As the enormous golden figure in Central Square completely crumbled, the light scattered across the sky gradually settled.
In the upper reaches of Wahrwelt, the long stairway leading to the Soul King Palace's central temple shimmered in and out of sight among white clouds.
This was a floating divine realm that Yhwach had rewoven from reishi, its entire white stone street broad and deserted.
Ichigo Kurosaki sprinted across the broad marble floor with two enormous swords on his back.
His gaze remained fixed on the magnificent, pure white keep at the end of the long street.
That was the nexus of the Three Realms, and the source of every disaster.
"Yhwach..."
Ichigo Kurosaki murmured.
He could clearly sense an immeasurably heavy pressure swirling unchecked in the deepest reaches of that Imperial Palace.
I have to get there before that bastard completely devours the foundation of the Three Realms.
Just as he stepped onto the seventh flight of white jade stairs.
Beyond the broad pillared corridor ahead, several strange white figures materialized out of nothing.
They were Soul King Palace Royal Guard Spirit Soldiers, clad in white armor, their faces devoid of features.
These guards gripped spiked halberds formed from highly pure reishi, lining up in perfect unison to form a thick, impenetrable wall.
"Kill all who trespass through the heavenly gate."
A unified, muffled drone emerged from beneath those mouthless masks.
Over a hundred sharp halberds leveled at once and thrust straight toward Ichigo Kurosaki with a heavy whistle.
Ichigo Kurosaki raised his brows slightly, his right hand instantly reaching for the long Zangetsu behind him.
"Out of my way!"
Ichigo Kurosaki shouted.
But just as he drew his sword.
"Ichigo, your sword isn't meant for cutting down these grunts!"
A rough, powerful roar thundered through the air.
A burly