Deuce and Effort

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?”

When Idia refuses to participate in the Wish Upon a Star event (citing, among other things, Deuce’s own poor dancing ability and lack of stars), Deuce makes a bet that if he is able to improve his dancing and fill both his own and Idia’s star quotas, Idia has to participate in the event in person. 

To Idia’s surprise Deuce succeeds. When it looks like the event may be canceled due to inclement weather he asks that Crowley hold off on his decision until the day of the ceremony, insisting on rehearsing until the last possible moment.

After Deuce injures himself (saving Idia) during Glorious Masquerade he sends the rest of the group on without him. Azul asks how he can be so confident despite having no plan and Deuce explains, “I can’t work out tough problems or use complicated spells like you guys.But I want to do what my housewarden said—find a place where I can shine and show those flowers what for…I’ll fight to the bitter end!”

After getting dangerously worn down from fighting the flowers Deuce begins doing what everyone else gave up on: weeding.

Deuce declares, “If my ankle’s messed up…and I can’t run…Then I’ll destroy these flowers the only way I can!”

Rook tells him that he will hurt himself for nothing but Deuce replies, “So what if it’s impossible? Even if I ruin my hands, I ain’t givin’ up!”