chapter 3: The Disciplinary Hall
The academy was as grand as I remembered from the novel—white marble pillars, sprawling courtyards, and towering structures built to intimidate. But none of its beauty mattered when you were walking toward judgment.
The enforcer led me through the hallways, and I could feel the stares of students lingering on me. Some whispered, others sneered, and a few openly glared. Their disdain was expected. Ethan del Arvent had made a name for himself for all the wrong reasons.
We reached a pair of heavy wooden doors, and the enforcer pushed them open without hesitation. Inside, a long table stretched across the room, lined with academy officials and students of high status. At the center sat a man I recognized immediately—Professor Reynald, head of discipline, known for his strict adherence to academy rules.
"Ethan del Arvent," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Do you know why you're here?"
I met his gaze with an impassive expression. "I assume it has to do with the complaint filed against me."
A noble student sitting to the right scoffed. "Still playing dumb? Typical."
I ignored him. Reacting emotionally would only worsen my position.
Professor Reynald studied me for a moment before glancing at the papers before him. "You've been accused of misconduct, including harassment, disorderly conduct, and disrespect toward fellow students. Given your prior record, this is not something we can overlook."
I remained silent, processing the situation. The old Ethan had committed those crimes, but I wasn't him. Arguing innocence would be useless—I needed another approach.
"I understand," I said. "But may I ask who has brought these accusations forward?"
The professor nodded, and a familiar voice rang out from across the room. "I did."
I turned my head and found myself staring at one of the novel's key figures—Leon von Estrid, the protagonist's closest ally and one of Ethan's greatest enemies.
This just got a lot more complicated.