For Sebastian, these volunteers were essentially free labor. However, he did not accept just anyone; each applicant was carefully screened, with only those who could genuinely contribute earning a spot by his side.
Now, anyone wishing to join Sebastian's group had to pay a hefty membership fee. Gold, jewels, or any valuable treasure was acceptable; he could convert them directly into system resources for development. This requirement immediately weeded out many opportunists.
The few who remained had to undergo Sebastian's personal scrutiny, facing rigorous evaluations and intensive training before earning their place. To Sebastian, it was not the quantity but the quality of his followers that mattered most.
"Those people still haven't adapted after leaving," someone remarked idly.
"That's because you're unbearably dull," came the reply.
At that moment, Inuyasha crouched on the roof of a small hut opposite Sebastian's residence, which belonged to Master Mibao.
In the early days, Inuyasha would watch crowds kneeling before Sebastian's mansion each morning, praying to be accepted as disciples. He used to bet with Miroku and Miyatsu on who would endure the longest, anything to pass the time. Of course, the stakes were small, usually just a meal or a round of wine.
But as Sebastian's demanding standards became known, fewer and fewer dared to persist through the harsh training, and their little source of amusement vanished entirely.
"Tell me, are all half-demons this boring?" Miyatsu sat in a wooden cabin across from Mibao's, watching Inuyasha sip from a gourd before tossing it back.
Since becoming Sebastian's disciples, the three had built nearby cabins. Over time, their bond deepened into an odd but genuine friendship, though teasing each other had become a daily ritual. Inuyasha, who once bristled at being called a half-demon, no longer cared at all.
"At least I won't die young like you," he said flatly, taking another drink.
"What a cruel thing to say!" Miyatsu protested, more amused than offended.
Inuyasha chuckled quietly, raising the gourd again, until he suddenly froze mid-motion. "Wait… someone's climbing the wall?"
Miyatsu followed his gaze, while Miroku stood up curiously. It had been a long time since anyone dared to scale Sebastian's walls.
"Should we stop her?" Mengxin asked.
Under the pale moonlight, a brown-haired girl perched atop Sebastian's mansion wall. Inuyasha frowned, glancing between his companions. Unknowingly, he had already begun to see himself as one of Sebastian's people.
"Leave it," Miyatsu said, shaking his head. "Mr. Sebastian never asked us to intervene."
"With his strength," Miroku added, "he could sense a fly buzzing near him."
"Fine," Inuyasha said with a grin. "Let's make it interesting, how long do you think it'll take before she's caught?"
"Ten minutes."
"Five!"
"Loser pays for supper."
Suddenly, Sebastian looked up from his book as Kikyo's cheerful voice rang through the room. In her delicate white hands, she held two tiny shikigami, each no taller than a thumb, their ethereal wings fluttering softly.
"They're butterflies and birds!" Kikyo exclaimed, her face radiant with excitement as she leaned toward Sebastian to show them. Her joy was contagious, yet her movements remained gentle, as if afraid to harm her fragile creations.
Sebastian studied them quietly, nodding in approval.
"They look good," he said. "By the way, when you wake up for training tomorrow, bring Tsubaki along."
He was quite pleased with Kikyo, his apprentice. Though a little too spirited at times, her character was sound. After a long period of observation, Sebastian had finally accepted her as a disciple, especially since she had once sacrificed the Jewel of Four Souls for his sake.
"Tsubaki has officially become Brother Sebastian's student?" Kikyo asked, surprised.
"Yes. Now I'll head back; I want to do well tomorrow." Kikyo lingered for a moment longer, her earlier smile fading slightly as she accepted his instructions and turned to leave.
Sebastian watched her go, narrowing his eyes. It was clear he understood the emotions she tried to hide. Moments later, Kikyo peeked her head back through the doorway.
"Brother Sebastian, I've been developing some new techniques… could you guide me?"
"Of course," he replied softly, a faint smile on his face. "I'll personally train you tomorrow."
Kikyo's face brightened again, her earlier melancholy vanishing in an instant.
"By the way, Kikyo," Sebastian added, "I'll be preparing for battle soon."
"Understood!" she responded firmly.
Just then, Sebastian sensed a faint, sinister aura creeping near the edge of his combat laboratory.
"Another reckless fool?" he murmured, setting his book aside. "And this one doesn't even bother to hide…"
A brown-haired girl with emerald-green eyes crouched atop the wall surrounding Sebastian's lab. Seeing no guards, she leapt down lightly onto a metal platform, a gleeful smile spreading across her face.
Ayame. She had deceived her servant and slipped away toward Sebastian's estate. To her surprise, there were no guards, nothing at all. She didn't pause to question it; she simply assumed Sebastian had grown careless and that her chance had come.
Initially, she intended to sneak in quietly. But the dazzling skyline, with its futuristic towers and radiant lights, caught her attention. She had never seen such a magnificent, technological landscape. Curiosity ignited within her like wildfire. Her fascination with Sebastian deepened with every step she took.
"What incredible architecture…" she whispered in awe. "Can humans truly create this? Or is Sebastian the only one capable of such wonders?"