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
Serina Marceli
Ten years prior.
Serina stood on the balcony of her mothers castle, the cool evening breeze ruffling her dark hair, brushing against her elegantly tailored robes. The world below bustled with life, but she felt detached, like a ghost watching over a vibrant artwork she could no longer touch.
The laughter of children sang in the distance, mingling with the faint sounds of merchants closing their stalls, but none of it reached her heart.
From her perch, she could see the towering spires of the Valerian Mage Academy piercing the sky—it was just on the outskirts of Vahgra, the mage coalition settlement—where her mother rules as leader.
Serina turned away from the view, stepping back into the warmth of the room. The air felt clustered, filled with the scent of incense and swallowed words. She glanced at the wall where portraits of her ancestors stared down, their expressions carved in stone yet somehow alive with expectations.