The series of introductory lectures with his grandfather left Valerian feeling enlightened and gave him much to look forward to when he actually started training. Eventually, Elder Foreson and a few other elders dropped by the manor to hand over the manuals he would be training with. The manuals in question were just copies, but they contained the highest-tier methods available to the clan and had to be transported from the compound to the manor under heavy guard.

Methods were incredibly valuable and the higher the tier of a method, the more it was worth. The better the method the better the result from training according to it. Given that they were a means of training warriors they were responsible for a great portion of a clan's strength. One of the reasons the Steelborns occupied the top spot in DaleGuard was because of their high-tier techniques. They weren't going to risk them getting out.

Originally the clan wanted him to stay in the compound to study the methods but his grandfather adamantly refused. Thus a few elders were required to bring them over and guard the manor while he studied. Before, getting elders to guard the manor would be unthinkable but now Valerian had been identified as a future asset for the clan and they were happy to make some concessions for their investment.

Imagine their surprise when Valerian returned them after just an hour of study. He had already memorised them. After testing him on their contents Foreson was forced to accept that he really had memorised them. He incinerated them right there. They were just copies after all. Then he left grumbling but a little happy at no longer being obligated to guard the manor.

"I hear you've already memorised the Manifold Elemental Incarnations", Jonas prodded.

Valerian nodded. To be honest the constant expressions of surprise and incredulity from everyone were getting annoying. Sensing that he didn't want to talk about it Jonas did not pursue the matter. The two of them were sitting in Valerian's favourite courtyard and Jonas readily admitted that he rather liked the atmosphere it had. It was cool and the breeze hit the trees just right. Rustling the leaves softly without ripping them loose excessively.

"I too train in that method. It is the greatest method for training arcane energy that the clan possesses. The reason for this is that it remains highly effective even at the higher arcane tiers and allows the cultivation of many abilities and spells. Perhaps the most outstanding thing about it is that it is also compatible with every elemental attribute making it dozens of times better than the clan's second-best arcane cultivation method Arcane Monolith which is restricted to the metal one.

"For instance, I possess the fire attribute making it impossible for me to train according to the Arcane Monolith method. If you were to train in it you would have to neglect your wind attribute. However, we can both train in the Manifold Elemental Incarnations with no problems. You can even train both your attributes with it at the same time making it the best type of method for you. It is truly the best method in the clan and requires special permission to train in it".

Valerian was listening intently so he caught some of the implications of what his uncle was saying. Thus he couldn't help but ask. "Does that mean that not everyone in the clan trains in it?"

"Sadly, yes. There are certain stipulations that must be met before the elders allow anyone to train in it. However, the clan has five methods. If you are able to train any of them to a high enough level the clan will allow you to upgrade to the Manifold Elemental Incarnations".

"You can do that?" Valerian exclaimed. He had been under the impression that the choice in cultivating method was a permanent one.

Jonas chuckled in amusement before answering. "Normally you can't. The second method must be compatible with the first or else complications will occur. Our Manifold Elemental Incarnations is compatible with an incredible number of cultivation methods and types".

"That's amazing!" Valerian exclaimed. He was finally beginning to understand the import of the method and its value.

"Of course. There is a reason why the elite in the clan practise it. Even so the number of people who successfully cultivate it is very few". Here he paused a bit in contemplation before continuing upon deciding that Valerian was mature enough.

"What I'm going to tell you now is a secret. One you must not reveal to anyone not even other clan members. At least not without permission. I am only telling you since it is something that you must know as a practitioner of the Manifold Elemental Incarnations".

Sensing the seriousness of the situation Valerian nodded solemnly.

"Good. In truth, the Manifold Elemental Incarnations is not just the most powerful art in the clan but also the entire county. Yes! Not just the city or viscounty but the whole county. It will be difficult to find one of its tier in the duchy to think of getting one compatible with so many elements and methods before considering its other special properties. The only reason we Steelborns have it is due to some special circumstances.

"The reason for the secrecy is to prevent others from knowing the true value of the method. If they knew then the clan would face untold calamities. You should be able to imagine what would happen if it got out that we possessed such a thing".

Valerian nodded fearfully. He did not know that the clan had such a frightening secret.

"Good!" Jonas said in a serious tone but he soon lightened up. "There's no need to look so worried. Just practise it and make sure you don't tell people of its true power. Don't even discuss its properties with others as there are some who would be able to estimate its tier from that. If people ask either ignore or refuse. Every family has its secret arts. No one can force you to reveal it".

Valerian nodded again but Jonas still looked unsatisfied. So he added. "Yes Uncle. I understand. I promise not to reveal the secrets of the Manifold Elemental Incarnations or its true tier to anyone without the express permission of the family".