"Ah…"
Coyote Starrk scratched his head and muttered helplessly, "In the end… we're still going to have to fight."
He let out a long sigh, visibly troubled.
But…
As the strongest fighter in Las Noches, if he didn't act now…
Aizen would probably jot it down in that little black book of his, right?
Just the thought of Aizen's underhanded ways sent a chill down even his spine.
So…
Well…
The place still had to be defended.
The usual laziness faded from Starrk's expression. His eyes sharpened as he looked at Nelliel.
"Just your words won't sway the Espada. Call out the ones hiding behind you too."
He wasn't being overconfident. But if Nelliel's allies kept lurking in the shadows, he'd constantly have to watch out for sneak attacks.
Tracking them down one by one would be a major pain…
Although…
It didn't seem like they intended to stay hidden anyway.
At his words, Nelliel turned her gaze away from Nnoitra Gilga.
Seeing that…
Nnoitra's tense body finally relaxed, and he subconsciously let out a breath.
But the moment he noticed his own pitiful reaction, rage surged inside him again.
Damn it!!
He clenched his fists tightly, cursing in his heart!
Just a Third Seat! A woman he'd once ambushed so easily!
Nnoitra was furiously downplaying Nelliel in his mind to vent his fear and frustration.
But…
He didn't dare utter a sound. He was afraid she'd glance his way again.
Damn it—
Why!!
Why the hell did she get stronger?!
On the other side…
Szayelaporro Granz was also on edge.
He tried to shuffle behind the other Espada, body stiff, not daring to move, trying his best to erase his presence, praying Nelliel would just forget about him.
But…
After returning to Las Noches, Nelliel didn't spare another thought for Nnoitra, Szayelaporro, or the others.
In her eyes, they were already dead. Not even worth her attention.
What mattered now…
Was accomplishing her first major assignment within Lynn's Peerage.
She had to give it her all and leave a deep impression on Lynn!
Only then…
Would she have a chance to earn a proper place in his eyes.
And…
She had a massive advantage!
Her Antelope Knight form!
With that, maybe she could even become Lynn's mount!
Although…
She wasn't sure how many mounts Lord Lynn already had in his Peerage.
If there were any, she'd have to fight for the job. This was her best shot—her mount interview!
Nelliel's eyes gleamed. She clenched her fists with determination.
Just imagining it made a serious gleam flash in her amber eyes.
".…?"
Starrk glanced at the strange look in Nelliel's eyes and scratched his head.
The seriousness he had just worked up vanished completely. His energy slipped right back into his usual lazy rhythm.
Sensing his gaze, Nelliel snapped out of her thoughts and refocused.
"Um…"
She looked serious.
Here we go.
Starrk narrowed his eyes.
"…What did you just say?"
She'd been so wrapped up thinking about Lynn, she completely missed it.
Starrk: "…"
Seriously now…
Starrk rubbed the back of his head. "If I say it again, it'll totally lose its effect…"
Baraggan Louisenbairn scoffed coldly.
This guy is actually First Seat?
No presence, no pressure—what a joke!
Unable to bear it, Baraggan stepped forward and growled at Nelliel, "Hurry up and call out whoever's backing you. Let's get this over with!"
His hands itched for battle.
Nelliel alone wasn't enough for the Espada.
Nelliel blinked, then said with a strange expression, "They're already here."
"?"
Starrk and the others looked around, confused.
But…
There was no one.
Were they being tricked?
Just as that thought crossed their minds—
Buzz—
A sea-blue magic circle suddenly bloomed above their heads!
The next second—
A group of figures led by Katerea Leviathan appeared in midair!
"!"
Sensing the strange and powerful aura, Starrk's pupils narrowed sharply as he looked up.
At the same moment, Katerea looked down.
Their eyes met.
Katerea smiled slightly. "You…"
"You must be the strongest one here, right?"
She crossed her arms and tilted her head arrogantly, looking down on him as if he were an ant.
"Do you like the gift I brought?"
Starrk looked up. He wasn't annoyed by her arrogance. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "It's definitely… a unique and unforgettable one."
"Why waste words on her!"
Baraggan stepped forward, locking eyes on Katerea with a dangerous glint. "You're the strongest, huh? Let me test you!"
"You?"
Katerea curled her lips in disdain. "Don't bother. Let the guy next to you come out instead."
"You…!"
Baraggan was furious. He felt completely looked down upon and instinctively reached for his Resurrección.
Snap!
A hand suddenly pressed down on his shoulder.
"Baraggan."
Starrk's voice rang out.
His tone was firm. "As she said, let me handle this woman."
Baraggan's face twitched. He laughed bitterly, enraged. "Alright, alright. You really think I became King of Hueco Mundo just because I'm old?!"
He shoved Starrk's hand off and flared his spiritual pressure.
Buzz!
In a flash, he appeared in front of Katerea Leviathan.
Baraggan's eyes were cold. Without another word, he clenched his hand—
Two giant, pitch-black battle axes instantly materialized!
Whoosh—
With no warning—
He swung both axes down toward Katerea Leviathan!
(To be continued.)
***
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