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
Maker of Mages
Aric stood in the middle of the study, the afternoon sun like a spotlight on the wooden floorboards. The prince's gaze was fixated on maps that sprawled across the desk in front of him as he contemplated deeply. It had been three days since the council meeting, and he had said he would give them targets.
Aric had for a while battled with the practicality of his decision. Currently, his plan was to lead Byzeth to attack other kingdoms in a show of ferocity to the Northrenders. Although, like he had told them, this would indeed increase the Northrenders' relationship with the kingdom, however it wouldalso leave Byzeth's forces scattered.
While the kingdom spread its forces for small battles, Aric would use this opportunity to launch a full attack on the stretch of Miredis—not just physically, but tactically as well—assassinations, bribes, and changes of position. He would increase his influence in Miredis to the extent that it depended on his word to function.