s still coming to school, isn’t he?”

“You know, he supposedly got a recommendation for expulsion from Mr. Rudon.”

“Huh, really? But he’s still coming to school?”

The students I passed by on the way whispered rumors about me.

Before, I would feel my spirits sink each time, but now, I’m fine.

I have a demon on my side.

Well, demon summoning is forbidden magic, so I can’t tell anyone.

“Hey, Norman. You still can’t even do basic magic, huh?”

“Legal.”

I looked up and saw Legal, smirking, talking to me.

Legal.

He was an old friend of mine.

He’s always had a bully personality and often mocked me for my inability to use magic.

By the way, Legal is the same age as me, but he’s excellent at magic. He’s already in the advanced course and is supposedly one of the best in the school.

“Yeah, so?”

I answered, sounding dismissive.

“What’s with that rude attitude?”

But he didn’t like my attitude and grabbed me by the collar, pulling me close.

“I didn’t mean to be rude… ”

I tried to calm things down, not wanting to cause trouble. Legal then said, “Alright,” and let go of me.

“Oh, right. I think I’m going to pass the Zenox Advanced Magic Academy at this rate.”

Zenox Advanced Magic Academy. One of the top academies in the country.

If I can pass, it would be a huge bragging right.

“That’s amazing.”

“You’re going to lose your noble title if you keep being unable to use magic.”

In this country, nobles are those who can use magic.

If I remain unable to use magic, I would be demoted to a commoner.

And I have no brothers.

Therefore, if I became a commoner, it would mean the end of the Esland family.

That’s why my father chose to adopt a son, to ensure the Esland family’s survival.

“But, that problem will be solved soon.”

“Huh? Solved? You mean, you’ll be able to use magic?”

“Yeah, I finally figured out why I can’t use magic recently.”

“Whoa, what’s that supposed to mean? I’d love to hear all about it.”

Oh no.

I’m getting carried away with my talk.

I can’t tell him about summoning demons.

“Uh, I can’t really tell you that.”

“Hahaha, you’re really going to make things up, huh?”

Legal laughed, holding his stomach as if I was really funny.

“It’s not made up… ”

Well, I don’t need to make him believe me, so I’ll just leave it at that.

“So, when are you going to be able to use magic?”

“Probably in a week.”

I have no reason to believe that I’ll be able to use magic in a week, but I said that anyway.

Once I can use the power of the 23rd in rank, Aim, I’ll be able to show him. And I think it will be alright.

“You said it.”

Legal smirked.

“Then, a week from now, you and I are going to duel. Of course, with magic.”

I knew that students often duel each other using magic at this school.

Naturally, I had never participated, because I can’t use magic.

But, it’s a bit much to suddenly duel.

“Hey, everyone listen! This guy Norman is apparently going to be able to use magic all of a sudden in a week!”

Legal suddenly yelled loud enough for the other students to hear.

“So, I’m going to confirm whether he can actually use magic in a week, in a duel!”

Legal said this, and the surrounding students began to murmur.

“Hey, seriously, Norman, who can’t even use basic magic, can use it in a week?”

“What kind of ridiculous talk is that?”

“He’s going to get beat up by Legal and that’ll be the end of it.”

“A bet like this doesn’t even make sense.”

“I guess we’ll see Legal’s massacre show. That sounds interesting.”

“Hey, hey, Norman’s going to run away, for sure.”

That’s what the students were talking about.

No one believes that I will be able to use magic.

Well, it’s a natural reaction.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Legal glared at me, his eyes narrowed.

I didn’t say a word about participating in the duel.

“Alright…”

I couldn’t back out at this point.