The air buzzed with elation as Jayce basked in the glory of his hard-fought victory against Varus. The cheers of the onlookers filled the inferno arena, mingling with the triumphant beats of his heart. But amidst the jubilant atmosphere, a figure emerged from the crowd, Poppy, her eyes shimmering with tears. Jayce's joy turned to concern as he saw the distress etched upon her face.
Breathless, Poppy reached Jayce's side, her voice choked with emotion. "Jayce, it's Ekko. He's missing from the infirmary," she managed to utter, her voice trembling.
Jayce's heart skipped a beat, his victory fading into insignificance. "What happened?" he inquired urgently, his voice laced with worry.
Tears streamed down Poppy's cheeks as she recounted the events leading to Ekko's disappearance. "Before he went missing, Ekko confessed his love for me. But I only see him as a friend, and I didn't want to say anything that would crush him, so I remained silent when he asked me how I felt."
Jayce's brows furrowed with a mix of concern and understanding. "I know where he might go," he declared firmly, determination burning in his eyes. "Leave it to me. I'll handle it."
The scene shifted, and Jayce ascended the steps to the rooftop training grounds, where Knights honed their swordsmanship skills. There, he found Ekko, his body wrapped in bandages, a crutch supporting his weakened form. In his hands, he gripped a wooden training sword. However, as he attempted to swing it, his balance faltered, and he stumbled, teetering on the edge of a fall.
With lightning speed, Jayce propelled himself forward, his body weightless thanks to a chant he learned from Ekko.
He reached Ekko just in time, extending his hands to steady him. But Ekko, consumed by anguish, slapped Jayce's hands away, rejecting his help.
"Don't blame Poppy for protecting our friendship," Jayce implored, his voice filled with compassion. "Come back to the infirmary. Don't risk further injury."
Ekko's eyes blazed with a mixture of pain and frustration. "It wasn't about protecting our friendship," he confessed, his voice tinged with sorrow. "She's in love with you, Jayce. I've lost every fight against you, and now, I can't even achieve my dream of becoming a Knight. My life is over."
Silence hung heavily in the air as Ekko gathered his crutches and began to limp away, his spirit broken. Jayce stood rooted to the spot, his heart heavy with the weight of his friend's anguish.
The following day, Jayce disregarded his usual swordsmanship and spellcraft classes and sought out Grand alchemist Shen. Jayce found Shen in his secluded study, surrounded by ancient tomes and mystical artifacts. Without hesitation, he approached the alchemist, his voice filled with urgency.
"Master Shen, I need your help. I implore you to teach me everything you know about Ekko's injuries," Jayce pleaded, his eyes fixed on Shen's wise countenance.
Shen observed Jayce intently, his gaze judging the depths of his determination. After a pregnant pause, he issued a solemn warning. "Jayce, you must draw the line. There may come a point where you will have to make a choice, you have to draw a line against whom that you may not be willing to cross. Are you prepared to do that?"
Jayce replied, "There is no line I won't cross to help my friend. I'll do whatever it takes."
A small smile tugged at the corners of Shen's lips, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "Splendid," he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. He proceeded to provide Jayce with a comprehensive explanation, delving into the intricate workings of muscle, bone, and tissue, and how they interconnected with the intricate mana pathways within the body. Shen revealed a harsh truth— even if Ekko's physical wounds were to heal, he would still be left 50% weaker, his mana pathways too severely damaged to channel any magic efficiently.
But then, a glimmer of hope emerged as Shen shared a tantalizing piece of information. He spoke of a certain clan known for their expertise in body regeneration. If Shen could acquire their knowledge, there might be a chance to help Ekko overcome his current predicament.
Eagerly, Jayce inquired, "Is there anyone in the school from that clan? Someone who could provide the necessary expertise?"
A knowing smile played upon Shen's lips as he imparted the fortuitous news. "You are in luck, Jayce. The headmaster himself is from Clan Vitalis. If anyone possesses the knowledge and ability to aid Ekko, it would be him."
Jayce briskly made his way through the corridors of the academy, his mind consumed by thoughts of Ekko's well-being. After meeting with the Grand Alchemist Shen and feeling a glimmer of hope, he was determined to seek further assistance from Headmaster Lucian. Anticipation coursed through his veins, mingling with a sense of urgency, propelling him forward.
However, in his haste, Jayce unexpectedly crossed paths with Master Yi, a seasoned and wise warrior. Yi's eyes sparkled with recognition as he approached Jayce, a congratulatory smile gracing his lips. "Jayce, my young pupil! I've been searching for you since yesterday! Congratulations on your victory against Varus. It was an impressive feat."
Jayce managed a fleeting smile in response but couldn't hide the distraction that clouded his mind and face. Yi noticed the restlessness in Jayce's demeanor. Concern he asked. "Where are you headed in such a rush?"
Pausing for a moment, Jayce took a deep breath before answering, his words vague yet laden with purpose. "I'm on my way to see Headmaster Lucian. I need his help with a sensitive matter."
Yi's sigh was filled with wisdom and a hint of skepticism. He reached out, resting a hand gently on Jayce's shoulder. "Jayce, whatever promises they make just be wary of getting too deeply involved with figures like Headmaster Lucian and Grand Alchemist Shen. They have their own agendas. Shen yearns for immortality, while Lucian desires to be the King's Champion Knight, if not the King himself."
Jayce's eyes widened, absorbing Yi's words. "I hear your counsel, Master Yi. I won't allow myself to be entangled too deeply in their schemes."
With a final nod of agreement, Jayce bid Master Yi farewell and hurried on his way, his footsteps echoing through the corridor. Determination burned within him, fueled by the warning he had just received. He would tread carefully, aware of the complexities that lay behind the powerful figures he sought aid from.