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
Ally
The sharp sound of fists connecting with flesh echoed across the bloodstained snow as Aric and Yrsa clashed, their breaths forming misty clouds in the cold air. Aric's eyes were narrowed, focused, as he dodged and weaved through Yrsa's blows.
His body moved with the precision of a seasoned martial artist, his footwork agile, fluid, each strike calculated. But for every punch he landed, Yrsa retaliated with force tenfold. Her raw power was overwhelming, and each time her fist met his body, the impact rattled his bones, sending sharp jolts of pain through his limbs.
"How dare your kingdom harm our people and trick us," Yrsa spat, her voice seething with rage as she swung her arm, her fist aimed at Aric's ribs.
Aric barely managed to block it, the force of the blow still driving him back several feet, his boots dragging through the snow. His arm trembled from the impact, but he grit his teeth, refusing to falter.