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
Half way there
Razid began to breathe heavily. He was a man who could not even remember the last time he had faced death, since he was well guarded by the strongest of men. Not even the king could so easily pose a threat to his life.
However, like most—he had underestimated the fourth prince. He was no sickly prince, but he did not expect that he was a skilled cultivator as well, and one that could even go unsensed by his guards.
It seemed as though for the lord, he did really stand a chance of dying today, and that thought panicked him, although he did well to maintain his composure.
"If you are fretful that I may relay your words to the king, I assure you, your highness, I possess far too much hatred to warn my enemy of his demise."
Aric shook his head, the spears inching closer to the lord.
"I have to be thorough when it comes to loose ends, so I will let you live if you answer rightly."
"Please speak, your highness."