Some Mysteries Are Better Left Unsolved

Episode Guide

"**Some Mysteries Are Better Left Unsolved**" is the second episode of the first season and second episode overall of *Arcane*.

## Synopsis

Idealistic inventor Jayce attempts to harness magic through science — despite his mentor's warnings. Criminal kingpin Silco tests a powerful substance.

## Plot

The episode begins on the other side of Jayce's study door when Powder drops the crystal that exploded in episode 1. The explosion blasts him against the wall and begins a flashback to when Jayce was a child. Jayce and his mother are wandering through a blizzard, and she collapses, frostbite taking hold. Jayce calls out for help and his cries are answered by a mysterious figure who uses magic to teleport them to warmth and safety. The figure uses a small rock-like conduit to channel magic, which they give to Jayce, beginning his love and study of magic.

Back in the present, Jayce's study is inspected by Grayson and her enforcers, as well as Viktor. Because he has illegal equipment in his study (which includes himself, according to Viktor), they take Jayce into custody for the council to decide his fate. Jayce is visited by Heimerdinger in his cell, who warns him not to go too far with his research and not to tell the Council that he was experimenting with magic.

Meanwhile in Zaun, Vi, Powder, Mylo, and Claggor destress from their heist in an arcade. Enforcers throw someone through the window and see the kids. They are about to search them when Claggor turns off the lights. After a scuffle and chase, they flee with the help of Ekko. Vander stops the people in The Last Drop from attacking Piltover, citing the last time this happened, when Vi and Powder's parents were killed. Ekko reveals that Vander won't fight back because he has a deal with Grayson.

Mel ponders over ways to make something more of Piltover with Elora and they discuss Jayce's trial. The Kiramman family decide they will vouch for Jayce. Before the trial, Mel bribes Councilor Hoskel. At first Jayce, follow's Heimerdinger's advice, but when the meaning of his work is questioned he stands up for himself and explains that he was trying to control magic with science. This would ordinarily result in banishment, but Heimerdinger suggests explulsion from the Academy instead and Cassandra Kiramman and Mel agree. The Council is split, but Mel's bribe sways the vote in Jayce's favor.

Marcus receives a tip about the identity of the kids who broke into Jayce's study from Silco.

Heimerdinger and Viktor discuss the viability of Jayce's research, which Heimerdinger dismisses. He states that everything will be disposed of the next day as he leaves, but Viktor sees great potential and takes Jayce's notes for safekeeping before leaving.

Silco and Singed, in an underground research facility, test a drug on Deckard, which turns him into a monster that is heard offscreen.

The Council puts the pressure on Grayson and Marcus to find the kids, so Marcus heads to The Last Drop to apprehend them. Vander warns the kids, who are hiding downstairs, with one of Powder's inventions. The enforcers do not find them, although it is a close call. At the bar, things are tense between Marcus and the bar's patrons. After they leave, Vi asks Vander why they don't fight back and declares if he won't fight back, she will. Vander takes Vi to the bridge to Piltover and explains that he was the one who led the fight that killed her and Powder's parents, and that nobody wins in war.

In deep despair, Jayce almost jumps off a ledge, but is interrupted by Viktor. Viktor explains that he believes in Jayce's work and gives him his research notes back.

Rumors are spreading in the Lanes that there will be another uprising. Grayson confronts Marcus about his trip to the Last Drop, upset that he may have disrupted her deal with Vander. She receives a message, later revealed to be from Vander, who pours Powder a drink at the bar.