Final answer:
The nickname "Mal-eficent" implies that Mal is evil and powerful in the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nickname "Mal-eficent" implies that Mal is evil and powerful in the story. The term is a play on the name Maleficent, a Disney character known for her wickedness and magical abilities. By giving Mal this nickname, Ben suggests that she possesses similar traits and is a formidable force. It indicates that Mal's character is dark and possibly a villain in the story.