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
Aric's grip tightened around the knife as he stood over Lady Lisellie Brienne, her chest rising and falling in the shallow rhythm of sleep. For a moment, he let himself feel the sharp thrill of what this act could set in motion, the first stone in a landslide of well-planned destruction.
But then her eyes flew open, catching the dim candlelight, and a small, triumphant smile crept onto her lips.
"You shouldn't have hesitated…bastard," she whispered, her voice as venomous as the glint in her eyes.
Before he could react, her fingers unfurled, revealing a crushed mana crystal, its shattered fragments shimmering with a faint, otherworldly glow. Aric's instincts flared, but it was too late.