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."
