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
Debate of the Senate.
The Imperial City of Valeria.
The Sacred building—the Imperial Court of the Senate.
The Senate Hall was vast and grand, its stone pillars lined with torches that flickered softly, causing dancing darks across the room.
Men of power were gathered here, their expressions guarded, their postures tense. At the center of it all, seated on a high throne of gold and velvet, was Emperor Xavier Valerian, his face unreadable as he listened to the proceedings before him.
The Speaker stood in the middle of the room, his voice the only sound that broke the quiet.
"We all know why we are here," he began, his tone calm but firm. "Word has come from Byzeth that the Fourth Prince shall make his return to the capital soon… and we must decide how to approach this event."
A murmur rippled through the assembly, and then a man rose swiftly from his seat, his face twisted with disdain.