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
Clash
Aszer's eyes burned with fury as the weight of betrayal sank deep into his core. His chest heaved, and his ki swirled around him like a raging storm, making the air around him almost unbreathable. The ground trembled under his feet.
"You've all chosen to betray me!" he roared, his voice filled with venom. "Then you will all die together!"
His ki flared brighter, rippling outward in a force so intense that the soldiers stumbled back, their breath caught in their throats. The pressure alone was enough to crush weaker men. In a flash, Aszer's spear whipped forward, a trail of death following behind it as soldiers were sliced down where they stood, their bodies falling like leaves in autumn.
The air filled with the sickening sound of steel piercing flesh, of screams cut short.
"Fall back!" Aric commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade.
"Retreat!"
Ysir, with her eyes sharp and narrowed, glanced at her own soldiers.