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
The Smell of War
The next morning at dawn.
Aric had met up with Aszer at the castle some hours ago. From there, he and the king rode to the Miredis stretch. Aside from Ezra's Path, which ran through the heart of formidable kingdoms, Miredis also offered them a path to the kingdoms north of Valeria.
This northern road passed through the outskirts of three of these northern kingdoms, and when goods were brought to these kingdoms, they were transported to other kingdoms through Ezra's Path. However, beyond these kingdoms was the Northern River.
The Northern River flowed into the Stygian Sea, which was the body of water that demarcated Valeria and the Northrend Empire.
The prince now stood, his face masked as his armor was being put on him, and around him was an army.
Men, horses, and banners—it reeked of war.
Yet the prince stood unphased in the vast sea of soldiers, the Byzeth forces sprawling in all directions, close to a thousand men strong.