A gentle breeze rustled the damp blades of grass. The post-rain air was filled with the scent of plants and earth.
Magnolia.
It was the same clearing from yesterday afternoon.
The once-flat green lawn was now covered in irregular cracks—remnants from Mirajane's full-power outburst last night.
"What a pleasant scent..."
Roland closed his eyes slightly, breathing in the fresh scent. Unsuppressible anticipation and joy welled up inside him, bringing a hearty smile to his lips.
"Time to claim today's mission reward!"
He murmured softly, and the system panel, shimmering with a faint light, appeared in his vision.
[Special Mission: The Witch's Ecstasy has been completed!]
[Character Template Acquired: Arrancar Espada—Ulquiorra Cifer (from the world of "Bleach")]
[Template Description: After fusion, you will gain Hollow characteristics and possess abilities such as High-Speed Regeneration, Hierro, and Resurrección.]
Before he could even finish reading the prompt, Roland subconsciously clutched his head. A flood of unfamiliar memories poured into his mind, forcing him to grit his teeth.
Sonído, Solita Vista, Lanza del Relámpago, Resurrección...
All of Ulquiorra's abilities and how to use them were being deeply branded into his mind, impossible to forget.
"Tsk... can't you receive abilities in a different way?"
Pressing his hands on his knees, Roland broke out in a cold sweat and couldn't help but complain in a low voice.
The Escanor template only had two or three abilities, so receiving them wasn't so uncomfortable.
This time with Ulquiorra... besides the methods for using his abilities, there were even numerous related combat memories.
In that case, being uncomfortable for a while wasn't a big deal.
"Reiatsu... it's a completely different existence from magic power."
After recovering a bit, Roland carefully studied the unfamiliar memories in his mind.
He slowly extended his hand, and dark green Reiatsu emanated from between his fingers like thick smoke. At the same time, a long sword with a pure white scabbard appeared at his waist.
Roland looked down, but when his gaze swept over his chest, he suddenly froze.
"...A Hollow Hole?"
He looked at the black hole gradually appearing in the middle of his collarbone with a surprised expression.
This was something only Hollows had... so it was undoubtedly something he gained after fusing with Ulquiorra's abilities.
But—
Looking at the newly formed Hollow Hole, Roland tentatively retracted his Reiatsu.
Then, as he watched, the hole slowly shrank, and finally, his fair skin was restored.
It seemed it would only appear when he used his Reiatsu.
Roland quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Otherwise, when Levy asked, he wouldn't know how to explain.
After all, a black hole suddenly appearing on one's chest would easily make people think of black magic or curses.
Since everything was fine, then...
Dark green Reiatsu shot into the sky. The once-clear sky once again gathered thick, dark clouds. A huge amount of spirit particles gathered and swirled, finally turning into raindrops that poured down.
"Enclose, Murciélago."
Roland drew the exquisite long sword in his hand and slowly recited the release command.
As the rain formed from spiritual power dissipated, a pair of black, demon-like wings slowly unfolded, and a white, bone-like helmet covered the top of his head.
The surrounding atmosphere was filled with a heavy and oppressive feeling, making it difficult to breathe.
"So strong..."
Feeling the world-shaking power, Roland's left hand opened slightly, and the spirit particles in his body quickly condensed into a green, lightsaber-like weapon.
With a light swing forward, a gash over ten meters long was instantly left on the ground, and the tall trees in the distance were cut in half at the waist.
This was only the first stage of his Resurrección. If he went to the second stage and fired a Lanza del Relámpago, the entire town of Magnolia would probably be gone again.
Crushing the Moonlight Sword in his hand, Roland went on to test his other abilities like Sonído and High-Speed Regeneration.
By the time he released his Resurrección state, the entire back hill was already in a state of ruin. More than half of the lush, tall forest had been cut down, and the flat grassland had become pitted and uneven.
By now, it was evening.
It was just about the time he had agreed to set off with Mirajane. The meeting point was at the guild entrance.
"What a reassuring power!"
Looking at the setting sun, Roland remarked to himself.
Even without the sun, his strength was still at the top tier of this world.
What came next was much simpler. First, say goodbye to Levy, then set off for Edolas with Mirajane.
"I wonder if Mirajane went to see Porlyusica..."
When going to the world of Edolas, it was unknown if he would be affected, but Mirajane's magic power would definitely disappear.
So Roland had told her that Porlyusica could make an antidote.
As soon as he walked into the guild, Roland noticed something was off.
It seemed like everyone was staring at him.
"Roland... where were you yesterday afternoon?"
A gloomy voice, suppressing anger, rang out. Roland turned his head to see Laxus sitting at a table by the door with a sullen face.
Judging by his impatient look and suppressed tone, he must have been waiting for a long time.
"Training in the back hills. Didn't I tell you I had something important to do?"
Roland said, tilting his head, his tone very natural.
"...Something important?"
Laxus stood up and walked in front of him, staring with a blank expression, demanding an explanation.
He had waited at South Gate Park until evening, but the guy never showed up. In the end, he was drenched by the rain.
"Hmm... a date?"
"—You bastard, are you messing with me on purpose!?" Veins popped on Laxus's forehead, and his body was wrapped in golden arcs of electricity as he roared, "Don't look down on me!!"
His muscles bulged as Laxus clenched his fist and struck out fiercely.
The anger of being stood up, combined with that nonchalant attitude, made him disregard the fact that they were in the guild.
His momentum was fierce, and the force of his punch was not small. If it were any other member, they might not even have had a chance to react before being sent flying.
Only—his target was Roland.
"I told you, I'm not interested in fighting you right now."
Roland took a slight step back, easily dodging the punch. Then, under Laxus's twisted expression, he was hit by a punch to the abdomen.
Thud—
With a muffled sound, Roland clapped his hands and walked toward the bar as if nothing had happened.
"..."
Behind him, Laxus remained frozen in his punching stance, completely motionless, his pupils trembling as if from an earthquake.
Soon—the tall figure, under the shocked gazes of everyone, swayed and collapsed onto the dusty floor.
That Laxus... lost to a newcomer again?
In a single punch?!
Roland didn't even turn his head, walking straight to the bar, his usual smile on his face.
"Good morning, little Levy and Mirajane!"
"It's already evening... you idiot!"
Levy said with some dissatisfaction.
She had waited for Roland at the guild all morning, but didn't see him all afternoon. Who knows where he had run off to.
"Sorry. How about I be your pillow for the next few days?" Roland placed his hand on her head and stroked it gently. "Consider it an apology."
"Don't say such embarrassing things... Mirajane is right here."
"...No, really, you two don't have to mind me."
Mirajane was uncharacteristically silent, the smile on her lips gradually becoming strained.
"We'll talk about that later. Are you ready, Mirajane?"
Roland looked up and asked.
"Yes, my luggage is all packed, and I've bought a lot of souvenirs!"
At the mention of this, Mirajane couldn't contain her excitement and nodded vigorously.
"? What are you two talking about?"
Levy blinked in confusion, completely lost.
"I'm going out on a mission with Mirajane for a little while. We'll probably be back in three days, so I'm leaving Little Doraemon and the Pokémon egg in your care!"
"..."
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