Hueco Mundo.
A gentle breeze swept past, sending endless white sand swirling through the air and forming wave-like ripples across the ground.
At the end of the wind stood a towering complex of buildings that reached into the clouds and occupied nearly half the inner circle. White sand had piled up beneath the buildings, forming one arched sand hill after another.
Tier stood on the suspension bridge, gazing down at the scene below.
No matter how many years passed, this unchanging sight filled her with an indescribable disgust.
Compared with staying here, she preferred being in the Forest of Menos.
Unfortunately...
She could no longer leave Las Noches so easily.
At that thought, Tier lowered her head and looked at her right leg.
Her outfit was the same as always: fingerless gloves, a short skirt with two blade-like ornaments hanging from the back, and boots decorated with straps.
But beside the purple strap on Tier's right leg, there was now an additional number, positioned just below the hem of her skirt.
--9.
Looking at that number, Tier let out a faint sigh.
Ever since Duan Mu had caused a commotion in Hueco Mundo, not long after she had voluntarily given up her seat among the Espada... Lord Aizen had suddenly bestowed NO. 9 upon her, making her one of the survivors of the first batch of "Blades."
Once upon a time, earning Lord Aizen's recognition and keeping her number among the Espada had been a goal she would have pursued even at the cost of her life.
But at some point, Tier discovered that being an Espada no longer held any appeal for her.
Inheriting Aaroniero's seat and becoming an Espada had brought her no joy.
All she felt was constraint and unease about the future. After that lord returned