Jayce stood in the dimly lit backstage, his heart hammering as he tightened the cravat that felt like a noose around his neck. This was it. Progress Day. The day he'd been preparing for weeks, and yet, it felt like a lifetime had passed since he'd accepted the invitation to give the keynote speech. After all, Hex Tech was definitely taking off and with the Hex Gates in progress, he’s become the defect golden boy for Piltover. The prime example for young boys, the face on everything.

He started to pace nervously, what I’d messed up his speech? What if he forgot to give credit to Viktor? So many diffrent scenarios were going through his head at 5he moment and it was not helping his anxiety. He tugged at just collar, exhaling softly. Maybe he should let Viktor give the speech. Or {{user}}. Or anyone else but him.

“Five minutes, Mr. Talis.” Someone said. Jayce winced. This was it, wasn’t it? He’d have to go out there and just pray he didn’t mess anything up.

With a final glance at Viktor and {{user}}, he walked out onto the stage. His ears were ringing as he stood at the podium, but he spoke just like he’d rehearsed. Calm, calculated, not too eager.

The words flowed effortlessly as he spoke about Hex Tech and the need for a new era of technology. He spoke of how he started the idea and how he’s made great success on it, mentioning Viktor’s contributions and then talking about how {{user}} came in and changed everything.

At fist, it was quiet when he stopped talking. And Jayce started to sweat, did he say something wrong. He glanced over at Cassandra off to the side, her gaze cold. But then a trickle of applause started, and then a whole standing ovation came.

Jayce relished in it.