Silbern, located in the sky, was supported by countless gigantic silver pillars, a city filled with a sense of sci-fi and mystery.
Top floor room, Throne Room.
Yhwach sat on the throne, dressed in a black robe, his face stern and indifferent, his eyes as deep as an abyss.
Haschwalth stood by his side, reporting the battle situation to Yhwach:
"Your Majesty, the battle is currently unfavorable for us. Several Knights have been cut down. Do we need to..."
Haschwalth reported the situation he had learned through the spiritual particle formation, speaking with some tension.
On the battlefield, both sides were engaged in fierce combat, but the battle was a one-sided affair.
Even some female Shinigami, who were merely Vice-Captains or seated officers, were able to fight multiple members of the Knight Order at once, a situation they had never imagined.
In the past, they believed the overall strength of the Wandenreich was superior to the Seireitei, but now they realized they were gravely mistaken!
Haschwalth was about to advise Yhwach that the current battle was unfavorable and it was time to initiate a tactical retreat, but he suddenly realized that the Emperor's attention was not on him at all; his gaze was fixed on a spot not far away.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
A series of footsteps echoed on the long staircase, coming from outside the main door.
A slender figure, walking at a leisurely pace, appeared in the room.
He had a handsome face, long black hair cascaded over his shoulders like a waterfall, and he wore black soul reaper uniform with a white Captain's haori over them.
This figure was identical to the one he had thought about day and night and seen in his dreams.
When he truly appeared before him, Haschwalth's pupils involuntarily constricted.
As a direct participant in the three battles between the Shinigami and Quincy in recent decades, he was all too familiar with the man before him.
The man who appeared before him was, without a doubt, the most powerful existence among the invaders this time—
The new Captain-Commander, Aozaki, as referred to by the Shinigami!
Looking at the two people in front of him, Aozaki curved his lips into a faint smile:
"It's been a long time, both of you!"
Upon hearing this, Yhwach narrowed his eyes, slowly rose from the throne, spread his hands, and responded with a smile:
"It's been a long time, Aozaki."
Haschwalth stood quietly to the side, listening to the two exchange pleasantries like old friends, not interjecting, but merely watching the suddenly arrived figure with a vigilant expression.
Why was he here?
And how did he pass through the heavily guarded Silbern without anyone noticing him?
After hearing Yhwach's words, Aozaki simply stood there, looking at him with an indifferent gaze.
"You came here alone, and now you're afraid upon seeing me?"
Yhwach laughed coldly.
Hearing this, Aozaki shook his head slightly with a hint of amusement, but quickly regained his composure.
He looked up at Yhwach and said indifferently, "You're a bit too confident."
"More than twenty years ago, you single-handedly broke into the Shadow Realm to confront us, and now you're afraid?"
Yhwach continued to mock him.
Aozaki showed an uncommitted expression and slowly said,
"No need to provoke me. I know you're hiding people in the dark; let them come out."
"I am the Quincy King, I am Yhwach. Are you insulting me?"
Yhwach's face darkened, and his aura became increasingly sharp.
Terrifying Reiatsu, like a storm, swept over, instantly shaking the entire Wandenreich!
Haschwalth frowned slightly, secretly worried.
Although Yhwach was currently conscious and had not gained the Emperor's power, his true strength had long surpassed that of ordinary Quincy and Shinigami.
The Emperor's power, even when not directed at him, made him feel such immense pressure.
However, the young Shinigami opposite him, as the one directly facing the impact, did not even frown.
If the person before him was not an illusion, then how strong was he now?
Could he already be comparable to the Emperor?
Despite his disbelief, as a loyal follower of Yhwach, he unhesitatingly drew his spiritual particle sword and vigilantly guarded against any sudden attack Aozaki might launch.
Amidst the terrifying Reiatsu released by Yhwach, Aozaki gently stroked his chin, a slight smile playing on his lips:
"Trying to scare me with Reiatsu? That's not like you!"
Then, he continued in a relaxed tone:
"Since you're unwilling to call out those two little mice yourself, I'll do it for you."
Before his words finished, Aozaki casually snapped his fingers.
Instantly, two figures appeared out of thin air in the room, their faces filled with confusion.
One was a black man with short white hair, a black crosshairs mark covering his closed left eye, wearing fur shoulder armor, and a green fur-made bicorne hat.
The other had a Latino face, with a strand of slightly curled bangs falling across his forehead and a head of long black hair at the back.
"Why did you hide them in the Shadow Realm?"
Aozaki's expression was calm and unperturbed, while Yhwach fell into a long silence.
Time passed by, minute by minute, and finally, he slowly opened his mouth and said softly:
"Lille, Askin, you may withdraw!"
Upon hearing Yhwach's command, Lille Barro and Askin Nakk Le Vaar showed a hint of fear on their faces.
Immediately after, this fear quickly transformed into deep guilt.
Their figures flickered, and they instantly retreated to a spot not far behind Yhwach.
In fact, they had no idea why they were there.
Seeing their bewildered expressions, Yhwach's face became serious, and the smile that had been on his face disappeared.
The reason he arranged for the two to hide in the Shadow Realm was by no means simply to watch the show.
Yhwach's true plan was to use himself and Haschwalth to attract Aozaki's attention.
Once Aozaki fully focused his mind on the fierce battle with him,
They would suddenly strike, using their near-rule-like abilities to completely eradicate Aozaki!
However, this young Shinigami, who inherited Yamamoto's position, was completely different from the simple-minded Yamamoto.
This guy's abilities were truly bizarre.
But... that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Only by directly confronting and openly defeating the enemy's strongest can the Seireitei truly fall into genuine despair.
"Indeed, you, fellow, lack the demeanor of a King."
Aozaki rubbed his head, then lightly snapped his fingers again, and figures streamed out from behind him.
"However, I don't seem to be doing much better."
"Come on, the real battle!"
"General against General, King against King!"
No one moved, and even Yhwach only felt a flash before his eyes.
Everyone, together, instantly appeared on the battlefield of Reverse London from the throne room overlooking the battlefield!