Gardener of Eden

Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Award Ceremony

With the final evaluation scores locked into the imperial records, the stadium horns sounded once more. The grand stage at the center of the Colosseum transformed, raising a high, gilded dais draped in royal crimson silk and the golden crests of House von Aetheris.

One by one, the five 1st Place Division Champions were called down from their respective bays to take their places on the upper tier of the stage:

Melee Combat Champion: Valen von Astra (Imperial Royal Academy)

Ranged Combat Champion: Lyra’s Personal Vanguard Specialist (Imperial Royal Academy)

Blacksmithing & Forge Artifact Champion: The Royal Master’s Apprentice (Imperial Royal Academy)

Alchemy & Reagent Dispersion Champion: High Alchemist Scion (Capital Delegation)

Farming & Herbology Champion: Rowan Vance (Sol-Aethel Academy / Squad 07)

Rowan stepped onto the elevated stage, standing tall and composed in his simple tunic with the Hoe of the World-Tiller resting against his back and his Enchanted Straw Hat pulled low.

A solemn, golden wave of imperial mana radiated from the royal box as Emperor Aurelius von Aetheris IX descended from his throne, flanked by four elite guards in silver-and-platinum plate. Trailing closely behind him were Crown Prince Julian and Princess Lyra, while Head Dean Sterling watched with cool pride from the faculty balcony.

Moving down the line of champions, the Sovereign Dragon personally pinned a heavy, finely wrought Golden-Red Imperial Dragon Badge onto the chest of each division winner. The shimmering crest—rendered in polished gold and deep crimson enamel—symbolized the absolute authority and colors of the Empire.

When Emperor Aurelius stopped before Rowan, his golden eyes gleamed with deep, commanding interest.

”Rowan Vance,” the Emperor spoke, his deep voice carrying directly to Rowan’s ears. ”Your mastery over primeval cultivation and soil purity is an extraordinary gift to this realm. Wear the empire’s crest with pride.”

”Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty,” Rowan replied calmly, offering a respectful bow as the Sovereign pinned the heavy golden-red badge to his tunic.

High up in Squad 07’s private gallery, Barney let out a boisterous whistle, Caelen and Mirei offered firm nods of respect, and Seraphina watched with a subtle, approving smile as their captain stood under the roaring cheers of fifty thousand spectators.

With the badges secured, the Emperor turned back toward the stadium, raising his hand to signal the end of the public ceremony—and the beginning of the exclusive private event at the Royal Estate tomorrow.

Stepping off the grand stage, Rowan rejoined Squad 07 and Head Dean Sterling in the private corridor, the Golden-Red Imperial Dragon Badge gleaming brightly against his chest. The moment he stepped within arm’s reach, his squadmates immediately crowded around him, eager to inspect the sovereign reward.

”Is that real solar-gold and imperial dragon-fire enamel?!” Barney boomed, leaning in so close his broad shoulders nearly eclipsed the light. ”Mind if I touch it, Cap?”

Receiving an amused nod from Rowan, Barney gently tapped the edge of the crest with his thick, calloused fingernail, listening to the deep, resonant hum vibrating through the metalwork. ”Unbelievable craftsmanship... the royal smiths didn’t cut a single micro-layer.”

Seraphina stepped in right beside him, her sharp eyes scanning the intricate runic matrix micro-etched around the dragon’s claws. She lightly brushed the tip of her gloved finger over the deep crimson enamel, feeling the residual warmth. ”It’s far more than a decorative crest,” she noted with analytical admiration. ”His Majesty pinned a passive, high-tier imperial ward directly onto your tunic.”

”Looks suit you, Rowan,” Caelen chuckled, resting his hand casually on his sword hilt with a confident smirk. ”Makes you look like an actual imperial lord—assuming you ignore the straw hat.” Mirei laughed softly beside her brother, leaning forward to admire the shimmering crest before giving Rowan’s shoulder a gentle, supportive pat.

Dean Sterling tapped her silver-trimmed cane against the marble floor, her usual stern expression giving way to profound pride as she looked at her star squad. ”That badge grants you unconditional clearance through any imperial port or high-table checkpoint in the capital, Rowan,” she remarked smoothly. ”You’ve brought immense honor to Sol-Aethel today.”

Rowan adjusted the brim of his Enchanted Straw Hat, looking at his team with a calm, grateful smile. ”We put Sol-Aethel at the top of the map today,” Rowan said, resting his palm over the heavy badge. ”Tomorrow I’ll see what the Imperial Treasury has to offer, but tonight belongs to Squad 07.”

***

Stepping away from the loud stadium crowds, Head Dean Sterling led Rowan, Barney, Seraphina, Caelen, and Mirei to an unassuming, black-timber entrance hidden within the capital’s most exclusive district. Inside sat the city’s premier three-Michelin-star Japanese omakase sanctuary—a serene counter carved from ancient Hinoki wood, reserved entirely for their party of six tonight.

For the past week leading up to the tournament, the squad’s diet had been strictly monitored under rigorous academy protocols. Every meal, protein ratio, and elemental balance had been meticulously measured down to the gram to ensure their mana channels and physical bodies remained in absolute peak condition for the trials.

Tonight, all dietary restraints were completely abandoned.

The executive master chef stepped behind the counter, presenting a relentless, multi-course feast of world-class culinary artistry:

Seared Otoro & Caviar: Fatty bluefin tuna brushed with aged soy, topped with imperial sturgeon caviar that melted instantly across the palate.

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu & Uni: Seared snow-grade beef wrapped around pristine sea urchin, bursting with rich, buttery umami.

Botan Ebi & Truffle Nigiri: Sweet jumbo spot prawn glazed with white truffle oil and toasted sea salt.

Sake-Steamed Abalone: Tender abalone served in a rich, velvety liver sauce over warm spirit-rice.

Barney devoured plate after plate without hesitation, happily accepting extra nigiri pieces prepared by the chuckling master chef. Caelen enjoyed skewers of grilled eel with crisp iced tea, a rare, relaxed grin replacing his usual combat focus. Beside him, Mirei and Seraphina savored each delicate piece, indulging in the uninhibited flavors without analyzing a single calorie or mana metric.

Rowan set his Enchanted Straw Hat on the seat beside him, enjoying the laughter around the counter. Dean Sterling quietly sipped a cup of warm green tea, watching her five star students celebrate without restraint, thoroughly satisfied as she covered the astronomical bill for their historic second-place run.

Outside the black-timber doors of the omakase sanctuary, the cool capital night air washed over the group as the celebratory feast came to a close. Head Dean Sterling tapped her silver-trimmed cane against the cobblestones, gathering Squad 07 before the private transit carriage arrived.

”Your duties for this tournament are officially complete,” Dean Sterling announced, her expression relaxing as she addressed Caelen, Mirei, Barney, and Seraphina. ”You four are returning with me to Sol-Aethel tonight. By academy decree, you are all granted a one-week break to rest, digest your gains from the trials, and recover completely.”

Barney let out a satisfied grunt, rolling his broad shoulders with a grin. ”A whole week to catch up on sleep and hit the forge without morning drills... couldn’t ask for better.” He clapped Rowan heavily on the arm. ”Don’t let those capital nobles intimidate you tomorrow, Cap. Pick something truly legendary out of that treasury!”

”We’ll see you back in Sol-Aethel in seven days,” Seraphina said, giving Rowan a rare, warm smile. ”Enjoy your private banquet at the Royal Estate.”

Caelen offered a firm nod while Mirei gave a cheerful wave as Dean Sterling ushered the four cadets into the waiting spatial carriage bound for the long-distance city portals. With a soft hum of displacement mana, the carriage glided away into the night, whisking the rest of Squad 07 back home to begin their week of rest.

Left alone on the grand avenue, Rowan didn’t have to wait long. A sleek, dark-crimson carriage bearing the golden dragon crest of House von Aetheris pulled up smoothly, flanked by two mounted officers of the Imperial Royal Guard clad in gleaming platinum plate. The guard captain stepped down, offering a crisp, formal salute to the newly crowned cultivation champion.

”Cadet Rowan Vance,” the captain spoke respectfully. ”His Imperial Majesty has arranged for your private lodging in the Inner Royal Pavilion tonight. The Royal Guard service will escort you personally back to Sol-Aethel tomorrow evening following your private event with the Imperial Family and your selection from the Imperial Treasury.”

Rowan adjusted the brim of his Enchanted Straw Hat, feeling the cool night breeze against the Golden-Red Imperial Dragon Badge pinned to his chest.

”Lead the way,” Rowan replied with a calm, quiet smile, stepping into the royal carriage as it swept off toward the illuminated spires of the Imperial Estate