The courtroom was heavy with the suffocating tension of judgment.
Noah's mind was a whirlwind of rage, confusion, and betrayal as the young female Vanguard member stood up, taking a deep breath before addressing the court.
She was no older than him—third year, if he remembered correctly.
Her uniform was pristine, her posture rigid, a picture of conviction in stark contrast to Noah's disheveled state.
She held a notepad in her hand, eyes narrowing as she began to read.
"On the day of Noah Ashbourne's arrest, which was today, it was noted that despite his mana reserves being blocked by the [Mercurial Seal], he was able to tap into another energy source."
She said firmly, her voice ringing with an authority she clearly believed in.
"Our investigation confirmed that this energy did not originate from his natural reserves.
