So the stolen item looked like a vase but was a magical artefact... and had the ability to strip mana from people. That was an alarming thought, even to a magical initiate, as with the understanding that [i]everyone[/i] had some came knowledge of yet more ways to die. Furthermore, it could gather ambient mana from its surroundings. Certainly a potent artefact even if it was just left sitting around. But with those sorts of abilities, using magical defences...

"Would it have been possible for this vase to be used to disable its own defences or weaken them over time? If it can remove mana from people and areas, I cannot see a simple reason that would bar it from draining spells," the purple-haired girl stated, interrupting before Tomoko could call her daughter. Though why not just show them herself?