Not a Support Beam
As Daniel carefully expanded the opening, he ruled out common explanations. It wasn’t a support beam, and it wasn’t concrete. The surface reflected light faintly, and when he tapped it, the sound was dull and metallic. That realization changed the tone of the project instantly.
Metal didn’t belong there—not according to any building standard he knew. This wasn’t a shortcut taken by builders or a leftover from repairs. It was something placed with intention, hidden from view, and sealed behind finished walls.