Remorse After Breaking Up (Sebastian)

In the Starlight Empire, the Netherworld Sect remained incredibly powerful and out of reach. For the commoners, joining this sect was the most promising way to change their fate. If they could enter the Netherworld Sect and pass the assessment, they would have the chance to become warriors and achieve the status of nobility.

Becoming a noble was every commoner's dream, as it was the only way to earn respect. They would continue to suffer from the nobility's disdain without this status.

Even a marriage could be problematic for the commoners, as these nobles might take advantage of their bride first. This created a deeply frustrating situation.

Each year, the Netherworld Sect held a recruitment assessment, and thousands of people showed up to participate. This year was no different.

Sebastian had traveled overnight. When he arrived at the entrance of the Crosscurrent Valley, the sky was still dark. However, the area outside the valley was already packed with people.

Most candidates arrived in groups, with some being accompanied by their families. Wealthy families arrived in carriages with a group of housekeepers.

These groups were usually the descendants of nobles. Ordinary people dared not approach them, so they kept their distance.

Sebastian found a quiet spot and waited patiently for the assessment to begin. Soon, two young men and a young woman approached him.

"Are you here alone?" the leading man asked.

Sebastian nodded.

"Do you want to join our team?" the man asked again.

"Team?" Sebastian asked, looking puzzled.

The man looked surprised. "You don't know anything about this, huh?"

Sebastian replied humbly, "I'm from a remote village and don't know much. Please explain."

The man said, "The assessment has three rounds. The first round is an all-out brawl, so teaming up is important. Otherwise, you'll be eliminated if you're alone."

"I see. I'm willing to team up with you. Please take care of me," Sebastian replied.

"Sure. By the way, I'm Kyle Schott, and this is my sister, Tina Schott. This is Bernie Schott, and we're from the same village," Kyle said.

Sebastian briefly introduced himself in return.

Through their conversation, he

learned this was the second time the

three had come for the assessment. Last year, Kyle passed the first round but gave up the subsequent assessment because he wanted to join the Netherworld Sect with his sister.

Tina was now 18 and of marriageable age. She wanted to join the sect to avoid being taken advantage of by the nobility and to change her fate. Many women were in similar situations, but only a few succeeded.

The Netherworld Sect admitted fewer than a hundred participants each year. Even if someone made it there was another assessment after a month. Only a few dozen

velox

participants could stay in the sect each year.

Those who did not become warriors within a year would be expelled. On average, about 45 people became warriors each year.

Though it might seem like a lot, these warriors had to be granted a noble title by the court. Once they became a noble, they were required to spend a year training in the military, which was very dangerous.

Out of a hundred soldiers sent to the battlefield, fewer than 30 survived. Despite the dangers, everyone continued to take risks to avoid being oppressed.

At that moment, there was a sudden commotion among the crowd.

Sebastian looked up and saw a luxurious purple carriage approaching quickly. The horse pulling it was from a rare breed known for its exceptional qualities.

It could travel 1000 miles a day and cost 1000 gold coins. The cost was considered an astronomical sum for commoners and even many nobles.

"Dodge it!" Kyle urged as he pulled Sebastian aside.

"Such arrogance," Sebastian uttered, clearly displeased.

Kyle quickly signaled for him to be quiet. "Keep your voice down. That's the Knott Estate's carriage. The young lady inside is probably Heather Knott. We can't afford to offend her."