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
Shadows.
Aric followed behind the viscount, his eyes scanning the ruined halls. Dust filled the air, catching the faint beams of moonlight that slipped through broken windows.
The place had once been grand—its cracked walls and faded artworks were proof of that—but now, it stood abandoned, a shell of its former self.
Yet, despite its decay, there was movement. People, their faces shadowed, walked quietly through the corridors. Whispered voices and the shuffle of feet echoed through the vast space.
This manor, the home of House Draylen, now served as the base of operations for the Ashen Covenant. A forgotten ruin, housing the kind of power that didn't need to be seen to be felt.
"This place," Kael said, his voice low as they walked deeper into the hall, "was once the heart of my family's power. We ruled from here—planned, negotiated, fought for our place in the empire." His lips twisted in a bitter smile.