Emperor Soren's voice cut through the lingering tension in the arena. "Azar, escort my son and Jin to their carriage. We're done here." His gaze swept across the gallery. "The rest of you may leave."
The nobles practically fled, their earlier bravado replaced by careful deference. No one wanted to linger after witnessing the gap between their power and Valestria's might.
"Come on, you two!" Azar chirped, his playful demeanor returning instantly. "Let's leave the boring political stuff to the grown-ups."
Jin raised an eyebrow at Azar's sudden shift in personality, but followed alongside Eren. The contrast between the Royal Guard's deadly efficiency moments ago and his current cheerful disposition was striking.
Outside, the imperial carriages waited, but they weren't alone. A group of shadows materialized into the Valestrian Intelligence Division, their black uniforms bearing the empire's silver insignia. At their head stood a woman whose mere presence made the air sharper.
"Captain Valeria!" Azar's face lit up like a festival lantern. "You're looking absolutely radiant today! Has anyone ever told you that your tactical gear really brings out the murderous gleam in your eyes?"
Eren's Observer's Eye activated involuntarily:
[Analyzing: Captain Valeria] [Combat Rating: Exceptional] [Threat Level: High] [WARNING: Killing Intent Detected] [Note: Current Target - Azar]
"Is the portal prepared?" Azar continued, practically bouncing on his feet. "Also, about that dinner we discussed—"
The sound of Azar's pained yelp echoed across the courtyard as Valeria's boot connected precisely with his most vulnerable area. He crumpled dramatically, though Eren noticed he still managed to land somewhat gracefully.
"The portal is stable," Valeria stated professionally, completely ignoring Azar's theatrical groaning. "And yes, that dinner will happen right after I forget how you compromised three of my undercover operations with your 'helpful suggestions.'"
"Those nobles were boring anyway," Azar wheezed from the ground. "I just added some excitement to their lives!"
Jin watched the exchange with barely concealed amusement. "Is he always like this?"
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"Unfortunately," Valeria and Eren replied simultaneously.
The portal shimmered into existence, a masterwork of imperial magic that connected directly to Crystalline Aurora, the capital of Valestria. As they stepped through, Eren's breath caught in his throat.
The capital had transformed. Banners of silver and midnight blue draped every building, each one bearing congratulatory messages: "HAIL YOUNG MASTER EREN - SIX STARS AT SIXTEEN!" The streets, usually bustling with activity, had been cleared to create a pathway lined with citizens.
"They've been preparing since word reached us about your achievement," Azar explained, somehow already recovered and walking normally. "Six stars at sixteen – the first since your father and uncle. The people wanted to celebrate."
As Eren walked forward, flowers rained down from balconies. Citizens approached with gifts – books of rare techniques, ancestral weapons, cultivation resources. Each came with the same proud refrain: "A true prodigy of the Valestrix bloodline!"
"Quite the homecoming," Jin observed, taking in the grandeur. "Your people really do love their traditions."
"Valestria remembers its history," Valeria added, her professional demeanor softening slightly. "The last time we saw talent like this, it heralded a golden age. They're hoping history repeats itself."
"Young Master!" A group of children broke through the crowd, offering a clumsily wrapped package. "We picked these ourselves!"
Inside were cultivation crystals, rough and unrefined, but carefully chosen. The kind young practitioners used for their first breakthroughs.
"Thank you," Eren said, warmly accepting the gift. These weren't just presents – they were tokens of trust, of hope for the future.
"See?" Azar grinned, edging closer to Valeria. "This is why I love our empire. Even the kids understand the importance of proper cultivation resources! Though speaking of resources, Valeria, about that dinner—"
The sound of another precise strike and Azar's theatrical collapse drew laughs from the crowd. Even Jin couldn't help but smile at their antics.
Eren looked up at the distant silhouette of the Tower that loomed over Crystalline Aurora. The six-star test had been just the beginning. Now came the real challenge – climbing the Tower that had shaped generations of Valestrix cultivators before him.
But for now, surrounded by the warmth of his people's celebration and the familiar chaos of Azar's failed courtship attempts, Eren allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but today was for celebration.
"Young master," Azar called out, still nursing his latest injury, "we should get you some proper celebration food! I know this amazing place that serves the best—" He ducked another kick from Valeria. "Okay, okay! Maybe somewhere else!"
This was Valestria – where power met tradition, where ancient towers held secrets of cultivation, and where even elite Royal Guards never learned to quit while they were ahead.