Combat between the powerful is always terrifying. Especially when both sides possess their own convictions and unparalleled strength, their conflict can easily destroy and obliterate everything around them.
Fortunately for the other inhabitants of Penacony, this all unfolded within the dreamscape and did not spill over into the lives of reality; otherwise, the entire Asdana star system would have plunged into crisis.
Nevertheless, this battle was absolutely worthy of being recorded in the annals of galactic history anywhere. Though lacking vast fleets or endless soldiers, the power wielded by the combatants far exceeded such things.
Acheron, treading the Path of Nihility, possessed combat prowess that already placed her among the elite Emanators. Aided by the Astral Express crew beside her... even razing an interstellar civilization would not be difficult for them.
The opposing side, though only one person, occupied an even more formidable position. Wielding the power of a Harmony Emanator while simultaneously summoning the remnant soul of Order, he had, in a sense, achieved the feat of resurrecting Ena, the Aeon of Order...
In the galaxy, few existences were stronger than him, besides true Aeons themselves. If described using cultivation novel terms, Sunday was likely at the absolute peak of Emanator power, having shattered all limits, just a single step of enlightenment and tribulation away from the cusp of Aeonhood.
In terms of raw power, the Express crew's side was at a disadvantage. The only possibility of victory lay if the myriad sleeping consciousnesses constituting the dreamscape began to resist the Dream itself, or if Sunday's own resolve wavered and his conviction shattered.
But how could that be possible?
Sunday's conviction was like iron now. If the original plan involved the 173,360 souls of the Oak Family serving as the canvas for the Dream of Unity [Ena], more akin to the way of Harmony, then what Sunday did now was command all souls through his own singular will, aligning himself perfectly with the Path of Order!
So how could the Express crew win?
How could they possibly defeat this benevolent, god-like figure determined to forge a perfect world!?
"The steps of Trailblaze... will never halt for false beauty!"
Even at a disadvantage in battle, Himeko, the navigator of Trailblaze, never lowered her head, still gazing intently at the opponent.
As if responding to the Express crew's conviction, the Astral Express, like a stream of light, streaked across the void, crashing like a meteor towards Sunday, who had transformed into a colossal mask!
Combat in the dreamscape was not merely a clash of power, but also a contest of conviction.
The Astral Express originated from the conviction and hope of those unwilling to indulge in the beautiful dream... considering that those not yet drawn into the Dream of Unity [Ena] were perhaps only these resistors, this train was now the proof of their Trailblazing will.
Not just Himeko, but everyone fighting pinned their hopes on the train, resembling a comet striking the moon, believing it would bring a turning point.
BOOM!!!
A loud bang echoed as the train crashed resolutely into Sunday—just as everyone thought this, their smiles froze as they saw the true situation clearly.
The train had indeed stopped, but not because it hit Sunday's colossal mask—but because it was caught fast in mid-air by giant metal hands flanking it!
"'Savage Trailblazing... merely selfish and utterly foolish!'"
Accompanied by a sickening crunch, before the horrified eyes of the onlookers, the train embodying everyone's hopes was twisted apart and discarded on the spot!
"'Only Order... can save all, change all!'" The next moment, the colossal mask looked sharply towards the sky. As a giant arm reached down from the light in the void, he reached up to touch it without hesitation.
Acheron's blade flashed in that instant but was ultimately a step too late.
"'Without Order, how can the weak practice virtue?!'"
Accompanied by Sunday's furious question, light like the primordial creation erupted from the point of contact between his finger and the giant hand above, sweeping out in all directions with unstoppable force!
Acheron, being closest, hastily defended, blocking most of the impact for the crew behind her, but was herself instantly sent flying, crashing into the ruins.
The moment the light faded, the phenomena around Sunday returned to normal. But before anyone could catch their breath, his enraged voice rang out again.
"'Without Order, suffering finds no release!'"
Instantly, the previously calm clouds once again echoed with hymns, and the arm that had just vanished reached out from the holy light again.
"'Are... are you kidding...?'' March 7th instinctively took a step back. Such a powerful move not only had no wind-up but could even be used consecutively?!
This enemy is off the charts!
But unfortunately, this was the reality. In that instant, Himeko hastily shielded the stunned March 7th behind her—and as the light bloomed once more, Himeko, who forcibly took the brunt of this attack, was already swaying, looking like she could collapse at any moment.
On the other side, Welt, protecting Caelus, fared no better, once again completing the first half of the 'Yang Sit-up' routine.
Just two blows... the Express crew's fighting force suffered devastating losses, almost unable to rise again.
Then, amidst despairing eyes, Sunday's voice rang out once more.
"'Without Order, evil runs rampant unpunished!'"
"'Without Order, fleeting beauty is but a bubble!!'"
"'Without Order, all love sought goes unfulfilled!!!'"
Radiance filled with intense conviction and power erupted time and time again. When Sunday finally stopped, no enemies remained standing before him.
The Emanator of Nihility, the Trailblazers, the former High Elder, the one-time Herrscher... all enemies had fallen to the ground, unable to rise.
Sunday had won, utterly won... single-handedly, he had struck down all these renowned adversaries!
And as the loser, Caelus could only lie on the ground, powerlessly watching Sunday's colossal avatar hovering in the air.
Defeated?
Yes, they had to be defeated...
Sunday's resolve was so strong, his will so powerful, even he, as the opponent, could feel it. How could they possibly win?
But Caelus was still unwilling to accept it. He couldn't indulge in that beautiful dream... because it was all false; a day of waking would eventually come.
If he indulged in the dream now, then when he awoke, Twilight would have no chance left to live.
He wanted to save Twilight, he wanted Twilight to truly live in this world, not spend a false life in some dream. He wanted her to tangibly experience all the reality and beauty of this world!
But he didn't have the strength... because he was too weak!
At this moment, Caelus wished more than ever for the power to change everything. He recalled the moment he faced the Doomsday Beast's attack to protect Twilight. In that instant, he received the gaze of Nanook, the Aeon of Destruction, and his power subsequently grew.
If an Aeon still cast their gaze upon him, perhaps he could change everything before him?
Anyone... any Aeon at all, could they grant him the power to change the current situation?!
At this moment, Caelus prayed to the stars, and what answered him—was dead silence.
Perhaps his heart of protection wasn't firm enough, his will for vengeance not intense enough, his convictions not synchronized enough with others, the farce he created not joyous enough... But ultimately, he received no help.
Until the very end, at the moment despair flooded his eyes, a familiar sigh finally echoed in his ears.