Chapter II

Jarro gazed at Taric in disbelief. For the first time in his years of adventuring, someone was genuinely interested in his journal.

How many times had he negotiated with the Piltover Explorers Guild manager? How regularly he tried to discuss with the Guild for more recognition? How often had he risked his neck to prove to them how serious he was? How frequently had he worked with people; in the hopes they could pay full accreditation of the Guild?

Despite all his efforts, his entry had been denied. If I use this Knight to spread my fame— yes! This a beginning! Let him see my prowess.

With this opportunity, Jarro could steal the map. But for that to happen, Taric couldn't suspect the adventurer's actions. The map must be in his hands as soon as possible. Otherwise, his bright future will never come to pass in the world's eyes. After all, his parents were somewhere in Runeterra, waiting for him.

'In that, case then,' Jarro held forth his journal, giving it to the Knight. 'Enjoy it,' he said, with a big smile on his face.

Taric smiled courteously. 'Thank you for this opportunity.'

Turning to his horse Taric knelt down to the animal, laying the hurt squirrel on its back. Patting the horse's head, the Knight whispered as the animal grateful laid its head down.

Jarro watched as Taric opened the journal scanning, the pages. He will love it! The adventurer smirked as the Knight kept his serenity. In the end, he will say I am the best!

'Hm…' Taric looked at him. 'Wouldn't you mind my company?'

Taric's gentle eyes met Jarro's curious ones. In that instant, somehow, the adventurer knew that the Knight will come along. It had never crossed his mind to have company on his adventures.

'It's not my custom to bring someone with me.' However, right now, rejection is out of the question. 'My expeditions are always full of danger. But of course, you don't need to fear, you are in good hands.'

'You must have seen so much on your travels.' Taric returned to his reading. 'You intrigue me.'

'Oh, this is just the beginning!' Jarro walked through the dense vegetation. 'And there are some other places to explore! Runeterra is the place full of rare treasures for the best to get their hands on.'

Taric didn't consider reading the journal dull. Jarro noticed the evident signs. The Knight's gentle warm smile, the delicacy with which he lifted the pages like an ancient inscription. Softly. Gently. Smoothly.

Every time he turned a page, the leaning of his head indicated that he wanted to know more. His eyes opened widely, maybe for something unusual? Perhaps a curious secret? Or merely because he was so immersed in Jarro's adventures? He will be impressed! Jarro glanced victoriously at the Knight.

Taric laughed, all of a sudden.

'What?' Jarro looked at him. 'Which page are you on?' He approached the Knight. 'Please tell me! There's a lot to laugh about.'

'By… the… Winged Sisters!' Taric covered his mouth.

Jarro smiled. 'Yes, you know that is to be expected, 'crossing his arms. 'There's a lot of funny people. So, you can bet on my journeys, they will get famous for their brightness if you catch my drift.' He winked.

Taric laughed as if Jarro was telling a joke.

'Aaand… for you to laugh like that, there's no doubt it's about the captain. He was an idiot.' Jarro moved one hand to his forehead. 'He was this typical pirate, you know? Big funny fancy hat, eye patch and stuff. Yet, he had this short bad temper, yes something like that. Which, of course, didn't help me at all. And here's why.' The adventurer raised one finger. 'I was er… "investigating" their lime-grog to see if what they say was true, you know? Being good and stuff. Yet… they see me touching one of them.'

'Aha…' Taric kept laughing.

'Yes, no doubt you are thinking how stupid he was to not let me have at least one sip, right? Like… what could possibly go wrong? But whatever. Anyway.' Jarro's chest filled with pride. 'He was very determined to make me jump out the ship, and as usual, he was convinced otherwise. Don't ask me how, even the best have their secrets that they don't reveal, in this case, me.' He continued his tale like he had won an argument. 'All started with a dark and windy day, with a grey sky as if at any second it will rain. The crew? We were all safe, at least that's what our navigator thought. But…' the adventurer made a dramatic pause. 'As the rain fell harshly from the sky, the ship moved unbalanced. At that time, the ship's logs were being attested, and of a sudden a poach of rough seas claimed the navigator. What happened, you may ask?'

Jarro had a big smile on his lips. He was so pleased he couldn't contain the feeling of greatness; the Knight was already glorifying him for being the best. 'The poor man didn't make it; he was the captain though. But with my quick thinking and with the star charts, I saved the day! The best part? They gave me a field promotion! Not bad right? For someone like me that just started, it was impressive, isn't it Taric?'

'That's not — aha, the part of your journey I am reading.' Taric closed the journal.

'No?' Jarro looked puzzled. 'Let me see.' As Taric showed the page, laughing. 'Yes, it's understandable if you don't believe it at first, but yes, Jarro can jump that distance.' The adventurer said nonchalantly as possible to impress the Knight, as he tossed a little of his hair on his eyes.

'Sorry, but this is hilarious!' Taric held his mouth to keep himself from laughing 'The archers of my crew are just like you, however, jumping like this? Never. That's not possible.'

Jarro puffed out his chest. 'That's because they haven't met me yet.'

'Oh, really?' Taric said. 'Then on this adventure, you will have to prove to me, you can jump this distance. Deal?' he winked.

Just wait! 'Ehe… if you think that's a lie, then prepare to be surprised.' And watch me make you look like a moron. Jarro grinned.

Taric resumed to his reading, as both walked side-by-side in the forest. Suddenly, he felt like a prince walking to an important meeting crossed Jarro's heart. Adjusting his goggles, straightening his posture, he felt extremely exceptional.

Taric turned another page. And another. And another, as his eyes stared at the journal.

'What now?' Jarro asked.

'Occasionally you visit your uncle.' Taric looked to the next page.

'Yes, that's true.' Jarro answered like he was speaking of someone that didn't exist.

The Knight looked to him, realising his indifference. Oh, come on! Don't tell me he will say what others always do. Don't speak like that about your uncle! Who cares? Not me.

However, Taric remained silent and returned to his reading. After several pages, he closed the journal. 'Are we close to our destination?'

At a distance, Jarro spotted the mountain's peak 'Almost. How are you finding the reading?'

'A compelling collection,' Taric nodded. 'Would you allow me to read the rest?'

Jarro smiled broadly. 'Be my guest!' Yes! My fame will spread rapidly.

Walking in the dense forest for a while, they reached a place of rocks piled on one another, guiding them to a passage covered with branches and moss. Between the leaves and branches, clothes were tied on trunks, along with feathers and what seemed to be skeleton parts of a deer. Will we face barbarians? Jarro glanced around in an attempt to catch a barbarian in the bushes.

'This is it.' Jarro pointed.

'Looks promising.' Taric looked into the intense darkness.

'It always does.' Jarro put his hands on his waist.

'Then if you allow me.'

'Yes? What about it?'

'Let me dedicate this moment to our beautiful journey.'

Jarro laughed. 'Why are you saying that?'

Taric smiled softly. 'Just as you are responsible for your adventures, my duty is to protect you.' Laying a hand gently on his chest. 'Let me be your guardian on this investigation.'

Such eagerness to risk his life to protect Jarro. According to his experience, all demacians help not just each other, but those in need. This was indeed the right choice. He has a sturdy body which is always useful. He will not suspect a thing. Jarro felt his heart bouncing with excitement.

'Fair enough.' Jarro nodded. 'Then let me show you what true adventure means aside with the best adventurer ever.'

'I look forward to travelling with you.' Taric put the young man's journal in his bag. 'Let's find out what this cave hides, shall we?'

Jarro smiled, excited. 'Trust me, this adventure will be the best of your life.'

'My heart is overjoyed to hear that.' Taric stepped forward. 'Let me be the first to go inside.'

'Of course.' Jarro stared at his glove.

'Your gauntlet is amazing!' Taric looked at it again. 'Where did you get this?'

Demacians don't have much tolerance for magic. I can simply say it was found somewhere, or… a friend gave it to me. Or simply say it was discovered on my journeys. Yes! This is good. He will not ask me further questions. Jarro glanced to the Knight that kept his eyes on the gem, like an obsession.

'It was discovered during my travels.' Jarro raised an eyebrow. What's his deal with the crystalline matrix anyway?

Taric smiled in amazement. 'Really? That's… fantastic!'

Jarro shook off some dust on his gauntleted hand. 'Yes, you know this is to be expected. All it was necessary was to follow some notes, and then the gauntlet as found. Despite the deadly traps and desert beasts, it was worthy of the risk.'

'Do you have any light? We will need it to go inside.' Taric glanced to the entrance. 'Going blind in the dark isn't wise.'

Jarro glanced to his glove. 'Well… we have it.'

'You mean your gauntlet?' Taric asked.

Jarro smiled triumphantly. 'Look… you Demacians are sceptic, about magic. I don't blame you.' He tapped his glove proudly. 'But rest assure, everything is under control—'

'How have you been using it, exactly?' Taric asked, crossing his arms.

Jarro smiled confidently. 'Very simple. To light the dark, blink small distances, avoid fights, and… fight if necessary. See? Isn't bad, right?' he winked.

Taric's gentle eyes, suddenly, transformed into something serious and thoughtful, like he was a judge with a hard situation at his hands and at any moment, he will have to settle the problem. Silently, the Knight moved one hand, rubbing his chin in deep thought. 'When you arrived, have you been using magic?

'No.' A feeling of danger travelled the Jarro's spine. The same adrenaline that had kept him company on his adventures. The excitement that always drove the heart to dive in danger! He knew Demacia and its rules, the consequences that he could suffer. Taric soon will arrest him, denying him further entry into the country.

However, Jarro always knew how to turn any situation at his favour. In case he went to their jail, surrounded by petricite, a material that was a mixture of the petrified trees, ash and lime since from the Rune World; the adventurer knew his gauntlet would be useless. However, using his lockpicks, he would still have a chance to escape.

Taric came closer. Soon the Knight will grab a hand or an arm. The adventurer must not allow that to happen at any cost.

Jarro stepped back, but Taric stepped forward. Then stopped. 'You are fortunate to not be inside of The Great City of Demacia.' The Knight said observantly. 'Because if you were, and if our mage seekers found out that you have used magic, you will be in big trouble.'

'But we need light, isn't it?' Jarro said with a confident smile, trying to sound wise. 'You said it yourself,' pointing to the Knight. 'Walking in the darkness wasn't the greatest idea.'

'Magic is like a filthy disease which spreads and never stops. And people become violent and impulsive.' Taric's held his chin, as the other hand was laying on the arm. Walking with small steps, the Knight ruminated about the situation. 'This statement, of course, is told by our king and consequently from our mage seekers. However, not all mages are this vile as my country wants us to believe.'

This was unexpected… better then! This means my situation will work perfectly. 'Well of course not.' Jarro said, filing his chest with pride. 'So, this means that you—'

Taric turned his face, facing the adventurer. 'The use of your beautiful gauntlet doesn't seem dangerous.'

'But of course not.' Jarro shook his head, trying to convince the Knight. 'You are with the best adventurer of your entire life, safety first.'

'Do you have everything with you?' Taric asked.

Jarro pointed to himself, proud of the question asked. 'We have everything necessary.'

'Then, let us begin our journey.' Taric glanced at the darkness ahead.

As they passed throughout the darkness, surrounded by rocks, soil, and plants, the skeletons danced with the wind.

Already inside, sounds of water drops echoed in the dark. The intense blue light from the adventurer's gauntlet gem illuminated great numbers of rocks covered with moss and branches.

Walking downwards, they looked to both sides, searching for a suspicious sound, or merely a familiar one to break the silence. The damp humid air circulated inside, in a mixture of musty and earthy scent; as if the place had been abandoned for years. As they walked deep down, of a sudden, Jarro's eyes flashed to three crossroads.

In his mind, a vision of the same intersection played, with him having a conversation with a mysterious identity about Shuriman inscriptions, and ancient glyphs which lead to the cave location. After a long discussion with the identity, Jarro came to a conclusion. The middle path.

As the light crossed the narrow corridor, in the middle, there could be seen a cold campfire and a clay pot with washed primitive spoons. Vegetables and pieces of rabbit meat were buried on the ground.

Jarro searched in the place for an inscription on the rocks. As its gem light touched one stone closer to a hole, a strange symbol shone faintly. There! This symbol has the same description as he told me days ago. This is the path. Jarro signed Taric to follow him.

After crawling through a long corridor, the water drops continued, falling closer. Jarro and Taric reached their destination. A large cavern with stalactites covered with moss was divided by an extensive pool of water.

'Can you swim?' Jarro looked at the Knight.

Taric nodded. 'There's something on the other side, isn't there?' He looked to the horizon.

'Yes.' Jarro said, turning to the rocks nearby. 'We just have to know what exactly.'

Taric approached the border of the river. Fishes swam along with some frogs jumping in the water, in hopes of finding a rock to land on. He reached down with his hand.

'Calculating the depth?' Jarro searched the rocks.

Taric nodded. 'What do you suggest we do? This is more your expertise than mine.'

'Glad you asked.' Jarro said, laying one hand on his waist. 'All nature hides magic. It always does. So basically,' He moved his head while the other hand, pointed to the opposite side of the place. 'You will have to swim there, while I will search the rocks.'

'Do you believe it's the answer?' Taric took off his breastplate, as his eyes looked at the adventurer's glove.

'Yes. From all my experience, if we encounter something of this nature,' Jarro touched one rock, 'The opposite side will have a clue that links with this side.'

'Oh, got it.' Taric took off the rest of his armour.

Laying down his weapon and shield, Taric cast his eyes on the gauntlet, again.

Jarro realised the Knight was looking at the glove with big admiration. 'Found my gauntlet of your interest, Taric?'

'You could say that, yes.' Taric approached the border. 'It's your gauntlet's gems! They are beautiful! Stunning! Fabulous even!'

'Well…' Jarro smirked happily by the Knight's response. A Knight that likes gems? This is weird but funny! Does he imagine himself surrounded by them? The adventure's mind imagined the Knight delighted by having a bathtub full of gems. Taric was in heaven, grabbing a ruby with a smile. 'Glad you like it so much. This is Shiriman, you know?'

'Really?' Taric asked utterly joyful, as his eyes shone even more. 'That beautiful weapon came far away? You have to tell me your story.' Diving in the water.

'You will be first to know, don't worry.' Jarro said, watching the Knight swimming on the water.

As Taric disappeared, Jarro returned his attention to the rocks. Feeling their rough texture, he noticed on the front familiar holes. The explorer had seen these types before in his expeditions, especially in ancient tombs, temples, and ruins. And by his experience dealing with these, Jarro could tell the old civilization had technology for defense from thousands of years. Traps! He glanced to the other side, far away at Taric's shadow.

'Can you hear me?' Jarro's voice echoed in the place.

'Perfectly.' Taric shouted, climbing onto land on the other side.

'Anything of interest?'

'There are three Demacian symbols, representing justice, honour and duty.'

'The answer—'

'Let me try. They are familiar to me.'

Whatever Taric did, of a sudden the place quivered, as the front hefty rocks emerged from the water. Jarro moved slowly forward. As he did so, a bird flew inside. Without warning, arrows shot swiftly from the holes in the rocks behind him. Jarro dodged them, and watched as the bird tumbled into the lake.

I hope you are watching, Taric. Getting closer to the edge of the water, Jarro aimed his gauntlet at the first rock with a relaxed grin. Be prepared to be impressed!

The gem shone as Jarro's gauntlet involved itself with magic, rays of light were dancing around his glove. Like cracks his gauntlet divided itself, forming a blue bow shape of magical energy on Jarro's left hand.

Moving like flash Jarro was blinked to the rock. As his fingers grabbed a crack, arrows fired rapidly like a shot from a gun. Hot mist emerged from the hot water.

Jarro jumped quickly as his gauntlet instantaneously blinked him to the rock forward. But unexpectedly, at an astronomic speed, an arrow caught his jacket. Tearing off a little piece his jacket, the adventurer grabbed immediately the next stone. Yet slippery his boots landed wrong on the rock, making the adventurer almost fall in the water.

'Will you keep doing this all day?' A male Voice said, coming from his gauntlet.

'There's no other option.' Jarro linked to the next stone. 'Just keep giving me more energy.'

'My power is limited boy,' The Voice said annoyed. 'Do not waste it without thinking.'

'Geez, you sound like my uncle now. Always complaining his nephew to be careful with this and that. 'Jarro aimed again. 'Just stop complaining and collaborate, and the map will be in our hands soon.'

He reached to the penultimate rock. Gauging the distance between him and the Knight, Ezreal concluded that he will need Taric's strength for him to land properly on the ground; since the distance had a gap between the last rock and the lake.

Aiming the gauntlet, Jarro's eyes looked at Taric's arms. Even if the adventurer jumped from where he was, he will never reach the land. However, if Taric caught him in time, the adventurer will not die.

'Are you alright?' Taric asked, approaching to the edge.

'Yes, I'm fine.' Jarro answered, aiming the gauntlet closer to the Knight's arms. 'Can you give me a hand? The distance is a little big.'

Taric opened his arms. 'Jump to me. Is safe.'

As Jarro's glove formed the blue bow shape, coming from it, particles linked the adventurer closer to the edge, immediately he moved his hands to reach to Taric's ones. It wasn't enough. As Jarro's fingers touched the rough texture of the rock, he slipped on the gemstone. Immediately, the Knight grabbed his hands pushing up.

'What do you think it may be?' Taric asked, moving him closer to a big rock.

''It seems we will have to deflect something against the arrows.' Jarro got up fast. 'And by the looks of it, it's magic.'

Taric moved his shield to protect from a group of arrows moving to their direction. 'You know this better than me. You will have my protection while you discover a way to dispel the magic.' As they hit on the shield, the weapon absorbed them, making the shield a little brighter.

Like any place with magic, by Jarro's experience in his adventures, he knew there was always a mechanical structure somewhere in the place. It may be by removing an object, pushing something, or finding a secret passage. However, it didn't seem the case.

According to our conversation, a gemstone should shine. My gauntlet just needs to get closer. Illuminating the place, Jarro found a shining symbol on a rock at the end.

As his fingers touched the gemstone, all the rocks corkscrewed, transforming into mirrors. Glancing, after recharging his weapon, Jarro aimed his gauntlet shooting, a blast of magical energy which created a hole in the cave wall.

As the light from the sky reached one of the mirrors, a powerful magical light shot at the mirrors destroying them. Shards of broken glass exploded, as the rocks created a bridge through the water.

'Let me grab my armour.' Taric looked at the first rock.

'Of course.' Jarro laid his left hand in his pocket relaxed. Let's see if the rocks can handle your weight.

Jumping to the other side, Taric fought against the gravity as he struggled to pull himself up.

Striding on the bridge, Taric reached to the other side. As he picked up his armour, the rocks shook, the Knight grabbed his arms. Trying to calculate to the distance and the lake, Taric approached the border.

'Do you think you can grab my pieces of armour?' The Knight asked, yelling.

'I can try.' Jarro yelled, opening his arms.

Yet by the looks of the Knight's armour, the adventurer had a sight suspicion about it. Looking at Taric raising his arms with his breastplate, he stepped back. Running a little, the Knight threw the armour.

Jarro followed the heavy piece of the Knight's armour flying until it was closer. The adventurer opened his arms, as it the breastplate was approaching him. As Jarro grabbed the armour, the gravity pushed him to the ground.

After Jarro tried to grab the last piece of armour, Taric moved, carefully as the bridge trembled like an earthquake. Behind, rock by rock, the bridge began to fall into the water.

What will you do? Jarro observed Taric lumbering on the bridge. If you don't react now, you will fall. But if you run—

Taric sprinted. Violently like a volcano in its fury, the bridge's collapsed rushing towards him. As he reached the border of the bridge, the Knight could feel the bridge was closer. At the last second, as the rocks fell on his feet, Taric jumped as far as he could. Not reach to the top of the land, the Knight made a big effort to climb up.

Taric caught up his breath. 'Well, that didn't go as planned.' The Knight got up, dressing his armour again. 'Let's processed the journey.'

The massive rock serving as a door rose slowly as both left the bridge room. Inside of the intensive dark room, far away, there were four columns in which at the centre a golden tablet was floating. As Jarro raised his gauntlet, its gem immitted a bright blue light, illuminating their surroundings. Roots from trees had blocked paths and walls, as some flowers bloomed, making the place seemed like a god-like paradise garden; colourful with elegant shapes.

As Taric stepped onto the green grass, suddenly, knives felt down like rain. Instinctively, the Knight raised his shield. Time to shine. Although Taric signed Jarro to follow, the adventurer aimed at the spot where danger awaited him.

Turning, Taric approached. 'You will hurt yourself!' he said, concerned. 'Don't do that!'

But, Jarro disobeyed the Knight's advice. As the adventurer rushed to the tablet's direction, knives fell in the room. The blade's knife was about to penetrate on his flesh.

Jarro blinked to avoid the arrows, but wasn't enough to escape from their wrath, or the minimal second knives which penetrated his trouser's cuffs.

Jarro took off the knives on his trousers. He looked upon his head. On the holes from the ceiling of the place, the adventurer knew a mechanism was ready to fire them at any second. He loved the sense of danger, the adrenaline that his adventures always offered him; and that moment was one of them.

Closing his fist, Jarro tried to recharge his gauntlet so he could blink again, yet nothing happened. This isn't ready yet, damn, he thought frustrated as Taric was approaching.

Jarro took a deep breath while his heart was bouncing nervously, as if he was racing in a horse competition. The knives shoot on his direction. Its speed was like an electric shock landing on earth.

The knives were very close. Jarro could feel they eagerly wanted to murder him. The adventurer's breath trembled anxiously forcing a smile on his face. He had to sprint to the table's place, but, how could he? His weapon wasn't ready, and he didn't any way of escape.

Soon he will perish in Demacia with no name for himself. His parents will not see him shinning like a prince on a throne, holding his treasures from all Runeterra. He will not meet them anymore. The adventurer was going to die.

As the knives were about to meet his hair, a shield covered him. Taric had arrived to his aid. 'Next time please, listen to my advice.'

'I have been in this situation many times.' Jarro looked at the tablet that was still floating. 'And it will happen again. Got used to it now.' As his heartbeat was returning back.

Taric sighed heavily. 'Jarro please, this is not the time for games. You could have died today.'

'My first adventure started with my travel from my country to Shurima to have it, risking my neck for it.' Jarro pointed to the gauntlet, proudly smiling. 'Dealing with ancient traps coming from a sarcophagus, escaping barely with my life while the building was collapsing. A good start for the best, no?'

'And you will do it again, no doubt.' After another rain of knives, Taric raised his shield to protect once again. 'But life is beautiful. Too much even to not be wasted.'

'But that's exactly why.' Jarro glanced at the Knight. 'If life is so intense, what's the point not test the limits? Life without danger it's boring.'

'You surprise me, Jarro. You really do.' Taric smiled friendly. 'If that's your wish then stay with me, until we reach that.' The Knight pointed to the golden table.

'That was my thought all along.' Jarro aimed his gauntlet once again. 'But first—'

In that instant, Taric pushed gently the magical glove away. 'You will not need it. Let your beautiful weapon rest.' The Knight patted the adventurer's shoulder. 'Stay with me, at my side, and you will be alive.'

Jarro wanted a second attempt to reach the tablet, however, the adventurer felt Taric was tempting him. It was so irresistible to deny his request, almost as if the Knight was a powerful mage casting a charm spell. 'Of course. This time you lead.'

Taric chuckled. 'It's not about leading.' He began to walk and so the adventurer. 'I am your guardian. My duty is to make sure you are safe.' He winked.

Jarro smiled. 'Of course.' He made an elegant gesture like a nobleman gesturing Taric to pass through him. 'After you then, my Knight.'

Realising the Knight was focused on the tablet, the adventurer time at time glanced at the roof. As they walked a little, Jarro spotted some brightness in the holes, more would come. As it happened, the adventurer alerted the Knight of the event. Taric raised his shield, leaving his weapon to block the attack.

Both looked at another. Jarro could see how satisfied Taric was by his action, his warm gentle smile as an indication that he was pleased by Jarro's good deed.

After several times protecting and warning, both were getting closer to the place that Jarro needed. A couple of runs and they will reach the destination.

'If we ran, we would have a chance to reach the place.' Jarro suggested, as the Knight was calculating the distance.

'You are right.' Taric held his shield firmly. 'At your mark.'

'Steady…' Jarro glanced to the holes, ready to fire. 'Ready…' Finally, the knives shoot violently like they were in battle. 'Now!'

Both ran on the table's path as the knives fell. Just as he was about to be hit by one, Taric used his shield, yet a knife penetrated all the way through his thigh.

'Hmph!' Taric groaned.

'We are close.' Jarro looked at the tablet. 'Just keep going.'

Taric stared at him enduring the pain.

'What's the matter?' Jarro said, noticing the Knight absent from his side. 'Didn't you hear me?'

Taric turned away. 'It's clear my presence is making you uncomfortable.' He looked at the vast rain of knives.

'Well… then just keep going.' Jarro insisted. 'If you stop right now—'

'Sorry if that's the case— Hmm!' Taric walked excruciatingly. 'You will not see me again. Farewell.'

The adventurer watched the Knight walking through the rain of knives. Clearly, his leg wasn't in the best shape, yet Jarro was unable to see the problem.

Maybe Taric wasn't the best choice, after all? Was he so weak? He was a Knight it was impossible for him to complain like that. His problem, not mine. At least the map will be on my hands!

'That's my boy.' The Voice said, amused.

Jarro rubbed his chin. Why didn't the tablet shine? Was there any trick, he has to do around the room? According to his conversation with the Voice, the map should shine like the sun, as a reaction to someone with magical power.

He observed the columns. All sculpture of warriors holding shields were turned to the tablet. Jarro raised his gauntlet and nothing happened.

'Give me your power!' Jarro demanded.

'Are you stupid? ' The Voice said, annoyed.

'Are you an idiot?' Demanded Jarro, frustrated. Why isn't it working? 'Just give me your power! We have to do something here.'

'Boy…' The Voice took a deep breath. 'You said clearly you found the place. Don't you dare demand something from me!'

'Tsk…" Jarro crossed his arms. 'You know perfectly there's nobody better than me. So, stop acting like a child and just give me your power.'

'You are talking with the emperor!' The Voice said mad. 'If you talk with me like that just one more, I swear by my ancestors you will be a dead corpse.'

'And how will you kill me? Hum?' Jarro grinned, satisfied with his own response, like he had won the debate. 'You said it yourself you need me to empower the gauntlet, which of course now is mine.'

'By the Gods.' The Voice said vividly with hunger. 'Go ahead. Use my magic.'

And he tried again, and again, but nothing happened. Frustrated, Jarro kicked a rock from the ground. After all, this was the right location.

In that instant, he remembered their conversation. There was no doubt in his mind that it was supposed to be in the cave. Then why was he in the wrong place?

'Aha!' The Voice scoffed. 'You are wrong! You made a mistake!'

'Not really.' Jarro said, walking around the statues. "Just… misdirection. That's all.'

'Admit it—' The Voice said in a withering tone.

'Well if it amuses you hear me— hold it!' Jarro looked excitedly to the map and to the statues. 'Upon shadow and light, you shall find the passage to the chamber of secrets.' He smiled widely. 'Of course! Now it all makes sense.'

When he held the gem's light closer to the statues, their eyes shone like the sun, rotating clockwise. A big thump echoed, making the cave tremble. Huge amounts of magical energy were concentrated in the statue's eyes. From them came blasts of magical energy hitting on the map.

Like a spell, the map vanished, leaving the place in darkness. Particles spread in the air, forming the Demacia map. A circle shone faintly on top of what seemed to be buildings close to the Demacian king's home.

Suddenly, all the cave trembled violently if the place was about to explode. Using the gauntlet's light, the adventurer glanced at the floor in which cracks were forming. Jarro smiled satisfied. He couldn't complain the nature of the place, since these scenarios were familiar to him.

Lowering his body, putting his fingers on the ground Jarro prepared to sprint. With enough balance and speed, the adventurer ran through the place. The floor trembled as some rocks fell from the ceiling. As feet stepped on the cracks, the floor fell. Jarro rushed to the end of the place. There was no sign of Taric, although a trail of blood marked his path on the floor. Right… he has my journal. No matter. He can have it, for a time of course. This record must be written before my departure.

With the real map in his hands, Jarro's heart bounced, excited at the great discovery. The adventurer smiled like a victorious prince.

Now more than ever, the adventurer could steal, what finally will belong to his big collection of treasures of Runeterra.