[Honestly, Brad feels kind of bad about this. He knows the answer, but Viktor seems so proud of his work...how can Brad just upend him like that?

But then again, collaboration can help make Viktor's dream come true, right? So maybe sharing a big secret would help...]

I think you did really good here! Drawing power from a mana stone isn't easy, especially not these kind. They're powerful, but very unstable, as the mana in them comes from within the earth. It's basically untempered mana, up until you refine it.

You might have better luck with a mana stone from another source.

[He flicks his wrist, and then there's a small stone in his hand, similar in color to the hex crystal/mana stone that Viktor has but shaped more like an actual gemstone.]

Here, give this one a try.

[If Viktor attempts it, the power won't be as strong but it will be far easier to control.]