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
Does he bleed?
Aric rode into the Imperial City, his horse's hooves clacking steadily on the cobblestone streets. Behind him, his men and the court trailed at a distance, though they were scarcely visible.
He had chosen to ride alone, as was tradition for a prince returning from war. The wind tugged at his cloak, sending it billowing like a black flag behind him, but the city itself remained eerily still.
Not a single sound escaped from the towering walls of the grand city, not a single soul appeared on the streets. Only the rhythmic beat of his horse's hooves against the stone filled the silence.
Aric understood this silence—it was tradition.
He had seen it before, witnessed the empty streets that greeted warlords upon their return. It was not out of fear or indifference that the people stayed hidden. It was out of reverence. The victorious must walk alone before he is greeted by his people.