Chapter 42

"Starrk, do you genuinely believe the Espada can defeat the Soul Society? "

Fiander's words momentarily took Starrk aback. Clearly, if anyone heard this sentiment, it would be considered traitorous.

"Is it possible that you have alternative thoughts? "

"Hehe, what do you think Aizen's intentions are? What is the aim of Hueco Mundo? "

"You don't actually believe that just because he transformed some of us into Arrancars with the Hōgyoku, he truly considers us one of his own."

"Aizen is a heartless individual. He doesn't concern himself with the welfare of his subordinates. If it helps him achieve his objectives, he won't hesitate to make sacrifices. "

Fiander rose and glanced around, clearly aware that such discussions were inappropriate within the Night Palace.

Thus, as the conversation reached this juncture, Fiander shared a meaningful look with Starrk and decided to change the subject.

"Aiya~"

"It's so anxiety-inducing to communicate with you contemplative types. . sighh"

Even though Fiander opted not to continue the discussion, it doesn't mean that Starrk, despite his lack of sharpness, is oblivious.

"It's not just about Aizen's future, Stark; we must consider our own prospects, too."

Fiander crossed his legs and clasped his hands, as if he were expounding on something exquisite.

"What I desire is more than that. "

Fiander's expression exuded wisdom, suggesting insight into everything, yet it stirred an odd feeling in Starrk.

Since that secret dialogue with Aizen and others, he has developed a clear understanding of his own future ambitions, which promise to be a solitary journey.

Fiander can now bifurcate his soul into two entities: one as Arrancar and the other resembling a Shinigami form, a result of clandestine experiments with the Hōgyoku alongside Aizen.

Currently, Fiander's soul has reached a plateau. To successfully advance to the Scrito-level soul, the energy from the Shinigami world is simply inadequate for nurturing a soul of such magnitude.

It should be noted that while Hueco Mundo has been around for tens of thousands of years, only three such souls have emerged; all are ancient beings from times long past.

By the conclusion of the anime, the only individuals capable of reaching that dimension are adult Kurosaki Ichigo and Aizen, who has merged with the Hōgyoku. Without other alternatives, it would be futile for Fiander to aspire to their status.

It has been previously established that the soul encounters a boundary barrier, which cannot be transcended through mere individual effort.

This represents the inherent flaw of this world. While Hollows and Shinigami can momentarily pierce the boundaries separating them, they only cross between limitations without genuinely transcending them.

In summary, this type of enhancement is severely constrained, much like during the confrontation in Karakura Town when Tousen Kaname utilized his Bankai alongside the Arrancar's Resurrección. The experiment is also being conducted covertly.

However, Tousen Kaname, who transformed using Resurrección, became comparable to a fly, rendering all the powers he possessed as a Shinigami ineffective, transforming him into a futile Arrancar driven solely by violence.

What an extraordinary capability, the ability to negate the five senses. Although this isn't ideally suited for direct confrontations in battle, he should have held an advantage during his clashes with Komamura and Shuhei.

Given the fighting capabilities of both individuals, Tousen Kaname should have emerged victorious; instead, he was defeated by Shuhei.

Often, the unquenchable pursuit of power can lead to confusion and disarray. Fiander was profoundly impacted by the lesson gleaned from Tousen Kaname's experience.

Thus, his objective must be to elevate his spiritual power on the Shinigami side to its pinnacle, and thereafter aim to achieve a similar level on the Arrancar side.

After centuries of training, his spiritual proficiency exceeded that of all beings in this realm, having just grazed the limits of Vasto Lorde Menos Grande; despite sensing it, he was unable to shatter the barrier.

Only after Baraggan revealed a series of secrets did he stealthily infiltrate Soul Society to uncover the world's origin, thereafter solidifying his resolve.

In his Shinigami form, Fiander cannot access any of his Arrancar abilities, as his current task is to enhance both forms to their maximum potential and then combine them, meaning that Hollow and Shinigami transformations would occur simultaneously. Naturally, this remains his hypothesis.

However, pursuing such an endeavor carries significant risk. It is uncertain what he will transform into upon achieving his goal; what creature will emerge?

"There is always a singular path ahead, fraught with obstacles and sharp thorns. "

Fiander observed Starrk as he uttered this, before pivoting to exit the room, turning back to say to Starrk, "Oh, by the way, Stark, you must not be 'afraid' to fight, or else it will lead to your demise. "

Fiander understands that his friend Starrk inherently despises conflicts, going to great lengths to avoid many situations associated with fighting, yet his role is predetermined; as part of the Espada, he cannot evade the inevitable. As the battle of Karakura Town approaches, he wishes to prevent his friend in Hueco Mundo from meeting his end.

After Fiander departed, Lilinette approached Starrk, wearing a sorrowful expression and said, "Starrk, Fiander claimed you will die; I don't want to witness your death. "

"Don't be concerned, Lilinette! "

Starrk placed his hand on her head and reassured her, "Ignore him, I'm strong. "

In an instant, shortly after Aizen concluded the Arrancar assembly, a dark void appeared in the human realm, and five Arrancars emerged from it, fixing their gazes on Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, who had been awaiting their arrival.

"Are you all present? "

"No one saw us leave."

Grimmjow inquired upon noticing his subordinate officers who had accompanied him to the human world.

"Certainly, but Grimmjow…"

"I detected numerous strong Reiatsu signatures in the human realm. Did the Soul Society send new aid? "

"This contradicts the reports from Ulquiorra and Fiander. Fiander claimed to have severely injured four individuals, yet I perceived at least seven or eight potent Reiatsu signatures. "

Shawlong Koufang, Arrancar No.12, possesses exceptional strength and intellect among Arrancars.

"Enough! "

Grimmjow scoffed, then added, "Those are Fiander and Ulquiorra, two of the mostuseless guys. "

"I am here this time to assist Master Aizen in proactively eliminating potential threats. "