"It's been scientifically proven that the practice of magic leads to mental instability."
"Huh?!"
"Huh?!"
Lyra and Sofia chorused in disbelief, their voices overlapping.
"Mental instability? What the hell are you even talking about?"
Sofia leaned forward, scowling.
"Ponder it,"
Madame Cross spoke calmly, unfazed by their reaction.
"Magic, by its very nature, is an unnatural manipulation of the existing laws of the world. Of course something like that would have side effects."
"What?! I've never heard of this!"
"Think again. Have you ever come across a normal mage?"
The elf asked, folding her arms.
"Well, yeah,"
Sofia said defiantly.
"They might be a bit eccentric, but I'm yet to see any lunatic amongst them."
"Of course you haven't,"
The elf replied with a hint of pity.
"You're humans, after all. Most of the time, your practice is too weak for you to notice. The effects mostly manifest in the stronger, more talented ones—and it's relative to the individual.
