The day after I returned to my original form from my female appearance.

And tomorrow is the day of the duel.

Today was supposed to be a school day, but I decided to skip it. It doesn't make sense for me to go to class when I can't use normal magic.

I repeated the summoning ritual, sparing no sleep.

Of course, I only vomited blood and collapsed once at the beginning. At first, I felt pain every time I summoned a spirit, but as I repeated it many times, I got used to it and it became less painful.

However, it was difficult to learn how to control it, and sometimes I would change my appearance because I went too far, or I wouldn't summon enough magic and the water magic wouldn't activate.

Also, there was a time when I thought I had succeeded because my appearance didn't change, but the magic went out of control and I lost control.

At that time, Crocelle controlled the water instead of me, so we managed to avoid disaster.

So, I experimented with summoning rituals, feeling my way through.

"I wonder if I'll get it right this time..."

This is my tenth summoning ritual.

The steps themselves have become smooth because I've gotten used to them.

"Water, appear, Aguokure."

Suddenly, a turquoise magic circle floats in the air, centered on my right hand.

And then, a lump of water forms.

"I did it...!"

This time, it's not running wild and I can control it.

"Congratulations, Master!"

"Lord Norman, congratulations."

Orobos and Crocelle congratulate me.

"Thank you, you two."

I say this and started to control the water I just summoned.

I make water come out of my fingertips, control it to float in the air, and finally gather it into a large lump above my head.

"Alright!"

It seems I have better control than I thought.

After that, I controlled the water however I wanted and finished it all, and then I thought:

"Oh, right. I have to plan for tomorrow's duel."

"Duel? What's that?"

Crocelle tilts her head.

"Didn't I tell you?

"I think Nene mentioned it..."

Actually, I think Nene said something about it when I learned the summoning ritual from her.

"Actually, I'm going to duel at school tomorrow."

"Eh?! That's so dangerous! Are you sure it's okay?"

Crocelle is worried.

"It's not that dangerous..."

Then I explained.

That at school, duels are often held between students to improve their magic skills.

Of course, it's not a life-or-death situation, so don't worry.

Injuries are possible, but there are excellent healing magicians, so it's not a problem.

"The rules are that you keep fighting with magic until one person is deemed incapacitated."

"Master! Please let me cheer you on!"

"Ah, I want to go cheer too!"

I've never brought a demon to school before.

That's because I'm mocked at school, so I didn't want to show them how pathetic I am.

"Yeah, okay."

But tomorrow is the day I clear my name and redeem my reputation.

Having them come to cheer for me is reassuring.

"But, you know, I've never been able to use magic before, so this is my first duel. My opponent is an excellent student, so I'm probably going to lose. But I want to put up a good fight, even if it's just a little."

So I want to prepare for the duel, but what should I do?

"Master, please let me practice the duel with you!"

Orobos suggests.

"Eh, really?"

"Yes, I will spare no effort to help my Master!"

"W-Well, please let me help too."

So, I decided to practice the duel with Orobos and Crocelle.