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 Lotus 14
The king stared at the map for a while.
As he did, the women in the background began to hum a tune, one quite familiar to the prince. It was a song of war, one that Byzeth soldiers had sung as the Draken Empire slaughtered them in his last life.
As they hummed in fine melody, Aric gazed at the women, noticing their predatory glint. Beneath their large, bare bosoms and plump, soft thighs, they ran their hands sensually as they bit their lips and gazed at the prince in a seductive manner. There was danger in their eyes; these women were more than just courtesans.
However, that was not Aric's problem. Not now.
Aszer rubbed his chin, considering the proposal. "But the towns you're suggesting—here, and here—are near imperial garrisons. We risk drawing attention to ourselves too soon."