Chapter 83 Seed Of The Devil (3)
Going back 273 years, the Soul Society appeared to be enjoying a period of tranquility when compared to the ongoing unrest today.
During this era, the human world faced invasions from Menos Grande across numerous cities, leading to the deaths of more than a dozen Shinigami assigned to the human realm.
In response, Central 46 opted to assign three to four soldiers from each squad of Gotei 13 to create an expeditionary force aimed at Hueco Mundo to confront the Menos Grande, intending to reduce the threat of these Hollows.
At this time, the inaugural commander of the expeditionary force was the third seat of the first squad, Jijima
Hikifune Kiryu, who served as the captain of the 12th Division then, along with Kenpachi, the captain of the 11th Division, Soya Azashiro, dispatched them to Hueco Mundo via the crossing gate.
Upon the expeditionary force's arrival in Hueco Mundo, Asido, the fourth member of the 12th Division, asked Hikifune Kiryu, "Captain, we're uncertain about this journey. When will we return? "
"Haha! Don't be anxious. Just endure for a few decades, and the Soul Society will send replacements for you! " With a smile, Hikifune Kiryu encouraged Asido, whose youthful face still bore signs of immaturity at this time.
"This mission carries significant responsibility; you must exercise utmost caution," Soya Azashiro Kenpachi addressed the assembled team members and officers, his expression pale.
While previous identities may have held little weight here, the subordinates were required to follow the captain's orders, as this was an unbreakable rule.
"Jijima, we entrust the expeditionary force to you, and I trust you will meet the expectations of the Soul Society," he continued.
"Rest assured, Captain Soya, I won't bring disgrace to Gotei 13! " Jijima responded earnestly.
"That's reassuring. Given that, I hand it over to you all," he concluded.
"Captain Kiryu, let's continue. " With a reluctant countenance, Soya glanced back at the thirty Shinigami, closed the gate, and departed.
As the world-crossing gate sealed, Kiryu's voice echoed, "Feeling melancholic? Captain Soya."
"I simply can't fathom why Central 46 would choose this path," he replied, lowering his head, cold sweat gliding down his brow, his heart evidently troubled.
"All for the Soul Society, We will remember these shinigami who have dedicated themselves to our cause." The two walked side by side, their words seeming particularly harsh in that moment.
That's correct; from the instant the over 30 members of the expedition set foot in Hueco Mundo, the Soul Society relinquished their lives. It may even be interpreted as an agreement established between the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo.
Within the expansive and interminable desert, the expeditionary group, devoid of any support, is steadily entering into the most harrowing ordeal of their existence - the Menos Grande Forest
...
A human-like Vasto Lorde Menos Grande sat cross-legged atop a massive lion-like Adjuchas, casually holding a blade of grass and remarked, "Hey!, we've been walking for three days! Be honest, can you find it? If you can't locate it, I won't hold it against you! "
Under the immense burden on his back, Reinhard, mustering all his resolve, abruptly responded, "Master Fiander, I'm not lost, it's just that the entrance appears at random, and we haven't encounter the quicksand vortex yet, there's no way I can't proceed. "
These two individuals are Fiander, who recently arrived in the bleach world, and Reinhard, whom he met over ten years ago. During this span, other than mending the wounds of his soul, he has been focusing on training Reinhard's physical form.
Reinhard has been carrying Fiander for most the decade, as Fiander's weight provides good training for him.
It's certainly not because Fiander's feeling lazy and prefer not to walk.
"Quicksand Vortex? Really, is that the only way?" Fiander asked, his brow furrowed.
"As far as I recall, the only route to the Menos Grande Forest is via Vortex, the naturally occurring quicksand," Reinhard replied, fatigue seeping into his words.
"What a nuisance! " Fiander grimaced, descending from Reinhard's back and moving toward a branch rising from the sand.
"I recall that the white tree grows from the endless dunes, suggesting that the Menos Grande forest lies below, right? "
"Indeed, Lord Fiander, the white trees can tower hundreds of meters, and upon reaching a specific height, they can produce branches from the endless sand. "
Exhausted, Reinhard reclined on the ground to take a break.
"Hey, that's simple enough, Reinhard, don't block the way, move aside! "
"Huh?!" Reinhard suddenly became alert and queried, "Master Fiander, what are you up to? "
"Why? Since we have to wait for the quicksand vortex to create the passage, why not just make one ourselves? Don't you think that's logical? " Fiander, arms crossed, rhythmically tapped his long nails against the bone armor on his arms.
" You want me to dig a hole?Absolutely not! The vast quicksand of the endless desert will immediately cover the opening, if I dug. " Reinhard was taken aback, responding quickly.
"Stop yapping, just practice the techniques I taught you. Once your spiritual energy attains a specific threshold, you'll receive a corresponding level of feedback concerning your soul. "
"Throughout my extensive time in this world, I've reached a singular conclusion. You have no idea how to develop spiritual energy whatsoever. "
Fiander's statement left Reinhard with a bewildered expression. As an untamed Adjuchas, he found the concepts of spiritual energy and soul levels perplexing, but his prior experiences advised him against challenging Fiander's assertions at this moment. Frankly, as long as it aligned with Fiander's statements, he was satisfied.
Thus, Reinhard instinctively nodded and replied, "Ah, yes, yes! "
"I have a feeling you're being dismissive towards me! Forget it! Just move along! "
Fiander ignored Reinhard entirely, too disinterested for a debate with him. Once Reinhard had distanced himself from him, he leaped into the air, closed his eyes in concentration, extended his arms outward to form a circle, and positioned it near his mouth.
With a whoosh—
As the spirits around him began to swiftly accumulate, a dark blue orb materialized at Fiander's lips.
Upon reaching a certain level of Reiatsu, Fiander with a shout, unleashed a Cero, infused with intense cold, directed toward the ground beneath.
Boom! ! !
The massive detonation enveloped the surrounding area in ice, instantly creating a seemingly endless cavern.
Thick ice walls developed along the cave's edges, preventing any nearby debris from converging.
Gazing apprehensively into the vast icy hollow below, Reinhard cautiously peeked over the edge, his thoughts racing with fear—'if that strike had hit me back then, would I have been finished? '
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