Jonas smiled widely. The reason he had stressed it so much was to make the importance of keeping the secret clear to Valerian. He was not exaggerating the danger it posed in the slightest. Ordinarily, he would have waited till he was older so he would better understand but who knew if he would blurt something out to someone before then? Valerian was certainly smart but he was still a child and would not even know it was supposed to be a secret. He had to impress the danger on him.

Now he had to clear his head a bit. He was supposed to start his lesson but he could tell that Valerian's mind was occupied with thoughts on what they had discussed. There was even some fear still on his face. This state would surely be detrimental to his training so he took him towards the kitchen and got him some snacks whilst entertaining him with some funny stories. They made their way back when Jonas determined that Valerian was sufficiently distracted.

"I know Uncle Valan has given you an introduction to essence and the forces but I'm not sure how far you've gotten yet. Since I will be handling your arcane training it is best if I get a fair idea of what you know".

Realising what was being asked of him Valerian began. "Arcane energy, mana or spiritual force is one of the two forces that rise from essence in humans. As a spiritual energy, it enables people to forge a special connection with the world. This allows them to summon and control the forces of the natural world. People who cultivate this energy are called Arcanists".

Jonas displayed a surprised expression but only for a second. He was getting used to the fact that his nephew was a genius. Still, he made his approval known. "Good! Succinct yet listing all the important details".

Jonas continued where his nephew left off, "All arcanists follow a general route, however, there are differences in cultivation methods and more importantly, the differences in arcane energy. This leads to different albeit parallel paths. This has to do with the attributes of their arcane energy. Attributes are basically elemental properties. A simple analogy would be that, if arcane energy is tea then attributes are the different flavours of tea.

"There are two ways to get attributes. The first is to be born with one. That is to possess one innately. The second is to train or gain one. You possess innate metal and wind attributes. This means that your arcane energy possesses the characteristics of metal and wind. Thus it will be easier for you to learn or use metal-attributed arts. However, any attempt to practise arts of a different attribute will be arduous.

"This is the advantage the innately attributed have over those who are not. They can train faster when practising arts of their elements whereas those without innate attributes will have to spend time training one up. Those arts will also be more powerful under their hands as well due to the synergistic effect.

"But those without innate attributes have their own edge. Unlike the innately attributed their attributes are not predetermined meaning that they can choose whichever one they want and train it. Plus, someone with an innate attribute will have a very slow training speed when training in something other than his or her innate attribute but that person would not have that problem if he or she did not have an innate attribute. Meaning it is easier for them to train in multiple attributes".

Jonas adjusted his seat and placed his staff across his lap. "Which is better is an argument that is older than the empire. Each has its merits and demerits none of which are our current concern. I am only mentioning it because it is common knowledge. Being innately attributed or not is a matter of chance and birth. It cannot be changed and all have to make do with what they get.

"Our clan in particular is mostly full of qi cultivators or tellurians. Seven out of every ten Steelborns has qi instead of arcane energy. We also have an uncommon number of people with innate attributes. Out of every five cultivators three or four would be innately attributed. The most common attributes are metal and wind nevertheless some random elements crop up from time to time. It's mostly fire or earth though.

"Most tellurians in the clan are born with the innate metal attribute whilst arcanists are born with the wind attribute. Looking at it that way it is not so strange that you as a dual force user have both attributes though why it is not innate metal qi attribute and innate wind arcane attribute instead of dual attributes for both forces is a serious question.

"However it is not one we care about. We'll not look a gift horse in the mouth. My task is to train you in the arcane arts and that's what I'll do".

Feeling a bit parched from talking so much he grabbed a glass at his side and took a sip. Then he adjusted his posture. Lifted his staff, placed it back over his knees and generally fidgeted for a few moments. Jonas was trying not to show it but he was a bit nervous. Aside from giving advice to a few colleagues and juniors, Valerian was going to be the first person he trained. Even if it was not a formal apprenticeship he would still be considered his master in official records.

Calming himself he referred mentally to his lesson plan. 'The successful arcanist prepares beforehand', he intoned in his head.

"The arcane path is split into seven tiers or realms of power. They are in increasing order of power; the Arcane Disciple, Arcane Lord, Arcane King, Arcane Emperor, Arcane Sage, World Transcendent and Heavenly Immortal. The higher levels are too far off to discuss even for me so ignore them for now.

"All you need to focus on is that the arcane path is one that dominates the world. We mimic it, understand it, control it, master it and govern it. To possess arcane energy is to possess power over the natural world, over the elements" as he said this he raised a hand and with a grand gesture he set it aflame.

Valerian immediately took a step back crying out in surprise. The fire coating his uncle's hand was bright and hot yet it did nothing to the flesh. He watched as the flames seemingly congealed into his palm forming a small sphere like the pith of a pear. Before his very eyes the orb grew larger and larger until it was half a meter wide in just a few breaths.

"Uncle! What are you doing?" he received no answer.

He had been retreating steadily the whole time sweating so much his clothes were beginning to stick to him. The heat was intense and oppressive and the whole courtyard bathed in it. The fiery light of the orb could be seen reflected in his eyes and yet he did not look away. The light revealed the awe and slight trepidation in his gaze. 

Confronted with the power of an arcanist, Valerian could feel his heartbeat quicken in excitement. Why? Because it was a power he himself possessed.