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
Who did it?
By dawn, the Imperial City had awoken to whispered horrors.
The news crackled through the city like dry leaves on fire, setting both noble courts and the narrow, winding streets ablaze with rumors. House Breinne, a name spoken with reverence and power, had been nearly eradicated overnight.
More than half its bloodline lay dead, scattered like leaves after heavy rain. And the Lady Liselle, once poised to wed the empire's second prince, had barely clung to life through the assault.
Her wounds were severe, and the hushed questions surrounding her health only fueled the fire. Uncertainty hung over her fate, leaving the imperial city restless, teeming with speculation.
The courts were quick to birth rumors, feeding upon each one like starving wolves.