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
To be king.
Aric walked slowly to the edge of the platform where the nobles stood and raised his voice, his tone hardening as it reached the masses.
"I will tell you what rebellion truly brings, it is the aame thing it has brought to this council members."
He let the silence stretch for a moment, letting the implications of his words settle in the hearts of those before him.
The crowd leaned in, as though the air had become too thick to breathe, anticipation clawing at their throats.
"Death."
The word dropped like a stone in still water, and the ripples were felt immediately. Gasps rippled through the crowd, and murmurs of shock began to rise.
But Aric remained unfazed, his face cold, unmoved by their horror.
"Bring them forward," he commanded, his voice as cold as steel.