'I suppose I have no other choice.'
In the end, Ulquiorra decided to climb the Tower.
Although everything about this place felt suspicious, he saw little reason to refuse. If the rabbit was telling the truth, then perhaps the answers to all his questions awaited at the top.
And if not...
He had nothing left to lose.
"Very well," Ulquiorra said calmly. "Tell me what I must do to proceed to the next floor."
Headon blinked in mild surprise.
It seemed the Arrancar had reached his decision far faster than expected.
"Fufufu... how refreshing. It is always pleasant speaking with intelligent individuals."
The rabbit-like creature gave a polite bow.
"But before that, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am the administrator of this floor—Headon."
Its crimson eyes narrowed slightly.
"And if I may ask... what is your name, sir?"
"Ulquiorra Cifer."
"Very well then, Mr. Ulquiorra." Headon smiled. "To advance to the next floor, all you must do is defeat the beast."
At that moment, the massive wall behind Headon slowly opened.
A monstrous creature revealed itself from within the darkness.
Its gigantic body resembled an eel covered in white metallic scales. Even while injured, the creature radiated terrifying hostility.
With only a single glance, Ulquiorra immediately noticed the wound around its mouth.
"This creature is known as the White Steel Eel," Headon explained. "It was injured during a previous test. Normally, a beast of this level would only appear beyond the twentieth floor..."
The rabbit's smile widened.
"But since it is wounded—and since you are an Irregular—I assume you are more than capable of handling it."
Without another word, Ulquiorra walked forward.
The moment he stepped into the chamber, he felt something unusual.
'...The atmosphere here is different.'
Ever since arriving in the Tower, he had sensed a strange pressure filling the air. However, within this room, that pressure had become significantly denser.
'Is this some form of energy produced by the Tower?'
The pressure surrounding him was immense.
Yet Ulquiorra remained completely unaffected.
Compared to the overwhelming spiritual pressure he had endured under Aizen and the Espada, this sensation was insignificant.
The White Steel Eel roared violently the moment it noticed his presence.
Its enormous body began moving through the chamber at terrifying speed.
Ulquiorra simply stared at it with emotionless eyes.
And thus...
Ulquiorra Cifer's journey within the Tower officially began.