Rebirth System: Blood and Ash
Aric Valerian, the fourth prince of the Valerian Empire, bears many titles: The Forgotten Prince, The Whore's Child, The King's Bastard—names that have been spoken more than his own. Born with a crippling illness and devoid of mana or ki, Aric was a disgrace, scorned by his family and the court. But when the gods cured him and gifted him the strength to fight, Aric dared to hope. He sought glory in battle, only to be betrayed by his brother and sent to die in a hopeless war. In his final moments, as death closed in, a mysterious text appeared before him… [Would you like to change your fate?] After being given another chance, Aric embarks on a ruthless journey to claim absolute sovereignty. [Ki Circulation Mastered: Strength +10] [System Upgrade: Advanced tactical planning unlocked] [Hidden Fortress Established: Stronghold security +15%] The forgotten prince claws his way through the treacherous landscape of imperial politics, he is forced to make impossible choices, each decision pushing him further down a path soaked in blood. He learns that true power demands sacrifice, and the price of vengeance may be his soul. ------------------ This book contains dark themes and depictions. The mc is a ruthless cynic, and is closer to being a villain than he is a hero. Main themes: Politics, Kingdom building, strategy, war
A new battle.
Darius could barely contain his rage. His hands clenched into fists so tight his knuckles were bone white, and his jaw was set with barely concealed fury. The nobles around him, once loud with chatter, had been left in silence.
Their expressions ranged from shock to disbelief, eyes wide, mouths slightly parted as they took in the scene unfolding before them.
Zarot, a guard of the third prince—a powerful warrior in his own right—had just been killed in front of them all, brutally, by a guard of the fourth. The execution had not just been savage, it had been deliberate, a calculated act meant to send a message.
Aric had always been the less intentional, quiet forgotten one, the one no one paid much mind to, but now—now things had changed. That was what unsettled them the most.
This wasn't just disrespect to Darius. It was a declaration. Aric was no longer willing to be ignored, no longer willing to sit in the shadows.