[Szayel's grin falters a bit to something a bit more grim]

Well. That's how it goes for us, isn't it? The "heroes" prosper... and the "villains" inevitably fail. For all his machinations and godlike power, even Lord Aizen was toppled, by a boy. [he claps his hands together] And yet here you are -- a Heroic Spirit yourself. I suppose your Throne recognizes exceptionalness, not alignment.