The judge cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping the room to ensure he had everyone's attention.
His voice was solemn, heavy with the weight of the decision about to be made.
"Noah Ashbourne," he began, "you stand accused of multiple, severe breaches of Ravenwood Academy's laws.
These offenses are not only grave but also directly undermine the trust and security of this institution.
I will list each law you have broken, and the prescribed punishment according to the Academy's regulations."
Noah's eyes were locked on the judge, his breathing shallow.
He felt as if the room itself were pressing in on him, each breath harder to draw than the last.
"Offense One," the judge announced, "[Possession of Forbidden Artifacts].
You were found in possession of illegal and dangerous items within the Academy grounds, artifacts linked to dark and demonic magic.
The prescribed punishment for this crime is confiscation of all illicit items and a one-month suspension from magical activities.
However, given the nature of the artifacts, the punishment is extended to the permanent confiscation of your spellcasting license within Ravenwood."
Noah's shoulders slumped, the severity of each word striking like a hammer.
He had never anticipated losing his right to use magic altogether.
He swallowed hard, feeling the judgment bear down on him.
"Offense Two: [Tampering with Academy Barrier Enchantments.]
You were seen interfering with the magical defenses of the Academy, causing potential threats to the safety of all students and faculty.
The standard punishment is solitary confinement for a week and the stripping of all titles and privileges associated with magical security.
Given your role as a member of the Vanguard, this includes an immediate and permanent demotion from any security-related duties."
The words stung, but Noah remained silent, his jaw clenched tight.
They weren't finished yet, and he knew it was only going to get worse.
"Offense Three: [Coercion and Manipulation of Students.]
Evidence and testimony indicate you used your influence to pressure others into acquiring dangerous items on your behalf.
The standard punishment is a public apology, restitution to the affected parties, and a loss of Academy standing.
Given the scale of your actions, your punishment includes a public denouncement before the entire student body, with the revocation of any honors you may have earned."
Noah's fists tightened.
His reputation—his hard-earned respect—was being stripped away piece by piece.
Noah's face was a mask of fury and despair, his teeth clenched so hard they ached.
He could barely keep himself from shouting out his frustration, the urge to lash out clawing at his insides.
"Offense Nine: [Theft of Magical Blueprints and Sensitive Information.]
You were seen accessing and taking blueprints for dangerous magical devices without authorization.
The punishment includes expulsion from the Magic Engineering Department and a formal record of theft on your permanent academic profile."
"Offense Ten: [Murder of an Academy Knight.]
You killed a knight who was only attempting to restrain you during your arrest.
The penalty for such a grave crime is immediate expulsion and the turning over of the offender to the Academy's disciplinary council for further judgment.
This is the most severe offense and carries the weight of expulsion."
Noah's eyes burned with unshed tears, his rage bubbling over the surface. It wasn't murder.
It had been self-defense, an act of desperation when everything else was taken from him, but they didn't care.
They wouldn't listen.
The judge's eyes were unrelenting, his tone void of mercy.
"Noah Ashbourne, these ten charges are not just breaches of our Academy's rules—they are betrayals of everything we stand for.
Each punishment exceeds the standard disciplinary measures, and in accordance with our regulations, when the maximum penalty is surpassed for multiple offenses, there is only one suitable conclusion."
Noah knew what was coming.
His knuckles were white as he tried to contain his boiling emotions.
He had no power here. He was already condemned.
"By the authority vested in me, and in adherence to the regulations of Ravenwood Academy, I hereby declare that Noah Ashbourne is expelled from this institution, effective immediately.
All academic ties are severed, all privileges revoked, and you are hereby banned from these grounds indefinitely."
The gavel struck the stand, a sharp crack that echoed through the courtroom like a death knell.
Noah's breath caught in his throat, and he looked up at the cold faces staring back at him—judges, witnesses, accusers.
There was no compassion there, no understanding, only judgment and condemnation.
He was no longer Noah Ashbourne, Vanguard member and rising student.
He was a criminal, a scapegoat, expelled and cast aside.
It was over.