Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World - Chapter 3: Situation

A 21st-century tech manager, accidentally thrust into the body of Emperor Commodus—yes, the infamous villain played by Joaquin Phoenix—has one goal: not to die like him.Armed with his wits and a hyper-intelligent AI on a solar-powered laptop, he must navigate the treacherous politics of ancient Rome. Everyone, including his own sister, expects the arrogant, decadent tyrant. Instead, they find a calculating reformer. But as he tries to avert the fall of the empire, he discovers that being a “good” emperor might be even more dangerous than being the monster everyone is waiting for.

Henry is a university graduate who happens to be working as a hotel receptionist, though with big dreams of being more than that. All these change for good one day when he finds a way of cracking a very sophisticated technological system, which ultimately empowers him to formulate and develop leading-edge inventions from his bedroom.With a determined mind not only to conquer the market but also to move out of his gray life, Henry starts into his journey of fame by introducing a number of radical technologies that capture the interest of the whole world and hold it.

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.

In a world where mysticism and steam industry coexist, cursed objects, the Reception Bureau, and Evil God fanatics...That year, the King was bedridden with illness, the successor was inexperienced, and power slipped away, leaving the empire teetering.That year, external forces gathered around the empire, and foreign civilizations eyed it covetously.That year, the prophet delivered a prophecy that the era of civilization was nearing its end.That year, Ethan arrived at a small town on the outskirts of the imperial capital. To survive in this perilous era, he began practicing Fireball Skill.Years later, Ethan looked at the meteor falling from the clouds and realized there was a problem.The beginner Magic he learned seemed a bit off.