Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182 - 182: The Great Sin

A towering, solitary structure stood between heaven and earth.

Constructed entirely from massive white stone, its countless thick pillars and intricately crafted bricks supported what appeared to be an ancient capital of Hueco Mundo.

Unlike the seamless, futuristic Las Noches that Aizen would later rule, the architecture before them reflected a craftsmanship more akin to the ancient techniques of the human world.

The surrounding rocky mountains were riddled with caves of varying sizes, serving as the nesting grounds of the Adjuchas. Their bestial postures mirrored the instincts and behaviors of wild animals.

And yet, the sheer scale and design of most buildings within Las Noches suggested they were meant for beings in human form.

Among all Hollows, only Vasto Lorde and Arrancar came closest to resembling humans.

This raised an unsettling question—

Could there have once been an ancient civilization in Hueco Mundo, formed by Vasto Lordes or Arrancars?

...

As night deepened, moonlight cascaded over Las Noches like flowing water.

Before the throne, numerous powerful Menos knelt in reverence, their bodies trembling slightly. None dared to lift their heads.

Seated upon the throne was a humanoid skeleton, adorned with a resplendent golden crown. A regal black velvet robe, lined with deep purple, draped over his bony frame.

He emanated an unquestionable authority—one that demanded submission without the need for anger.

With one hand lazily supporting his chin, he gazed down at the gathered Hollows, his presence exuding absolute dominance.

His eye sockets, devoid of pupils, seemed to pierce through each of his subjects with an invisible yet razor-sharp gaze.

The Adjuchas in attendance swallowed nervously.

Though their sheer size far surpassed that of a Vasto Lorde—some even ten times larger—it was meaningless.

When it came to Reiatsu, the Vasto Lorde were the true giants.

As the undisputed ruler of Hueco Mundo, Baraggan idly tapped his skeletal fingers against the armrest of his throne.

Each rhythmic tap carried a weight that sent a silent wave of dread through those present.

Then, his deep voice rumbled like distant thunder, shaking them to their core.

"The pursuit of Harribel has lasted half a month. Has Oswell returned?"

However, before any of his subordinates could respond, a figure burst into the palace like a storm.

A rose in full bloom—yet unmistakably humanoid.

It was one of Baraggan's most trusted Adjuchas, Charlotte Chuhlhourne.

His expression was frantic, his steps hurried, as if he had just escaped catastrophe.

At the sight of his disheveled appearance, unease rippled through the gathered Hollows.

A heavy weight settled upon them.

For they knew all too well—

The wrath of Baraggan was not something the Adjuchas could afford to endure.

"Your Majesty Baraggan! A grave incident has occurred! Oswell-sama... he has fallen in battle! We discovered his body in the western dunes."

"Your Majesty Baraggan! A grave incident has occurred! Lord Oswell... he has fallen in battle! We discovered his body in the western dunes."

Charlotte Chuhlhourne reported breathlessly, his voice filled with grief and shock.

"Ggio, Abirama, and Findorr, who set out with us... have also vanished without a trace!"

The assembled Hollows felt their hearts clench, their faces full of disbelief. Then, with trepidation, they turned their gazes toward Baraggan, who sat high above them, and lowered their heads even further.

Missing?

Most likely, they had all perished, reduced to nothing but scattered Reishi!

Even Oswell, a Vasto Lorde-class Menos, had fallen—what chance did those Adjuchas have of surviving?

The open-air palace was instantly shrouded in heavy silence.

Baraggan slowly straightened his posture, his once-lazy demeanor vanishing, though he did not speak immediately.

Everyone present knew all too well—this was only the brief calm before the storm.

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