Aeon arrived at the training grounds to find the other students already gathered in their usual semicircle formation. The afternoon session felt different somehow—there was an anticipatory energy in the air that suggested something significant was about to happen.
Master Kellor stood at the center of the group, but instead of the practice weapons and training materials that usually accompanied their sessions, he held what appeared to be several leather-bound manuals. His expression carried the kind of focused intensity that marked important lessons.
Something's changed, Aeon observed, taking his customary position at the edge of the group. This isn't going to be another basic attribute exercise.
"Today marks a significant milestone in your training," Master Kellor began, his voice carrying across the practice area with practiced authority. "Over the past weeks, you have all demonstrated mastery of the fundamental principles of attribute manipulation. You understand how to channel your abilities, how to maintain control under pressure, and how to apply your powers in practical situations."
Thomas straightened at the praise, his expression showing the kind of satisfaction that came from recognition of genuine achievement. Sara and the other students displayed similar reactions—pride mixed with anticipation for whatever came next.
"However," Kellor continued, "what you have learned so far represents only the foundation of true magical development. Raw attribute manipulation, no matter how skillful, has inherent limitations. To transcend those limitations, to achieve real power and advancement, requires something more sophisticated."
Here it comes, Aeon thought, noting the way Kellor's grip tightened on the manuals he carried. The next stage of training.
"Cultivation arts," Kellor announced, raising one of the leather-bound volumes for the students to see. "The systematic methods by which magical practitioners transform raw potential into refined power. These techniques represent centuries of accumulated knowledge about how to direct and enhance one's development in ways that basic attribute training cannot achieve."
The reaction among the students was immediate and intense. Excited whispers passed between them as they recognized the significance of what they were being offered. Even Thomas, who rarely displayed overt enthusiasm, leaned forward with obvious interest.
So this is how they introduce it, Aeon thought, recognizing the concepts from the novel he had read in his previous life. Though what I need won't be found here.
"Each cultivation art is unique," Kellor explained, beginning to pace slowly in front of the assembled students. "They contain their own advancement stages, their own methods of measuring progress, and their own approaches to developing power. Some focus on rapid initial growth, others emphasize long-term stability. Some are designed for specific types of attributes, while others offer more general applications."
The instructor paused, allowing that statement to sink in before continuing with what was clearly a prepared explanation.
"More importantly," Kellor said, "cultivation arts provide a universal framework for measuring relative power between practitioners. This system allows us to understand where we stand in relation to others, and what level of development we must achieve to reach our goals."
Standard progression theory, Aeon noted, remembering these concepts from "The Last Convergence." Though the specifics vary by region and tradition.
"The cultivation hierarchy is structured in tiers," Kellor continued. "First Stage represents basic competency in your chosen art—you have learned to circulate energy according to the prescribed methods and can maintain the fundamental techniques. Second Stage indicates significant advancement—your energy capacity has increased substantially, and you can execute intermediate techniques with confidence."
Basic classifications, Aeon thought. What he's not mentioning are the variations in stage power between different arts.
"Third Stage cultivation marks the transition from competent practitioner to formidable individual," Kellor explained. "Someone at this level possesses capabilities that command respect and can handle serious challenges. Fourth Stage represents mastery that few achieve—practitioners at this level can influence major events and defend entire communities."
Thomas raised his hand, and Kellor nodded for him to speak.
"Master Kellor, how high do the stages go?" Thomas asked.
"The theoretical maximum varies by cultivation art," Kellor replied. "Most techniques can support advancement through Sixth Stage, though reaching that level requires exceptional talent and decades of dedicated practice. Some legendary arts are said to support even higher development, but such methods are extremely rare."
"To put this in perspective," Kellor continued, "our current village chief has achieved Fourth Stage in his chosen cultivation art."
The students' reaction was immediate and profound. Even Thomas, who presumably had some awareness of his grandfather's capabilities, seemed impressed by the formal confirmation of that level of achievement.
Fourth Stage, Aeon thought, recognizing this from the novel's power scaling. Respectable for a village chief, but far from the heights that exist.
"Fourth Stage cultivation represents mastery that commands respect across the broader magical community," Kellor explained. "Someone at that level possesses capabilities that can reshape local political situations, defend against serious military threats, and serve as a deterrent to those who might otherwise cause problems for our community."
Which explains the village's isolation strategy, Aeon acknowledged. Though what I need will require going far beyond such limitations.
The implications of the cultivation system were clear to him from the novel's detailed power structure. The path to the kind of power he would need existed, but it wouldn't be found in whatever basic arts Kellor was about to distribute.
These will be foundation techniques at best, Aeon thought with certainty. Useful for understanding the fundamentals, but not for achieving real advancement.
"The cultivation arts I'm prepared to teach you today represent the beginning of that journey," Kellor announced, raising the leather-bound manuals once again. "Each of you will receive training in techniques specifically chosen to complement your natural attributes and your demonstrated aptitudes."
Beginning indeed, Aeon thought, knowing from the novel that what he truly needed wouldn't be found among these offerings. But understanding the fundamentals will be necessary regardless.
"The art you receive will determine not just how you develop, but how quickly you can advance and what your maximum potential will be," Kellor continued. "Choose your path wisely, for it will shape the rest of your magical development."
If only it were that simple, Aeon reflected as Kellor began moving toward the first student. What I require lies elsewhere entirely.
The distribution of manuals was about to begin, but for Aeon, this was merely another step toward understanding the foundations he would need before pursuing his true objective.