Two weeks later…
Missio sat cross-legged in front of the RV. Dante slid his fingers through his overgrown hair
"Okay, Missio. Today is April 30th and I want to get to Bologna by May 1st for Pangea's anniversarium. So, Today, we'll see if you can handle a total of one percent of my total prowess."
Missio drew a deep breath and exhaled heavily. "Ready when you are, bro."
Dante nodded, tucking his hands into his pockets. He blinked and a tiny amount of his power leaked from his body. The pressure instantly covered the entire city like a veil. Yet, no one except Missio could feel it. Why? Because Dante didn't make it so that his aura could affect other people. Missio furrowed his brows as an immense weight rested on his shoulders. He kept his posture straight as his heart readily throbbed against his chest.
His mind danced to his desire. He simply didn't let go of his focus nor did he ever think of giving up. As the test continued, Dante watched as his brother survived a bit of his power. A proud smile couldn't help but make it on to his face. After thirty minutes, the pressure vanished. Missio's eyes flew open. He gasped for air, holding himself up. Dante approached and hugged his little brother.
"That was amazing! I'm so proud of you."
Missio blushed slightly, clutching his chest. "R-Really?"
"No – Really." Dante chuckled, letting him go. "A regular chaos incarnate would've fainted the second I released my aura. Not even the Apex forces can survive it for an entire thirty seconds."
Missio firmly curled his hands into a fist, celebrating this achievement as he stood up. Dante raised a finger.
"Now!" He pointed out of the city. "To Bologna!"
He headed into the RV as the awning folded in. Missio trailed behind, bringing in the chairs. He placed them in a safe spot and stepped forward. Just then, Dante stopped him.
"One more thing." He pointed at the floor. "Meditate on the floor for the entire trip."
Missio groaned. "Why…? I already completed my training, didn't I?"
"That tested your resilience, yes but now, we'll test your patience." Dante sat in the driver's seat.
Missio heaved a sigh and sat in a meditative position. He felt the smooth wooden floor of the RV shake as the vehicle started. Dante scanned his retina and the panel lit up. He tapped the screen, activating the GPS. The GPS showed directions to Bologna. Dante pressed the gas. The RV drove forward and passed the parking spot. He met the person at the gate.
"We're heading out." Dante stated.
"Ah, yes. You did tell me yesterday and it seems you've paid for the entire month here." The kind lady at the counter told. "All is clear, sir. Have a great day!"
"You too!" Dante gave a thumbs up and drove off.
He glanced upward into the mirror. Seeing that Missio hadn't moved at all, he smirked and turned a corner.
'Good job, bro. You've really improved over these two months…'
His lips couldn't help but curl into a smile as he caught the historic city center in the corner of his eye. He took another corner. After a few minutes, he exited the city and entered the highway. He swiped on the screen and checked the weather.
'Seems like it's gonna be cloudy tomorrow… what a coincidence, isn't it?'
He chuckled at the coincidence. He watched the road, taking every chance he could to overtake any car. Behind him, Missio breathed steadily as the RV shook slightly. As he heard the horns and engines of the vehicles on the road, he pushed his breaker's senses to the limit. He felt the heat exuding from the cars, the smell of the dust that was being kicked up and the sound of the turbulent engines.
His patience stretched thin but he didn't fold under the pressure. Missio exhaled heavily, releasing the built-up pressure. He calmly filtered all the noises in the surroundings, testing himself while remaining stationary.
'This is gonna be a long ride…'
He thought in his mind as the sun blazed above them.
***
Hours later…
The sun dipped past the horizon as Dante groaned.
"I've been driving for 18 hours… God, please let me rest…"
He slumped into his chair while keeping his eyes on the highway. He finally spun the wheel, smoothly exiting the highway. As he passed into the grassy plains, he exhaled heavily while uncurling his back.
'My back is killing me…'
He rubbed his back while glancing at the GPS. An hour – An hour stood between him and freedom. He almost shed a tear as his back pulsed with pain. His muscles felt as if the ocean weighed down on them. He lifted his head, glancing at the mirror. Behind him, Missio sat perfectly still while breathing in a steady fashion.
"At least, he's doing better than me…' Dante grunted.
Just then, the supreme commander remembered something. His jaw opened and closed as if he was about to cry.
"This RV has a self-driving feature… why have I been driving for EIGHTEEN HOURS with this…?"
He pressed his head against the wheel in a cracked voice. He tapped the panel, activating the car's automated driving.
"Well… I guess self-driving is banned on highways." He stood up, ruffling his overgrown hair.
He groaned, stretching in different directions. He neared his little brother crouched down.
"Hey, we're almost there. Open your eyes."
Missio slowly opened his eyes. He stood up, sliding his fingers through his hair that went past his ears.
"How did I do?"
"Excellent. I've never seen you this patient ever." Dante replied.
"That… felt mildly sarcastic."
"It sure is, buddy." Dante placed his hands on Missio's shoulder, lowering his head. "But I'm still happy for your improvements in these months."
Missio uncurled his back, pressing his hand against it. His world felt dizzy as if his mind was being reset. Colors bled into one another as he became light-headed. He snapped back to reality. His heart throbbed. He leaned against the passenger's seat. Suddenly, they entered a brightly lit city. Missio and Dante looked at the beautiful roman architecture with awe. Dante rushed back to the driver's seat.
Missio sat in the passenger's seat. He watched the pedestrians pass by – most of them students.
"Hey, bro." Dante called out. "Did you know?"
"What?" Missio tilted his head.
"Bologna is home to the oldest university in Rome – the University of Bologna."
"Really?" Missio asked as the RV automatically made a turn.
"Yeah, the university was originally established in 1088 AD of the Legendary Age but…" Dante watched the RV head towards the RV parking. "It was reestablished in 1654 AD of the Mythical Age alongside the University of Cagliari."
Missio blurted impulsively, amazed by the history of the world. They eventually settled into their parking. Dante parked the RV himself and unfolded the awning. Then, the two brothers rested outside, watching the moon in all its glory.