Äs Nödt is a Quincy and a member of the Vandenreich's Stern Ritter with the designation "F". Once there, Äs and the other Stern Ritter create pillars of blue flame prior to engaging the Shinigami in battle. Indiscriminately massacring numerous lower-ranking Shinigami, who are unable to injure it, Äs is soon intercepted by lieutenant Renji Abarai. Äs proceeds to effortlessly block Renji's strikes with its bare hands, until they are interrupted in turn by the arrival of another Stern Ritter and Captain Byakuya Kuchiki. When its hand is later severely cut by Byakuya, Äs is berated by its ally for allowing its Blut to be broken so easily. However, with Äs' comrade soon disabled, Byakuya unleashes his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, only for it to be stolen by Äs' unnamed device. (Source: Bleach Wikia)