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 silver Dawn.
The air in the foyer was thick, clinging to their skin as they all stared, each man, guard, and servant rooted to the spot.
The lifeless bodies of Meholt and Zahai hung from the upper staircase railing, their faces drawn and dark in death, shadows pulling across the hollowed skin beneath their eyes.
Alan, the unreadable face of Aric's guard, clenched his jaw, his hand gripping his sword hilt as though it were the only thing holding him steady.
The silence stretched, each person looking to the prince, awaiting his command.
Aric, his gaze not faltering, looked up at the bodies of his men and felt a cold settle in his chest. For a long moment, he didn't move, only the barely-there flicker of his eyelids betraying his slight shock, his own grief.
Then, with a swift breath, he turned toward Alan, a look sharp enough to carve stone.
"Bring them down," he commanded, his voice low, yet biting.