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
Invitation.
The horses pull the carriage away from the bright lights of the auction house, and they begin to travel deeper into the capital city. As they do, the atmosphere shifts. The vibrant city life begins to fade into quieter, more secluded streets.
Less rough and chaotic.
Aric leaned back in the carriage, his mind shuffling between his new knowledge of the weavers and his upcoming meeting. When he sits before the king and his council, whatever is done there would matter most. He needed to play his cards perfectly.
Lerai gazes out the window, his eyes zipping from one rising architecture to the next, while Serina was quiet and appeared contemplative, her mind just as deep in thought as Aric's.
"There is something about this city, it feels… guarded," Lerai muttered.
Serina turned to Lerai then back at the window. "Yes, well, they have secrets to hide. I'd say it's best we keep our wits to ourselves."