"Interesting indeed… try this one next, boy!" Dell says, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Solon takes the Ice Materia Dell hands him and focuses, trying his hardest to cast the spell it contains. He even screams loudly, desperate to make it work: "Blizzard!"
Why… can't I do it?! I thought I was pretty talented!
Despite his best efforts, nothing happens—except Solon feeling visibly drained, as if he had cast the spell.
This process repeats several times. Solon is unable to use half of the Magic Materia Dell presents him with, except for Fire, Healing, Revive, Cleansing, Barrier, and his own Poison & Petrify Materia.
He struggles with Thunder, Wind, Ice, Time, Subversion, and Binding Materia, unable to cast their spells no matter how hard he tries.
"Very interesting. Your use of Fire, Quake, and Bio spells is nothing short of miraculous. They're so advanced that I doubt even the average SOLDIER could match your skill. The power is slightly lacking, but that's because of your young body. In time, that'll naturally improve. Your use of Cure, Poisona, Raise, and Barrier is above average but not as outstanding as your elemental spells," Dell notes.
"However, interestingly enough, you can't use a lot of Materia. I've never seen someone like you. There have been similar cases, but you're an extreme example. Disregarding that, your sheer MP capacity is already way ahead of where it should be. You're a genius, that's for sure. But your condition…" Dell analyzes before stating his conclusion.
"You have an elemental imbalance, which is extremely rare and not well understood. In theory, everyone can use any Materia, but you're the exception—you can only use a select few with a high degree of potency. SOLDIERs, for example, are well-trained in using Materia, but I doubt even a SOLDIER could compare to your compatibility with Fire, Quake, and Bio spells," Dell explains.
Still, is that any good? I lack access to a lot of other spells.
"Is this specialized style any good? It seems like I'm missing quite a lot," Solon asks, looking a bit nervous.
"I'd say it's not a big problem. No one can use all Magic Materia at the same time—they simply lack the needed slots in their equipment. Even if they manage to get the equipment, they'll be weaker compared to more specialized users who focus on specific Materia and enhance their abilities with Complete, Command, and Support Materia. You can use the most important Magic Materia, focusing on defensive and curative spells, plus three different offensive spells. That's more than enough! Don't forget, Magic Materia is just one type. I tested you with others, and you were above average with all of them. Overall, your results are astounding."
I'm not sure if I should tell him about our heirloom, the Metal Control Materia.
Solon glances at his grandfather, who places a reassuring hand on his head. "We can trust Dell. I trust him with my life. Show it to him."
Solon nods and uses the Metal Control Materia to move a small metal tray lying around in the living room.
"What's this? Is this a rare type of Materia?" Dell asks, his curiosity piqued.
"It's an heirloom, Dell. Only people in my family can use it after years of training. It lets you control metal. Solon is the exception—he was able to use it instantly, and to a much greater effect than I ever could," Mason explains.
"I see. You're indeed a rare case. I told you about the Ancients and the power they tried to gain from Jenova. Humans, no matter how hard they try, can't cast magic naturally—only by using Materia, the key to magic, are they able to do so."
"What does that have to do with me?" Solon asks.
"While rare, your condition isn't completely unheard of. It seems you have a particular connection to certain elements. There have been SOLDIERs with a high affinity for one type of Materia but almost no ability to use others, usually the opposite kind. To be perfectly honest, I have a personal interest in you. The cruel treatment SOLDIERs receive, which kills them in the long run, is one of my biggest regrets. I still see the faces of many young talents I recruited—some weakened, crippled, or even dead by now. The others will soon follow in their footsteps. In the name of Shinra, I recruited many heroes… only to watch them pay the ultimate price for their power. I just wish they didn't have to suffer like that, with such a limited… let's call it 'active time.'"
"Every single night, I wake up with nightmares. I see the faces—not of the adult SOLDIERs they've become, but of the little boys I recruited. The futures I may have destroyed… it haunts me. Mason… I need a huge favor… I'm begging you!"
"What does that have to do with Solon?" Mason asks, growing uneasy as Dell's mood shifts dramatically.
I sense something's changing in Dell. He's had some kind of realization. He looks like he'd do anything to fix his past mistakes. Is Grandpa wrong about him?
"The reason we use Jenova cells is that pure Mako treatment is deadly to almost anyone, and the side effects are even worse—at least in the short term," Dell explains.
"But… SOLDIERs are needed! We can't do without them… Shinra can't do without them," Dell states, emphasizing the harsh reality of Shinra's reliance on SOLDIERs.
"Your case, Solon… there are plans for another experiment. It's complicated, but in short, we can artificially create Materia by manipulating Mako in a specific way. If we use refined, modified Mako—similar to what we use for Fire Materia, for example—to strengthen you, your compatibility should be so high that your body can endure the process far better than others! Do you understand? A high affinity for Fire Mako would likely help your body accept it without much resistance—at least in theory. I'm begging you, Solon, please consider joining this experiment! It may take a few more years to gather enough participants, but if it succeeds, we might be able to offer SOLDIER candidates a better alternative than the current treatment based on Project S."
"Dell, my friend, after everything you've told us, how can I let Solon participate in another experiment? This is madness!" Mason says, his voice tinged with disappointment.
"I'll personally vouch for him. If things go south, I swear on my life and honor, I'll get Solon out of that experiment—even if I have to kill that scumbag Hojo myself, smash open the Mako chamber, and pull Solon out of it. I swear I'd do it! And if Solon succeeds, maybe Hojo himself would take care of your daughter, Mason! As soon as I noticed Solon's talent… I saw hope. Solon can withstand this experiment—I'm sure of it! He can fully avoid the side effects of the Jenova cells by relying on Mako alone. This is a huge opportunity!"
This is a huge opportunity… but the risks! Still, if I can make it through this experiment… Hojo… could he cure Mom? I don't think I could ever accept the Jenova cells, but this pure Mako treatment… it sounds like a real chance.
"Grandpa, if Dell promises to pull me out if things go wrong, I can't see how I can pass up the chance to cure Mom. Plus, with this, I could learn more about my gift with the Control Metal Materia," Solon says.
"Your mother would be so proud of you, Solon. You're incredibly kind. The love you're showing for your mother, even risking your own future, is so rare. I'm so touched, my dear grandson," Mason says, tears welling up in his eyes.
I'll let him think that's what it is… maybe that's better. He'd be disappointed if he knew I'm only doing this for him…
"But I can't risk my grandson's future just so my daughter has a small chance of getting better! I can't allow this!" Mason says firmly.
"Solon has the chance to change Shinra… to stop the senseless suffering of future SOLDIERs, Mason. I'll stake my life on helping Solon through this. I have to do this. If something happens to Solon, I'll save him. I promise you this on my life!"
"Let's do it… Grandpa! Uncle Dell," Solon says with full conviction.
"It won't happen immediately, Mason. It'll take me and my fellow Turks months, if not years, to gather more children like Solon. You can still back out. Please, at least think about it," Dell says.
Mason stares into his friend's eyes, seeing the determination and pleading stare in them.
"Fine, Dell. I'll think about it," Mason says, nodding toward his friend. "I'll trust you. But if Solon gets hurt because of your ambition to ease your guilty conscience, I'll use what's left of my old life to seek revenge for him!"
Dell nods solemnly. "Don't worry, old friend. Solon may end up becoming a hero—not just a so-called hero to Shinra and the masses, but a true hero who'll pave the way for a new generation of SOLDIERs, saving many poor souls from a terrible fate."
This is risky, but I trust Grandpa. If he trusts Dell, then I won't get an opportunity like this again. Truth be told… I miss Midgar. I feel like my future is there. Shinra has its dark sides, but there are bound to be good people working for the greater good and not just profit. Maybe I can help some people if I become a SOLDIER. For Grandpa's sake… I'll do it! I also want to take Grandpa's craft and improve it. I think my future is there.
Also… I can't forget her. I need to see her again and thank her!
Solon, Mason, and Dell talk a little more, and Dell begins packing up his Materia.
I want to keep them… can't he gift me a few?!
"Hehe, I can spot your greedy gaze, boy. Want to keep them? Tell you what—as a gift to the precious grandson of my friend, here, take it," Dell says, tossing a green glowing orb of Materia to Solon.
Solon immediately recognizes it as the rare Barrier Materia.
Cool, I like this one the most. Healing Materia are common—I can get those on my own. They're even sold in shops, according to Grandpa.
"Thank you, Uncle Dell," Solon says with a big smile, making Dell visibly happy.
"You're smart enough to appreciate the important things in life. That's a good trait to have, boy. Greed is important too! It's all about ambition! To progress in life, you need goals, and to reach your goals, you need strength. Materia is one way to achieve that strength. Only fools don't use any advantage they have! You have to be prepared for everything! Anyway, Mason, my old friend… I'd better get going. If I have more information about the upcoming project, I'll contact you immediately. Don't worry, you can still back out," Dell says as he stands up.
Mason and Solon say their goodbyes and walk Dell to the door, watching him disappear into the distance. Surprisingly, Dell is escorted by a group of Shinra Security Officers, clad in their iconic blue combat gear and special helmets. They enter a military vehicle and quickly drive out of the small village.
"You can still back out, Solon. I'm honestly worried, despite Dell's assurances. If it's really Hojo who's in charge, the project continues as long as he wants it to—Dell might not be able to help you," Mason says, his face filled with concern.
"Sometimes you have to take risks, Grandpa… for Mom, and for my own dreams, I'm willing to do it! If I get accepted into SOLDIER and valued by Shinra, I'll have access to their resources. I can craft the strongest and best items in the world. I'll make the name Bluesteel world-famous! I also wonder if Shinra has more special Materia related to steel. Grandpa, I feel like my future is there. Something's telling me to leave this place!" Solon says, his face filled with determination.
"Grandpa, the truth is… I've lied to you and Mina all this time. I need to tell you something," Solon says, his expression solemn.
"What is it, Solon?" Mason asks, his worry deepening as he sees his grandson's usual confidence replaced by thoughtfulness and fear.