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
Warmth.
As Aric's laughter died down, he was interrupted by a soldier calling from outside the tent.
"General," the man spoke with slight urgency, his breath visible in the cold night air. "Commander Yrsa has summoned you."
Aric stood, composing himself. "I'll be there shortly."
Pulling on his cloak over his nightware, he stepped outside into the biting wind.
The moon was rather low in the sky, painting a faint, silver glow over the camp.
Fires flickered in the distance, and the sounds of soldiers resting as they prepared for a long march filled the otherwise quiet night. Aric made his way across the camp, the cold gnawing at his skin, without his armor on, the cold seemed to penetrate far much easier.
Upon reaching Yrsa's tent, he stood at the entrance for a moment before calling out, "Commander, may I enter?"
A smooth voice answered from within. "Come in, Aric."
He hesitated for a brief second. She had used his name, not his title.