Rebirth of the Villain-Chapter 19: Trial

The hallway to the Trial arena was super crowded with all sorts of people—nobles trying to get the best view, guards making sure everyone behaved, and servants running around getting things ready last minute.

You could totally feel the buzz in the air, like everyone was on the edge of their seats waiting for something big to go down.

Arthur and Elliot strolled through the crowd, and everyone actually stepped aside to let them through.

Unlike before when Arthur would go pretty much unnoticed at tournaments, today people stopped talking mid-sentence to stare at him. Some looked curious, others seemed suddenly respectful.

"Something’s different," Elliot said quietly, noticing how people were reacting. "They’re looking at you in a new way."

"Good," Arthur said. "Let them wonder about it."

The hallway opened into a big waiting area where different groups had gathered before entering the main arena.

Arthur could easily spot who was who—Ironwood supporters wearing red armbands were hanging out near the east entrance, talking loudly and confidently about how Gareth was definitely going to win; Blackrose agents with small black rose pins on their collars were strategically placed around the room, watching everything carefully; and regular people who got lucky with lottery tickets or knew someone important were just excited to see the show, no matter who won.

Near the servants’ entrance, Arthur saw Lily with a group of palace maids. While her friends were all chattering away, she just stood there quietly, hands clasped in front of her, looking around. But as soon as she saw Arthur, she lit up and blushed.

Arthur gave her a small nod—a quiet acknowledgment of their special connection—and she automatically touched her heart in response.

```

[Harem Bond: Lily]

[Status: Stable 98%]

[Emotional State: Worry 45%, Devotion 100%]

[Special Ability: Precision Focus Submission Strike Available]

```

Seeing how loyal she was centered him, reminding Arthur of the power their connection gave him.

Lily had been his first in this world, and she was still completely devoted to him—a solid foundation for everything else he was building.

Over in the nobles’ section, Valentina was drawing attention without trying. Her deep burgundy dress showed just enough to catch the eye without breaking court rules, hugging her curves before flowing elegantly to the floor.

Unlike other nobles who brought entourages, she stood alone, which only emphasized her unique position at court.

When they made eye contact, Valentina made a subtle signal with her fan—tapping it against her palm three quick times before closing it.

This was their pre-arranged signal confirming that Bainbridge’s assistant had been taken care of, so there wouldn’t be any surprise changes to the Trial setup.

Arthur kept scanning the crowd and spotted Beatrice among the Academy students. Unlike before when she’d greet him super enthusiastically, today she stood with her arms crossed, looking both hurt and fascinated.

When she noticed him looking at her, she quickly glanced away before looking back, clearly torn between curiosity and disappointment.

```

[Potential Harem Member: Beatrice]

[Bond Progress: 60% (stalled)]

[Emotional State: Disappointment 75%, Curiosity 85%, Desire 45%]

[Status: Requires attention post-Trial]

```

"The Academy students seem really interested in today’s outcome," Arthur commented to Elliot. "Maybe I should do a special lecture for them after I win."

Elliot followed Arthur’s gaze to Beatrice and frowned slightly. "My sister has been really dedicated to her studies, my lord."

"And I plan to reward that dedication," Arthur replied, leaving Elliot looking both concerned and confused.

Before they could keep talking, a final trumpet blast echoed through the waiting area.

The huge doors to the arena swung open, revealing the sunny space beyond. Guards started directing spectators to their seats, clearing the path for the royal participants.

"It’s time, my lord," Elliot said, giving a formal bow. "I need to join the other squires now."

"Thanks, Elliot," Arthur replied. "Watch carefully today. You’ll see things you never thought were possible."

As Elliot left, Arthur stood alone at the entrance to the arena, getting ready for the moment that would change everything.

The Royal Trial Arena stretched out in front of Arthur like a massive stone bowl, easily holding thousands of spectators in the rising rows of seats.

Originally built hundreds of years ago for actual fights to the death, the arena had been repurposed for Tournament events and fancy magic displays. Today, it was getting back to something closer to its original purpose.

Magic barriers shimmered between the arena floor and the audience—see-through walls of energy to protect spectators from wild magic.

The floor itself had been specially prepared, with detailed runes carved into the stone to boost elemental abilities.

Arthur noticed how the patterns favored fire magic, with salamander symbols prominently featured throughout the design.

King Roderick and Queen Isolde were sitting on thrones at the north end, looking a little worn out.

The king seemed tired from being sick and just getting older, while Queen Isolde was still looking hot despite her age. Some people say it’s good genes, others think it’s some magical secret.

Arthur was surprised to notice the queen watching him with unusual intensity, looking thoughtful rather than dismissive.

Unlike previous court events where she had barely acknowledged his existence, today her eyes followed him with clear interest.

```

[Potential Target Detected: Queen Isolde]

[Initial Analysis: Neglect 85%, Curiosity 70%, Loneliness 90%]

[Vulnerability: High]

```

The system’s assessment surprised him but was interesting. Queen Isolde—Gareth’s mother and traditionally his biggest supporter—might not be as committed to her son’s succession as everyone thought.

Arthur filed this away for later. If he survived today, the queen’s potential vulnerability could be useful.

Gareth came in from the east side of the arena and the crowd went wild with a loud roar. His brother had always understood showmanship, and today was no exception.

Gareth walked through the arched gateway surrounded by spiraling flames that grew higher with each step, his bright red cloak dramatically billowing behind him.

The Ironwood supporters stomped and cheered as the fire formed a massive lion’s head above him, roaring silently before dissolving into sparks.

The display was impressive—clearly designed to intimidate and show off the power that most people expected would win the day. Spectators gasped and applauded, exactly as Gareth wanted.

Arthur chose a different approach. As he stepped through the western entrance, he projected quiet confidence instead of flashy power.

He wasn’t wearing a cloak that could trip him up, his outfit was functional yet still formal. The sun made his red hair shine and his face light up with a small smile.

Even though he wasn’t visibly using any magic, those close to the entrance might catch a glimpse of a subtle golden shine in his eyes - a quick spark that most would probably just think was sunlight reflecting, not some kind of power.

The contrast between the brothers couldn’t have been more obvious—Gareth with his dramatic fire and obvious strength, Arthur with his measured steps and mysterious composure.

The crowd’s reaction to Arthur was more subdued but still significant—whispers of surprise and speculation rather than cheers.

As he approached the center of the arena, Arthur studied his brother more carefully.

Behind the confident smile and elaborate fire display, Arthur noticed something concerning—red veins visible at Gareth’s neck, pulsing beneath the skin, and his eyes burned too bright, almost feverish in their intensity.

```

[Anomaly Detected: Prince Gareth]

[Analysis: Possible magical enhancement/stimulant]

[Threat Level: Increased]

[Warning: Unpredictable magical discharge possible]

```

Arthur’s suspicions grew. Had Gareth taken something to boost his abilities? Such things existed—magical stimulants that temporarily increased power at the cost of control and long-term health.

If Gareth had resorted to that, it showed both his desperation and unpredictability.

The brothers stood on opposite sides of the circle, about twenty steps apart, looking ready to face off.

Gareth’s smile was more like that of a predator getting ready to pounce than a sibling. "You should have bailed while you could, Art," Gareth taunted, his voice echoing through the arena. "It would have saved you some embarrassment."

Arthur kept his calm expression. "And deprive everyone of such an eye-opening demonstration? I wouldn’t dream of it."

Gareth’s smile faded when he saw how sure Arthur was of himself, and he got even more annoyed as the flames around his fingers shot up.

Everyone we up when King Roderick stood up from his throne, his skinny body supported by his staff. When he spoke, magic made his voice boom across the whole arena.

"Today, two princes stand before you," the king announced, sounding stronger than his frail body looked. "But only one’s walking away as the next in line for the throne of Lyranth!"

The crowd went fucking wild, with all the noble houses cheering for their favorite. Through all the noise, Arthur kept his eyes on his dad.

"The Trial of Arcane Mastery has three parts," the king continued. "First, elemental control—showing off your magic skills. Second, defensive magic—protecting yourself against attacks."

He paused, and Arthur noticed his dad’s eyes nervously darting toward the royal mage. "And finally, as tradition demands when succession is contested... direct combat with full magical abilities."

People gasped all over the arena. Direct combat between royal heirs hadn’t been allowed for generations. Arthur glanced at Gareth and saw his brother’s surprised face quickly turn into a predatory smile.

While everyone focused on the king’s announcement, Arthur’s eyes wandered to Queen Isolde. Unlike her husband who was paying attention to the ceremony, the queen was straight-up eye-fucking Arthur. Her gaze slowly moved down his body, lingering on the skin showing where his shirt had been loosened for combat.

When she realized he’d caught her staring, she didn’t look away. Instead, she gave him a little smirk before finally turning to watch her son.

Arthur checked out the situation, figuring out how much energy he’d need. With three phases coming up, saving power would be crucial. He activated Combat Mode, but just temporarily to check out his opponents and the arena.

```

[Combat Mode: Activated]

[Physical Enhancement: +25% strength, +20% reflexes]

[Energy Cost: -20]

[Duration: 5 minutes]

[Energy Reserves: 280/300]

[Passive Aura Effect: Enhanced female attraction in 5m radius]

```

As the king sat back down, Arthur and Gareth moved to opposite sides of the arena. The first phase was about to start.

Gareth didn’t wait for the official signal. With a dramatic flourish, he summoned his fire magic, with flames spiraling up his arms like red snakes. The fire danced over his body, caressing him like a lover, following his commands with fluid grace.

"Impressive display from Prince Gareth to begin the elemental phase!" the announcer called over the appreciative murmurs of the crowd.

Arthur stayed still, focusing. He didn’t have traditional magic to show off, but Combat Mode had temporarily enhanced his body in ways that were becoming more and more obvious. The increased strength flowed through him like liquid heat, making every move more deliberate, more controlled.

After quickly checking out the arena and Gareth’s initial display, Arthur made a strategic decision. He’d need his energy for later phases—no point keeping the enhancement running continuously.

```

[Combat Mode: Deactivated]

[Energy Conservation Mode: Active]

[Strategy: Selective Enhancement]

[Energy Reserves: 280/300]

```

When the official signal finally sounded, Gareth unleashed his first attack—a spiraling column of flame that roared across the arena, aimed right at Arthur’s chest.

Arthur moved with natural grace, his body responding precisely as he sidestepped the attack. Even without Combat Mode active, his recent Level 3 evolution had permanently improved his baseline abilities. The flames passed close enough for him to feel their heat scorching the air, but they didn’t touch him.

The audience had mixed reactions—disappointment from Gareth’s supporters that the attack missed, surprise from others at Arthur’s unexpected agility.

"First blood goes to Prince Arthur’s defense!" the announcer called. "Unexpected speed from the younger prince!"

Gareth’s face darkened at that comment. He gathered more power, flames forming between his palms into a burning sphere that pulsed with angry light.

"Stand still and face me properly, brother," Gareth called across the arena. "Or do you plan to just dodge until you get tired?"

Arthur smiled, knowing it would piss his brother off. "Why waste energy? Your flames find targets about as well as a drunk trying to find his dick to piss in the dark."

The crude comparison got shocked laughter from the common folk in the audience. Gareth’s face flushed with rage, and he hurled the fireball with vicious force.

This attack came faster, needing more than basic reflexes. Arthur briefly reactivated Combat Mode, but only partially, channeling enhancement specifically to his legs and core for the evasion.

```

[Combat Mode: Selectively Activated]

[Energy Cost: -15 (partial activation)]

[Duration: 3 minutes]

[Energy Reserves: 265/300]

```

He dodged with a twisting motion that showed off his physique to full advantage. The movement was almost like dancing, teasing in how effortless it looked.

As he finished dodging, Arthur positioned himself so Princess Lysandra had a clear view from her seat among the Silvermoor nobles. His eyes met hers briefly, and he noticed the blush that spread across her cheeks.

Gareth followed Arthur’s gaze, his expression getting even darker when he saw who Arthur was looking at. With a roar of fury, he summoned a wave of fire that spread outward in all directions, impossible to completely avoid.

Arthur had to dive and roll beneath the wave, coming up with his formal shirt partially burned away. Rather than looking disadvantaged, he stood up slowly, letting the audience see how his body had changed—muscles more defined than anyone remembered, skin gleaming with a light sheen of sweat in the arena’s bright light.

There was a collective intake of breath from the female spectators. Even Gareth seemed momentarily distracted by the transformation of the brother he’d always considered physically inferior.

```

[Female Spectator Reaction: Significant Interest]

[Noted: Queen Isolde leaning forward, Lysandra’s fixed gaze, Beatrice’s widened eyes]

[Suggested Action: Maintain visible physical display]

```

"Is something wrong, brother?" Arthur called, casually brushing ash from his shoulder. "You seem... frustrated."

As he spoke, Arthur noticed the first signs of the enhancement drug affecting Gareth—faint red lines appearing beneath his skin, pulsing with each heartbeat. His brother’s eyes seemed too bright, almost feverish with unnatural energy.

With the first phase wrapping up, Arthur deactivated the partial Combat Mode enhancement. He’d need his reserves for the harder phases ahead.

```

[Combat Mode: Fully Deactivated]

[Energy Reserves: 265/300]

```

Gareth collected himself, hands forming complex patterns as he prepared a more focused attack. "The only frustration," he growled, "will be explaining to Father why there’s nothing left of you but ashes!"

Arthur circled slowly, keeping his movements fluid and controlled. As Gareth launched another burning projectile, Arthur spun away from it, calling out loud enough for those nearby to hear: "Your control seems lacking today, brother. I wonder if Princess Lysandra finds your... performance equally disappointing?"

The taunt hit harder than any physical blow. Gareth’s composure shattered, the veins in his neck bulging visibly as the enhancement drug surged through his system. His next attack came wild and unfocused—a blast of flame that scorched the arena floor but missed Arthur completely.

From the corner of his eye, Arthur could see Lysandra’s reaction—her face showed shock at the public reference to their private relationship, but her body betrayed her with subtle signs of arousal. Her hand pressed against her throat, her breathing quickened, and her thighs pressed together beneath her formal gown.

The elemental phase was ending, and Arthur had accomplished his goal—Gareth was burning through his magical reserves way too fast, the enhancement drug pushing him to channel more power than was safe. Already, faint wisps of steam rose from his brother’s skin, a dangerous sign of overheating.

As the signal sounded ending the first phase, Arthur caught Valentina’s eye among the Blackrose contingent. She gave him a subtle nod of approval. Everything was going according to plan.

The herald’s voice echoed across the arena: "The Defensive Phase will now begin! Princes must demonstrate protective magics against standardized attacks!"

Court mages took positions around the edge, preparing to launch non-lethal but challenging magical attacks that each prince would need to defend against. Traditionally, this phase favored those with strong shielding abilities—not fire specialists like Gareth.

Arthur knew this was where his brother would push hardest to compensate, likely increasing his reliance on the enhancement drug.

Sure enough, as the first attack came—a bolt of pure magical energy—Gareth responded with unusual intensity. Rather than the standard shield most nobles would use, he created a swirling vortex of flame that not only absorbed the attack but sent it bouncing back toward its source.

The crowd gasped at the display, but the judges exchanged concerned glances. Such a counter went beyond defense into aggression—and burned through magical reserves at an alarming rate.

"Impressive counter from Prince Gareth!" the announcer called, though he sounded uncertain.

When Arthur’s turn came, he continued his strategy of conservation. For this more challenging phase, he activated Combat Mode again, but at an increased cost due to the recent usage.

```

[Combat Mode: Reactivated]

[Energy Cost: -25 (increased due to frequency)]

[Duration: 5 minutes]

[Energy Reserves: 240/300]

```