Damian felt that his energy was being dampened and he couldn't circulate it, but he noticed something that he believed was only possible for him to do because of his unique Soul Spirit and constitution.
He could still transform his changeable energy into any element that he pleased and he found that he could seep the Shadow Element past the dampening effects of the handcuffs that were not completely effective of Shadow Energy.
"I think that is an unfair judgement, and you should at least call for a witness" stated Damian who wanted to delay the trial until he could seep enough Shadow Energy, that he had transformed his changeable energy into, through the handcuffs in order to break past them.
He didn't want to leave behind the academy that had many opportunities, but his survival was his priority and if that was his only option, he could still cultivate and increase his strength using the Golden Flame Inheritance and Shadow Steps Skill Book.