Kael removed Frost and spent the next hour using Brokk's Hammer to repair the damaged mesh. The broken wire had not been completely lost, allowing Living Memory and the hammer to draw the metal back into its original shape before restoring its alignment with the surrounding strands.
Once he was satisfied that no hidden damage remained, he replaced Frost with Fire.
The reaction was different and, at first, considerably more promising. Heat spread through the mesh as soon as the Rune activated, and the Malachor responded exactly as expected. The coat became tougher across his entire body without growing rigid enough to interfere with his movements.
Kael struck the outside of his forearm, then pressed his fingers against the leather. The reinforced material resisted both impacts far more effectively than before.
"This one might actually work," he said. "The reinforcement is consistent, and nothing is locking around the joints."
