Chapter 8: Clash of Titans: The Espada vs Esteban
Esteban's lips curved into a savage smile as he moved fastest and struck first. A vibrant, silvery-black aura began to swirl around him, gathering energy as it danced like an ominous storm before firing off from his hand.
It was a familiar, yet alien force - the strongest version of the signature move of the Espada, a Gran Rey Cero. The sight of it had the Espada stiffening in anticipation, a hint of wariness in their eyes.
Esteban had only learned to create a Gran Rey Cero and personalized Cero blasts altogether, a few days ago, and he had been practicing relentlessly.
His unique version of the Cero ability was a shade of silver that faded into black at the edges, swirling with such intensity it felt as if it could swallow the world. The intimidating power it held was a testament to his mastery and frightening destructive potency.
As Esteban unleashed his Gran Rey Cero, his gaze never wavered from the Espada. Despite his outward confidence, an undercurrent of concern ran through his thoughts. This was, after all, a fight against eight Espada-level opponents.
While the show of force from his Gran Rey Cero was impressive, he wasn't oblivious to the danger he was facing. Each Espada was a formidable adversary in their own right, possessing unique abilities and a level of power that matched or even surpassed his own. United, they were an intimidating force, one that could prove to be his downfall if he wasn't careful.
The Espada's initial shock at Esteban's attack was a palpable thing. Their eyes widened, their reiatsu flaring out defensively as they took in the enormity of his Gran Rey Cero.
It was a monstrous attack, its sheer size dwarfing even Las Noches, the hollow fortress, in comparison. It was an overwhelming spectacle that resonated with deadly power, a blatant display of his immense power and control over Reishi.
"What in the name of...?", Cirucci muttered, her voice barely audible over the humming energy of the impending attack. Her fingers tightened around the handle of her weapon, the fear causing her normally calm composure to crack.
Yammy, normally brash and arrogant, fell silent. His wide eyes reflected the terrifying power that Esteban had summoned, "This...this is insane!", He murmured, the words barely a whisper.
Zommari, known for his stoic demeanor, let out a low whistle of surprise, "Such power...," He admitted, his eyes showing the respect he had for the monstrosity before them.
Grimmjow, the ever-reckless, the ever-bold, seemed to be the only one who found this new turn of events thrilling, "Heh, now we're talking!", He exclaimed, cracking his knuckles in anticipation, his grin more wolfish than ever.
The majority of the Espada, although surprised, were quick to react. Their Sonido kicked in, their forms blurring as they moved to evade the blast's most destructive core.
Simultaneously, they fortified their defenses with Hierro, the steel-like toughness of their skin serving as their best bet against the lethal onslaught.
Nelliel, however, was the calm in the storm. She didn't express shock or fear; instead, she was calculating, thoughtful, "Remarkable...", She said, her voice steady, "This power...is immense. But it's not insurmountable."
To their utter shock, Nelliel moved in the opposite direction. Instead of retreating, she advanced, charging directly toward the center of the attack, and activated her Resurrection in the process.
She was aware of her special ability, the power to absorb any Cero, amplify it with her own, and fire it back. The idea of using her power against something as potent as Esteban's attack was daunting, but Nelliel was not one to back down.
In a flash of light, her form changed, her body becoming more muscular and animalistic like a centaur, her attire shifting to resemble a white armored dress, and a hollow helmet forming over her head. Her appearance was striking, her transformation enhancing her formidable presence.
Nelliel's Resurreccion was a sight to behold, her form radiating with increased power. It was a testament to her strength and resolve, a sign that she was ready to fight tooth and nail against Esteban's onslaught.
But, it was her next move that truly shook the Espada. Despite the potency and chaotic nature of the Grand Ray Cero, she managed to swallow it.
Swallowing the grand Cero was like ingesting raw power, every bit as potent and wild as Esteban himself. The energy coursed through her, the raw power of it making her grimace. But she held it in, allowed it to mingle with her own Cero, before releasing the combined force back at Esteban.
The sheer magnitude of her counterattack left the other Espadas in shock, their eyes wide as they watched the titanic energy clash. This was not only a demonstration of power but a testament to their will. And Nelliel was determined to not be outdone.
The process was draining, the energy threatening to overwhelm her, but she stood her ground, her Reiatsu flaring brightly as she amplified the damage potential of the combined attack, with her own Grand Ray Cero, and shot it right back at him.
The sight of Nelliel's defiance inspired the rest of the Espada, the pressure of Esteban's attack easing as she redirected it back at him. It allowed them to utilize their Sonido to its full potential, moving out of immediate danger, their shock replaced by renewed determination.
And suddenly, Grimmjow's eyes widened, an exclamation slipping from his lips before he too unleashed his own Gran Rey Cero. His attack, a vibrant blue in contrast to Nelliel's, held an impressive power. It was his strongest attack, recently mastered, and the sheer force of it caused the vast expanse of Hueco Mundo to tremble.
Esteban's shock at Nelliel's actions was clear. He hadn't expected her to be able to swallow and redirect his Cero, let alone amplify it with her own. For the first time, he felt a wave of panic, the tension rising sharply as he braced for the combined assault of Nelliel and Grimmjow.
In a desperate move, he fired another Gran Rey Cero, the energy swirling around him in a vortex as he aimed to dissolve the incoming attack. But the force of the retaliating blasts overwhelmed him.
His Hierro and regeneration saved him from utter destruction, but the shockwave from the attacks pushed him back, his form flickering as he utilized Sonido to minimize the damage.
Even as the dust settled, the tremors from the combined force of the attacks lingered, a grim testament to the power of the Espada. Esteban, having barely survived the onslaught, was left facing the full force of Espada's resolve, his previous confidence significantly shaken.
Esteban's body was a myriad of burn marks, seared by his own power reflected back at him. The raw power of his Gran Rey Cero was still pulsing in his veins, and yet, there was a newfound caution in his thoughts. He had witnessed firsthand the peril of his own power amplified and turned against him. His own arrogance was coming back to haunt him quickly.
'I won't be able to take any of these again. It's not just because of Nelliel, but because it's my own immense power being fired back at me. So using any kind of Cero in this fight is out of the question. Damn...,' He cursed inwardly, feeling the chilling reality of his situation. He never expected Nelliel who didn't even evolve from Hogkyoku at all to have such prowess.
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