Why Jayce Killed Viktor In Arcane Season 2

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Contains spoilers for Netflix’s “Arcane”

Netflix’s “Arcane” is a computer-generated animated series derived from the well-known “League of Legends” game by Riot Games. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, the developers decided to take charge and independently produced this show. This risky move has proven successful, as the series has received widespread critical acclaim (with fans believing it deserves even more recognition). It’s also been instrumental in breaking the stereotype surrounding video game adaptations, which have often been considered cursed.

The storyline of “Arcane” unfolds in a captivating world that blends fantasy, steampunk elements, and advanced technology with mythical beings. In this realm, the grand and affluent city of Piltover floats above the gritty underworld of Zaun, where its inhabitants are oppressed and dwell beneath the surface. For decades, class conflicts have simmered between these two cities, eventually escalating into a full-blown uprising.

In this game world I inhabit, while Vi and her complex sibling Jinx certainly steal the limelight, the show doesn’t forget about other beloved characters. For instance, there’s Jayce Talis, the stalwart hero with the chiseled jawline, famous for wielding colossal, enchanted hammers in the games. In the animated series, he steps into a more political arena. And let’s not forget Viktor, Jayce’s best bud and trusted confidant. He’s a quiet, bookworm type who grew up rough in the slums of Zaun but has found solace in the halls of Piltover, pursuing scientific studies there.

As a result of traumatic incidents at the close of Season 1 and persisting through Season 2, Jayce and Viktor grow increasingly estranged and transform into adversaries. Their enmity escalates to such an extent that Jayce feels compelled to pursue a mission aimed at eliminating his former friend. Uncover the circumstances and motives behind these once inseparable friends turning into mortal foes by continuing to read!

The magical world of Arcane

In the fictional universe of Netflix’s “Arcane”, magic and advanced, steampunk-inspired technology coexist side by side. Historically in this world, known as Runeterra (the setting for both “League of Legends” and “Arcane”), magic was much more prevalent during ancient times. However, the use of magic, or what is referred to as ‘arcane’ (as hinted by the series title), can be extremely perilous when wielded improperly. Powerful mages have fought wars, their magical abilities coming close to wiping out entire species and even threatening to destroy the world altogether at one point.

As a result, the city of Piltover was established as a refuge from magic users and arcane practices. Over time, it evolved into a society that leaned heavily on technology rather than magic. However, there are individuals who possess magical abilities by birth. In the course of the series, magic is integrated with technology to facilitate transportation, energy production, and ultimately, weaponry.

Jayce and Viktor’s friendship explained

Although many people in Piltover view magic as risky, Jayce Talis is captivated by it. This fascination stems from an incident when he and his mother were lost in the snow as children; they were miraculously saved from freezing to death by a passing mage. Now, Jayce’s academic pursuits at Piltover Academy revolve around finding ways to blend magic with technology for the benefit of others. However, the academy’s dean, Professor Cecil B. Heimerdinger — an esteemed yordle scientist who lived through the destructive mage wars — argues that Jayce shouldn’t attempt this due to the inherent danger associated with magic.

In the meantime, Victor is Heimerdinger’s timid, handicapped aide who recognizes Jayce’s idea of blending magic and technology. During an unexpected encounter between them, they agree to rebel against Heimerdinger to experiment with Jayce’s tech-infused magic, which they call “Hextech.” Their experiment proves successful, solidifying their bond and alliance. Over time, their relationship grows (leading some “Arcane” viewers to shed tears in one particular scene), and Hextech spreads throughout Piltover, eventually becoming the norm.

Over time, Viktor endeavors to heal his bodily impairments by crafting the potent but volatile Hexcore with Hextech. These clandestine experiments ultimately result in an explosion, which makes the unstable Hexcore merge into Viktor’s physique, transforming him into a being beyond human. Regrettably, the blast also claims the life of Viktor’s assistant, Sky, leading Viktor to persuade Jayce to eradicate the Hexcore permanently.

Viktor’s growing magical power is dangerous

Throughout this period, tensions between Piltover and Zaun’s undercity have been rapidly escalating without respite. By the finale of “Arcane,” Jinx launches a homemade rocket, which ironically targets a Piltover Council meeting that aimed to establish peace between the two cities. Regrettably, both Jayce and Viktor were present during this encounter. While Jayce manages to escape the attack with minimal harm, Viktor seems to have sustained fatal injuries from the explosion.

Due to his change of heart, Jayce forgoes his pledge to obliterate the Hexcore and instead employs it to rescue Viktor. This decision significantly widens the gap between them. Although the Hexcore undeniably saved Viktor’s life, it also fundamentally transformed him, merging him with magic and further modifying his appearance. Subsequently, Viktor leaves for Zaun, where he later gains a messianic status, curing those addicted to “shimmer,” a popular drug in the undercity. Over time, Viktor establishes a commune, attracting a devoted following of individuals he has cured and now safeguards.

Simultaneously, Jayce embarks on an exploration of a strange symbol known as a “wild rune”. This mysterious mark seems to be the result of mixing ancient magic with advanced technology, leading to a breach in the boundaries between our world and the spirit realm. During his examination at the Hextech vault in Piltover, this wild rune suddenly becomes unstable and transports Jayce to an alternate time and location. After some duration, he eventually reappears in his original timeline, looking older, grimmer, and filled with rage. His countenance suggests trauma and a thirst for vengeance.

Jayce sees Runeterra’s possible dystopian future

It seems Jayce returns with a heightened aggression and thirst for vengeance because of an incident involving the unstable Hexcore he was researching. This event caused him to vanish, transporting him to a dark, dystopian future timeline where it appears humanity has been wiped out. The once bustling city of Piltover now lies in ruins, either reduced to debris or overgrown with vegetation. Through flashbacks, we follow Jayce as he navigates this desolate version of Runeterra, scaling mountains, exploring the remains, and trying to uncover what happened to the world. During his time there, he becomes exhausted, hungry, disheveled, and even develops a sense of madness. This ordeal causes him to grow a beard and let his hair grow longer.

In my exploration amidst the barren wasteland, I stumble upon an enigmatic figure cloaked in white, their face hidden. As our interactions unfold, I learn this is a counterpart of Viktor, a victim of arcane forces from another reality. The chilling revelation follows: his power brought about the apocalypse in his world. Overwhelmed by remorse, he entrusts me with a heavy burden – to return to my original timeline and eliminate my universe’s equivalent of this tormented Viktor before his realm meets the same devastating end as mine.

In simple terms, Jayce concurs, and in an altered reality, Victor employs his powers to return Jayce to his initial timeframe. Currently, he’s embarking on a quest to eliminate his ex-ally, with the goal of averting global devastation.

Jayce fights Viktor to save the world

In a hidden sanctuary beneath the city called Zaun, Viktor has established a tranquil commune where his magical abilities foster lush plant life and greenery. However, the once sane Jayce, armed with an enhanced version of his signature Hextech hammer, locates this subterranean haven and clashes with the growing might of Viktor. At first glance, it appears that Jayce achieves his violent objective, as his weapon pierces through Viktor’s form. Tragically, this fatal strike results in the demise of everyone that Viktor had previously healed.

In spite of his predicament, Viktor manages to pull through and finds himself enlisted by the main adversary of Season 2 – the ruthless warlord Ambessa Medarda – with the objective of capturing Piltover. This decisive action sets the stage for the colossal climactic battle as Ambessa’s troops advance towards the city. Jayce endeavors to confront Viktor once more within the confines of Piltover, but the formerly feeble scientist has grown immeasurably potent, assuming the role of the “Machine Herald” from the “League of Legends” series. As the battle rages on, Jayce, along with others, is transported to a spiritual dimension known as “The Hexspace.” In this realm, they appear as luminous figures hovering in a dark void, with Jayce and Viktor (in his Machine Herald form) emitting a brilliant light.

In the cosmic realm known as Hexspace, Machine Herald and Jayce engage in a fierce battle. While battling, Jayce works tirelessly to make Viktor understand the perils of his newly acquired magical abilities. As Viktor comes to terms with the destruction his power could bring about, he chooses to give up his life to avert the catastrophic future that Jayce forewarns him of. Just before Viktor takes this decisive action, Jayce joins him in this selfless act. In the end, they unite once more as partners, not just on the battlefield, but in their ultimate sacrifice.

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2025-02-22 15:31