Jayce's and Ekko's room in the male dormitory was dimly lit with the only light coming from a single candle with the soft glow of moonlight seeping through the curtained windows.
The bunk beds were arranged in a way that Jayce and Ekko could lay down facing the window, affording a clear view of the picturesque courtyard outside.
Ekko lay wide awake on the lower bunk, his eyes fixed on the bottom of Jayce's bed. Jayce, on the other hand, was attempting to fall asleep, shifting restlessly on the upper bunk.
Jayce couldn't bear the silence any longer and finally gave in to his curiosity. He sat up and looked down at Ekko. "I know I'm going to regret this," he muttered, "but why aren't you trying to annoy me tonight?"
Ekko's gaze shifted from the bottom of the bed to meet Jayce's eyes. He seemed genuinely surprised by the question. "What are you talking about?" he asked innocently.
Jayce sighed, frustration evident in his voice. "Every night, you sing, hum, and kick the bottom of my bed. It's like you're constantly trying to drive me crazy. So just tell me what's on your mind."
Ekko paused for a moment, as if contemplating his response. Then, with a hint of longing in his voice, he spoke softly, "What you did for Poppy today... I've always dreamed of doing that. Of being the knight on the horse, coming to save the lady from the bad men."
Jayce's expression softened. "There are a lot of bad men out there," Jayce replied, his voice filled with weariness. "You'll get your chance sooner or later."
With that, Jayce blew out the candle and buried his head in his pillow, signaling the end of the conversation. Ekko stayed awake a little longer, his mind filled with dreams of valor and heroism, before eventually succumbing to sleep.
The next day, Ekko and Jayce descended the stairs from the rooftop training area where they had spent the morning honing their swordsmanship skills. Their bodies glistened with sweat.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, a stunningly beautiful young blonde woman in student uniform approached them. Jayce and Ekko, caught off guard and found themselves momentarily starstruck.
She pleaded with Jayce, her voice carrying a sense of urgency, "I heard about what you did for Poppy. You dueled someone who was chasing her and got him to back off," she said. "I need your help. There's a man trying to convince my father to give him my hand in marriage, and his father is powerful enough to succeed. Please, help me."
Ekko instinctively stepped in front of Jayce, his eyes filled with determination. "I am his best friend, and I am a strong knight too. I will help you," he declared, his voice resonating with unwavering resolve.
Jayce rolled his eyes at Ekko's impulsive response. He attempted to calm everyone down. "We don't know who she is or who her pursuer is," Jayce said, his tone measured. "I'll meet you after class so that you can explain everything to me." He then turned to Ekko, his gaze filled with a mix of concern and caution. "Don't do anything stupid until we know all the facts."
Ekko innocently mimed a cross on his heart, silently promising to heed his friend's advice. The trio then parted ways.
Under the bright, midday sun, Jayce and Celeste found themselves outside the spellcraft class, their paths intertwining once more. Celeste's eyes held a mix of worry and uncertainty as she began to explain her predicament to Jayce. Her voice carried a tinge of desperation, "Clans without male heirs and those who have lost their unique ancestral magic are vulnerable to being married into clans who still possess their powers. I am being heavily courted by Varus of clan Magnus, one of the best swordsmen in the school."
Jayce listened attentively. After a moment of careful consideration, he spoke, his tone measured and thoughtful, "Taking him head-on is not a very good strategy. It would be easier to help you revive your ancestral magic. What is it?"
Celeste's shoulders slumped slightly, a hint of sorrow in her voice. "I am from the clan Amniel, and we used to possess the ability to wield holy magic. However, it has been lost for generations, and there is no known way to revive it."
A grin played on Jayce's lips. "We can do it," he said, his voice brimming with confidence.
A surge of hope surged through Celeste. She nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "If you can truly help me, Jayce, I will be forever grateful. Please, show me the way."
Jayce's expression turned serious as he added, "I'm willing to help, but I'm not doing this for free. I need assistance with ingredients for my potions in alchemy class."
A spark of excitement ignited within Celeste. "My father is a dealer of rare and unique items," she exclaimed. "I'm sure he will be able to provide the ingredients you need for your potions."
Jayce's smile with satisfaction. "It's a deal, then. Now, take me to your family library and show me everything you have on holy magic chants."