Rynth is powered by those that came before. Magic manifests, draws power, and is modified by the Cycles Rynth has gone through. Every Cycle begins and ends when noteworthy advancements are made in technology, but the Wheel as a whole does not turn unequivocally for the whole world. Some remain stuck in Cycles three or four past.
It is a common and understood fact by all Rynthians that after the world has reached a certain point, Pneficus Kadore brings about the heat death of the universe through his flame, allowing for new life to blossom once more and for The Grand Cycle to repeat.
This system of embodying the Cycles in order to draw on its unique powers and modify existing spells is referred to as "Driving", and users of such are labeled as "Drivers".
Most spells react favorably to most Cycles, but some simply do not align metaphysically with certain ones and will refuse to be modified. For instance, a Fireball spell modified by the Cycle of Expansion will find its effective radius increased, but will adamantly refuse when the Cycle of Innovation is incorporated.
All Drivers possess Nature and Creed Cycles. The former is powered by their natural inclination and personality alongside conviction, while the latter only through conviction. Nature Cycles are thus more powerful, but Creed Cycles allow more flexibility in combat.
As of the story, there are Twelve Cycles: Awakening, Convergence, Shaping, Order, Exchange, Inquiry, Expansion, Industry, Integration, Innovation, Modernity, and Synthesis.