Gardener of Eden

Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Keystone Citadel

As the blinding blue portal light dissolved, the oppressive heat of the volcanic floor vanished, replaced by a crisp breeze and the unexpected hum of bustling city life. Squad 07 stepped out onto a massive paved plaza made of polished stone. Towering above them was not a dark cavern ceiling, but an enchanted dome glowing with soft, atmospheric light.

They had officially arrived at the 10th Floor—the Tower’s monumental first checkpoint and safe-haven settlement.

Sprawling out from the primary portal array was a fortified city built entirely within the Tower’s walls. Because the 10th floor served as the definitive gateway separating the lower trial zones from the dangerous upper reaches, major international guilds had constructed their imposing headquarters along the central avenues. Banners from top-tier factions hung from multi-story stone structures housing high-grade trading posts, guild banks, equipment repair vaults, and private auction halls.

Despite the vibrant trade stalls, inns, and lively taverns, an unmistakable air of martial readiness permeated the air. Beyond the city’s massive, rune-engraved outer walls, the monster spawn rate was significantly higher and far more aggressive than anything encountered on the lower floors.

Squads of heavily armored patrol sentries and veteran Awakeners marched continuously along the battlements and outer gates. Mana-fueled defensive arrays pulsed along the perimeter, maintaining a constant shield against the wandering monster hordes that frequently coalesced in the surrounding wilderness.

”It feels surreal walking into a full-fledged city after clearing nine floors of dungeon beasts,” Mirei said, looking up at the grand guild banners flapping in the artificial breeze.

”This is where the climb gets real,” Caelen agreed, glancing at a squad of elite sentries marching past in formation. ”Below the 10th floor, teams are just trying to survive. Up here, humanity has carved out a permanent domain.”

Lyra smiled, turning to Rowan. ”With our squad fully past Level 20 and backed by your domain’s harvests, we aren’t just visitors in a hub like this. We’re ready to make a name for Squad 07 across the higher floors.”

Rowan nodded, taking in the bustling enclave. Reaching the 10th floor was a major milestone, but for him, it was also a prime opportunity to establish trade connections, gather intel on the upper floors, and prepare for his upcoming global debut in the Imperial Tournament.

***

As the squad crossed the threshold into the heart of Keystone Citadel, the sheer scale of the 10th-floor fortress city became strikingly clear. Named for its role as the pivotal bridge separating the trial-heavy lower floors from the ruthless upper reaches, Keystone Citadel was a sprawling monument to human ambition.

Broad cobblestone avenues were lined with multi-story stone outposts, their facades draped in the velvet banners of top-ranking international guilds. Enchanted spires crackled overhead, maintaining the massive dome shield that kept the floor’s aggressive monster spawns strictly outside the city walls.

”So this is where the real conquerors set up home base,” Caelen said, his eyes scanning the surrounding district. Blacksmith forges billowed blue-fire soot into the air, while high-ranking Awakeners clad in dragon-scale armor and glowing robes strolled between specialized auction houses and high-tier alchemy vaults.

Squad 07 made their way toward the grand stone pavilion at the city center—the Keystone Registry Hall. Passing through the arched entry, Rowan placed his emblem against the central floor rune. A soft chime echoed as the system updated their records: Squad 07: 9th Floor Cleared. 10th Floor Access Granted. Squad Level Average: 20+.

”Record updated in under ten seconds,” Mirei laughed, leaning against a carved marble pillar. ”That’s going to shock a few academy instructors back at the Citadel when the daily tower logs sync.”

”It won’t just shock the academy,” Princess Lyra noted, a sharp, elegant smile gracing her lips. ”Look around. Every major guild scout in Keystone Citadel monitors this registry. A squad of teenagers clearing floor nine without taking a single point of damage doesn’t go unnoticed.”

She wasn’t wrong. Several guild agents dressed in formal attire had already paused, their eyes darting between Squad 07’s pristine gear and the glowing green status indicators floating beside Rowan’s shoulder.

Rowan glanced across the bustling plaza toward the commercial sector. Keystone Citadel wasn’t just a tactical sanctuary; it was an untapped goldmine for Eden’s Flagship Store. High-tier conquerors pushing into the 11th floor and beyond needed elite stamina restoration and elemental resistance more than anyone.

”Let’s grab a suite at the central lodge,” Rowan said, his eyes glinting with strategic intent. ”We’ll rest, celebrate reaching the milestone, and tomorrow morning... we start looking into establishing Eden’s first in-Tower distribution node right here in Keystone Citadel.”

***

Barely fifteen minutes after Squad 07 stepped into their high-end suite at the Grand Keystone Lodge, a crisp, rhythmic cadence of heavy armored boots echoed down the polished mahogany hallway. Before Caelen could even lay his broadsword against the weapon rack, three measured, authoritative knocks resounded against the suite’s heavy oak door.

Rowan stepped forward and pulled the door open, revealing a contingent of elite conquerors clad in gleaming obsidian plate lined with spun gold—the unmistakable dragon-and-crown emblem of the Imperial Guild shimmering brightly across their breastplates. At the head of the detachment stood a tall, silver-haired officer radiating high-tier mana density, his sharp eyes instantly sweeping across the room.

The moment his gaze landed on Princess Lyra, the officer unclasped his helm, tucked it beneath his arm, and dropped cleanly onto one knee. The three guards behind him mirrored the gesture in perfect synchronization.

”Your Highness,” the commander greeted, his deep voice carrying absolute reverence. ”The moment your royal emblem hit the registry stone at the 10th-floor portal, the Imperial Guild Chapter was alerted. We have come to verify your safety and offer immediate transport to the Imperial Estate in the upper district.”

While Caelen and Mirei straightened up under the sudden weight of the imperial presence, Lyra stepped forward with effortless, quiet majesty. She raised a slender hand, her demeanor shifting seamlessly into that of a true royal.

”Rise, Commander Lucian,” Lyra said softly. ”Your vigilance does the Empire credit, but as you can see, I am in perfect health. Squad 07 cleared the Ninth Floor without a single casualty or injury.”

Lucian rose, his sharp eyes shifting from Lyra to Rowan, lingering on the young cultivator with deep, unspoken recognition. As a high-ranking Guild official, he had already received word of the Emperor’s direct edict drafting Rowan for the Global Awakener’s Tournament.

”Master Rowan Vance,” Lucian acknowledged, inclining his head respectfully. ”To bring Her Highness through the lower trials with such flawless speed speaks volumes of your leadership and domain capabilities. His Imperial Majesty will be pleased to hear of your progress.”

”Lyra is a vital asset to our squad, Commander,” Rowan replied with grounded confidence. ”We move and clear floors as equals.”

A subtle smile touched Lucian’s hardened face. ”Very well, Princess Lyra. If it is your wish to remain housed with your squad, the Guild will respect your autonomy. However, the full resources, intel networks, and private vaults of the Imperial Guild within Keystone Citadel remain entirely at your squad’s disposal.”

With a final crisp salute to the Princess and a respectful nod to Rowan, the elite contingent turned and marched down the corridor. As the door clicked shut, the energy in the suite settled, leaving Squad 07 fully aware that their rapid climb was already turning heads at the very pinnacle of the Empire.