The students were panting and exhilarated after the combat class, which had pushed them to their limits. Jayce wiped the sweat from his forehead as he tried to catch his breath. But he didn't have much time to rest, as he saw a familiar face coming his way, a smirk on his lips.
Darvit, the thorn in Jayce's side walked toward Jayce with a confident swagger. A few months into training, he was indisputably the best and most skilled fighter in the class. He had mastered advanced combat techniques which Jayce suspected he did before enrolling in the academy.
His eyes sparkled with a challenge that Jayce had seen many times before.
Jayce looked at Darvit, feeling tired and resigned. He knew what Darvit wanted — another duel. Jayce as usual declined the challenge, but he couldn't avoid the pressure that was put on him.
Ekko jumped up and down next to him. "Come on, Jayce, you can do it! Accept the duel like a man! Show everyone what you're made of!"
Jayce smiled at Ekko, "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Ekko, but this is not a fair match. Darvit is the best in the class, and he's way ahead of me in skill. If I accept the duel, I'll only lose."
Ekko's face drooped, his excitement fading by Jayce's words. "But… but you're strong, Jayce! You're improving every day. Maybe this is your chance to shock everyone."
Jayce patted Ekko's shoulder, his voice gentle and understanding. "I'm grateful for your faith in me, Ekko, but I also have to be realistic. It's important to know our strengths and weaknesses and work on them at our own pace. Jumping into a duel I'm not ready for would only hurt me."
Jayce slipped out of his window that night, after everyone else had fallen asleep and Ekko's snoring filled the room. He sneaked through the courtyard, hiding behind trees and bushes to avoid being seen. He made his way to the teacher's quarters on the other side of the academy, under the cover of darkness. His heart raced as he wondered, "Am I crazy?" He climbed through a window and entered a hallway, dodging the sight of any teachers.
The moonlight cast faint shadows along the corridors of the teacher's quarters, creating a spooky mood for his secret mission.
He reached the door he was looking for, after walking with careful steps. He took a deep breath, calming his nerves, before knocking on the door. The door opened, and Master Yi, the BladeMaster, stood in front of him. Master Yi was sweating and shirtless. He had been training in his room.
Master Yi looked at Jayce with a puzzled and annoyed expression. He didn't expect anyone to come to him at this hour and in this way. He folded his arms over his muscular chest, his eyes examining Jayce closely.
"What do you want, Trainee?" Master Yi asked, his voice slightly amused.
Jayce gulped, his determination showing despite the sweat on his forehead. "I want you to train me in swordsmanship, Master Yi."
Master Yi raised his eyebrows, surprised by Jayce's request. He became more interested in him. "That's what the classes are for, Trainee. You could get expelled for breaking curfew," Master Yi said. "Go back to your room and forget this ever happened."
But Jayce didn't budge. He stayed where he was. "The best swordsman in the class keeps mocking me and challenging me to a duel. I can't beat him if I learn the same things he does,"
Master Yi tilted his head, studying Jayce with curiosity. He sighed and gave in.
He looked down the hall, making sure no one was watching them. Then he nodded and gestured for Jayce to follow him.
"Fine, Trainee. But let's not risk getting caught here. Come with me," Master Yi said, his voice a low whisper.
Jayce matched Master Yi's steps, their quiet footfalls leading them to the rooftop. Under the night sky, with only the stars as witnesses, Master Yi turned to Jayce, handed him a training sword and spoke in a hushed tone.
"Show me your form, Trainee. Let me see what you can do."
Jayce took a deep breath, his hands tightening around the hilt of the sword. With focused determination, he began to repeat the drills he had learned in the combat class, his movements crisp and precise.
Master Yi watched attentively, his critical eye evaluating Jayce's every motion. After a few moments, he shook his head in disappointment.
"That won't do, Trainee," Master Yi remarked, his voice laced with a mix of critique and concern. "The default training form caters to larger male bodies, but you possess a different build. You're more agile and nimble than your peers. We need to find a form that suits you."
Jayce's eyes widened, a glimmer of hope shining through. He had anticipated Master Yi' assessment, having felt the limitations of the traditional form himself.
"Have you heard of the WingBat form," he asked. Jayce waved his head no.
Master Yi began to explain the WingBat form while miming the motions, "It involves fast and fluid motions, incorporating jumps, flips, spins, and kicks. It is suitable for overwhelming single opponents or exploiting openings, but requires a lot of stamina and space, and exposes the user to counterattacks so you have to be relentless." He demonstrated the fluid movements, showcasing the potential of this new approach. Jayce listened intently, absorbing every word, his determination growing with each passing moment.
"I'm ready, Master," Jayce declared, his voice filled with resolve. "Teach me the WingBat form."
With a nod, Master Yi began the lesson, guiding Jayce through the intricate footwork and lightning-fast strikes of the WingBat form. The night air became their training ground, witnessing the birth of a new chapter in Jayce's journey as a warrior.