Metal and Memory
"Keep Living Wood from growing…"
Cane turned the thought over as he walked toward the Metallurgy shop. Before attempting to construct Clara's focal, he needed to know whether any known metals could inhibit or restrain growth in magical wood. If anyone would have insight, it was Brammel.
He stepped inside the workshop.
The moment Brammel spotted him, he gave a single, approving nod—and suddenly the room erupted into applause.
Dozens of students clapped and cheered. Voices rose from every corner.
"My uncle's in Raptor Battalion—we just got word he survived."
"My sister's with Gryphon Flight. She said the robes you modified saved their lives."
"My da was killed by the Black Legion when I was little. You gave us justice."
Cane offered a quiet, grateful smile. He nodded, letting the wave of appreciation pass over him without flinching. Praise had never sat easily on his shoulders—but this wasn't about pride. People needed to say thank you when it came to life and death. When it came to hope.
When the room quieted, Cane finally spoke.
"Any one of us can make a difference," he said. "Apply yourselves. Innovate. Listen to your instructors. Learn and grow. We can show the world that every student here matters—and that no one gets left out of the count."
The silence that followed was respectful and full of quiet purpose.
Brammel gave a satisfied grunt and clapped his hands. "Back to it, people! Metal weaving drills—unless you want to shame yourselves in front of a hero!"
With groans and chuckles, the class returned to their work.
As the room hummed with focused energy, Brammel made his way over to where Cane sat, studying the incomplete schematic Clara had drawn for her focal.
"That was well said, Cane," Brammel said, his gruff voice tinged with approval. "Took what could've been an 'I'm great' moment and turned it into a 'we're great.' That's leadership."
Cane shrugged, eyes still on the diagram. "For every success, I've had ten failures. I'd still be lost without the help I've gotten from you and others."
Brammel snorted and slammed a hand onto Cane's back hard enough to rattle his ribs. "You keep saying things like that and I will get fond of you."
He grinned. "We should have a drink sometime. Now that you're practically staff, I'd say we can get away with it."
"Sure," Cane said with a grin. "We knock back a few pints, start a bar brawl in town. Real bonding experience."
Brammel chuckled. "Don't threaten me with a good time, boy." He squinted at Cane. "But you've got that look. Something's on your mind."
"Remember the Living Wood I picked up at the auction?"
Brammel gave him a deadpan stare. "You mean the auction where you started a fight, kicked an assassin through a window, and made three thousand platinum flipping Saltfangs? Yeah, I remember. What about it?"
"Living Wood pulses with life," Cane said, leaning over the table. "It's constantly trying to grow—always in that state of buildup, like it needs to release."
Brammel's eyes narrowed. "And you want to inhibit that energy."
Cane nodded.
"There are three metals that can help," Brammel said. "Copper and silver are the first two. Both interfere with growth magic in subtle ways."
"And the third?"
"Platinum."
Cane blinked. "Platinum?"
"If you take a thumb-sized piece of Living Wood and plant it, it'll sprout. Same piece—put a single platinum coin on top? It just… stays. Dormant. Like it's being weighed down by something it can't quite shake."
"So platinum acts as an inhibitor?"
"In a way," Brammel said. "Living Wood's natural state is like a balloon—constantly filling, expanding. The platinum slows that expansion. But it doesn't stop it. Not forever."
Cane frowned. "What happens when it hits the limit?"
Brammel gave a dry smile. "Exactly what you think. Sudden release. The pressure builds until the wood overcomes the platinum's interference and explodes into growth—fast, wild, unpredictable."
Cane's grin spread slowly, dangerously—the look he always wore when inspiration came roaring past his common sense.
"That's good," he murmured. "That's really good."
Cane began sketching, charcoal moving fast and sure across the parchment. Brammel leaned over his shoulder, watching with a furrowed brow.
"Looks like a glove," Brammel guessed.
"Mostly," Cane said, not looking up.
The sketch showed a fingerless glove that extended past the wrist, wrapping around the forearm in a layered design.
"How big are the squares?"
"Smaller than a fingernail—about a centimeter across," Cane replied.
"Those squares are cut from Living Wood?"
"Exactly. And I'll need several hundred."
Brammel whistled low. "And the platinum?"
"The glove itself will be made from silk." Cane's eyes flicked up. "Remember the Adamantium Interwoven cloth?"
"I do," Brammel said. "You're thinking the same technique?"
"Right. I'll use metallurgy to turn a platinum coin into several micro-thin sheets, then weave it into the fabric. Each square of Living Wood will be fitted into the glove and sealed in place by the platinum threads."
"Hmmm…" Brammel crossed his arms. "And what about the buildup of energy?"
"Most of it will discharge when the focal is activated," Cane said. "But to avoid overload, I'll add a basic measure rune connected to a release orifice. When pressure hits the threshold, it'll vent through the path of least resistance."
Brammel nodded, impressed. "So you've got the Guayanar seed acting as the elemental reservoir, the Living Wood as the power core, and platinum as both inhibitor and frame."
"Right. The seed amplifies, the wood stores and builds, and the glove channels it all."
"That might actually work," Brammel admitted. "That's bloody clever."
"Or," Cane said with a shrug, "it blows Clara's arm off."
Brammel nodded thoughtfully. "Well… there's that."
Cane paused mid-sketch as the soft chime of the classroom's psi rune echoed through the workshop, signaling the start of the afternoon news segment.
Good afternoon, everyone!
This is Sofie Sweetwater once again, coming to you live from Sun Tower, bringing you the afternoon announcements.
First, an update on Cane's Folly—the artifact responsible for the destruction of the Black Legion. It has been verified as a single arrow.
The artifact is currently en route to the capital, where it will lie in state for three days as the realm pays tribute to the fallen heroes of what is now officially known as the Battle of Stone Ridge.
After the mourning period, Cane's Folly will be transferred to the Olivara Auction House. It will be displayed in glass, with the archer's final words engraved below:
"Aim Cane's Folly at the heart of darkness—and maybe, things will be okay."
Two heroes will be awarded the Star of Ora—Corporal Madeline Yanu and Commander Gera Strong—for their roles in the battle.
Cane sat still, letting the words wash over him. The weight of it settled deep in his chest—but the lightness in Sofie's voice steadied him.
In other news, our very own Gryphon Company has completed three successful missions without casualties. As a result, they've been granted their first official R&R. Their leave coincides with the town's Summer Festival, so if you spot someone in ice-blue Gryphon robes, make sure to say hello—and thank them.
Now for a few birthday shoutouts…
She read several names, cheerful and genuine, followed by a list of local shops offering discounts to students.
That's it for the afternoon segment. Thank you for the encouragement and all the creative announcements left in the dropbox.
And to the forty-six people who asked if I'm single… Sorry.
I have a boyfriend.
This is Sofie Sweetwater. Get outside. Enjoy the day. Until tomorrow—take care.
The psi rune dimmed.
Brammel let out a low whistle. "She's good."
Cane smiled. "She's better than good."