A few weeks after the accident, Solon stands in the workshop, his eyes fixed on his grandfather as he listens intently to his instructions.
"Now, Solon, pay attention! We've drawn up a sketch of the size requirements for this Materia, and your scanner shows the model. We need to carefully modify the natural Materia to fit the right size. After that, we'll polish it and use the mixture we prepared yesterday to harden and stabilize it," Mason explains, his voice calm but firm.
Mason quickly works on the unfinished Materia, shaping it into the correct form.
"Do you want to try, Solon? I've done the most complicated parts—these last few adjustments are easier," he asks, glancing at Solon.
"Yes, Grandpa!" Solon says excitedly, carefully working on the Materia with his different tools. He removes small bits from certain areas to match the required size, constantly comparing it to the ideal form displayed on his scanner, using different tools for different parts of the Materia.
Thirty minutes later, Solon is sweating but grinning as he looks up at his grandfather.
"Not bad, Solon. Good call on removing a little less than needed rather than too much. Still, an excellent job for your first time. Let Grandpa finish the last bit of prep, and then we'll polish and harden it! No breaks—once you've started the process, you need to finish it, or the Materia could lose its integrity," Mason explains.
A few minutes later, Mason uses an even smaller tool to scrape off the last bits of the Materia that don't align with their target shape. He polishes it with various pieces of cloth and leather, using various oils, ensuring no spot is overlooked. Finally, he applies a glowing liquid, quickly seeping into the Materia, and places it into a large press designed to apply pressure evenly.
"Now, Solon, we'll slowly tighten this press, applying more and more pressure to the Materia. Start by tightening it every five minutes. After a few hours, we'll only tighten it a little every fifteen minutes. This process takes at least half a day! We can't afford to be careless."
Grandpa's strict, but I guess that's what it takes to refine an unprocessed natural Materia. I'm so happy he's teaching me!
— [Scene Break] —
A day later, Solon holds his first Materia in his hand, his grandfather watching with a proud smile as he scans it.
[Poison and Petrify Materia]
Level: 1/3
AP: 0%
Spells: Bio, Quake
[Bio]
Effect: Deal a small amount of poison damage and inflict Poison.
[Quake]
Effect: Deal a moderate amount of damage and inflict Petrify.
"Now, Solon, I'm doing something I know I shouldn't, but I'm doing it anyway. It's a sign of my trust in you and the unbelievable pride I feel seeing your work and improvement at such a wonderful pace," Mason says, his voice filled with pride. He hands Solon a Broadsword—the same basic SOLDIER model he showed him over a year earlier. It's custom-forged by Mason and contains four Materia slots, with two of them linked together, one specifically customized for a Support Materia. Mason also hands him a sturdy leather sheath that Solon can strap to his back.
Grandpa is the best!!! It's mine! My first sword!
Solon straps the sheath to his back and grabs the sword, struggling slightly to lift it. However, he manages to place it into the sheath and carry it with relative ease. As soon as he wears it, he feels a connection to the weapon—and something more.
What is this feeling?
Solon unsheathes the sword and examines it closely, noticing a glowing green orb of Materia already slotted into it.
"Grandpa!!" Solon shouts, hugging his grandfather, who laughs.
"Figured it out immediately, huh? Highly sensitive to Materia—that's a good sign!"
Solon focuses on the connection and feels a wave of heat emanating from the Materia. "A Fire Materia? Thanks, Grandpa—that's so cool!"
He uses his scanner to double-check:
[Fire Materia]
Level: 1/3
AP: 0%
Spells: Fire
[Fire]
Effect: Deal a small amount of fire damage.
"Now, Solon, just to be sure, tell me how you plan to train with these Materia," Mason asks.
Solon thinks for a moment before answering. "Always make sure I have enough MP left and not overdo it. I'll naturally get a feel for how much MP I have. Never cast Materia on people unless I'm defending my life or someone else's. And train somewhere private."
"Good, smart boy, never show off your Materia! There are even thieves and robbers solely focusing on robbing Materia. Materia is worth more than pure gold, be mindful of human greed Solon," Mason says with a serious expression. "For now, while the sword is yours, I'd like you to only train with it at home. You can freely use the backyard. Feel free to invite your friends—a sparring partner could help you improve even quicker."
It's a bit too heavy to carry around, I guess… I need to step up my training! Maybe I can invite Cloud. He's older than me, so sparring with him would be a challenge.
— [Scene Break] —
[Broadsword]
Materia Slots: X-O | X O
Slotted Materia: Fire—Empty | Poison & Petrify, Empty
Solon stands in his backyard, his sword on his back, his two Materia slotted into it. The weight of the blade is barely affecting him anymore as he is eyeing a huge stone near the edge of their property. He unleashes a Fire spell, sending a fiery projectile that scorches the stone black. Next, he casts Bio, a green, ooze-like substance flying from his hand and clinging to the stone before slowly dissipating. Finally, he uses Quake, the spell causing an earthy eruption beneath the stone, shattering it into smaller pieces.
More! This isn't enough… but I better stop. I promised Grandpa not to overdo it! This is my limit, and Grandpa says I'm extremely talented already. I guess normal kids could only cast one basic spell if any at all. Let's see what the others are up to.
Solon rushes to the well at the center of the village. To his surprise, he sees not only the Four Fiends but also Cloud.
Emilio immediately approaches him, whining, "Solon, what do we do? Tifa insists that Cloud hangs around with us. We even walked away yesterday in protest, but she stayed with him!"
Maybe because she's realized he actually cares about her, unlike you guys who abandoned her. I don't think you'll have much influence on her anymore.
"Just respect her wishes, Emilio," Solon says, brushing him off and walking toward the rest of the group.
Cloud nods at him, and Tifa gives him a hug. "Hi, Solon! You should really hang out with us more often and leave that dusty workshop of your grandfather's."
I want to tell them about my Materia, but… I think it's better to keep quiet for now. Grandpa says bragging only invites trouble.
"I've got some gifts for you all," Solon says.
"Gifts? Solon, you don't need to give us anything," Tifa says, looking slightly uncomfortable.
"Does this have something to do with you measuring our arms the other day?" Cloud asks.
"Yeah, here! I made Bronze Bangles for all of you! After what happened, you should realize how important they are."
"Cool!" The Fiends—aside from Tifa—eagerly stretch out their hands as Solon hands out the Bangles he crafted for each of them.
"Didn't you say you were working on Iron Bangles? We got a lot of metal on your birthday—why not make one of those?" Cloud asks, looking disappointed.
"Bronze is easier to work with. Iron Bangles are harder to make and require more expensive components. It's not just about the metal—it's the parts inside the bracelet, especially the parts related to the mako source. Not only that, but I'm still struggling with them. Leather Bracers and Mesmeric Armlets are even harder, and I don't think I'll be able to make them for years. Maybe I can gift you an Iron Bangle for your next birthday, Cloud. For now, take this one," Solon explains.
"I guess it doesn't hurt to start with something basic, even if it's just a Bronze Bangle," Cloud says, sounding like he's above wearing something so simple.
"Cloud! This is still worth hundreds of Gil—do you realize that?" Tifa scolds him, now more open with Cloud and beginning to voice her opinions honestly.
"Really? Why are you giving them to us, then? You should sell them! You could buy so many snacks and toys with that much Gil," Emilio says, clearly surprised.
Isn't it obvious? These guys have already forgotten!
"Because of what happened recently. Also, Grandpa has a lot of old components lying around. These Bangles all work fine, but they're not new—just repaired. Anyway, take care of yourselves… Gil is cheap compared to our lives!" Solon says with conviction.
"Solon…" Tifa says, looking touched. Despite the slightly odd appearance of the bracelet, she puts it on, noticing the beautiful silver decorations on hers that make it look more fashionable.
"I love it!" she says with a huge grin, hugging Solon again. Her passion for fashion and style still deeply ingrained in her.
The others put on their normal looking Bangles too, but Tyler complains, "It's heavy, and I don't feel any difference." As usual, Lester nods in agreement.
"You guys often wrestle and spar, right? Try hitting each other like usual," Solon suggests.
The two immediately start a little fight, and after exchanging a few blows, they both smile in realization. "It doesn't hurt like it usually does! This is cool—it's like magic! An invisible shield is protecting us! I'm starting to see why you like making these."
Cloud looks at his Bangle with curiosity, muttering quietly, "Thanks…"
This guy can't be honest! At least he's no longer isolated and, hopefully, will stop being so awkward and edgy.
"Solon, I want to spar. Let's go to your backyard," Cloud says, a strange determination in his eyes.
"Sure, if you want to," Solon replies.
"Swordfighting again? Boring. I'll pass," Emilio says, and the others agree, leaving. Tifa, however, after a moment of thought, decides to follow Solon and Cloud, shocking the other Fiends.
A few minutes later, Solon and Cloud are sparring with wooden swords in Solon's backyard, while Tifa sits nearby, watching closely.
Cloud, being almost two years older than Solon, has a slight edge in strength, but Solon beats him in speed and technique. It's a pretty even fight. When they started sparring a few weeks ago, Cloud was hopelessly outmatched—a total amateur with swords. But he's picked up the basics from Solon and, with a few tips from Mason, who watches occasionally, he's now able to keep up.
It's unfair! He's a head taller than me! I need to train more!
They continue sparring while Tifa watches with interest. Suddenly, Mason appears, accompanied by a man who eyes Solon curiously.
The man wears a black business suit with a matching tie, a white shirt, and black leather shoes. Solon guesses he's around 40 to 50 years old, though it's hard to tell because the man is also wearing dark sunglasses that hide his eyes.
Who is that? Could it be… Grandpa's acquaintance he mentioned?
"The young one shows promise. Decent technique for someone his age," the man says, his tone calm but observant.
"Solon, I'm sorry, but can you say goodbye to your friends for today? I'd like to introduce you to a good friend of mine. Cloud, Tifa, sorry for this," Mason says, looking slightly embarrassed.
"No problem, Uncle Mason," Tifa says. She and Cloud prepare to leave. Cloud puts his training sword back where Solon keeps them and waves goodbye, a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he stares at the man with the black suit.