Early Access: STORMWEAVER 3 - Chapter 31 [ROUGH]
Added 2025-02-15 21:31:23 +0000 UTCI think I might have a stronger ending in the works, but I still really like this one!
Enjoy!
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NEW REMINDER: BOOK 3 CONTENT/SPOILERS ARE NOT TO BE MENTIONED OUTSIDE OF CHAPTER LEAK ANNOUNCEMENT POSTS. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.
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A FEW RULES & REMINDERS:
Chapters will be dropping as Bryce completes them. That means anywhere from every 1 to 2 weeks on average, though sometimes waits may be longer. BRYCE IS NOT A FULL-TIME AUTHOR.
Recall that these are rough chapters, with no editing other than a single pass-through as Bryce writes.
On a similar note, we are not asking for advice or corrections at this time. If Bryce wants feedback, we will certainly reach out, thank you! If you want to voice concerns or complaints about the chapter, you may now do so over on the Reddit discussion thread below! Notifications are turned off on those conversations, so they're a free-for-all now (within the rules of the subreddit, obviously)!
👉 👉 👉 THE REDDIT THREAD 👈👈👈
Comments
You know, I just realized that sarah, rei’s sister, has parallels with not just viv, but also grant. She is the estranged sister, which might be the same situation grant might have to deal with his younger sibling. It might make grant able to help rei see a new perspective depending on what direction the story goes.
LawBear2005
2025-03-04 19:31:10 +0000 UTCI mean, his parents seemed pretty estranged from Hiroto. It’s possible Hiroto hasn’t been told yet, and even if he has, how is he supposed to break that to Rei?
LawBear2005
2025-03-03 05:10:19 +0000 UTCTo be fair, we have no idea what the shard fully does. This last chapter gives an idea but there is absolutely more to it I would guess
LawBear2005
2025-03-03 05:07:11 +0000 UTCI'm thinking bandwidth but also the total may increase as shido grows.
Aubrey Listi
2025-02-26 04:47:52 +0000 UTCEach shard, for now, seems to eat up 20% of capacity. Assuming 5 shards for a squad and 1 is at 20%. The remaining are between 1-19% with an average of ~12%. So, 20% + (12% x 4) ~=67% I'm assuming this is time/interaction based. So, catcher or aria are next. I think Catcher because they started hanging out first.
J D
2025-02-24 23:57:24 +0000 UTCSo, I think this is what truly scares Dirk Reese, and is the hope of Central Command. If your fighting a network hive mind you need a similar power level. Rei is the first evidence that humanity can level up in a similar way.
Marie H
2025-02-24 16:07:42 +0000 UTCI think Lennon is welcoming her because of his rank as the top student. Based on her team performance in the Sol system she may be more powerful than Lennon... considering Sol has the top students and the best academies. I agree the MIND knows the family connections, admin does not. So awesome, can't wait for the next chapter.
Marie H
2025-02-24 16:01:17 +0000 UTCI think it’s either the bandwidth idea or how far along the next shard is developed. Leaning towards bandwidth since Shido knows the team is gonna stay together(I hope they do atleast)
Gandalf The Last
2025-02-23 03:01:46 +0000 UTCI’m picturing one of those stupid umbrella hats you buy at like a fair or souvenir shop making itself in vysetrium over his exposed hair. Cue the rest of Firesong staring in confusion as Rei excitedly looks over his CAD, wondering what changed.
Christian Kalemkiewicz
2025-02-21 20:14:48 +0000 UTCI think Shido should troll Rei and give him an Umbrella upgrade since he was complaining about reactive shielding not being able to protect from rain earlier in the books. Could be a fun blooper really
QuixoticPirateCptn
2025-02-21 15:49:51 +0000 UTCAs Rei is at, or near, time for another evolution based on his usual pace, I’ve been thinking about ideas for his next upgrade. As we know, Rei already has a HUD that identifies his teammates in blue, and others, depending on if they are enemies or neutral, in other colors. So, what if his next evolution beefed that up a bit, given the heavy concentration of team battles right now, giving him full-fledged active radar, with a map of the field and his teammates’ and enemies’ location. It’s perfect for support as Rei is a perfect, well-rounded. support combatant. Plus, with the shard integrations, Rei could even get basic info on their CADs when their shards link up. For example, he could see when Viv’s ability is charged and ready to go. Shido tends to focus on things Rei needs, and with the first-year Systems and Inter-Systems coming up, it would give him a big boost in team combat, especially on fields like Tundra, where you can’t see anything and could be ambushed.
Christian Kalemkiewicz
2025-02-21 07:09:17 +0000 UTCI like that idea but it rather depends on who knows what about Rei’s family circumstances and as yet the only people we know know are Firesong, Sarah and Jasper (I think :)). I don;t recall the mind indicating it knew and we do know that it is not all knowing!
Gwydion
2025-02-21 06:21:39 +0000 UTCI was hoping the shard would be more. Like a direct link bw users. Especially bc of the huds. Share thoughts / info/ abilites....
J D
2025-02-21 02:18:09 +0000 UTCHmm. Well possibly! However when Rei says to Aria ‘I have a sister’ wouldn’t it have made sense to say ‘and she’s coming here’ if he indeed knew. Hiroto may have thought that was just too much to impose on Rei after a very emotional meet up. It will be interesting to see how Bryce develops that part of the story.
Gwydion
2025-02-19 23:42:27 +0000 UTCRei (and presumably Aria) has to already know she's coming, right? A surprise like that would damage any trust he built with his grandfather. But the others clearly don't know the details of his meeting with Hiroto yet so their reactions should be pretty awesome.
PNB
2025-02-19 21:29:38 +0000 UTCAgreed. There are a lot of people that would have needed to approve her transfer. Why would they hide it? Unless she uses a different last name. Even then, why would grandpapa hide it? I was hoping gramps would start a relationship with Rei.... was annoyed to find people still being inconsiderate to little Rei bear.
J D
2025-02-19 11:47:15 +0000 UTCThose are my thoughts as well. Tyvm.
Rick
2025-02-18 21:31:45 +0000 UTCSide note: I'm leaning toward the bandwidth solution. Using the # of shards theory, 67% (most likely 66.6666666%) means 13.5% per shard which gives 7.5 shards at 100%. It makes little sense to have a half a shard capacity so I'm guessing it's the bandwidth method.
QuixoticPirateCptn
2025-02-18 20:31:55 +0000 UTCThe way I read it is that when Viv's shard hit 100% the full link was established. The other team members are at various % of full link establishment. The 67% capacity I'm a little gray on. Is it 67% of total possible # of shards or is it 67% of total "bandwidth" and right now Viv has the most of that 67% bandwidth with a full connection? The upgrade I'm taking as Viv had her own CAD spec upgrade (endurance, strength, etc.) which prompted the shard to analyze the same data Viv's CAD did (networked data) to determine if she needed a Growth bump and then added Shidos own little boost on top of it so now she'll have a green flashing D7 for growth.
QuixoticPirateCptn
2025-02-18 20:13:30 +0000 UTCSo when it comes to the other members of getting their own Shard I believe it comes down to when their own Growth spec becomes obsolete to the CAD’s growth. I took a note at the end of B2 when it came to Viv’s last upgrade and one of the notifications mentioned how her Growth was “severely lacking”, in Rei’s case it’s always been “not applicable”. So I wonder if Bryce will show us the next member’s notification screen right before they receives their own Shard and some abnormal CAD change or User-Unique. Logan would be an obvious choice due to plot reasons. He’s the only one out now with Viv getting her recent upgrade, but if Shard is to work in how I suspect it to. Logan doesn’t need as much assistance as let’s say Catcher or Chancery to a lesser degree. Their abilities are great, but without them they aren’t much of a threat. Logan is still a beast without Overclock and was equal to Aria before her finals with Rei. Give him a CAD upgrade like Aria got at C8, and he’ll be right back as an equal to her. I cannot say that for Catcher or Chancery on the other hand, they need a Shard more than anyone.
Sugoi
2025-02-18 19:50:27 +0000 UTCwondering who the next shard will be. aria or catcher i could see it going either way catcher has been training with him longer but id imagine aria has dueled him more. i think it will be catcher because viv was the first one.
saynt
2025-02-18 18:53:57 +0000 UTCI’m imagining she was talking about her dad, it was commented on how they were absentee and constantly missing all of her events and fights. She probably figured out that her parents had abandoned her little brother, considering how their parents freaked out when told she was transferring schools without telling them. At least that’s my hope going forward, it’d be nice for him to have some family other than his grandfather that wanted to make amends and get closer together.
Impanickin
2025-02-18 17:24:36 +0000 UTC#sexymummylife
Ben Nikel
2025-02-18 15:28:35 +0000 UTCSo Shard 1 is Gemela, right? Her link is upgrading then? And if her link is at 100%, and at the time we last saw the specs on it, Shido was at 67% total link capacity, that would mean the shards of his teammates are well on their way to being formed. Right? Or am I a loon here?
Aaron Cedeno
2025-02-18 01:24:25 +0000 UTCAfter rereading the end of Chapter 9, it seems Colonel Guest has no clue on Rei’s parentage. However, he is aware that Abel was trying to force this outcome. So does Abel know his parentage? Or is she just assuming that his CAD rank leaked and is forcing Rei to take advantage of all training opportunities for humanity? Additionally, it’s clear that the MIND and Dent are aware of the connection. It wouldn’t make any sense for the MIND to not know where he came from. This then makes me wonder if his parentage and more importantly their resources was part of the reason Rei was chosen for Shido.
Woojoe
2025-02-17 23:18:38 +0000 UTCIsn't she a second year, if she did transfer, she would be in the same year as Anatovy Sidorov (think I miss spelled his name).
Robert Kofoed
2025-02-17 21:23:53 +0000 UTCSo you have to wonder how the rest of the team will gain their "Shards".... Can't wait to sit down and read the finished book.
James Flowers
2025-02-17 17:42:17 +0000 UTCMy question would be, what is going on with the rest of Firesong, Rai has leveled up 5 ranks in the 4 weeks of training under the S rank trainers, shouldn't the rest of the team have gained a rank or two?
Robert Kofoed
2025-02-17 14:29:25 +0000 UTCLove this book, enjoyed the rewrite last week! Has anyone else been theory crafting about him obviously being the militaries big hope, that they’ll see it best for him to have rotating guest instructors? At least that’s when shido seems to make its biggest gains is when learning from a new opponent. Possibly why his sister is transferring? Also really like how shido is building its team up very cool mechanic to throw in. I’m interested how it’s going to transfer more shards in the future and if the team will each get one on purpose some how all at once? Idk I’m rambling so I could be very wrong on different points but just a fun book overall
James martin
2025-02-17 00:17:46 +0000 UTCIt'll probably split the whole amount into equal chunks like rpg games
Rando Calrissian
2025-02-17 00:14:51 +0000 UTCIt seems strange to me that Rei has not been given the heads up on Sarah’s transfer - or did I miss something? Afterall after an eighteen year epic non communication with the family Hiroto wants to make up for the past. he told Rei about Sarah’s existence surely he would give Rei a heads up on her transfer. And like others I’m bemused about why Lennon would be involved with a new second year. Surely Sidorov would be more appropriate as nothing we have heard so far indicates that command at Galen’s appreciates what a horrible person he is.
Gwydion
2025-02-16 22:17:04 +0000 UTCNice ending!
Francisco Javier Periñán Delgado
2025-02-16 21:37:10 +0000 UTCIn regards to Sara. I am still wondering who she was referring to with her statement “I’m going to kill him!”
Rick
2025-02-16 20:46:55 +0000 UTCCatcher is good at saying the quiet part out loud, even when he doesn't realize it.
Christian Kalemkiewicz
2025-02-16 20:46:12 +0000 UTCWhich side story??
Sylvester StCyr
2025-02-16 18:57:56 +0000 UTCBet that it's Catcher who asks Lennon who the transfer is while in the locker room? If Lennon says her name = Bomb Drop. If Lennon says he can't say... Impending Bomb Drop. This is gonna be good!
QuixoticPirateCptn
2025-02-16 17:43:36 +0000 UTCThis is too epic... All the W's bouncing around in my head!!!! What? When? Why? And a who next? Also who's gonna spill the beans to Rei? Is he just gonna bounce into sis at the cafeteria? Dent is not impressed!!!!
Xien
2025-02-16 14:56:39 +0000 UTCI should really learn to trust you more. Like many others I saw in the comments when the last chapter was edited, I was a little concerned when you changed Viv’s upgraded growth rank to be only a single digit. But now I can safely say this is a much better show of Shido’s capabilities, which is more in-line with Shido’s M.O. Sarah is here!!!! I’ve been driving myself crazy wondering about how she’ll fit into all this. My hope is that she’ll try to be a good sister to Rei, but I also worry that she’ll view Rei as a threat to her taking over the Kamiya family business (as he’s male). Though one talk with Rei about how he probably has zero desire to take over anything having to deal with Kamiya would maybe set that concern aside. I do wonder why Dent is upset, though. Maybe it’s just anger on Rei’s behalf that his family is suddenly trying to be a part of his life, or maybe there’s something more there we don’t know. I refuse to believe that the MIND didn’t figure out the connection between Rei and the Kamiya’s way back when they made their offer, so I’m positive it (and therefore Dent) have more information about Sarah and the Kamiya’s than Rei. I'm also curious about the dynamic between Rei's genetic sister (Sarah) and the one he's chosen (Viv). It could be a hotbed of conflict if their opinions about what Rei should do in a particular situation differ, or if Sarah is not keen on Rei's friends. Either way, I’m excited for the future and seeing where you take it.
Christian Kalemkiewicz
2025-02-16 11:32:41 +0000 UTCWell damn! First, did anyone else feel like there was a paragraph or two missing to bridge from the previous chapter? Just felt like that was missing to me. I’m glad 1A seems to be adapting to Viv’s presence, and I feel for Viv having to nap after her day!! Must have been exhausting I definitely get the feeling that Dent was aware of who Sarah is and her relationship with Rei… probably was asked to not speak about it though. Keen to meet Sarah properly though! I was surprised Dice wasn’t there… guess that’s coming soon though. Rei’s specs are improving nicely! And holy crap he has B8 speed now?!? Won’t be long before he has A0 at this rate for sure! Wainwright’s reaction is great! And finally, Gamela’s growth has gone up huh. Glad to see that happen!!!
Iron Akela
2025-02-16 10:49:59 +0000 UTCHonestly, will he need help at that point? ^^ he's fairly close in rank already after a bit over half of the year^^
JustOneEmperor
2025-02-16 08:31:26 +0000 UTCyour assuming dent who talks to the mind all the time doesnt know reis family dynamic. the question i want answering it how long she and the mind have known
saynt
2025-02-16 08:29:35 +0000 UTCThanks Bryce. Hope your week goes better. Looking forward to see Sara’s perspective, personality, etc. Also wouldn’t mind hearing rank wise where Lennon (and the rest of Firesong) has gotten since the sponsor training started. Wasn’t Lennon desperate for two ranks?
gratch42
2025-02-16 05:28:39 +0000 UTCAwesome! Just awesome! Great work, bits of everything I was hoping for!! Thank you Bryce!
Dan
2025-02-16 04:34:37 +0000 UTCHahaha he does love to torture us 😂😂
Bill Hilliard
2025-02-16 04:31:18 +0000 UTCOmg I didnt think about that one! Once the Lasher graduates big sis will be there to help out with beating down Anatoli and keeping him off Reis back! He is going to be SOO mad 😂😂
Bill Hilliard
2025-02-16 04:29:52 +0000 UTCThe transfer HAS to be his sister!! This is going to go over like a fart in church when he finds out 😂 I love Wainwrights character, she is always hilarious while still being a badass. I cant wait to see the first school team battle Viv is able to participate in. Viv was scary good before, but now seeing that terrifying skull mask come at them people are going to crap themselves. Mix that with this new training team and ability, she is going to be a nightmare for any opponent! Excellent chapter sir!!!
Bill Hilliard
2025-02-16 04:22:49 +0000 UTCGODDAMMIT I just want it all. Now. Is that really too much to ask?
Iaxys
2025-02-16 03:37:27 +0000 UTCNow this is a great chapter!, Question and thoughts, if you please: Rei only revealed his family dynamic’s to Firesong after meeting his grandfather, Gust or Dent has no idea. Why would Captain Dent tell Firesong in depth, what Lennon was doing and about the transfer? How would she even know….if the side glances are what I think they are?
Teri k
2025-02-16 02:50:48 +0000 UTCNow this is what we want!!! Sarah incoming! Chris seemingly to stick around just a bit more during training. Rei’s GROWTH! Man I missed the book 1 growth speed and we’re getting back into it here. Now with you cooking when it comes to “Shard” and Viv’s growth spec I can definitely say this is a better outcome. Can’t wait for more and I know it’s been talked about before with the lack of Catcher and Logan future interviews, but you surely know how to make one think death is on the table! Thanks for the chapter!
Sugoi
2025-02-16 01:51:10 +0000 UTCI agree I’m pretty sure she’s second year. It would have been interesting to have Sidorov receive her. What could go wrong?
Greg C
2025-02-16 01:23:21 +0000 UTCI like the change Bryce. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I didn’t like the change from Viv’s growth from S0 back down to D6 but now I see what you’re cooking. I like it. This seems more natural of an upward growth change.
Greg C
2025-02-16 01:21:16 +0000 UTCBut when there are multiple shards will they all funnel the same amount of xp or different amounts
Gama
2025-02-16 01:02:56 +0000 UTCAnticipation is making me wait...
Laura Jordan
2025-02-16 01:00:02 +0000 UTCI think the shard is funneling xp
Rando Calrissian
2025-02-16 00:55:40 +0000 UTCHer team came in second, which was against both second and third year teams.
Sam
2025-02-16 00:22:25 +0000 UTCThe alleged side story discussed Shard 27. Not sure how far into the future that is though.
Sam
2025-02-16 00:21:29 +0000 UTCSoo much good stuff to build on here! Rei’s sister has arrived at last! Looks like Viv’s growth just got another boost, which makes me wonder if she got another upgrade during the training session too. Really looking forward to the next chapters!
PNB
2025-02-16 00:08:20 +0000 UTCWasn’t she a top student in her system? I think her team had just won when she found out about Rei. They probably wanted the Galen’s “Star” to welcome her. If Anatoli Siderov was unhappy before with the attention the first years are getting, he’s going to lose his marbles when another 2nd year star shows up!
PNB
2025-02-16 00:00:00 +0000 UTCBig sister is finally on campus.
Kory Leach
2025-02-15 22:39:46 +0000 UTCI think dent being astute on certain things...she put Lennon in play to see how the transfer, "sara", will be...a help to rei or something else
Sylvester StCyr
2025-02-15 22:28:54 +0000 UTCPreviously rei got an update when shard 1 "manifested" and shido's "shard capacity" was like 67% full so is shard 1 at 67%?? Or the amount of shards that are still cooking equalling out to 67%....I would say yes he has a limit...but he has numerous shards baking in the "oven"..ovens being firesong...not sure about grant yet but possibly including him
Sylvester StCyr
2025-02-15 22:26:47 +0000 UTCErmagherd, the hints, the reveals, the CLIFFHANGER!
Jeff McClure
2025-02-15 22:14:12 +0000 UTCReally enjoyed reading this chapter. I'm excited by the concept of the shards. I wonder if there is a limit on the number of shards
Gabe Yohn
2025-02-15 22:10:06 +0000 UTCI think Sarah is a second year
Polaris
2025-02-15 22:07:19 +0000 UTCReally like the ending as well. Pumped if you have a better ending up your sleeve
Aaron Tufts
2025-02-15 22:07:09 +0000 UTCI’m not completely sure but I think it’s because Lennon is the oldest poster child who’s still a cadet at Galens and/ or because Lennon and Rei’s sister are the same age (same year in their training)
Dungeonborn
2025-02-15 22:05:25 +0000 UTCStraight up jaw drop at the ending. Freaking awesome!
John Kilpatrick
2025-02-15 22:04:24 +0000 UTCMy curiosity is why are they having Lennon be her starting point? To get closer to Rei through a respected mentor? or something to do with the squad formats come systems?
Gama
2025-02-15 22:01:57 +0000 UTCI’m looking forward to the reveal of his sister being at galens
Dungeonborn
2025-02-15 21:57:16 +0000 UTCYAY!! Been looking forward to this!!
Shirley Jones
2025-02-15 21:55:51 +0000 UTCShard can upgrade!! Does this mean when the others get it there will be one uniformed Growth rank that Shard grants them access to or will they all get their own individuals?!?
Gama
2025-02-15 21:53:16 +0000 UTCCliffhangers are mean Bryce, lol solid chapter!
George Van Buren
2025-02-15 21:48:09 +0000 UTCSo looking forward to reading this! THANKS!!!
Lyn Shirley
2025-02-15 21:32:49 +0000 UTC