Chapter 8

"Hey, Norman. You’re still coming to school even though you haven’t learned your lesson yet."

"Do you know? It seems he was advised to withdraw by Mr. Rudon."

"Really? Even so, he’s still coming to school?"

Every time I pass by, the students start gossiping.

In the past, I would feel down every time this happened, but now I’m fine.

I have a demon as my ally.

Well, since summoning a demon is a forbidden art, I can’t tell anyone about it.

"Hey, Norman. I hear you still can’t even use basic magic."

"Rigal."

When I looked, Rigal was smirking and talking to me.

Rigal.

An old acquaintance of mine.

He has always had a bully’s nature and often mocked me for not being able to use magic.

By the way, Rigal is the same age as me but is excellent and is already enrolled in the advanced course, and is apparently one of the top students in this school.

"Yeah, that’s true."

I replied in a way that seemed to brush it off.

"What’s with that attitude?"

But, it seems he didn’t like my attitude, as he grabbed my collar and pulled me closer.

"It’s not like I meant to be like that..."

I didn’t want to make things worse, so I tried to smooth things over. Then, Rigal said, "Alright, fine," and let go of me.

"Oh, right. At this rate, I think I’ll be able to get into Xenox Advanced Magic Academy."

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

If I get in, it will be a great boast.

"That’s impressive."

"You, on the other hand, will lose your noble status if you can’t use magic."

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

If I can’t use magic, I will be demoted to a commoner.

Also, I don’t have any male siblings.

So, if I become a commoner, it means the Esland family will come to an end.

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

"But, it looks like that problem will be solved soon."

"Huh? Solved, as in you’ll be able to use magic?"

"Yeah, the reason I can’t use magic was finally figured out recently."

"Whoa, what’s that? I’d love to hear the reason."

Oh, no.

I got carried away and said too much.

I can’t tell him about the demon summoning.

"Well, I can’t really say."

"Hahaha, you’re really stretching the truth, aren’t you?"

Rigal found it so funny that he burst out laughing, holding his stomach.

"It’s not like I’m lying..."

Well, there’s no need to force them to believe me, so it’s fine as it is.

"So, when will you be able to use magic?"

"Probably in about a week."

I don’t have any basis for saying I’ll be able to use it in a week, but I said it anyway.

Once I can use the power of Iam, the 23rd, I’ll definitely be able to show it, so I think it will be fine.

"You said it."

Rigal smiled slyly.

"Then, in a week, have a duel with me. Of course, using magic."

I know that duels using magic are often held among students at this school.

Naturally, I, who can’t use magic, have never participated.

It’s a bit much to suddenly have a duel.

"Hey, everyone, listen up! It seems Norman will suddenly be able to use magic in a week!"

Suddenly, Rigal shouted loudly enough for the other students to hear.

"So, in a week, I’ll confirm if he can really use magic in a duel!"

As Rigal said this, the students around us started to murmur.

"Hey, Norman, who can’t even use basic magic, will be able to use it in a week?"

"There’s no way that’s true."

"He’ll just get beaten up by Rigal, right?"

"There’s no point in betting on this."

"Can we see Rigal’s massacre show? Sounds fun."

"Hey, Norman will probably run away anyway."

The students’ conversations were like this.

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

Well, it’s a natural reaction.

"I’ll be looking forward to it on the day."

Rigal glared at me with a piercing gaze.

I didn’t say I would participate in the duel.

"Alright..."

The atmosphere is no longer one where I can refuse.