I got transmigrated with Incubus system-Chapter 17: The Day of Reckoning

Arthur woke up early, before sunrise, feeling different.

His body felt full of new energy, like his skin could barely hold it in. Becoming Level 3 had changed him more than he expected.

In the dark bedroom, he sat up, noticing how even simple movements felt smoother and more controlled. He looked at his hand in the moonlight, seeing subtle changes.

"Stronger," he whispered, making a fist.

When Arthur got up and washed his face, he saw himself in the mirror - same face, but somehow improved. His jaw looked stronger, his shoulders wider, and when he focused, his green eyes had a slight golden shine.

A system message popped up

```

[Level 3 Evolution Stabilized]

[Physical Attributes Enhanced: Strength +20%, Stamina +15%]

[Energy Capacity: 300/300]

[Harem Capacity: 5 slots (2 active)]

```

Arthur grabbed his comb and several teeth broke off in his hair. "Well, that's new," he said quietly.

Since his servant wouldn't arrive for hours, Arthur tried dressing himself but struggled with his new strength.

He broke buttons off one shirt and tore another at the shoulder. Finally, he found his training clothes made of stronger fabric and managed to get dressed without breaking anything else.

To test his strength, he easily lifted a heavy oak chair with one hand, something that would normally take effort. "This could be useful today," he said to himself.

Arthur thought about last night - he'd missed his training with Beatrice after meeting Valentina. He felt a moment of regret but pushed it aside. Today was too important for distractions.

He took out the vial Valentina had given him - Madame Roselle's potion. The dark liquid seemed to swirl in the light. His whole plan depended on this potion fooling Thorne's magical assessment.

"Too many plans," Arthur muttered, putting the vial away safely.

He looked out the window at the palace grounds where servants were already preparing for the day's important event - the Trial that would decide which prince would become heir.

By nightfall, if everything went as planned, everyone would know Arthur, not his fire-magic-using brother, should be the future king.

Someone knocked on the door. It was Elliot, dressed in his formal squire uniform with a polished royal insignia.

"My lord," Elliot said, bowing, then stopped, staring at Arthur in surprise. "You look... different today."

"Different how, Elliot?" Arthur asked, letting him in.

Elliot seemed to struggle for words. "More... commanding, my lord. More like a king already." He blushed at his boldness.

Arthur smiled and subtly used his Aura Manipulation. He directed a feeling of authority toward Elliot, who unconsciously stood straighter and lowered his eyes respectfully.

```

[Aura Manipulation: Activated]

[Energy Cost: -10]

[Effect: Enhanced Authority]

[Target Response: Positive]

```

"I feel different," Arthur admitted. "Today changes everything."

Elliot nodded, then hesitated. "My lord, about last night... my sister Beatrice..."

Arthur's smile faded. "Ah. She waited for me at the East Tower."

"For three hours," Elliot said, sounding slightly disapproving. "She returned to the Academy quarters looking quite disappointed."

Arthur sighed, looking apologetic. "I was detained by urgent business with Duchess Blackrose regarding intelligence about the Trial.

Critical information I couldn't ignore." This wasn't true, but the lie came easily. "Please tell Beatrice I'm very sorry. After today's Trial, I'll make it up to her personally."

Elliot softened a bit. "I understand, my lord. The succession takes priority."

"Indeed it does," Arthur said, picking up his ceremonial dagger. "I need to get to the Ancient Testing Chamber for Thorne's assessment. It's crucial before facing Gareth."

"I've arranged a private cart," Elliot replied efficiently. "The palace is buzzing with excitement for the Trial. Everyone who matters will be watching."

As they left Arthur's room, he noticed something unusual - the guards outside stood extremely straight as he passed, staring forward with intense focus.

"The guards seem particularly attentive today," Arthur casually mentioned.

Elliot glanced back. "The entire palace has been on high alert since dawn. King Roderick has doubled security for the Trial."

But Arthur suspected something else was happening. His enhanced presence was affecting people around him, even without him trying.

```

[Passive Aura Effect: Enhanced at Level 3]

[Females within 5m range experience +25% attraction]

[Males experience +15% respect/submission]

[Effect is unconscious - no energy cost]

```

This natural influence could be useful. If people naturally respected him without knowing why, it would make his path to the throne much easier.

Walking through the palace, Arthur thought about the upcoming Trial. Gareth had every advantage - years of fire magic training, House Ironwood's support, and judges on his side. But for the first time since arriving in this world, Arthur felt truly confident.

He had powers his brother couldn't understand. And after today, everyone at court would see which prince truly deserved to rule.

The morning sun shone through tall windows as Arthur and Elliot walked through the palace's grand hallways.

Servants hurried out of their way, bowing their heads lower than usual. Arthur noticed how people reacted—young maids blushed deeply as he passed, stewards stuttered mid-sentence, and even experienced palace guards stood straighter without meaning to.

"Everyone in the palace seems nervous today," Elliot said, thinking it was just excitement about the Trial.

Arthur knew better. His stronger presence was affecting everyone around him—influencing people without him even trying.

"They can feel change coming," Arthur replied, watching their reactions with interest.

Some cleaning maids almost bumped into each other as he approached. Their eyes widened as they pressed against the wall to let him pass.

One dropped her cleaning cloths, shaking slightly as Arthur bent down to pick them up.

"Your Highness shouldn't bother," she whispered, unable to look him in the eye.

"It's no bother," Arthur replied with a smile that made her face turn bright red.

As they walked on, Arthur noticed a nobleman's daughter nearby who caught her breath when their eyes met. The girl's chaperone pulled her arm firmly, whispering stern warnings.

They entered the Great Hall—a huge room where courtiers gathered before formal events.

The space was already filled with nobles in their best clothes, carefully positioning themselves with their allies.

"Prince Arthur approaches," someone announced, and conversations quieted briefly before starting again, louder than before.

As he walked through, Arthur heard bits of whispers:

"Prince Arthur looks different today..."

"Maybe there's more to him than we thought..."

"Gareth's victory might not be so certain..."

Elliot leaned closer. "The court seems to be taking your chances more seriously than yesterday."

Arthur nodded slightly. "Opinions can change quickly in Lyranth."

Across the hall, he spotted Princess Lysandra surrounded by her Silvermoor attendants.

Her pale blue dress matched her silver-blonde hair, making her look like she was made of ice among the colorful crowd.

Arthur instinctively used his Blood Sense ability, focusing on Lysandra.

Their eyes met briefly across the crowded hall. Lysandra's face showed nothing, a perfect court mask, but her heartbeat quickened—Arthur could feel it like a distant drum. She looked away quickly, touching her throat in a way that seemed casual but showed she was unsettled.

From the opposite door, Gareth walked in with his Ironwood supporters around him like guards. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

His bright red jacket with the royal lion symbol caught the light, drawing everyone's attention. A small flame danced between his fingers—casually showing off the magic expected to win him the throne.

Gareth was heading toward Lysandra. As he approached her, his expression softened into what he probably thought was charming. Arthur watched as he spoke to her, with Lysandra responding correctly but minimally.

Then Gareth noticed Lysandra looking back toward Arthur. Gareth turned, making eye contact with his brother across the hall.

His face immediately darkened, his jaw tightening as the flame between his fingers grew larger.

Arthur simply smiled slightly, nodding in acknowledgment. This small gesture seemed to make Gareth even angrier, with his advisors quickly moving to distract him before he caused a scene.

"Prince Gareth seems rather tense this morning," Arthur commented, continuing to walk toward the exit.

Elliot tried not to smile. "Indeed, my lord. Perhaps he senses the changing winds too."