The stars returned.
Endless starlight fell upon every corner, while the deep cosmic backdrop and drifting mist remained unchanged.
It was as though this mysterious space known as the Star Council had never changed in the slightest with the passage of time.
At that moment, four figures rapidly solidified from illusion atop the high-backed chairs around the Star Round Table.
At the head of the table.
The Lord of Stars, formed by Imu, appeared first, his entire body still shrouded in dense Starshine.
The faces of the other three council members emerged one after another as well.
"Hello, hello, hello, hello~"
"We're here again!"
Accompanied by her somewhat strange laughter, Perona, dressed in a black princess gown, looked as lively and adorable as ever.
Her large, round eyes gleamed with excitement.
She was the first to politely greet the figure at the head of the table. "Hello, King of Stars."
Next was Aizen, draped in the captain's haori of the Fifth Division, his expression gentle and humble.
He pushed up the glasses on his nose and quickly swept his gaze across the room.
Finally, his eyes settled on the head seat, and he bowed elegantly in greeting.
"Lord of Stars, it is an immense honor to be summoned by you once again."
His voice was steady and powerful, carrying just the right amount of respect.
Then there was Natsuki Subaru.
Unlike last time, when he had seemed nearly crushed beneath despair.
Although there was still a trace of barely noticeable exhaustion between his brows.
His eyes were much brighter now, faintly revealing a sharp edge.
Natsuki Subaru took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his excitement.
He bowed deeply to Imu. "Lord of Stars, I am very glad to see you."
Imu merely nodded, signaling for them to make themselves