Dante defeated Urizen. I acknowledge that for better or worse, I need you if I am to match him. [He taps the cane still pointed at him.] I became stronger, and forced Dante to become stronger in turn. That is how it has always been.

As for Nero, he defeated me after interrupting my fight with Dante. I will have a rematch with him when I am at full strength.

[because, you know, how else does father-son bonding work]