I...don't entirely trust what they tell us here, but according to the locals, that plays into the whole harmonization situation. Zenith and Meridian are forces of some sort, and forming that connection with one of them lets you use magic again.

[ A convenient system for those leading these factions, which is why Yuri doesn't quite believe that's all there is to it. Surely there's more to it than merely this, but information is far more difficult to come by whenever it extends beyond the sales pitch for Zenith and Meridian.

But there must be something to be found. It's just a matter of knowing where to look. ]

That's how it is for those of us brought here, anyhow. Evidently people can also learn spells they didn't know or lacked aptitude for, as well.

[ This part he finds rather remarkable, aware as he is that Dimitri's natural ability with magic wasn't all that great. Back home, he distinctly recalls the explosions he'd heard near the edge of camp, which were evidently His Majesty's attempts at learning a simple fire spell. Yuri has always advocated that effort can overcome natural gifts, but this place makes it seem easy.

What might the cost of that be, beyond their service? ]