(Allen's thoughts)
Allen's actions weren't as simple as investigating what happened out of curiosity. He took the circumstances of this world seriously after seeing Yhwach in that death/not-death state.
The first thing he suspected was Jugram Haschwalth; the man was fine, although he claimed his power was reduced. Not just Jugram, but all the Quincy, especially the Sternritter, still retained their power despite Yhwach's condition. Even if only half, it didn't make sense.
The Sternritter are assigned a letter of the alphabet, except for "A," which belongs to Yhwach himself with his "The Almighty." Simply put, it allows its user to impose their will on the world. However, this is relative to the user's own power since there are things Yhwach's "The Almighty" could never affect, such as the Spirit King.
Back to the main point, obtaining the power of the sacred letters requires Yhwach to grant a fragment of his soul to each of the "chosen ones". Yhwach's soul resided in the Quincy's, so his "death" should have consequences for them.
Another important point is that the Quincy were Yhwach's creation; they were subjected to his will, and regardless of how powerful they were, the king could reclaim that power whenever he wanted, whether for himself or someone else. There was only one exception, someone Yhwach considered his successor in the canon.
This revealed certain inconsistencies in the world that Allen noticed, such as why The Quincies could still wield the power given by Yhwach if he was dead.
Allen tried to justify it in his mind by thinking that Yhwach did something similar to what his father, the Spirit King, did upon "dying."
Aizen mentioned it at one point: the world called Bleach exists because of a being known as the "Spirit King." If this being dies, the world ends, quite literally.
The world needs a pillar called the Spirit King. However, there's a critical situation in Bleach. The Spirit King "died" long ago, at least in consciousness. Now he is just an anchor that holds the world together while what remains of his body and soul is encased in a floating crystal. That's why the world of Bleach doesn't collapse despite the Spirit King's loss of consciousness.
Yhwach planned to kill the Spirit King completely and take his place, allowing him to recreate the world at his will. So if Yhwach died similarly to his father, his descendants, his creations "The Quincies" could still wield his power because of this.
Of course, Allen was astonished by this, as Yhwach wasn't a benevolent father. It was incredible that he didn't reclaim all of Quincy's power and only half when attacked to defend himself. Perhaps he didn't have time, or maybe he knew that even with all his power, he couldn't resist and decided to leave his power as a way to prevent his "enemy" from erasing his entire legacy in one blow.
Allen felt an unsettling sensation as if he were in someone else's hand...
It's not hard to see that the person who made Allen feel that way was the one who attacked Yhwach. That person or entity isn't playing games; they nearly wiped out all of Quincy along with Yhwach.
That's why Allen decided to be discreet. He wants to learn more about this world before acting with less restraint. Especially since his power is greatly diminished in this world, only able to use Chi and Cursed Energy without any additional buffs. To the extent that even blowing up a small planet is unrealistic for him right now… For Allen, who usually deals with absurd power levels, this is practically like being a normal person.
But not everything is bad, as the system said. Native powers will develop more thanks to this. For example, his recently obtained "The Absolute" won't have anything to envy from "The Almighty" if developed well. As for whether Allen will obtain Shinigami, Quincy, Hollow, and Fullbringer powers, the answer is pretty obvious… he should at least try to obtain them since they will be useful, if not necessary, to face this world's challenges.
So before thinking about leaving the Shadow Realm, he must first leave the Invisible Empire. Before leaving the Invisible Empire, he must leave the Wandenreich castle. And before leaving the castle, he must pass through the Sun Gate.
Could Allen ask the system to create a portal?
Yes, but to where? The system is as lost as Allen. In a DC or Marvel world, it could locate itself immediately and take Allen wherever he wanted in an instant, but not in this world. It's long been implied that Allen's system was designed solely for Marvel and DC worlds… So any world outside of those is beyond its programming.
With all this in mind, Allen decided to separate from Jugram and try to leave on his own. He could have asked Jugram for help, but he wouldn't trust Yhwach's most loyal man so easily. Especially since he doesn't trust everything Jugram said to be true.
...
(Back to the present)
Allen faced Gremmy, without a hint of fear. Although Gremmy's ability is troublesome, it has a critical flaw—the user himself. Gremmy can make anything he imagines a reality, including his negative thoughts, pessimism, defeatist attitudes, fears, and insecurities, which could lead him to kill himself... like Bocchi.
Gremmy is an emotional being who can be swayed by strong emotions. Another disadvantage is Gremmy's imagination source. He's not the most creative or knowledgeable person, so his imagination is limited.
Of course, the main reason Allen isn't afraid of Gremmy is that even as a novice in using Reishi and Reiatsu, Allen can use his Cursed Energy and Chi, which are types of spiritual energy. Interestingly, while Cursed Energy is a type of spiritual energy associated with curses, Chi is spiritual energy associated with life.
In conclusion, Allen can face Gremmy, although he doesn't want to because, with just those few changes he discovered, he already understands that this is an unknown world with unknown situations and threats.
One must not forget that Bleach is one of the "big three" shonen, partially inspired by Dragon Ball, and at any moment, this world can spiral out of control, scaling powers to ridiculous levels.
...
Oblivious to Allen's thoughts Gremmy spoke, "You know that courage is dangerous for weak people?"
"You said the same thing a moment ago, and I heard you…"
'What are you doing?!' Allen's response made Bambietta pale. She could only scream in her mind, knowing what kind of person Gremmy was and how dangerous he could be.
"You really do have courage…" Gremmy said with a slightly cold smile.
In a place where most Quincy didn't even dare to look at him out of fear that he might kill them with a thought, an ordinary Soldat dared to answer without respect.
Gremmy had a pretty harmless appearance, but it was only that—an appearance. He is someone with a great ego, aware of his power, and not hesitant to show it. He calls himself the strongest, though some Sternritter might disagree with that. Still, he's not someone to be taken lightly by anyone.
Allen didn't seem to care, positioning himself in front of Bambietta because Gremmy wouldn't hesitate to kill, even if it meant taking out another Sternritter. With Bambietta's temper, Allen worried she might provoke Gremmy and shift his attention from Allen to her. Of course, his concerns faded when he saw Bambi's pale expression. She knew her limits and showed no intention of starting a conflict.
"…" Allen remained silent, maintaining his calm demeanor.
"…" Gremmy stopped smiling and stayed silent.
"…" Bambietta gritted her teeth, considering her next move. Maybe triggering a big explosion could buy time to escape with Allen.
'No, Gremmy could just imagine that the explosion is water vapor or candy, anything!… How do you fight against someone who doesn't play by the rules?! Why is my luck so bad?! Is this my punishment for all my past actions?! Did they show me paradise just to slam the doors in my face?!'
While Bambietta cursed her fate, Allen moved. He couldn't leave the first move up in the air against an enemy like this, so he prepared to use the World-Splitting Slash.
"…?"
Allen stopped when he noticed the floor and walls damaged by Bambietta were restoring themselves...
Before Allen and Bambi could process what had happened all hostility from Gremmy disappeared as he leaned against the wall.
"Leave now, or they'll kill you…" Gremmy said with a bored look.
"Why?" Allen's eyes widened at such a sudden change in events.
Gremmy has a cold and ruthless personality, a trait that characterizes most members of the Wandenreich. However, Gremmy stood out for his particularly calm demeanor, often wearing a serene smile and displaying certain signs of bravado. He was quite cruel, enough to toy with his enemies regardless of their gender or age. If someone displeased him, he could make them suffer just before their death. Gremmy didn't care if the other party was weak, injured, or unconscious—he could kill them mercilessly and boast about it right in front of the person who tried to keep them alive.
Yet, even being this type of person, Gremmy was quite respectful to his opponents, declaring that it would be rude not to set up a battle scene or allow the first move. Of course, analyzing this coldly, it might just be that he enjoyed showing off his powers when facing his enemies.
Gremmy looked up at the ceiling as if searching for an answer to Allen's question. "Why? Who knows, maybe as a reward…"
"Reward?" Allen still couldn't understand; this didn't align with the Gremmy he knew.
"Someone once told me that the Sternritters are selfish, and it's true, all of them are, including His Majesty. But Bambi-chan, you intrigued me when I saw you protecting this Soldat, and for someone so weak to stand before me… you know, even His Majesty fears me, so I liked your actions. I am the strongest, and I could kill you both without lifting a finger, but I'll let you go because I am the strongest and I can do whatever I want."
People couldn't understand whether this was Gremmy's boasting or if he truly considered himself above Yhwach, which was obviously untrue.
Allen squinted, understanding less and less about this world, but he wouldn't waste this opportunity. He took Bambietta's hand and quickly walked past.
"Thank you… and I'm sorry," Allen said, glancing back at Gremmy as he passed with Bambietta.
"..." Gremmy didn't respond and just watched them go.
…
After Allen left, Gremmy's face twisted in disgust. "I don't like being spied on, Jugram…"
Jugram Haschwalth appeared in the hallway without showing any irritation at Gremmy's rude attitude.
"Why did you let them go?" Jugram's unemotional eyes probed Gremmy as he, too, thought this action was out of character.
Gremmy made a bag of candy appear and took a lollipop, then made the bag disappear. "Because I wanted to. Stop asking stupid questions."
"..." Jugram observed Gremmy coldly and then left the way he came.
"..." Gremmy stayed silent. He was a monster, fully aware of it, not just because of his power but because of who he really was. His current body was just an illusion, created by his imagination; his true form was a brain in a capsule.
Gremmy was a monster, and people saw him with disgust, fear, or pity. Especially that third look, which he despised the most.
When Allen looked at him, Gremmy felt like he was being seen—his real self. But in Allen's eyes, there was none of those looks.
For a moment, Gremmy felt accepted… and that was… pleasant, as Allen never stopped seeing him as a "person." Allen was more than just a Soldat; unintentionally, he was the second person who didn't see Gremmy as a monster, so he decided to let the brave little Soldat go…
"Tsk… it's not like me…"
Gremmy clutched his own head as he walked away. At that moment, one of his arms fell off. He bent down, his arm had been cut so perfectly that he hadn't even realized it until it fell off. Gremmy picked up his arm and reattached it.
Gremmy moved his arm without trouble, "Was it Haschwalth? No… don't tell me?!"
An absurd possibility crossed his mind, maybe the weak soldat hurt him?
Gremmy had his guard down against Allen; how could he take a Soldat seriously... but if that thought was real, then Allen was hiding his power.
"Nah haha..." Gremmy soon dismissed it, laughing at his thoughts before walking away again.
...
Leaving Gremmy behind, Jugram returned to the throne room. He had only followed Allen to understand his intentions, and Jugram was no fool; he understood that Allen wanted to pose as an ordinary Soldat.
Jugram couldn't fully grasp the extent of Allen's power, but he knew he wouldn't be easily killed by any Sternritter. So, he could wait for Allen to contact him at ease.
Jugram looked at the throne…
He had done the same for a thousand years, nine hundred of them watching His Majesty Yhwach, and the last hundred waiting for His Majesty's "successor" to awaken. Jugram still didn't know whether to see Allen as Yhwach's successor, a clone, or a second king.
"Allen Walker…"
*Jugram's POV*
"…"
I sighed; I had done this countless times, especially over the last hundred years filled with uncertainty. I chose to imprison myself with Yhwach's secret, but realistically, there were likely other Quincy who had already realized the truth but had not complained.
The one left by His Majesty had awakened—not a hollow, nor a Shinigami. He had a physical body of flesh and bone, yet he was not a Quincy either… he was a human.
A simple human? No human could live a hundred years without changing appearance, nor have such a developed mind within seconds of awakening.
Above all, His Majesty's vengeance was entrusted to him, not to me or any Quincy who was utterly loyal to His Majesty.
I must be tired… otherwise, I would never question His Majesty's decisions… but is it necessary to maintain that mentality now?
The prophecy was broken, His Majesty is dead; there is no vengeance, no conquest, no restructuring of the world…
Is this our fate?
Were those thousand years of waiting in vain?
Were the Shinigami right, and should the Quincy never have existed in the first place?
Who should we ask for answers?
We are an empire hidden in the shadows, waiting for a king who will not awaken.
My heart sank; when His Majesty's chosen one awoke, I felt the urge to kill him, not because he was human, but because letting him live would mean accepting that His Majesty would never return.
In the end, I couldn't do it; my personal desire to cling to His Majesty couldn't overcome His Majesty's final wishes.
From the moment the boy awoke until he opened his eyes, only a second passed. After that moment, I realized my initial thought was foolish.
It was all so natural. That young man could already speak, think, analyze; he already knew things he shouldn't have known… a feeling that no matter what I did, I wouldn't be able to understand the scope of his consciousness and knowledge, the same feeling I had with His Majesty.
So, I chose to see that young man as His Majesty and called him Yhwach-sama…
Soon, I realized my mistake; with just a few interactions, I understood he wasn't a creation of His Majesty but was brought to our dimension from somewhere else... But even though he didn't share His Majesty's blood, he was as unique as Him, which was absurd since His Majesty was the son of the Spirit King, the god of the world. How could there be someone as special as Him?
It doesn't matter; thinking about it is useless. I wasn't chosen to lead anything, so I'll just bear witness to where the gears of destiny, spun by this mysterious young man, will lead.
His first action was to distance himself. It's not surprising; from his position, he's in a place full of hostile people with no loyalty to him… I can follow his orders, but my loyalty remains with Yhwach-sama…
Regardless of that, since I called him "Your Majesty," I must protect him, so I prepared to intervene if anyone put him in danger, but it wasn't necessary.
I must say, two things surprised me. One was that he didn't seem affected by As Nodt's fear, and the second was that despite knowing the nature of Gremmy's powers, he didn't take a step back.
"…"
I stopped thinking about these things and stared at the throne… now empty…
Before, everything was simple. His Majesty had planned everything for a thousand years; destiny was already written, and everything moved according to His Majesty's will, so waiting until His Majesty conquered the world and reshaped it to His will was just a matter of time. But now, everything is uncertain. There might be a plan behind it, but it isn't His Majesty's.
I cannot die…
Not yet, there is still one thing I must do, what we all Quincy must do: seek vengeance. Whoever or whatever killed our lord, I don't know who you are, but I will make sure you pay in kind…
I breathed deeply as I controlled my emotions; it had been many years since I felt anger. I cannot just sit and do nothing, I must investigate on my own, but I will do it discreetly like… him… like His Majesty.
*End of POV*
Jugram already knew that from now on, "His Majesty" would no longer be Yhwach, and he had to get used to calling Allen that. Even if Allen did not accept being the king, he was now all they had to fill Yhwach's place.
...
...
Not only was the Wandenreich alive; moving to another part outside the realm of shadows, specifically in the so-called Seireitei (Soul Society), we find the Gotei 13, the place of residence for the shinigami.
The structure is simple: the ranks of the Shinigami are divided into thirteen squads commanded by a captain and a vice-captain. All of them follow the orders of Captain-Commander, who is also the captain of the First Division.
Each shinigami squad has its own identity, ranging from support tasks such as reconnaissance, research, and medicine, to squads focused on combat.
...
A short-statured girl was hurrying down a wooden hallway in a Japanese-style building, she had hair tied up in a bun at the back of her head, large, bright black eyes full of excitement, and a smile that rarely leaves her face.
She wore a "Shihakusho," the traditional clothing of a Shinigami, consisting of a black kimono tied at the waist with a white obi that serves as a sash or belt, a hakama, which are traditional wide Japanese pants, and sandals called zori.
In addition to the standard attire, she had an insignia on her arm that highlighted her position as the vice-captain of the Fifth Division.
Her name was Hinamori Momo…
She arrived in front of a door, but instead of entering, she knelt as a sign of respect.
"Captain, I have come to inform you that Commander Yamamoto is summoning the captains for a meeting…"
The door opened as Hinamori's eyes sparkled, but she quickly hid her overflowing admiration for her captain.
The wooden and paper door slid open, and a man appeared. He wore the same clothing as Hinamori, with the addition of a white garment over his shoulders that draped down his back to his calves called a Haori, which was exclusive to captains.
The man smiled kindly, "Thank you, Hinamori-kun…"
The man walked, leaving Hinamori with her eyes fixed on his back as she followed him.
"I see… it's time…" the man murmured with a slight smile that did not go unnoticed by Hinamori.
"Captain, you seem pleased. Did something good happen?"
"Perhaps… though I'm not sure…"
Hinamori didn't understand what her captain meant, but she was content to simply follow his back.
===
A/N: Sorry if the story progresses slowly, in the first chapters I need to give a lot of information for those who are not so knowledgeable about Bleach ;3
My new patreon is: Patreon.com/_Aizen