Chapter 527:Victory?

Chapter 527: 527:Victory?

The academy’s disciplinary restrictions had already damaged Ravenna’s reputation with certain administrators, and Shirley believed that obtaining additional details might help her family pressure Ravenna into cooperating.

But She didn’t have authorization to access those records. So she used her Light Refraction ability to enter a restricted administrative corridor during a shift change.

The plan was reckless and poorly timed.

Security had been increased following the assassination attempt against Silver, and several administrative systems were now being monitored more closely because of the discrepancies discovered during the disciplinary hearing.

Shirley managed to enter a records room. She accessed a terminal, then attempted to retrieve Ravenna’s file but the system detected an unauthorized login.

[Security Alert.]

[Restricted Student Records Accessed.]

[Unauthorized User Detected.]

Shirley froze.

Then attempted to disconnect but it was roo late. The door opened and fwo security officers entered.

One raised his weapon towards her.

"Step away from the terminal," he coldly said.

Shirley’s face went pale.

"I can explain."

The officer coldly stared at her.

"Then explain why you’re inside a restricted records room."

Shirley swallowed.

"I was looking for my sister’s file."

The second officer frowned.

"Your sister?"

"Ravenna Arkland."

The first officer lowered his weapon slightly.

"Do you have authorization?" He asked.

Shirley hesitated, then whispered, "No."

The officer sighed.

"Then you’re coming with us."

The disciplinary investigation uncovered considerably more than Shirley expected.

Her unauthorized entry had been recorded by several security systems, and the terminal logs showed that she’d attempted to access not only Ravenna’s disciplinary records but also documents concerning Silver’s assassination investigation.

That alone would’ve been enough to justify serious punishment but investigators also discovered that She had previously used her Light Refraction ability to enter restricted student areas without authorization, and several complaints concerning her behavior had been dismissed or ignored because of her family’s connections.

Students who had previously remained silent began coming forward. Some described incidents involving stolen information. Others mentioned rumors Shirley had spread about classmates.

And several testified that she’d repeatedly attempted to manipulate social situations by presenting herself as a victim whenever someone challenged her behavior.

The academy’s disciplinary board opened a formal review.

Shirley’s mother immediately contacted Gideon who contacted several acquaintances. And within days, the Arkland family found itself attempting to manage two separate crises.

The financial investigation and Shirley’s disciplinary hearing.

The hearing took place on a rainy afternoon.

Silver and Ravenna attended as witnesses, although their own disciplinary restrictions remained in effect.

Shirley sat opposite the committee, her mother was beside her and Gideon occupied the seat behind them.

The presiding officer reviewed the evidence.

"Shirley Arkland, you are accused of unauthorized entry into restricted academy facilities, improper access to confidential student records, and misuse of your awakened ability in violation of academy security regulations."

She lowered her head.

The officer continued, "Do you understand the charges?"

She nodded.

"Yes."

"Do you admit entering the restricted records room?"

Shehesitated, then whispered, "Yes."

Marissa immediately leaned forward.

"But she had a perfectly understandable reason!" She loudly said.

The officer looked toward her.

"Mrs. Arkland, please remain silent unless addressed."

She flushed.

Shirley began crying.

"I was worried about my sister."

Ravenna closed her eyes.

The officer frowned.

"Explain."

She sniffled.

"Ravenna has been acting differently. She’s been angry with our family, and after her disciplinary punishment, I was afraid something was wrong. I only wanted to understand what was happening."

The officer studied her.

"Then why did you attempt to access Silver Ruddington’s assassination investigation?"

She froze.

For several seconds, she didn’t answer, then she whispered, "I thought it might be connected."

The officer leaned forward.

"Connected how?"

Shirley hesitated.

"I..."

Marissa suddenly spoke.

"Because that boy has been influencing Ravenna!"

Silver slowly raised an eyebrow.

The officer turned.

"Mrs. Arkland."

Marissa continued, "Ever since Ravenna began associating with him, she’s become hostile toward her family. Shirley was simply trying to protect her sister!"

Silver remained silent.

Ravenna looked toward her stepmother. For years, that explanation would’ve worked.

Shirley was protecting her, Shirley was worried, Shirley only wanted what was best, and Ravenna was the ungrateful daughter who refused to appreciate her family’s kindness.

But this time, there were records, witnesses, and evidence that couldn’t be explained away through tears.

The presiding officer turned toward Shirley.

"Miss Arkland, your intentions do not change the fact that you violated restricted access regulations."

Shirley began crying harder.

The officer continued.

"Furthermore, the investigation identified several previous incidents involving unauthorized access to student facilities and improper use of your Light Refraction ability."

Her face went pale.

"Previous incidents?" She asked, shocked.

The officer nodded.

"Yes." He reviewed the documents. "Several complaints were previously closed without sufficient investigation. Those complaints have now been reopened."

Marissa stood.

"This is outrageous!"

The officer’s expression hardened.

"Mrs. Arkland, sit down."

She glared at the man and reluctantly obeyed.

The hearing continued for nearly two hours.

By the end, Shirley’s attempts to portray herself as an innocent victim had become increasingly ineffective.

Several witnesses contradicted her explanations, security records established her unauthorized movements, and the academy’s disciplinary regulations left little room for leniency.

Finally, the presiding officer delivered the decision.

"Shirley Arkland."

She slowly raised her head.

"Given the repeated nature of the violations, the misuse of an awakened ability to bypass academy security, and the attempted acquisition of confidential investigative records, the disciplinary board has determined that continued enrollment would present an unacceptable security risk."

Her expression changed.

"No..."

The officer continued.

"Effective immediately, your enrollment at Alpha Three Academy is terminated."

Silence filled the room.

Shirley stared, then whispered, "What?"

Marissa stood.

"You can’t do that!"

The officer remained composed.

"The decision may be appealed through the appropriate administrative process. However, Miss Arkland’s access privileges are revoked effective immediately."

Shirley began shaking her head.

"No. No, please."

Gideon’s expression had become pale.

The officer continued.

"Security personnel will escort Miss Arkland to collect her personal belongings."

Shirley looked toward Ravenna.

For a moment, their eyes met, and the expression on her face changed.

The tears remained but beneath them, Ravenna saw something else.

Pure, bitter hatred.

"You did this," She whispered.

Ravenna remained silent.

Shirley’s voice rose.

"You did this to me!"

Marissa immediately turned toward Ravenna.

"Are you satisfied?"

She slowly stood.

Silver rose beside her.

For several seconds, Ravenna looked at the people who had spent years making her feel unwanted.

Then she quietly answered, "I didn’t enter that records room."

Shirley froze.

Ravenna continued, "I didn’t use your ability to bypass security. I didn’t steal information, and I didn’t lie to the disciplinary board." Her expression remained calm. "You made those decisions yourself."

Shirley’s face twisted.

"I hate you."

Ravenna looked at her.

For a moment, the words hurt, then the feeling passed.

She slowly nodded.

"I know."

And that was all she said.

The Arkland family’s financial collapse accelerated shortly afterward.

The inheritance investigation uncovered enough irregularities to justify temporary restrictions on several disputed accounts, while existing creditors began pursuing repayment through legal channels. The combination of frozen assets, cancelled contracts, and Shirley’s expulsion destroyed what remained of the family’s public reputation.

Gideon attempted to negotiate. Marissa attempted to pressure Ravenna into withdrawing the inheritance claim. Shirley refused to speak to anyone outside her family.

But the situation had progressed beyond what personal connections could easily repair.

Several former business partners began distancing themselves. A major security contractor terminated its agreement. And the family’s remaining creditors demanded additional guarantees.

Within two weeks, the Arkland business entered formal insolvency proceedings.

Gideon lost control of several major assets. Marissa’s expensive lifestyle became impossible to maintain.

And Shirley, who had once expected to graduate from Alpha Three and establish herself among the sanctuary’s elite Contractors, found herself returning to a family whose financial future was uncertain.

For Ravenna, however, the consequences were more complicated.

She had won, at least, that was what everyone kept telling her. Her family could no longer threaten her academy placement.

Shirley had been expelled, the inheritance claim was progressing, and several assets that rightfully belonged to Selena’s estate might eventually be recovered.

But Ravenna didn’t feel victorious, she felt exhausted and strangely empty.