When Vaan mentioned the other fields of studies, Cyrena Ashenborn did not feel any excitement. Instead, her mood plummeted with depression.
“Teacher, you already know my condition. If it’s physical combat, I’m willing to learn. But as for the other subjects? There’s no point in learning if I can’t use magic,” Cyrena Ashenborn stated.
“There’s no point in learning if you can’t use magic?” Vaan shook his head and said, “That’s if you can’t use magic forever.”
“More importantly, if you don’t try because you can’t do it, why bother doing anything? Even potioneering that you are most proud of is nothing without magic at the higher ranks. Just because of that, are you going to give up on potioneering too?”
“No!” Cyrena Ashenborn answered before stubbornly saying, “Potioneering is different. At least, it is something I can do, even if all I can make is rank 1 potions! As for the others, I don’t even have a chance!”
“You don’t have a chance? – the chance determined by the ability to use magic? Maybe they don’t give you a chance, but did you give them a chance? If a powerful person wants you dead, who do you think is more likely to survive? The one that immediately gives up, or the one that perseveres to the end?” Vaan questioned her.
Cyrena Ashenborn furrowed her brows and said, “The one that perseveres to the end.”
“That’s right. As long as you don’t give up, there will always be a chance. You might not be able to use magic, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use magic later. Are you going to wait until you can use magic before you start learning the basics of magic?”
Cyrena Ashenborn contemplated with a frown before Vaan continued, “Even if you turn out to be a talented genius, you’ll be left far behind by your peers. Is that what you want?”
“No, Teacher. But…”
“I believe I already told you this before, but I will say it again; as long as you believe in me, I won’t give up on you. So don’t give up on yourself, Cyrena,” Vaan firmly said.
“Even if I want to, it’s not easy…” Cyrena Ashenborn replied with a sigh.
She had been disappointed by so many supposed masters in the art of healing. Even High Witches were helpless against her unknown condition.
How can someone without magic resolve her inability to use magic and teach her magic on top of it? It was already impressive that her teacher was so proficient in potioneering.
Cyrena Ashenborn didn’t dare to hope for more, lest she is disappointed again.
“It seems like you won’t be able to move forward unless I, as your teacher, give you some hope,” Vaan calmly said before asking, “Don’t you want to know the real reason why you can’t use magic?”
“Do you know what is wrong with me, Teacher?” Cyrena Ashenborn widened her eyes in surprise after hearing Vaan’s question.
“I’ve read through all the medical records overnight, so I have a pretty good idea. That said, I won’t be completely certain until I perform a personal diagnosis on you, Cyrena,” Vaan stated.
Although Cyrena Ashenborn found it hard to believe, she did become a little interested in what her teacher had to say.
After all, her condition was something that even High Witches couldn’t figure out. And yet, her teacher claimed he might know.
“Then… can I get diagnosed right away, Teacher? What do I have to do? Do I have to… remove my clothes?” Cyrena Ashenborn gripped the hem of her dress bashfully when she thought she might have to.
However, Vaan casually shook his head.
“No, we don’t need to go that far. I just need to observe you, run some tests with you, and draw some blood from you. Some touching may also be involved, so I apologize in advance, Cyrena,” Vaan stated before asking, “Is there an infirmary room with such tools we can use?”
“Yes, of course. I will guide you there, Teacher,” Cyrena Ashenborn volunteered.
Nevertheless, after Vaan agreed, Cyrena Ashenborn led him outside to the only infirmary within the walls of Helia’s Castle.
It wasn’t a private infirmary but one used by the combat witches and aura masters serving under Helia Ashenborn. Its location was next to a training field in the outer courtyard.
As Hester Thornton waited for the effects of the Pore Stimulation Potions to expire on the three True Witches, she noticed Vaan and Cyrena Ashenborn as they walked past.
Although Hester Thornton wasn’t sure why they were visiting the infirmary, she decided not to follow them until she completed her first task.
…
Meanwhile, Vaan and Cyrena Ashenborn arrived at the infirmary.
Everything was clearly laid out, from the infirmary beds to the medical equipment storage cabinets, allowing Vaan to quickly locate where the needles for drawing blood were stored.
Nevertheless, Vaan didn’t rush to grab the needles.
“Lay down, close your eyes, and steady your breathing.”
“Yes, Teacher.”
Cyrena Ashenborn obediently followed Vaan’s instruction and laid on one of the white infirmary beds.
Once Cyrena Ashenborn closed her eyes, Vaan activated his Magic Vision, immediately revealing the peculiarities of the mana within her body.
Just as it was said in Cyrena Ashenborn’s medical records, her mana veins were much thicker than ordinary witches.
Generally, such thick mana veins should have granted Cyrena Ashenborn superior mana absorption, allowing her to possess a great talent for magic.
And yet, for some reason, she could not use magic despite her natural endowment.
However, Vaan quickly saw through the problem.
‘No more wonder no one could discover the problem in Cyrena’s body. Something like this would have been easily overlooked if they were unfamiliar with the so-called curse plaguing Sunpeak Town and its surroundings…’ Vaan mused.
‘Did Cyrena catch the curse before the outbreak in Sunpeak Town or after it? If It was before the outbreak, then that would be quite the interesting discovery.’
Vaan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.