Prologue – The Forsaken Prince
The moon cast a pale glow over the ruined fortress, its shattered towers standing as a testament to the countless battles lost. The wind howled through the broken walls, carrying whispers of despair, as if the land itself had given up hope.
In the heart of this desolation stood Cale von Eldoria, a young man draped in tattered robes, his silver hair dull from years of neglect. Once a prince of the mighty Eldorian Empire, now he was nothing more than a forsaken exile, cast away like filth.
Cale's trembling hands gripped the brittle parchment before him—the imperial decree that had sealed his fate fifteen years ago.
"By royal command, the Fourth Prince, Cale von Eldoria, is to be exiled beyond the Black Ravine. He is never to return, for his existence is a blight upon the empire."
He had been condemned before he could even walk, branded with a curse he never asked for.
The System of the Forsaken Monarch.
A system so feared that the imperial priests had it sealed the moment he was born. A system that, according to prophecy, would bring ruin upon the empire if ever awakened.
Yet, as Cale gazed at his reflection in a pool of rainwater, he saw not a monster, but a man forgotten by the world. His body was weak, his limbs frail from years of malnourishment. If he had been born with a gift, then why was he the one left to rot?
A bitter laugh escaped his lips.
"If the gods have cursed me… then let me see just how cruel this curse truly is."
With those words, Cale von Eldoria broke the seal upon his system.
For the first time in his life, he heard the voice that had been locked away since birth.
> [System Awakening…]
[Activating the System of the Forsaken Monarch.]
[Warning: The cost of power is your own lifespan.]
A sharp pain shot through his chest as a searing golden sigil burned itself into his skin. His vision blurred, and for a brief moment, he felt the weight of countless souls pressing upon him—monarchs, warriors, fallen kings, all whispering their regrets.
Then, a name appeared before his eyes.
> [First Monarch Acquired: The Tyrant of Black Ash, Arthen Valgrind.]
[Skill Unlocked: Sovereign's Wrath.]
A violent surge of power rushed through his veins. His weak body felt as if it were ignited by flames, his muscles strengthening, his mind sharpening. But along with it, an icy grip clutched his heart.
> [Lifespan reduced by 3 years.]
Cale gasped, staggering forward. Three years of his life—gone in an instant.
Yet, for the first time in his miserable existence, he felt alive.
As the wind roared through the ruined fortress, Cale clenched his fists, his golden eyes burning with newfound determination.
"If the world abandoned me, then I will carve my own path. Even if it costs me my life… I will take back everything that was stolen from me."
And so, the legend of the Cursed Monarch began.
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