After getting Rachel to calm down, we went over to sit with the other students on the bleachers.

I recalled what happened just moments ago about my worst than mediocre talent level. When comparing my previous imperial swordsmanship training to Sam, he easily surpassed my level in a year's time while I had spent numerous years training to reach the same level. Physically, it made sense that my talent in swordsmanship was bad. Magically, it seemed like I was a genius but I could not forget that my magical talent was for the most part a result of the skill: Heart of a Dragon.

Thinking over this, my anger towards the system's analytical ability had decreased substantially. After all, everything I currently had was spoon-fed to me by the system. Without the system, I couldn't even begin to imagine how depressing my second life would become. I wouldn't have been accepted into the academy, wouldn't have been able to learn magic, and Sam would have left for the academy without me when it came to light that he was a hero. More importantly, I wouldn't be as strong as I was currently.

It was at this moment that I reminded myself of why I have taken this path. I could have stayed at the village and lived a peaceful life—but that didn't satisfy me. I recalled the regrets of my previous life.

'I want to change the world. I want to be acknowledged by people.'

I had realized that at the moment of my death. But alas, my time in that world had come to an end. I didn't live an accomplished life, h*ck it wasn't even a satisfying life. But with a second chance in this world, I could fulfill my wish. To accomplish this goal, the system provided me a path to strength.

Without proper strength, what could I truly accomplish in this world? To succeed the lingering regrets of my past life, I had to be even stronger than I was. Only then, could I hope to have accomplished something.

I shouldn't scorn the system for being bad. It had already helped me a lot. What I needed to do, was to firm my resolve and walk this path wholeheartedly.

At that moment, I had reached enlightenment. To others, it was only a fraction of a second, but to me, it was the moment of a lifetime.

I shortly came to a conclusion.

'This curse is limiting my potential.'

I had realized that with this curse on me, I could never be recognized by the masses. It would keep me away from the spotlight and hide me in the shadows of others. I didn't want to grow like this. I wanted to be audacious enough to provoke others in broad daylight.

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This curse was like a remnant of my past life—it didn't want me to succeed and wanted me to wander around clueless. It was a shackle that grew heavier and heavier as I grew stronger and stronger.

'System, I have a request.'

[Ding?]

The system made a strange noise I had never heard of before. It was as if it was asking me a question. It was a weird feeling since I was too used to the system being an all-knowing omniscient existence that answered questions instead of asking them.

'How can I remove this curse?'

[Processing...0%]

As that was happening, the Professor seemed to be finished talking about the rules.

I was fully engrossed in rumination so I obviously didn't catch a wink of what he said.

"Let us start off with the lowest bunch. Daniel versus Scott, a talent of 2.00 against 3.79."

It looks like he matched us with opponents of similar talent levels. To me, it didn't seem too efficient because there were many things that weren't factored in. Using me as an example, even though I was graded with a low talent level, that only represented my body's future potential, not my actual ability, cultivation, or anything else. In regards to future potential, the system provided me with unlimited potential. I couldn't blame the machine for being flawed since it really wasn't. It was just that the system was an entirely different existence that could not be accounted for. Such grading didn't mean anything to me.

—Scott's PoV—

I walked confidently up to to the stage that all could see. I was considered the weakest freshmen of my batch but I was confident in winning this match. So what if he was a student of a different academy? My talent was higher than his by a whole digit. I could probably defeat him with the level 2 Wind Blade I had just learned last week.

I looked over at him who was walking to the stage as well. He looked to be in despair with empty eyes staring into nothingness. It was almost like he was daydreaming... Nonsense, he must be scared out of his wits. Although I may be regarded as the weakest freshman, I am not to be taken lightly. I'm already at the Intermediate Mage Apprentice realm. It's impossible for me to lose against him!

Thinking that, I imagined myself when I wowed everyone with my magic.

"As expected of an excellent student. He does not bring shame to the academy." Said a professor.

"Please marry me!" Said a random girl.

"I want your babies Scott!" Said a random guy... Wait, what?

"...I guess you are the only one worthy to be my boyfriend" Said the Academy Belle Melissa.

Maybe I was counting my chickens too early but I was a hundred percent certain of my victory.

As we got ready, I recalled that the professor also allowed physical fighting for the people dueling with those of the Magic Knight Academy. Meh, not like it mattered since no amount of muscles can defeat magic.

As that passing thought flew away, Professor Mace got ready to announce the start.

"Are you ready?" He said.

He didn't give them time to say yes before he started the duel officially by blowing the whistle.

I looked at Daniel who was a couple meters away from me.

Even if he rushed at me to attack, I doubted he could reach me before I finished casting the Wind Blade.

With no hesitation, I started the chant.

"O' great Magic God. Bless this humble one with the power of the wind. With the wind as my blade, and my blade as the wind... Wind Blade!"

A grey magic circle appeared in my palms. I pointed it at Daniel who was still standing in place looking at me boringly without the slightest panic on his face.