Silbern.
Uryū had been secretly gathering intel on the Wandenreich these past few days.
He discovered that besides the Sternritter, there was another group called the Schutzstaffel, consisting of four members
X - The X-Axis, Lille Barro
M - The Miracle, Gerard Valkyrie
D - The Deathdealing, Askin Nakk Le Vaar
And C - The Compulsory, Pernida Parnkgjas.
Their power was immense, a world of difference compared to the ordinary Sternritter members.
During the last war against Seireitei, Lille not only eliminated Love but also killed a large number of Shinigami.
However, the one Uryū feared most was not them, but B - The Balance, Jugram Haschwalth, the Sternritter Grandmaster, Yhwach's personal guard, whose position was higher than his own nominal successor status.
Furthermore, during the night, Haschwalth held the full authority to manage the affairs of the Wandenreich.
In front of Yhwach's chambers.
Uryū was stopped by Haschwalth.
Uryū's gaze narrowed. "I have something to discuss with His Majesty."
"No one is permitted to disturb His Majesty while he rests." Haschwalth said indifferently, his tone flat.
He then asked, "What business do you have with His Majesty?"
Uryū countered, "Is it necessary for me to tell you what I need to discuss with His Majesty?"
"His Majesty and I are like the two ends of a scale. When His Majesty sleeps, I wield 'The Ruler's Mask.'"
"Ishida, you joined us to avenge your mother's death, didn't you? But do you realize you no longer have a path to retreat?"
Haschwalth stared at Uryū, seemingly seeing through everything.
Uryū's heart sank as he asked, "What do you mean?"
"It won't hurt to tell you."
"His Majesty is connected to all Quincies. He possesses the ability to distribute portions of his soul. You have been granted the Schrift 'A' by His Majesty, and from that moment, your fate was sealed."
"When anyone granted power by His Majesty dies, their power will be absorbed by him. The souls of those they killed will also be converted into His Majesty's strength."
"For His Majesty, war is the means of his survival. If he cannot continuously absorb souls, he will revert to the weak state he was in at birth, or even... waste away and die."
Haschwalth's calm words struck Uryū's chest like a heavy hammer.
Uryū couldn't help but ask, "So this is the fundamental reason why the Quincies waged war against the Shinigami a thousand years ago?"
"That is correct. His Majesty cannot stop the war. This is the fate of us Quincies. You and I are the same: born for His Majesty, and destined to die for His Majesty."
"Therefore, as the successor of the Wandenreich, you had best abandon your schemes."
Haschwalth's tone carried a hint of warning.
Uryū said nothing, turning to leave. His purpose for this trip—to investigate Yhwach's condition during his slumber—had been achieved, so he saw no reason to stay longer.
—
Meanwhile, in Seireitei.
The Gotei 13 had already selected the elite members for the offensive against the Wandenreich. Everything was ready, awaiting only Ichigo and the others.
They didn't have to wait long before Ichigo and Zaraki returned from the Soul King Palace, though Rukia and Renji were still training their Bankai under Ichibe.
Both were wearing brand-new shihakusho, custom-made for them by Senjumaru. In fact, the clothes they were wearing could be considered the Ōken, as they were woven from the bones and hair of the Zero Division members.
As soon as Ichigo and Zaraki returned to Seireitei, they received the shocking news of the impending attack on the Wandenreich. Ichigo was somewhat worried, while Kenpachi couldn't wait for the fighting to start.
Beneath the SRDI.
All personnel participating in the offensive were gathered here.
The Reishi pathway constructed by Mayuri was located on the lowest level.
The captains of the various divisions stood at the front, with Ikaros, who was holding a watermelon, following behind Shin.
This time, Shin did not allow Nel and Riruka to participate, instead keeping them stationed in Seireitei.
Unohana looked over the entire group. "Is everyone present?"
After confirming everything was in order, she turned to Mayuri and said, "Captain Kurotsuchi, begin."
As soon as she finished speaking, Mayuri led the SRDI personnel to begin the operation.
In just a moment, the passage opened, and the barrier to the Schatten Bereich where the Wandenreich resided was breached.
"Move out!" Unohana's voice was firm and decisive.
This will be the battle that determines the fate of Soul Society.
Shin charged to the very front of the line, being the first to enter the Schatten Bereich.
What greeted them was a massive palace situated in the center of a black void.
Shin held nothing back, immediately unleashing a Tenpa Jōsai.
Scarlet flames instantly erupted around Silbern. The Quincies of the Wandenreich immediately detected the intruders.
As the Reiatsu of the Shinigami appeared one after another, they finally realized the gravity of the situation.
"It's the Shinigami!"
"Why did so many Shinigami suddenly appear?"
"This is the Schatten Bereich! How did they break in?!"
The Quincies frantically reported the situation, though in reality, they didn't need to. The Sternritters knew who it was the moment Shin made his move.
The scarlet flames quickly incinerated the buildings surrounding Silbern, but they seemed to be blocked by an unseen force, all contained to the perimeter of the palace.
A young man with messy, center-parted hair, bare feet, and two tongues was the first to appear.
W - The Wind, Nianzol Weizol!
The Wind allows Nianzol to instinctively divert any attack he senses away from his body.
Shin recognized him. It seemed his ability was influencing the flames, but Shin did not recall this guy's power having such a massive range that it could cover all of Silbern.
Inside the main hall.
Yhwach sat upon his throne, with Uryu and Haschwalth standing respectfully on either side, and the four members of the Schutzstaffel below them.
While the fighting raged outside, the hall remained completely silent.
Yhwach slowly spoke, "They dare to launch a counter-attack? Excellent."
Uryu volunteered, "Your Majesty, I will lead men to deal with them."
"There is no need. We only need to wait patiently." Yhwach said, glancing at Uryu and refusing the offer.
"Uryu, are you familiar with the Anthem of the Almighty?" Seeing his confusion, Yhwach asked.
Uryu nodded and replied, "The sealed Quincy King recovers his heartbeat after nine hundred years, recovers his consciousness after ninety years, and recovers his power after nine years."
Yhwach added, "There is one last line: 'And recovers the world in merely nine days.' This will be the final battle."
(End of Chapter)
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