"It's an interesting idea, isn't it? If you look past the divine aspect - there's precedent for uplift through talent-seeding." Paul nods, a little charmed by the showmanship of the finger snap despite himself. It's a good touch; he'll have to remember it.

"That said, you would want to attribute it to divine benevolence," he says, and there's something like a flicker of doubt there, then a steeling of will, "It's easier to accept that way."

"So - the hypothetical: Sleepers are intended to revitalize the world by progressing magic." He tilts his head to the left, watching closely. "Let's accept it. Where do they start?"