“Cons, huh? You’re talking about the difficulty in controlling mana when it’s inside the Magic Domain?”

“Yes, Teacher Raphna.”

“That’s indeed a problem, but it is only a problem of difficulty, like trying to move a new limb you never had before. When has raising the rank to become stronger ever been easy? Furthermore, compared to trying to form the new magic circle around the heart under the attractive and repulsive force of three other magic circles, it’s relatively easier, no?”

It wasn’t just any three magic circles either; they were three magic circles that had already been linked.

The power generated from their circulations of mana is exponentially stronger and faster than three separate magic circles.

Vaan had read multiple articles about the problems faced by witches, whether they were True Witches, Senior Witches, or even High Witches.

Each witch academy also had a bulletin board where witches commonly shared their problems and hoped for answers from more knowledgeable people._.

Thus, he was pretty familiar with how the magic circles worked for witches.

“If you compare those two, I suppose forming a magic circle inside the Magic Domain is indeed easier than forming the fourth magic circle around the heart,” Astoria acknowledged with a nod before adding, “However, there is also the problem of linking the fourth magic circle to the heart.”

“If the magic circle is completely formed inside the Magic Domain, we can’t link it to the other three magic circles around the heart without the mana veins getting in the way. So, even if the completed fourth magic circle is easier to ignore the repulsive force of the triple magic circles, there’s no point in forming the fourth magic circle when it can’t be linked due to obstruction.”

“Furthermore, if we try to force the fourth magic circle through the major mana veins, we will run the risk of damaging the mana veins and losing our Specialized Magic—if not all of our magic,” Astoria raised another issue shortly after.

“That is indeed an issue if you don’t have perfect mana affinity and control,” Vaan calmly admitted before he suggested, “But you can also use Spatial Magic to move the fourth magic circle into place directly.”

“That said, it can’t be done without both perfect control of Spatial Magic and high mental strength as well, since they are needed to hold the fourth magic circle in place.”

“After all, you can’t properly gauge the repulsive force of the triple magic circles acting on the fourth magic circle if it’s been moved into place directly. The fourth magic circle could be strongly flung away instantly and result in the same failure; death by mana eruption of the magic circles,” Vaan stated.

“Then what can I do to advance my power, Teacher Raphna?” Astoria genuinely sought him for answers.

“Strictly speaking, there’s no way to avoid the risks of the fourth magic circle linking; it’s a risk everyone has to take in their pursuit of greater power,” Vaan stated.

“You can only reduce the risk by mastering control and increasing your willpower. That said, this only applies if you continue to follow the basic magic cultivation method.”

“It’s not like adding mana rings to the heart is the only way to increase your magic power, right?” Vaan casually mentioned to Astoria with a smile before he added, “There are more ideal methods out there for you to try. You don’t have to be fixated on a single path.”

“If we don’t innovate, we can’t surpass ourselves, nor the past..” Astoria muttered thoughtfully before turning back to Vaan. “In that case, do you have an ideal cultivation method in mind, Teacher Raphna?”

“If I do have one in mind, would you be willing to try it, Headmaster Astoria?” Vaan gave her a serious look, making her feel as if it involved a big sacrifice.

“Do I have to abolish magic circles and start over?” Astoria furrowed her brows with concern.

Vaan cracked a smile and chuckled, “Haha, no, you don’t. I was just trying to scare you.”

“Is it amusing to tease me, Teacher Raphna?” Astoria coolly asked, giving him a side glance.

“Definitely,” Vaan boldly admitted before he continued to reply, “Anyway, the standard cultivation method is only the foundation.”

“If you want to progress further, you can consider using your Magic Domain as the new core of your magic. If you form new magic circles and link them there, they won’t be obstructed by the heart and mana veins.”

“Furthermore, linked magic circles around the heart could only circulate in a single direction. Whereas, inside the Magic Domain, they could freely revolve and circulate, which, in turn, maybe generate more magic power than the heart,” Vaan mentioned.

However, Astoria frowned when she heard about his suggestion.

“Would it work?” Astoria doubted.

“There’s no catalyst to keep the magic circles from stably revolving in the same spot like the heart.”

“Thus, even if triple-linked magic circles in the Magic Domain generate more magic power than the heart, there’s no point if they fall apart,” Astoria thought.

“That’s why for this method, you have to create a new catalyst in the Magic Domain for your magic circles,” Vaan calmly explained with a slight smile before he asked, “Have you ever tried compressing mana to create a mana core, Headmaster Astoria?”historical

“Creating a mana core?” Astoria paused with a contemplating look before she replied, “I have, but is there something special about it?”

“Furthermore, trying to compress mana into a mana core in the Magic Domain.. The difficulty would be even greater than forming the magic circles there.”

“Well, I didn’t say it would be easy,” Vaan smiled wryly and said, “For this, you need to perfect your mana control in the Magic Domain.”

“As for whether there’s anything special about it, I would say none besides acting as a catalyst and additional mana bank.”

“I haven’t exactly tested it or have anyone to trial run it for me, you know? So, you will be my first test subject if you decide to try this method,” Vaan stated.

Shortly after, Astoria pondered the matter carefully in silence.

“Of course, there’s another possible solution to reaching Mid-stage High Witch through the standard method,” Vaan suddenly added.

“However, I lack data. So, I can’t be sure of its success chance unless I visit Gehenna.”

“Why Gehenna?” Astoria glanced at him more attentively.