Over the next week, Miguel spent time with each group, learning about their unique cultivation paths. With the Forest Keepers, he watched Kiko grow a tree from a seed to full height in minutes—his wooden nodes visible beneath his skin.
"Every sub-level we master adds more strength to our connection to the earth," Kiko explained, as he showed Miguel how to feel the life force in plants. "We don't take energy—we share it. The stronger we grow, the healthier the forest becomes."
With the Water Aswang, Maya led him to a hidden river where she demonstrated breathing underwater and shaping currents with her hands. Her scales glowed brighter with each sub-level she'd awakened.
"Our cultivation grows with our understanding of flow and adaptability," she said, as they swam together. "Water can be gentle or powerful—it all depends on how you guide it. Just like our abilities."
Lia took him to a high cliff where the Banaspati practiced flying. Her wings expanded and changed shape as she moved through different sub-level forms.
"Each sub-level gives us more control over air currents, more speed, even the ability to create winds," she said, soaring through the sky above him. "We grow lighter and more free with every step forward."
Rene showed him the Star Keepers' practice—meditating under the night sky, drawing energy from constellations. His nodes glowed like tiny stars across his body.
"Our cultivation grows with our knowledge of the cosmos," Rene explained. "We believe that everything is connected—from the smallest seed to the farthest star."
Miguel realized that while their paths were different, all their cultivation was rooted in balance—just as the Babaylan had taught him.