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."
'I suppose I have no other choice.'
In the end, Ulquiorra decided to climb the Tower.
Although everything about this place felt suspicious, he saw little reason to refuse. If the rabbit was telling the truth, then perhaps the answers to all his questions awaited at the top.
And if not...
He had nothing left to lose.
"Very well," Ulquiorra said calmly.
"Tell me what I must do to proceed to the next floor."
Headon blinked in mild surprise.
It seemed the Arrancar had reached his decision far faster than expected.
"Fufufu... how refreshing. It is always pleasant speaking with intelligent individuals."
The rabbit-like creature gave a polite bow.
"But before that, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am the administrator of this floor—Headon."
Its crimson eyes narrowed slightly.
"And if I may ask... what is your name, sir?"
"Ulquiorra Cifer."
"Very well then, Mr. Ulquiorra." Headon smiled.
"To advance to the next floor, all you must do is defeat the beast."
At that moment, the massive wall behind Headon slowly opened.
A monstrous creature revealed itself from within the darkness.
Its gigantic body resembled an eel covered in white metallic scales. Even while injured, the creature radiated terrifying hostility.
With only a single glance, Ulquiorra immediately noticed the wound around its mouth.
"This creature is known as the White Steel Eel," Headon explained.
"It was injured during a previous test. Normally, a beast of this level would only appear beyond the twentieth floor..."
The rabbit's smile widened.
"But since it is wounded—and since you are an Irregular—I assume you are more than capable of handling it."
Without another word, Ulquiorra walked forward.
The moment he stepped into the chamber, he felt something unusual.
'...The atmosphere here is different.'
Ever since arriving in the Tower, he had sensed a strange pressure filling the air. However, within this room, that pressure had become significantly denser.
'Is this some form of energy produced by the Tower?'
The pressure surrounding him was immense.
Yet Ulquiorra remained completely unaffected.
Compared to the overwhelming spiritual pressure he had endured under Aizen and the Espada, this sensation was insignificant.
The White Steel Eel roared violently the moment it noticed his presence.
Its enormous body began moving through the chamber at terrifying speed.
Ulquiorra simply stared at it with emotionless eyes.
And thus...
Ulquiorra Cifer's journey within the Tower officially began.