The next day…
Dawn broke through the horizon. The birds chirped loudly, jolting everyone awake. As light seeped into the RV, Dante, Bellum, Missio and Victor straightened simultaneously. Dante yawned, covering his mouth. Victor headed into the bathroom while Bellum and Missio stood outside it. Dante stretched his limbs and stood up. Victor exited the toilet, brush in hand. The therapist began cleaning his teeth as Missio rushed in.
"Hurry up…" Bellum groaned, standing against the door.
Eventually, Missio stepped out, stretching his arms. Bellum headed in right after as Missio grabbed his toothbrush from the stand. Victor washed his mouth in the sink. Missio stood behind him. Dante stopped in front of the washroom. After a few seconds, Bellum exited while brushing his teeth.
"Excuse me." Victor pushed him aside, placing his toothbrush in its spot.
Dante shrugged it off and headed inside. After a few seconds, he flushed the toilet, grabbing his electric toothbrush. The supreme commander squeezed toothpaste onto his brush and exited. He passed Missio, barely avoiding him. His little brother placed both his and Bellum's brushes into their place. Victor, Bellum and Dante started to dress as Dante spat in the sink. He cleansed his mouth and washed his toothbrush.
He placed it back in its holder. He locked the bathroom door and began dressing up with the rest. A few minutes later, Bellum exited wearing a red T- shirt, white cargo pants and white sneakers. Victor followed suit, wearing silk gray shirt, black pants and black sneakers. Missio hopped out. He wore a patterned light blue shirt, black shorts and white sneakers with brown accents. Dante stepped out last. He wore a white shirt and patterned blue trousers with an elastic waistband. He tapped his meta glasses, locking the RV.
The vehicle responded to his command, folding the awning and shutting itself down. The supreme commander turned around and approached the rest.
"let's have breakfast before we start Missio's training."
Bellum flicked his chin up. "Sure. I had something planned for today anyways."
"What would that be?" Missio raised a brow.
"You'll know once we get there." Bellum smirked, turning around as Dante passed them.
The group then, headed off to find Breakfast.
***
After having Breakfast, Missio, Dante, Bellum and Victor strolled through the village of Monterosso al Mare. They passed many tourists both from abroad and from Rome.
"Where are we going?" Missio inquired.
"To a Meta Pod Station." Dante replied. "You'll know why when we get there."
"Come one… You don't have keep it a secret." Missio nudged his brother.
"You'll be training there, I can tell you that much."
Missio sighed, giving up on knowing what they were up to. After a few minutes, they arrived at a simulation facility. They stepped inside, heading towards the ticket counter. Dante drew his phone and halted ahead of the counter.
"Four tickets for Four adults please."
The man at the counter nodded. "One moment."
He straightened and typed furiously on his computer. As the printer began printing the tickets, he pushed a QR in front of the King. Dante scanned it and sent the required amount to the man. He showed the transaction to the person. The man handed him the tickets and waved them away.
"Go."
Dante handed the tickets to Missio. He tucked his phone in his pocket and stepped away from the counter. The group headed into a dark hallway. Neon lights blared throughout. They eventually reached a door. Beside it, there was a ticket scanner embedded into the wall. Missio scanned all their tickets. The door opened by itself. The group entered a cold room full of meta pods.
They each took one beside one another. Once they lay on the soft surface, the pod lowered itself. All pods slammed shut. Missio grabbed the visor above him, placing it on his head. It stuck to his face, drowning him in darkness. He relaxed his body. The next second, he appeared in a holographic room with shifting tabs. Ahead of him was a login panel. He entered his meta pod user ID into it. He tapped the 'log in' button. The next second, he fell into another world.
He appeared on a grey plane with blue skies with nothing in sight. He glanced to the side, noticing the others had gathered together. He approached them, halting before Bellum. The commander crossed his arms.
"Now, this simulation will help you to master Form 4 and 5."
Missio raised a brow. "What am I even gonna do?"
"I'll show you." Bellum stated.
The plane instantly shook violently. Missio bent his knees – instinctively. He glanced around as a blue light morphed the peaceful gray plane into a chaotic battlefield. Missio blinked.
"What the hell…?" He muttered under his breath.
An explosion rang in the distance. He covered his ears – his enhanced senses making the explosion feel right next to him. Soldiers rushed past him – screaming. He watched them in confusion. A wave of déjà vu washed over him. The battlefield felt too familiar as if he had grown up in it. Suddenly, Bellum's voice rang out from above.
"The best way to learn is through practice. Now, use Sempiterne swordsmanship in its natural environment."
Missio swiveled his head to the side. He lifted it, seeing Bellum, Dante and Victor flying above the battlefield.
"But I don't have a sword!" He exclaimed.
"What about that?"
Missio spun his head. Laying on the ground, he saw a blood-covered longsword. He sighed and walked towards it. He bent down and picked it. He shook off the dirt, gripping the hilt.
"You know what to do." Bellum smirked.
Missio let out a long sigh. He restricted his enhanced vision. He rotated towards the direction the soldiers were running. He ran along with them. Eventually, they clashed with another army. Screams, blood and colliding weapons spread across the area. Missio drew a sharp breath, engaging his core. He struck down the man first man with a simple slash. Blood burst from the enemy soldier's wound.
Missio's eyes widened. He froze – fear and nostalgia clashing in his mind. His hand trembled as he stared at the dead body. The next second, a spear pierced his side.
"Motherfucker…" Missio cursed, narrowing his eyes.
He gritted his teeth – snapping out. The spear pulled back. Missio spun around, striking his attacker. His enemy blocked the strike. Missio initiated Sempiterne Swordsmanship Form 1 – Foundational Steps. He painted a path in his mind, transitioning into Form 2 – Stride. His sword collided with the spear. They clashed for a few turns before Missio pierced his eye socket. The man's body went limp. His spear fell to the ground. Missio drew his blade.
He exhaled at that exact moment. He felt free in this simulation as if a burden had been lifted off his chest. He didn't wait any longer – afraid that another spear would lodge itself into his chest. He stepped on the man he had just killed and rushed forward. He entered Form 3 – Restless. He engaged with another enemy. The man swung his sword. Missio parried effortlessly. He swiftly spun his sword, cutting the man down in mere moments.
"Gotta keep moving, ya idiot. Don't want another spear up your ass." Bellum laughed.
Missio rolled his eyes at his masters comments. The next moment, his breathing became easier. His muscles began moving on their own, pulsing with strength. He gripped his sword firmly.
"Let's do this…" Missio exhaled in a calm manner.