As Jayce climbed the steps to the rooftop training area for the morning drills, he couldn't help but notice the absence of his fellow students. Only Master Yi stood there, his presence commanding. Without a word, Master Yi threw a training sword towards Jayce, who caught it with ease.
Master Yi's voice carried a sense of gravitas as he spoke, "Today's class is a private session, Trainee Jayce."
Jayce furrowed his brow, a tinge of concern in his voice. "Is there something wrong, Master Yi?"
A knowing smile danced on Master Yi's lips as he replied, "You've already achieved a passing grade in this class, but the Headmaster has a unique challenge for you. He wants you to accomplish the never-before-done feat of earning a distinction in all three classes: swordsmanship, alchemy, and magic."
Before Jayce could respond, Master Yi lunged forward, launching an attack. Jayce swiftly raised his sword to defend, but he soon noticed a difference. Master Yi moved with a swiftness that surpassed Jayce's memory. Jayce realized that during their previous training sessions, Master Yi had purposely held back, reserving some power for this very moment. The subliminal knowledge brought a smile to Jayce's face, which was translated through the clash of their training swords.
As the two clashed, their blades ringing in the air, they reached a level where their actions conveyed what words could not. Master Yi's pride in Jayce went beyond his skill with a blade. He was proud of the man Jayce had become—the embodiment of a Knight willing to risk his life to defend others. Jayce couldn't have asked for a better mentor in the art of the sword than Master Yi, even if his master could be simple-minded at times. That last thought nearly cost Jayce as Master Yi's strike narrowly missed his head.
Caught in an intricate dance, Jayce and Master Yi couldn't afford to divert their attention for even a moment. They transcended technique, each slash, stab, and counter flowing seamlessly into the next attack, regardless of form. Time seemed to stand still as they reveled in the pure joy and satisfaction of the moment. But like all dances, this one had to come to an end.
Jayce's body moved on its own, executing the fastest and cleanest counter he had ever achieved. He managed to flick Master Yi's sword away, creating an opening to place his own blade close to his master's neck, claiming victory.
"Congratulations, Jayce. The victory is yours," Master Yi declared, his voice filled with pride. "I anticipated that this might happen, which is why I asked the other students not to come."
Jayce bowed respectfully, acknowledging his master's words. Chuckling at the fact that Master Yi called him just Jayce instead of 'Trainee'.
As they did, they both noticed for the first time that it was raining heavily. They laughed together, the sound echoing amidst the downpour, as they ran down the stairs, seeking the warmth and shelter of the building's interior.
In the Academy courtyard, the entire class had gathered, their eyes fixed on Jayce as he stood before Elise, the Chief Magus. Clad in black attire with dark hair cascading down her shoulders and unnerving glowing red eyes, Elise exuded an aura of power. The weight of Jayce's final assessment in magic hung in the air, and the anticipation was palpable.
Elise's voice carried authority as she addressed Jayce. "Begin with destruction magic, Jayce."
With a surge of confidence, Jayce unleashed the Stormcloak family's fire-breathing technique. Flames erupted from his mouth, swirling and dancing in mesmerizing patterns. The crowd gasped in awe, their eyes wide with wonder. Even Elise couldn't help but be impressed by the display of mastery before her.
Elise's next instruction focused on alteration magic. "Show us your skills in alteration, Jayce."
Jayce focused his concentration and unleashed the Sharkfang family's body alteration technique. Suddenly, his form became weightless, defying the laws of gravity. The crowd erupted in cheers, their applause echoing through the courtyard. Elise herself was flabbergasted, her red eyes wide with astonishment.
Next, Elise turned her attention to illusion magic. "Now, demonstrate your prowess in illusion, Jayce."
Jayce channeled the Shadow of Valonia's technique, weaving his magic to wrap himself in an ethereal cloak of invisibility. The crowd gasped, searching for any trace of the young mage. Jayce had vanished from sight, leaving them in awe of his command over illusion.
Elise's gaze locked onto Jayce, her voice resonating with authority. "Now, Jayce, demonstrate your command over conjuration magic."
With a determined expression, Jayce began to chant and energy crackled in the air. Suddenly, before the awestruck crowd, a rift materialized—a shimmering portal, its edges pulsating with otherworldly light.
Gasps of astonishment echoed through the courtyard as Jayce confidently stepped through the portal. The crowd held their breath, anticipation hanging in the air. Moments later, Jayce emerged from the portal.
Elise's final request was for healing magic. She presented Jayce with a recently deceased fish, a test of his restorative abilities. Jayce took a deep breath, combining the chants of the Moonshade tribe, Hart clan, and Zorander family techniques. With a surge of energy, the fish on the tray started to flop, gasping for breath, brought back to life by Jayce's healing magic. The crowd erupted in amazement, their cheers reverberating through the courtyard.
Elise's eyes gleamed with pride as she witnessed Jayce's remarkable abilities. She approached him, her voice filled with respect. "Jayce, I am pleased to award you the title of Magus Excellent, the highest grade one can achieve in our Academy."
Jayce's eyes sparkled with gratitude as he received the honor. But when Elise asked if he intended to stop now that he had completed swordsmanship and magic, Jayce's determination shone through.
"No, Elise," he replied firmly. "I intend to complete alchemy as well. There's still much to learn and accomplish."
Elise nodded, a glimmer of admiration in her eyes. "Very well, Jayce. Your thirst for knowledge is commendable. I look forward to witnessing your journey in alchemy."
With those words, the crowd erupted into applause, their chants of Jayce's name filling the courtyard. The young mage had proven himself in swordsmanship and magic, earning the highest accolades, but his journey was far from over.