Observing Aizen's gaze fixed upon him, Fiander felt a degree of astonishment. He understood that Aizen would evaluate his abilities to determine his suitability for joining him, yet he was caught off guard by the openness of the invitation.
Noticing some uncertainty on the Arrancar's expression, Aizen inquired once more, "Are you concerned about my abilities? "
As soon as Fiander heard Aizen's words, he quickly interjected, "No, that is certainly not the case; I am eager to serve. "
Given his awareness of Aizen's immense power, Fiander would never dare to challenge him. Unlike the foolish Baraggan, he bowed respectfully to Aizen.
"Impudent youth! How dare you betray. . . " Observing Fiander's blatant defection, Baraggan, still grappling with the situation, erupted in anger.
"Silence! Old man, you fail to grasp the circumstances! " Fiander swiftly cut off whatever Baraggan was about to express.
While Fiander believed he could manage to defeat Ichimaru Gin and Tousen Kaname, taking them on with Aizen Sosuke in the equation would be tantamount to suicide.
"Excellent! Gin, indeed, congratulations on acquiring an astute ally! " Aizen expressed his pleasure at Fiander's awareness, addressing the two Shinigami beside him before turning back to Baraggan, asking again, "And what about you? King of Hueco Mundo, I offer you one last chance. " Fiander, a self-sufficient half-Arrancar, was merely a means to advance Aizen's research on Hōgyoku and the Shinigami Hollow.
At this juncture, Aizen's research had encountered a significant hurdle. Although he had managed to Hollow several captain-level Shinigami a century ago, those transformations had been failures.
The minds of Hollownized Shinigami spiraled out of control, rendering them akin to mindless beasts unworthy of further study. Aizen's primary objective now was to merge Urahara Kisuke's Hōgyoku with himself; his secondary goal was to transcend the division between Hollow and Shinigami, completing the investigation into both entities.
Acknowledging the grimness of his predicament, Baraggan reluctantly lowered his regal head and slowly released the iron axe he was wielding.
Given the explosive blue Cero unleashed by Fiander moments ago, Baraggan recognized that his power might significantly surpass his own.
That Shinigami earlier—the Arrancarization referenced by Aizen Sosuke—suggested that aligning with the other party initially would be wise, with plans to strengthen himself later.
With the most formidable Hollow of Hueco Mundo having submitted, along with a fortuitous encounter with the first Vasto Lorde capable of autonomous Arrancar, Aizen resolved to construct a new night palace and establish a research institute for Hollow Shinigami experiments.
In line with his strategy, he aimed to transform the territory governed by Baraggan, the king of Hueco Mundo, into his operational base within Hueco Mundo to facilitate his forthcoming plans.
"Uh. . . Master Aizen, when will I receive your assistance to fully achieve Arrancarization? " For almost a century, my power has been stagnant at the half Arrancar level, which is the ceiling for this race, and breaking through alone is proving to be a challenge.
Throughout these years, I have patiently awaited Aizen's appearance, looking to harness his strength to elevate myself to a complete Arrancar. I aim to transcend the limitations of my soul, transforming it to reach the Shinigami form, which would greatly enhance my inherent abilities. The current Menos Grande body severely limits Fiander's capabilities.
"Soon! Given your present condition, you are quite formidable even without being fully Arrancarized! Therefore, you must exercise patience. "
"However, I have alternate plans that I will need your assistance in executing. With your abilities, I'm confident that day is not too distant. "
"Yes, Master Aizen! "
When Aizen first penetrated Hueco Mundo and seized control of its king, he successfully established a base in Hueco Mundo. After decades of efforts, Aizen began the Arrancarization process for numerous hollows.
As Aizen's aide, Fiander Moros has remained close to observe his experiments. It seems Aizen is taking a unique interest in guiding a hollow because of Fiander's voluntary surrender.
Fiander was instructed in the fundamental abilities of the Shinigami. Aizen appears curious about whether a hollow can experience these powers. At their core, these abilities are mediated through Reiatsu and physical prowess, particularly Kidō. Notably, Fiander's spiritual power surpasses that of Tousen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin.
In 1970, after many years of study, Fiander had grasped most of the teachings from Aizen. He could even invoke the majority of Kidō's abilities through incantations, yet his execution remains lacking.
Kidō below level 70 can be cast directly without reciting an incantation.
"The murky emblem faintly reveals rebellious, arrogant talent; the tide · negation · paralysis · momentary, halts the eternal slumber. The crawling steel princess, the doll of self-mutilation, merges · rebounds · extends to the ground, understanding your own helplessness! " "Ninety of Hadō - Black Coffin! "
In a vast chamber, Fiander raised his fingers and recited the 90th-level Hadō—Black Coffin. As a large cuboid-shaped black wall emerged from the air, a significant portion of the spiritual energy within Fiander was instantly drained, approximately one-fifth.
The tremendous spiritual energy housed within the suspended black coffin drew Reinhard's attention, who dared not gaze upon it for long. A mere glance left him horrified.
"It's still ineffective. I cannot regulate the discharge of spiritual energy at will like Aizen can."
"When I engage in it personally, I am merely channeling spiritual energy without any technique whatsoever. "
At the moment Fiander was seated cross-legged, lost in thought and frustration, an Arrancar clad in white appeared in his training area with a sonido.
"Reporting to Master Fiander, Master Aizen requests your presence! "
"Oh, it's Dorudoni! "
Fiander turned slightly to acknowledge the Arrancar behind him, offering a smile.
"Has Master Aizen asked anything of me? "
"I have no information, Master Fiander. " Dorudoni bowed and took his leave.
"How dull! "
Dorudoni's full name is Dorudoni Alexandra del Sokaccio. Ten years prior, Aizen had requested that Fiander choose Adjuchas for an Arrancarization experiment, with only a few making it through.
At this time, while numerous Menos Grandes had successfully transitioned into Arrancars, they struggled to harness their own abilities.
Notably, Reinhard, who had been closely following Fiander, did not take part in Aizen's Arrancarization experiment. Fiander had instructed Reinhard to advance first to the Vasto Lorde level.
This approach would result in a substantial boost in strength; however, after many years, Reinhard found himself stagnating at the threshold, unable to progress.
For Reinhard, Fiander remained steadfast and counseled him to remain calm, as Aizen's Hōgyoku was not yet fully developed, and even his Arrancars had not attained full autonomy.
Thus, Fiander exhibited great patience, indulging in meals and allowing himself adequate sleep, embodying no sense of urgency.
Reinhard, however, observed that Adjuchas who once were weaker than him had successfully transformed into Arrancars, achieving human forms and far surpassing his own power, which led him to quietly fret.
Despite being Fiander's subordinate, he did not share the same sun-like confidence. Hueco Mundo is a realm governed by the survival of the fittest, where the weak are mere prey.
Had it not been for Fiander's support, Reinhard would have faced death numerous times.
"Reinhard, let's go! We're heading to the main hall! "
With Fiander's command, Reinhard stooped, allowing Fiander to mount his back, and they proceeded toward the main hall of the Void Night Palace.
Minutes later, Fiander, atop his lion, arrived at a grand palace and dismounted. At this time, the Night Palace no longer resembled the atmosphere under Baraggan's rule. Fiander approached the chamber behind the throne in the main hall.
Aizen was positioned by a computer, meticulously examining the data within, and upon noticing Fiander's approach, he turned and smiled, saying:
"Welcome back, Fiander. How is your training progressing? "
"My control over spiritual power remains erratic, and I am still unable to release it independently. "
"Don't fret, Fiander; whether it's Shinigami or Menos Grande, your skills are surpassed only by one I've ever encountered. "
"I understand, Master Aizen. "
At this point, Aizen gestured toward a collection of data displayed on the computer and spoke to him:
"Check this out, the experiment is nearing completion, and I believe there are areas where your assistance would be valuable. "
Upon listening to Aizen's remarks, he hurried over to Aizen's side and noticed a list of prospective Shinigami from the Soul Society on the screen.
Included in this list were the names Kira Iziru, Hinamori Momo, and Abarai Renji. Fiander recognized these names from his time watching Bleach; he still recalls a majority of the captains and vice-captains.