Someone—or rather, something—dressed in white slowly opened its eyes in an unfamiliar place.
The being possessed a humanoid appearance, yet at the same time looked completely different from any ordinary human. A hollow hole pierced through its chest, its skin was deathly pale, and its green cat-like eyes stared blankly into the darkness. Part of a bone-like mask still covered the side of its head.
"...Where is this?"
The creature muttered as if awakening from a long slumber.
"Oya, oya... it seems we have another guest."
A voice suddenly echoed from the darkness.
Moments later, a strange creature emerged. It resembled a rabbit, yet unlike any rabbit found in the real world. There was something mystical and unnatural about its existence.
"Where is this?" the white-clad being asked again.
"Welcome to the Tower."
"The Tower? What is this place... and why am I still alive?"
"The Tower is a place where anything you desire can be obtained. Strength. Power. Eternal life. Whatever you seek awaits at the top. All you need to do is climb."
The rabbit paused before continuing.
"As for why you are still alive... perhaps you will find the answer at the top as well."
"If what you say is true, then this place sounds far too convenient to be real."
"Of course there are conditions," the rabbit replied cheerfully. "Every floor contains a test. Only those deemed worthy may continue climbing."
"And what kind of tests are they?"
"They vary from floor to floor. Continue climbing, and you will eventually learn the answer yourself."
'After everything that has happened... I suppose this is not the strangest thing anymore.'
"So then..." the rabbit said with a grin. "Will you climb the Tower?"
Ulquiorra narrowed his eyes.
'This place is suspicious. I should refuse and search for a way out immediately. Aizen-sama entrusted Las Noches to me.'
Just as Ulquiorra was about to reject the offer, the rabbit spoke once more.
"Before you answer, there is something you should know. If you refuse this opportunity... there is a very high chance you will die."
Ulquiorra's gaze sharpened instantly.
"So this is a threat?"
"Oh no, not at all," the rabbit answered lightly. "I merely wished to warn you. Judging from what you said earlier, you were already dying before arriving here. If you leave now... you may simply die for real."
"So the Tower is what keeps me alive?"
"Not exactly," the rabbit replied. "The truth is slightly more complicated than that. But if you wish to learn the answer, then climb the Tower. Everything you seek lies above."
Its smile widened.
"But one thing I can guarantee..."
"If you leave now, you will die."