Chapter 171 - 171)What It Means To Be A Myth.

(A/N: In case you're wondering what yesterday's extra chapter was, I added a new auxiliary chapter. I'd recommend you to read it, especially if you're not too savvy with game terms and stuff)

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"Void Style: Flat Line"

"Shield of Achilles"

Anyone watching would instantly understand that this was a fight that they had practically no say in. Noel's Flat Line was an attack that was capable of cutting off the heads of thousands in one go. It was the trigger that started this entire episode. If he hadn't shown his prowess back when the monsters were attacking the Imperial Kingdom then this entire situation would have never taken place.

As a counter, Neo simply met Noel's blade with his shield. A massive shockwave was produced when the two attacks met, once again, the usual passersby would be grateful that this fight was taking place in a deserted region where even monsters didn't exist, not that it mattered as even if they did, they probably wouldn't survive the shockwaves produced.

"..."

"What? Don't tell me you're surprised someone blocked your attack? Awh that's cute," Neo scoffed as he took a back step and thrust his Gladius forward. Neo had no hope that such an attack would work but he was simply testing how quick Noel was. Black tentacles with white outlines flew towards the Gladius and parried it. However, that wasn't the end, it was Noel's turn to attack, a vertical strike that would literally split anyone in half, the speed and precision the attack had was immense. Yet, Neo found a way to counter that attack. With the spear in his left hand, he let go of it for a second before grabbing it again, gaining momentum, to strike the side of Noel's blade with the tip of the spear.

It was unusual seeing someone defend and act so freely around Noel. He was even forced to use his aura, which was something he hadn't done in a long time. He was one of the few Grandmasters that could use weapon aura, not to mention he was a Legend as well. 

The tip of a spear was thrust exactly into the side of a katana? It was absurd to think about it, even more so because of how fast Noel's attack was. However, that wasn't the end, once Noel realized that his attack was off-course, he used the newfound momentum and decided to aim for Neo's other hand.

*KTAANGG*

A very slight wrist rotation resulted in Neo's shield deflecting the katana. It was a constant back and forth, neither of them could overthrow the other, although, it was obvious that they had a lot more up their sleeves. Noel was a Grandmaster, which meant that he was capable of wielding more than one kind of weapon. Neo was the Descendant of Achilles, the greatest of all Greek warriors. Not to mention the fact that he was also directly related to Andel Thallius who was revered to be one of the most cunning and calculative minds.

While the sparks caused by the clashing of weapons and power waves that rippled through the lands continued, a new face was seen entering the deserted lands. To be honest, the individual had no right being there, although him being bald did suit the empty lands and made the entire situation rather cohesive.

"Woah....." Blade muttered as he looked at the view, he was here to help his master but the destruction and overall ruined state the land was in captivated him. It was as if a long time ago, a war of some kind took place. There wasn't any blood or anything but there were dried out roots, boulders that split into many pieces, as well as a lot of construction planks and some grey stones scattered aimlessly.

Blade was a Grandmaster as well, although he couldn't freely use his weapon aura as well as Night or Noel, as of that moment, he was a little over level 220, meaning he had gotten considerably stronger since the time he had first met Night.

"....Myth...." Blade muttered as he tried walking through the ripples of energy blasting throughout the battlefield. The pebbles and stones on the floor bounced around every time the two powerhouses clashed. 

"Void style: Blacked-out Reality"

"....." The color from the surroundings was all drained out and a huge cut in space was seen, the very next second Blade's vision was filled with a bright blinding light until finally he could see the color slowly returning. 

'Master's void style...even if it wasn't enough to finish the other guy...he should be injured, at the least injured right?'

"That was good, cute actually, I liked the side-effects of the attack though. You know? The whole rupture in space and color being drained out, I'm being honest here, that was very impressive, even I can do something like that, but at the same time that was nowhere enough to get me," Neo replied as he wiped the dust off his forehead with the back of his wrist, "Hoh? look you managed to hurt me," he held out his arm, revealing a medium-sized gnash.

".....Void Style- Noel wouldn't stop there, he couldn't. After all, the very existence of Neo was a threat to the entire kingdom of Vraun as well as his own family. If Blacked-out reality could ONLY leave a cut on Neo then he had to step up his game.

'What is he doing to defend? I don't get it.... something doesn't make sense...' even though his thoughts raced, he had to stay calm and continue attacking his opponent consistently. At least that was what seemed to be the best plan of action.

'If that doesn't work then...'

"-Still Infinity.." he uttered as he made a slow crescent-shaped cut in the air. The second his blade reached the end of its destination, multiple ripples shot out from him, the space was constantly getting ruptured, however, this time the damage done to it was far too much, to the point where every player online received a very unique and scary message.

Blade on the other hand was on the floor, as soon as he saw his Master's stance, he realized that standing would only result in death. Even after covering himself with his own weapon aura, he took considerable damage from JUST the shockwave.

".....That....hurt..." Neo said in a slow and dragged-out manner, his spear was on the floor, as the hand used to hold it was covering his face. Blood dripped through it and ran down his knuckles until finally, it fell to the ground. However, that wasn't all, right in the center of his abdomen was a huge and noticeable cut that slowly continued to turn red.

"Maybe next time, don't just stand and chat away," Noel smirked as he looked at the damage he dealt. It was a lot, although it wasn't nearly enough to kill Neo, it was more than before, which in his eyes was a win. However, it's not as if Noel could continue using such attacks constantly, every single attack from his Void Style was draining.

Naturally, it's not as if attacks that can slice reality were something that can be used without any backlash, that would be broken, even IF there wasn't any permanent damage, it was normal for Noel to feel tired.

"....You're right. Tch...." Neo said as he spat out blood from his mouth. He used his leg to flick the spear back to his hand, letting the small cut on his face open for everyone to see. "Watch.." Neo held his gladius close to his face as he whispered something to it.

"Bow to me. Know who your master is. Let my voice act as your guide and my blade be your destination. Arise-"

As soon as he started his chant, white and blue translucent spirits slowly emerged from the ground. From tens to hundreds to thousands, every single being that was summoned knelt down to Neo before converging into his gladius.

"- Ghosts of Troy"

*TNNNNNNN*

A loud noise pierced the ears of everyone present, his blade now had a bright glow to it. Other than the pre-existing gold, it now radiated a pure white light that could be seen even from miles away. The blood on his face was slowly evaporating and the cut began to heal.

"This is what it means to be strong. This is what it means to be a Myth....now then, perish,"

Night finally reached the unusual-looking structure, the sacred temple of Apollo. It wasn't exactly in the best condition but the vines and creepers gave it an antique and raw vibe. The sunlight directly fell onto the temple, which directly illuminated its features. However, before he could admire its beauty any further, Night heard a rather familiar sound which was followed by a huge wave of energy crashing into him.

[The space has been ruptured]

[An Unknown God is fixing the rupture in space]

It was obvious to Night. After all, only one man could do such a thing....

"Master..."