Present.

The sheer number of Technique Spirits Neo had summoned was overwhelming Apollyon.

He was forced to move to the next stage.

"Morning," he muttered.

The thousand golden spirits floating above him began to shine more.

They became completely visible to Elizabeth and the two Martial Artists.

Even with this, Apollyon was being pushed back by Neo.

And to reach the next stage of his technique, he had to wait for several seconds.

In that time, Neo could defeat him.

Hehehe! Take my hand! You've lost!

The Golden Threads began to shimmer.

They were close to achieving their dream.

As Apollyon was being forced to fight at full strength, he no longer had the leisure to hold back his breakthrough.

Slowly, but surely, his breakthrough was beginning to happen.

Neo, who could sense he was breaking through, did not fight harder to kill Apollyon faster.

Instead, he maintained the pace.

He had a calm expression.

Apollyon was the same.

Both of them were fighting to the death. Fighting to decide the [Fate] of Cosmos.

Both of them were mortal enemies.

But… they respected each other.

And slowly, a conversation of Intent, only known to the two of them, began to unfold.

—How did you learn an Ancient Grade Martial Technique?

—I just did.

—Seriously? Isn't that a bit too much talent?

—You say as if you are not talented yourself.

Neo chuckled.

—I saw you created a second Cosmos. It must belong to the Cultivator you devoured. Are you treating the people of the Cosmos properly, or like the Cultivator?

—Wait, you know about that fight?

—Somewhat.

—Tsk, you know an awful lot, huh.

—So?

—I'm treating them nicely.

Apollyon looked at Neo appreciatively.

At that moment, he had enough time, and he said, "Noon."

The thousand Technique Spirits above him began to shine so brightly that looking at them would hurt the eye.

He attacked at Neo furiously.

Neo, still stronger, fought back.

Their exchange of melee and thoughts continued.

—So, how many people know about the Dao?

—Mother of Dragons, Hades, Shadow Supreme, me, and… now you.

—Sheesh, so new generations really did better than previous ones.

—Yes. Mother of Dragon went insane after finding the truth. Hades decided to join hands with the [Entity]. Shadow Supreme had a better method than Hades, since it didn't involve killing the entire Cosmos, but it was only good to save himself.

—And you are trying to save everyone while causing almost no destruction. So, if I'm after you, doesn't it mean my method is better than yours?

—I do not intend to give my burdens to new generations.

Neo smiled, hearing Apollyon's proclamation.

They talked about divine matters, and then about personal feelings.

—How can you continue forward? You lost so much, yet you always stand on your feet again.

—I have no choice but to continue moving. If I don't, everything will be for naught.

Apollyon looked at Neo with pity.

Then, time had reached, and he said, "Afternoon."

The thousand spirits above him dimmed slightly. Their light, however, did not disappear and instead flowed into Apollyon.

His body became unbearably hot, and the grass around him began to burn. Trees caught fire, and the air distorted.

—Do you hate Ouroboros?

—No.

—Do you respect Ouroboros?

—No.

—Do you love your father?

—Yes.

The Golden Threads were watching with excitement, hoping for Neo to crush Apollyon so that it could come and save the day.

Even if Neo could not defeat him, Apollyon's breakthrough was already underway, so he would soon reach Nirvana, then be reborn as a Fourth Step Cultivator.

The Golden Threads were salivating.

—You look like you want to ask something from me.

—Yes.

—What is it?

—Stop holding back. Be my whetstone. This is the first time I've reached 'Afternoon,' but this isn't enough. You need to be stronger. Force out more of my potential.

Neo stopped holding back.

His sword buzzed.

Each shockwave destroying a mountain.

The level of battle had already reached so high that Elizabeth and the two Martial Artists could not intervene at all.

Now, it was just Neo and Apollyon.

—More… I just need a bit more….

—What?

—I need to get stronger, before the Calamity takes over.

Apollyon's eyes were growing hazy.

He was entering a trance.

Neo gritted his teeth, seeing Apollyon was halfway through the breakthrough to Nirvana.

At this rate, whatever Apollyon was trying to accomplish would fail, and he would become a puppet to Calamity.

—Hey! Stop giving up! Did you not say you need a whetstone!

—…What?

—Fight me while holding back your breakthrough! Or are you so weak that you cannot accomplish such a simple task?

A smile cracked into Apollyon's visage.

He spoke, "Evening…."

The thousand spirits above him dimmed even more. Their glow flowed into his body, making him brighter.

The heat radiating off him was strong. Wherever he stepped, the ground would melt.

Air was beginning to catch fire.

—….

—Can you hear me?

—….

—….

Neo did not understand why he was doing this.

Although he somewhat understood what Dao was, he did not know what Apollyon was trying to do.

The sensible thing should've been to kill Apollyon before he could unleash his full strength.

And yet, Neo was not doing it.

He was helping Apollyon.

Why?

Why was he helping him?

No, why was he hating it if he was helping him of his own volition?

'Ah…'

Neo understood as he watched their fight.

'This is not a fight.'

'It's a funeral.'

The two of them were performers, dancing at the funeral of Apollyon.

Apollyon was sacrificing everything for the "answer" he had found.

Finally, Apollyon's mouth moved. "Dusk."

The thousand spirits dimmed completely, disappearing, and their glow was entirely transferred to Apollyon.

The sheer strength he now radiated began to push off Neo.

Neo had to crouch to avoid being thrown off.

Had Apollyon achieved what he wanted?

Neo did not know.

But the time was up.

Apollyon's breakthrough was completed.

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