( "Exoflect"...? He'll assume that's some kind of skill, but... hearing it die on Phil's lips, he presumes it's not a viable one. )

Something is better than nothing. And if you think you can do something, you should be able to. At least... that's how it's supposed to work, here.

( An overly-simplified version of the magic system, but he can't get into the weeds here. Mika's heart is convinced he cannot heal, only harm - so he can't heal. And he knows he can't convince himself otherwise.

So, just... he can't let other people be like him. He needs them to try, where he fails. )