"Then there's nothing we can do," Masatsuki Aozaki sighed helplessly, though he didn't feel much disappointment.
On his way here, he had already learned from Sung-Sun about this Vasto Lorde. As a loyal follower of Baraggan, convincing him to switch sides was nothing more than a fool's dream.
"Ikkotsu!!"
With a low shout, an immense force erupted.
Oswell's body was sent flying as if struck by a high-speed rocket, soaring backward at an incredible speed. A white shockwave rippled through the air in his wake, resembling the impact of an explosive shell.
At that moment, Abirama and Findorr flashed behind Oswell like lightning, swiftly catching his body and forming a solid human barrier.
The three of them shot across the sky like meteors, hurtling dozens of meters before crashing into the desert, kicking up a massive cloud of sand.
Watching this unfold, Masatsuki Aozaki's lips curled slightly as he shook his head.
His Reiatsu was already superior to Oswell's. After releasing his Shikai, though he remained within the Second-Class Spiritual Power level, his strength had completely overwhelmed the latter.
"I acknowledge your loyalty. In that case, fulfill your duty to your liege!"
His gaze was as cold as ice.
The knight who had once again risen to his feet was filled with unwavering devotion and faith toward his liege—he would never submit so easily.
At that moment, cries of shock erupted from the Hollows of Las Noches.
Their eyes widened in disbelief as they witnessed the scene before them.
Oswell's right side suddenly burst open, blood and flesh scattering in all directions, reduced to countless tiny fragments...
As if torn apart by an invisible force, the remains drifted into the air, carried away by the wind.
And amidst the gruesome sight, a long blade as white as snow and razor-sharp appeared silently.
The sword hovered in midair, its tip gleaming with a chilling light as it advanced toward Oswell, radiating an overwhelming, terrifying white Reiatsu.
Faced with imminent death, Oswell merely closed his eyes, showing no fear—like an actor gracefully taking his final bow, accepting his fate with dignity.
The Menos of Las Noches turned pale, their faces filled with horror as an unshakable sense of dread crept into their hearts.
"Let me help you take your final bow."
The voice was cold and resolute, accompanied by the faintest trace of an indifferent smile.
Masatsuki Aozaki wielded his sword with smooth, elegant movements, as if performing a mesmerizing dance—yet each swing carried a lethal intent, brimming with unimaginable power.
A flash of steel.
Oswell's armor shattered, and in an instant, a crimson line appeared across his neck.
Scarlet blood spurted out, forming a mist in the air.
In the next moment, Masatsuki Aozaki's hand shot forward like a bolt of lightning, effortlessly piercing Oswell's chest before swiftly withdrawing.
A faint smile of relief surfaced on the knight's face.
His body swayed slightly before collapsing without suspense.
Masatsuki Aozaki slowly turned his head, his cold gaze sweeping across the Menos of Las Noches.
His voice was calm and low, his lips curved into a faint smile as he asked, "Do you intend to collect his body?"
Upon hearing this, the members of Las Noches turned pale, their expressions filled with terror as they cried out:
"How could we? We would never do something so foolish!"
"My lord, I am willing to submit to you! Please allow me to follow you!"
"My lord, please spare me! That idiot Oswell deserved to die—it was his own fault!"
"Please, let me live!"
For a moment, desperate pleas and flattery echoed through the vast desert.
Under the endless sea of sand, the Hollows of Las Noches stood ashen-faced, staring at Oswell's body as it slowly plummeted to the ground.
Their eyes locked onto his shattered lance and ruined armor, and a chilling dread seeped into their hearts.
Unlike the loyal and fearless Oswell, most Hollows in Las Noches had only submitted to Baraggan's rule to survive.
Now, seeing even the mighty Oswell fall to his death, the already cowardly and spineless Hollows were paralyzed with fear, completely losing the will to resist.
To them, loyalty was nothing more than a bargaining chip—a means to prolong their existence under Baraggan's rule.
The moment their lives were threatened, loyalty meant nothing. They would discard it without hesitation, betraying their so-called king without a second thought.
As long as they could stay alive, nothing else mattered.
"You vile, treacherous bastards! How dare you commit such an unforgivable act—betraying the great and noble Majesty Baraggan!!"
At that moment, Abirama let out a sharp, furious shriek, his voice trembling with uncontrollable rage and hatred.
"Hmph! His Majesty Baraggan will never forgive you traitors!"
"You will suffer the same cruel fate as Harribel—hunted relentlessly until you are reduced to dust!!"
Abirama roared, eyes burning with fury, as if trying to unleash every ounce of his rage.
Hearing his words, the surrounding Hollows froze in place.
Just moments ago, Oswell had been mercilessly struck down by Masatsuki Aozaki's overwhelming Reiatsu.
With their own lives hanging by a thread, chaos had consumed them, leaving them no time to consider how their distant ruler would react.
But now, as they watched Abirama hovering in the air, shouting in outrage, their gazes shifted toward him.
In their eyes, a barely perceptible glint of murderous intent flickered.
They had respected the powerful knight who had fallen, but as for the mad griffon before them, there was not a trace of fear in their expressions.
"This idiot..."
Findorr cursed inwardly.
His massive crab claw rested across his chest, poised to defend against any sudden attack from the other Hollows.
Everyone knew that, like Abirama, Findorr was a devoted follower of Baraggan.
However, unlike Abirama, Findorr was both more arrogant and more intelligent.
"Don't bother..."
Masatsuki Aozaki's mouth curled into a cold, violent sneer.
A faint white glow of Reiatsu flickered around his slightly bent index finger.
"The only thing of value you have is your filthy souls."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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