chapters 1-4 complete

world/magic/exploits-log.md

@@ -197,6 +197,17 @@ Every exploit Phelan uses, logged for continuity tracking.
 - **Cross-reference:** Exploit #3 (death ward signature forgery) is the direct precedent. Both use signature acquisition → forgery → system manipulation. Key differences: Book 1 acquired signature externally (8+ passive observation cycles, exact match at 7 junctions); Book 2 acquired internally (being drained, within degraded tolerance window). Book 1 result was destruction (system consumed itself); Book 2 result is reprogramming (system survives but reversed). Philosophy evolves from "break the lock" to "change what the lock opens."
 - **Story significance:** Connection log serves as evidence of every victim drained (legal weight). Crystal survives as a trap — anyone in Book 3 who tries to use it gets drained. Locksmith identity elevated: doesn't break locks, changes what they open.
 
+## Training Development: Sustained Channelling — Ring Capability Evolution
+- **Timeline:** Book 1 epilogue through Book 2 opening (~3 months of daily training with Leon D'Nardis)
+- **Focus:** Extending integrated casting duration through the focusing ring — fire + targeting + movement as one system
+- **Progression:**
+  - Book 1 epilogue: 12 seconds integrated (ceiling)
+  - Book 2 Ch01: 12.5 seconds (Leon's volume sparring, ceiling moved)
+  - Book 2 Ch02: 13 seconds (accuracy work, sustained thread at chalk target, 12 paces — ugly, 50% success rate)
+- **Key limitation:** Targeting locks in at ~9 seconds. Environmental disruption before that window causes compensation rather than absorption. The ring's micro-pulse (~1.3 second stabilisation rhythm) saturates instinct past 12 seconds, causing handoff to conscious correction which overcorrects and introduces drift.
+- **Training method:** Leon provides variable-timing heat pressure from off-angle during sustained thread exercises. Tests structural absorption vs. reactive compensation.
+- **Significance:** The ring's original specification (Ch13) was 15–20ft range. Sustained channelling extends this to 25–30ft trained, 35–40ft theoretical maximum. The 3-month training arc moves the ring from a range multiplier to a sustained combat tool. Full technique documentation: `/world/magic/fire-magic.md`
+
 ## Equipment: Focusing Ring (Carter's Custom Build)
 - **Chapter:** Ch13
 - **Builder:** Jonael Carterson ("Carter")