Chapter 138: Yhwach

Human World.

A desolate wind swept the barren fields. Though midsummer, no crops grew, and the ground was littered with white bones. Dilapidated villages dotted the landscape, abandoned and lifeless.

An old man huddled under the scorching sun, a broken chain of fate dangling from his chest—a sign he was already dead, his soul tethered to the mortal world. His village, impoverished and crushed by the daimyo’s heavy taxes and conscription for war, lay uncultivated. The strong were taken, the weak starved, leaving only despair.

Such was the way of this era. Nobles cared nothing for commoners.

“I’m not reconciled! How could I die like this? I haven’t held my grandson yet! We’re all human, so why are they so cruel? Did they ever think of us, even for a moment?” the old man wailed, clutching his chest. His chain of fate shattered, consumed by a bottomless abyss. His body twisted, transforming from a soul into a Hollow, his humanity lost.

A blue light streaked from afar, piercing the Hollow’s skull. The creature swayed, collapsed, and dissipated completely.

A man in an elegant white Quincy uniform stood on a nearby hill, gazing coldly at the scene. The hellish landscape stirred no sympathy in him. If commoners die, they die. What does that have to do with us Quincy?

This Quincy, Edward, had traveled from the distant West, following “God” across mountains and rivers to this barren land. The Quincy’s purpose wasn’t to rule humans but to pursue a greater goal: to challenge the King of this world, the Soul King, creator of all.

But a more pressing issue gnawed at Edward. Hours ago, a small Quincy team he’d sent to infiltrate Soul Society for intelligence had lost contact. A bad premonition stirred, but he dismissed it. His subordinates were fine. Quincy were the strongest in this world—six together could retreat unscathed from any threat. Shinigami? Laughable. They’d captured one in a nearby village, weak as a rabbit, powerless against Quincy might. His team of six could wreak havoc in Soul Society, likely too busy causing chaos to report.

Edward dispatched the Hollow and returned to the Quincy King’s palace. Its solemn, majestic aura overwhelmed him. He straightened his uniform and entered respectfully.

On the central throne sat a man in black, eyes closed, feigning sleep. The Quincy King’s presence pressed down on Edward, wiping away his usual arrogance. Before His Majesty, only submission remained.

“Edward. Is there something?” the Quincy King spoke slowly.

His voice sent a prickle through Edward, who adjusted his tone and said respectfully, “Your Majesty, the small team I sent to Soul Society suddenly lost contact. I think they might be having too much fun in Soul Society…”

The Quincy King raised a hand, silencing him. Edward broke into a cold sweat, kneeling on one knee, head bowed, not daring to meet His Majesty’s gaze.

This man, the King of the Quincy, the Son of the Soul King, was Yhwach. His eyes seemed to pierce all truths. After a moment, he said faintly, “Those people are already dead.”

“What? There are Shinigami in Soul Society who can kill Quincy? That’s impossible!” Edward blurted, frantic.

Under Yhwach’s leadership, Quincy slew gods and Buddhas alike, unrivaled. They believed themselves the world’s strongest, without equal.

“Are you questioning me?” Yhwach’s tone was calm, but Edward trembled. How could he dare question His Majesty?

“I remember my order was to gather intelligence, not to engage in conflict with Shinigami. But why did they formulate a plan different from my order?” Yhwach stared at Edward, kneeling before him. “You are their direct superior, aren’t you?”

Edward shook in fear. “Your Majesty… I… I promise this kind of thing won’t happen again,” he stammered.

Yhwach’s tone held no blame. “You don’t need to be afraid, because there will be no ‘again’.”

With a slight flick of his finger, an invisible force exploded Edward’s head, blood and brains splattering. Yhwach devoured Edward’s soul, his power growing slightly.

The other Quincy fell silent, chilled by the sight.

“I told you, didn’t I? Shinigami are not easy enemies to deal with. Put away your arrogance; this will be a tough battle. There’s still half a year. After half a year, I’ll regain my true power. So, during these six months, what you need to do is not kill enemies, but gather intelligence. We know too little about Shinigami. Even if it costs your lives, you must bring back valuable information. Understood?” Yhwach said in a deep voice.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the Quincy replied, kneeling as one.

Yhwach closed his eyes again, slipping into slumber. He had not yet awakened his true power, The Almighty, his omniscience and omnipotence. He sensed a formidable force guarding Soul Society—likely Yamamoto Genryūsai or another of the Gotei 13’s founders. Without The Almighty, even he might not prevail.

Thus, Yhwach set the decisive battle for six months hence. By then, he would awaken The Almighty and advance his strength, ready to sweep the Three Realms unchallenged.

Until then, he would slumber deeply. The Quincy below sensed their King’s rest and dared to rise, cleaning the blood and corpse from the floor.

Why is His Majesty’s personality growing more tyrannical? some whispered in their hearts. If this continues, the Quincy will have no future!