Apollo was exceptionally strong; even Dustin admitted he was no match. Forcing his way through with his current strength was impossible. With a faint smile, and all eyes upon him, Dustin continued down the pathway. His steps were steady, deliberate, devoid of unnecessary movement; he appeared to be taking a casual stroll.
Apollo's illusion reappeared, attacking fiercely. Dustin effortlessly navigated the first seven steps. The eighth, however, was the true test. On his previous attempt, he'd sensed the danger and stopped. This time, he proceeded. Everyone watched intently as Dustin closed his eyes. This was merely an illusion. He ceased fighting it, allowing the attacks to land. Completely calm, he let the pathway's challenges unfold naturally. The attacks no longer posed a threat.
He took the eighth step, then the ninth. At the ninth, everyone froze; Metal Mask and Timothy's faces tightened. Before their stunned eyes, Dustin took his tenth step—a new record! The crowd surged with excitement. The tenth step was unparalleled; Dustin had surpassed all others. Timothy was incredulous. How? Was Dustin a monster? Metal Mask's face darkened; Dustin's extraordinary feat only amplified the threat he posed to the Divine Hall. Howard, however, showed admiration and relief, anticipating another miracle. He prepared to continue. The eleventh step would be easy.
Suddenly, Metal Mask launched a dart, faster than a bullet, aimed at Dustin's back. The shrill whistle caused Dustin to frown; he reacted swiftly, blocking the dart with his hand. Sparks flew; the dart fell harmlessly. Yet, the attack shattered his calm, and Apollo's illusion reappeared, its terrifying aura charging towards him. Dustin, quickly regaining composure, calmly evaded Apollo's sword swing. Turning, he coldly addressed Metal Mask: "I'm going to kill you."
Metal Mask's face darkened; he hadn't expected Dustin's resilience. "Let's go," he told his subordinate, turning to leave.
"Not so soon," Howard intervened with a faint smile, his powerful aura causing Metal Mask's lips to twitch. Dustin, having turned back, continued down the pathway. He couldn't afford to lose focus. Calm and composed, eyes closed, he took the eleventh step, then the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth…
With the fourteenth step, he reached the end, clearing the pathway! He had done it—the first person in history to traverse the path unharmed.
"He cleared it!" The martial artists were astonished. Dustin had reached the end in fourteen steps! Metal Mask's breath hitched; Timothy froze. Howard, his voice trembling with excitement, murmured, "Master Apollo, you finally have someone to inherit your legacy."