As Miguel's strength returned, he began training with the young Aswang, sharing what he'd learned from the Babaylan while learning from their unique abilities.
"Your Body Cultivation is impressive," Kiko said one day as they sparred. "But you're too focused on strength alone. Let me show you how to use the land to your advantage."
He touched the ground, and roots shot up to wrap around Miguel's legs—not to trap him, but to guide his movements into a more stable stance. "See? When you work with the earth instead of against it, you become stronger without using more energy."
With Maya, Miguel learned how to flow like water in combat—dodging attacks with ease instead of meeting them head-on. "Energy Cultivation isn't just about creating shields and blasts," she explained, guiding his hands to shape a gentle wave of water. "It's about understanding how energy moves, and how to direct it."
Lia taught him to use air currents to enhance his speed and jumps, even helping him awaken new nodes that improved his own limited flight abilities. "Your wings are small now," she said, examining the bat-like wings he could summon, "but with the right cultivation, they'll grow stronger. Every sub-level you master will change not just your abilities, but your very form."
Rene helped him connect his Spirit Cultivation to the stars, showing him how to draw energy from celestial bodies to strengthen his connection to the ancestors. "The elders who sacrificed themselves aren't gone," Rene said quietly one night as they meditated. "They live on in the stars, in the land, in you. Every time you grow stronger, their legacy grows too."
As they trained together, Miguel felt his own nodes awakening faster than ever—his limitless potential allowing him to learn from all their paths.