Building A Business Empire From Scratch In Another World

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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As the sun rose over the horizon, illuminating the long, beautifully paved road leading to the grand golden gates of the Morningstar Family Estate, a crowd of about a thousand children made their way toward this new world.

Clad in tattered clothes and with pale, malnourished bodies, they walked in awe and disbelief.

Their eyes widened at the sight of the stunning path beneath their feet, flanked by magnificent statues and towering trees that swayed gently in the breeze.

Colorful fountains danced nearby, surrounded by vibrant flowers that seemed to sing with life.

For many of these children, ages five to eighteen, this was a realm they had only dreamed of. Most had spent their lives navigating the harsh realities of streets and slums, so as they tread cautiously on this pristine road, curiosity mingled with shock in their expressions.

At the forefront were two figures: Finn and Clarke, who had ventured into the slums under disguise to execute Felix's plan.

"That was easier than I expected," Finn murmured to Clarke.

"Yeah, but it had its challenges," Clarke replied thoughtfully.

"If it weren't for that guy messing things up, we'd be done by now," Finn said with frustration.

"Speaking of him... how is he?" Clarke asked quietly.

"Dead," Finn replied grimly. "The Gate Master ordered me to take care of him. Honestly, even if he hadn't given me that order, I would have done it anyway." His fist clenched tightly at his side.

Clarke nodded silently as they continued down the long paved road until they reached the imposing golden gate ahead.

Before them stood an elevated platform where several individuals awaited, Felix himself alongside Trinity, Gwendolyn, Brixton, Zephyr, Nixie, Jarvis, Chef Gideon, and various family servants.

Finn and Clarke bowed deeply before Felix. "Greetings Family Head."

Felix acknowledged them with a nod. "Well done."

"Thank you," they replied in unison before stepping aside.

Felix stepped forward and surveyed the eager crowd before him with a warm smile. The children gazed back at him with wide eyes filled with wonder and anticipation.

"Ahem! Hello everyone!" Felix cleared his throat to capture their attention.

"I am Felix Morningstar," he began warmly. "And I welcome all of you to the Morningstar Family! Seeing you here means you've chosen to join us, and I couldn't be happier! I promise your lives will change dramatically from this moment onward."

He paused for effect as he scanned their faces before continuing: "I believe someone has already informed you about what's happening here. A kind gentleman with incredible strength rescued me, and those standing behind me, from lives on the streets; yes, we were once beggars orphans like many of you!

He smiled and continued,"Some were even enslaved! But thanks to this gentleman's generosity we now lead fulfilling lives.That kind gentleman has offered us a chance at a new and fulfilling life, one that has completely transformed us. And now, he wants to extend that opportunity to all of you!"

A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd as children exchanged wide-eyed glances, their hearts racing with anticipation.

Felix beamed at them, sensing their eagerness. "But wait, there's more! After you join the Morningstar Family, you'll have the incredible opportunity to cultivate! Yes, you heard me right, cultivate!"

The collective gasp from the group of about a thousand children was palpable; shock and disbelief danced across their faces.

"Is this true? We can really cultivate?"

"Hisss! This is unbelievable!"

"If I can cultivate, I won't have to scavenge for food anymore!"

"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."

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