Just a few minutes later, the thousand-quota was reached.
"Alright, everyone! The thousand quota has been met! And don't worry; I'll be back next time!" the first guy announced, his voice ringing with enthusiasm.
Disappointment quickly faded from the faces of those who hadn't been chosen this time; after all, there would be another opportunity.
The first guy nodded and turned to face the sea of youthful faces before him, smiling warmly. "Okay, everyone! We'll be heading to the Gentleman's Estate next. If you have any unfinished business, now's your chance to take care of it before we leave."
With that, a few individuals stepped away from the crowd to bid farewell to their families.
However, only a handful went to take care of their unfinished business, this part of Wulleamp District was home primarily to homeless people, beggars, and orphans; families were scarce here.
Minutes passed as they made their way out of the slums, gradually disappearing from view.
The crowd lingered for a moment longer, watching their fading backs with complex emotions swirling in their eyes.
Soon enough, they began dispersing back into lives filled with despair and hunger.
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In a shadowy corner of an alleyway, a frail young man walked through the narrow passage with resentment and bitterness etched across his features.
"Why do they get picked while I'm left behind? This is so unfair!" he muttered angrily under his breath.
"Do you want to know why you weren't selected?" A chilling voice echoed from behind him.
Startled, he spun around to find a dark figure lurking in the shadows, its bottomless eyes radiated an unsettling killing intent.
"W-who are you?" he stammered, his voice trembling.
The shadowy figure didn't respond but suddenly closed the distance between them in an instant.
A dagger pressed against the man's throat before he could react.
Terror washed over him as his already pale face turned ghostly white.
Looking deep into his eyes, the figure spoke coldly: "The reason you weren't chosen is simple, you talk too much."
Pssssssssst!
The dagger sliced through flesh with brutal precision as crimson blood gushed forth.
The man clutched at his throat in shock as terror filled his gaze; within moments, he collapsed lifelessly onto the ground.
The black shadow glanced down at the body and muttered disdainfully: "I wanted to toy with you more... but time isn't on my side. Consider yourself lucky."
With that cryptic remark, he melted back into darkness, leaving only a lifeless body lying in a pool of blood.
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Royal Capital. Wulleamp District. The Morningstar Family Estate.
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"Is this a dream? Beggars like us getting a chance to cultivate?"
"Hiss! Someone pinch me, ouch! Why did you pinch me?"
"You said someone should pinch you! How do you know you're not dreaming?"
"Damn it, this isn't a dream; it's real! Finally, I'll have the chance to cultivate in this life!"
Excitement buzzed in the air as they chattered amongst themselves. Yet some remained skeptical.
In a world where cultivation resources were hoarded by the powerful, how could they, mere bottom feeders, ever hope to cultivate? It seemed too good to be true.
Felix raised his hand for silence, his demeanor shifting as he projected an aura that commanded attention.
A powerful energy radiated from him before retracting back into his being.
The crowd felt it, a weight pressing down on them like quicksand that made breathing difficult, but just as suddenly as it came, it vanished.
"Now do you believe me?" Felix asked confidently. "When that kind gentleman took us in, he gave us our own chance to cultivate. Just like many of you here today we didn't believe at first, but look at us now: we are all Mana Cultivators!" He spread his arms wide in triumph.
"I'm offering you the same opportunity, the power to shape your own destiny." His words ignited flames of hope in their eyes.
As enthusiasm surged through the crowd once more, Felix continued with a serious tone: "However, joining the Morningstar Family comes with responsibilities. There are rules we must adhere to; breaking them will lead to severe consequences, even banishment back to where you came from."
The atmosphere grew tense as memories of their past lives flooded back, the filth and despair they had escaped, and they resolved never again to break any rule.
"There are three crucial rules," Felix stated firmly. "Breaking any one of these could cost you your life:
"Alright, everyone listen up! There are three crucial rules you must follow in this family. Breaking any one of them could lead to serious consequences,I'm talking about punishable by death.
"Rule number one: No matter what happens,never betray the family. Even if a sword is pressed against your throat, loyalty is paramount".
"Rule number two:Never harm a family member, not even in thought. This bond is sacred".
"Rule number three:Don't underestimate anyone, no matter their appearance. Whether it's a beggar on the street or someone who seems insignificant, always treat everyone with respect ".
The group of a thousand children listened intently, hanging on every word as if their lives depended on it.
Although some were puzzled by rule number three, they understood its importance simply because it was among the top three rules.
"Besides these vital rules, there are other guidelines you'll learn about later," Felix added with a nod.
"Now take a look at those behind me," he said, gesturing toward Trinity and the elders standing nearby. "These are the respected members of our family. Show them the utmost respect whenever you see them."
With that, Felix clapped his hands. Moments later, a group of maids and male servants stepped forward in their finely tailored uniforms.
"Follow them; they'll show you where you'll be staying," he instructed as he pointed to the servants.
The children obediently trailed after the staff as they branched towards another direction going to the back of the estate until they disappeared from view moments later.
Felix turned back to Zephyr and the others with a smirk. "Well, that went smoothly!"
"Yeah, but don't forget, they're just kids," Trinity replied thoughtfully. "Still, we shouldn't underestimate them; they're sharper than they seem."