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 Fall of a House
The air seemed to thicken even more, pressing down on Aric's chest as though daring him to speak, to answer the guard's demand.
But Aric's mind was clear, his eyes narrowing as he studied the guard's stance, the tension in his body, the way his fingers hovered near his blade.
Behind the guard, Lady Lisellie watched him, her expression smug, triumphant, as though she had already won. In her eyes, Aric saw a gleam of satisfaction, a belief that she had outplayed him, that her shattered crystal had sealed his fate.
But she didn't understand, couldn't understand. This was only a step in a much larger game, a moment he had anticipated, even hoped for.
The Imperial Guard's boot struck the floor, heavy and unyielding, inching toward Aric like the last steps before a drop-off, promising death with any flicker of resistance. His hand wrapped tighter around the hilt of his sword, a quiet but potent threat.