The silence in the disciplinary hall stretched long and heavy. My words had landed—if not as a full-blown defense, then at least as an obstacle in Leon's path. That was enough for now.
Professor Reynald tapped his fingers against his desk, deep in thought. His reputation was that of a fair man, but also a strict one. If Leon pushed hard enough, he might just sway the outcome in his favor. I had to be careful.
Leon's lips curled into a smirk, regaining his confidence. "Ethan, your history speaks for itself. You've been nothing but a stain on this academy. Even if you claim innocence now, it doesn't erase the past."
I met his gaze evenly. "You're right."
That threw him off, just for a second. "What?"
I clasped my hands behind my back, adopting the same indifferent posture I had practiced before. "My past mistakes don't disappear. I won't deny that Ethan del Arvent has done terrible things." I let the words settle before continuing. "But I can say with absolute certainty that I did not commit the crime you're accusing me of."
Professor Reynald sighed. "Without proof, we cannot take action based purely on reputation."
Leon's smirk faded. He clearly hadn't expected resistance. "Then are we supposed to wait until he does something worse? Until someone gets seriously hurt?"
"Do you believe he is still the same as before?" Reynald asked, studying me carefully.
Leon scoffed. "People don't change that easily."
"Then let us see if that's true," Reynald said, turning his gaze to me. "Ethan del Arvent, you will be placed on probation. Any further complaints or violations will be met with immediate expulsion. Do you understand?"
I nodded. This was better than outright punishment. "Yes, Professor."
Leon looked ready to argue, but he held back. He knew he had lost this round.
The moment I stepped out of the disciplinary hall, I exhaled slowly. I had survived. Barely. But I had only bought myself time, nothing more.
The academy would not forgive me so easily. And neither would Leon.
I needed to get stronger, fast. If the novel's events were still in motion, bigger threats were coming.
And next time, I wouldn't have the luxury of just talking my way out.