It is from Deuce we learn that “there are rumors that your magical potential is determined at birth”, but he follows this with “potential doesn’t matter if you don’t put in hard work.” In a counter to this rumor Malleus claims that “magic is all about familiarity. The more you use it, the better you get, regardless of your inherent talent for it.”
We have seen proof of this in Riddle, so Deuce’s rumor is possibly untrue. More here ▶︎
During Beanfest Deuce reacts with bafflement at Azul’s year-long plot to win the game, saying, “Why would you spend a whole YEAR preparing to earn extra credit, when you could just try harder in PE and get the same result?”
Deuce asks permission both from a ghost chef and Jamil to learn how to improve his ability to filet fish, and when Sebek insults his efforts he responds, “I’ll keep practicing until I can fillet a fish in my sleep!”
Deuce is motivated from the very start of the Wish Upon a Star event to give his “best effort,” and Ruggie says, “While earnestness alone won’t carry you through life, it IS a virtue all the same.”
Vil comments that Deuce’s “lack of guile is quite the rare commodity on this campus” and Deuce responds, “Why does that not feel like a compliment whatsoever?”
Twisted Wonderland Reference Note 