As the final verdict hung in the air, Noah felt the weight of the room crush him.
His head bowed, fists clenched in frustration.
Then, to his surprise, Amy stood abruptly, her voice breaking the heavy silence.
"Noah isn't guilty!" she blurted out, her face a mix of frustration and guilt.
All eyes turned to her, shocked by her sudden outburst.
Amy hesitated, her gaze shifting between Noah and the Vice Master.
"I don't know why I couldn't say it sooner, but... Noah protected me.
Even though he knew he couldn't do it alone, he still fought."
The room remained silent as Amy continued.
"When we were attacked by those rogue students, I saw him.
He held them back.
He fought against them, even when he was losing.
I could tell that his mana was draining, but he didn't stop."
Her voice faltered, but she pressed on.
"Even if he was a vessel for the demonic power, it wasn't meant to happen like that."
The hall was still, her words hanging in the air.
The Vice Master stared at her, his expression unreadable.
After a tense pause, he nodded.
"We will take this into consideration."
He stood, his voice ringing with authority.
"The session is dismissed. The final verdict will be given after further discussion."
With that, the hall emptied, leaving Noah, Amy, and the others in a heavy, uncertain silence.
"Why did she..."
Noah wanted to mutter out something but paused.
'I should be thankful but it's strange from her...
Seeing as how we got off on the wrong foot, stealing her position of Blessed Sage, anyone would get mad and do anything in their power to drive someone like me out the academy.
And yet she didn't.
But then again, that's Amy's weakness.
She is someone who is considerate of others even when ir doesn't look like it.
Sounds strange but even a character like her feels guilt.
But that side of her was the reason people would take advantage of her.
From the family she comes from her siblings would use her kindness to manipulate her.
Since she learnt of it, she developed the personality of someone arrogant ans always remains closed.
Keeping to herself.
Her rude and prideful nature is something she uses to mask her true feelings.'
Noah concluded and was approached by Xander.
"Hey...uhhh, heard what you did during the incident at Starlight Manor.
Even Noah, sitting toward the back, could feel the rising tension.
The professor had made it clear that the upcoming exams would be difficult, but this lesson had taken things to a new level.
"Now, I don't expect perfection from any of you," Professor Jacob continued.
"But what we covered today might be tested next week.
This isn't a basic class anymore.
You are all here to become advanced mages, and that requires pushing your limits."
He scanned the room, his eyes settling briefly on Noah, then moving on.
"Remember, mana control is key.
If you can't stabilize the flow between the elements and the spatial components, your magic will fail.
Practice.
Understand the theory. We will review this one more time before the exams."
The class sighed in unison as he dismissed them, everyone already dreading the intense week ahead.
There was noise as students packed up to leave.
Maya who was sitted next to Noah asked him a question.
"Do you have any plans for today?"
"Uhh...I do tend to spend the night studying.
I've been in a coma for 2 months, and as strict as Ravenwood is they won't care."
"By the way, you've been attending the classes yes?
Even though you're here as my assistant, you did pay tuition fees.
So will you help me?"
Noah asked.
'Even though I have the game's knowledge there are situations where I didn't pay much attention in.
One example being are the different magic concepts being taught.
While I played the game I gained experience and knowledge of magic by doing quests and mastering attack patterns.
So just like anyone else that won't matter, I'll need to study my butt off.
That is if I'm sure the academy will still allow me in their grounds.
But it's best to stay positive.
After all the power of thought can influence the way certain things play out.
In other words belief and faith.
*sigh...I sound like an old man.'
His thoughts were momentarily disrupted by a Maya whose face was turning red.
"I will...I'll help you study, it's the least I can do for you."
Maya responded, closing her notebook which she kept Noah's plans ans schedule she proceeded to abruptly leave.
"I'll meet you outside..."
She muttered leaving.
'Is she okay?'
Noah thought.