The next day…
The sun hovered above the horizon, lighting the sky. Dante awoke first, stretching his body. He sat straight, staring into nothingness for a few moments. Then, he glanced over at the others who were still asleep – especially Missio.
'He's tired from fighting that fragment, isn't he…? I'll let him rest."
The supreme commander jolted up and headed to the bathroom. Bellum awakened right after him, groaning as he straightened. He gazed around the RV for a few seconds before heading for the bathroom. He tried to push the door open to no avail.
"Occupied." Dante yawned.
"Hurry up." Bellum yawned as well.
"Good morning." Dante responded.
"Good morning." Bellum groaned.
Their conversation awakened Victor. He opened an eye, looking at his friend. Bellum met his gaze, flicking his chin up.
"Good morning."
"Good morning." Victor put on his glasses.
He twisted his body, stretching every limb and cracking every bone. He glanced over at the sleeping Missio and lightly pushed him.
"Missio, wake up…" Victor ordered in a tired tone.
Missio rolled to the side. "Just a few more minutes…"
"Come on, wake up." Victor urged, standing up.
Missio furrowed his brows. His eyes flew open. Blinded by the morning sun, he immediately shut them. He straightened, using his arms to push himself up. Then, he slowly opened his eyes, blinking in a rapid manner. He groaned and stood as Dantee exited the toilet. Bellum went in right after as Victor stood before the closed door.
After everyone had finished their business, they all put on their casual clothes. Missio yawned, exiting the RV. Bellum followed behind, taking in the fresh air. Missio stared at the sunrise for a few moments as Dante and Victor exited. Then, he turned towards Bellum.
"We heading over to the beach?" Missio inquired.
Bellum smirked, locking eyes with his student. "Nah, I can teach you the last two forms here."
"Really?" Missio raised a brow.
"Yeah… they're not really forms per say." Bellum faced Missio.
"Then, let's do it." Missio faced his master.
Dante and Victor watched the duo from the RV. Bellum raised his arms, meeting his student's gaze.
"It's the final step before infinity. If you break, you'll never reach the height of perpetual motion. At this stage, your mind is so focused on battle that you automatically predict your enemies. Your instincts sense danger more quickly. Every man becomes your puppet and everything goes according to plan without you ever giving them a chance to realize."
Missio tilted his head. "Is that why it's called Sovereignty?"
"Yes, in this form, you're in the zone. You're extremely focused on the battle. Every other thought is pushed out, every doubt is erased from your mind and hesitation ceases to exist. You rule the battlefield like a puppeteer. Everything you do is built upon what you have learned about your enemies from the previous forms."
"How so?" Missio inquired.
"…the sheer pressure of the battle forces your mind into overdrive. You begin realizing patterns faster, the enemies attacks become predictable and you'll know how they react."
Missio paused for a moment. He processed Bellum's words for a few short seconds. Then, he met his master's gaze.
"I understand." He entered Form 1. "Shall we begin?"
Right then, Bellum burst into laughter. "No – No, you don't understand."
Missio frowned. "How?"
Bellum licked his lips. "Form 7 isn't actually a Form. Rather it's a state you eventually reach. It's inevitable for every practitioner for Sempiterne Swordsmanship."
"Then, why is it listed as a Form?" Missio exited Form 1.
"Simple." Bellum raised a finger. "You naturally enter this state when you've fought for a long enough time. Romulus made this into a Form since it was technically born from Sempiterne Swordsmanship. You don't have to practice it – nobody can practice it. Since, it is similar to the flow state. It's achieved when the perfect conditions are met…"
"…So, it can only be achieved on the battlefield." Missio lowered his sword.
"Exactly." Bellum clapped.
"Then, why is there a Form 8?"
Bellum lowered his hands. He neared Missio, placing his hand on his student's shoulder.
"I said that Form 7 is the final step before infinity, right?"
"…You did…" Missio recalled.
"I did – I did." Bellum stepped back, pointing at Missio. "I think Dante explained it to you before. While instinctual reactions are a part of Sempiterne Swordsmanship, it's not the entire thing."
Bellum clasped his hands as a cold breeze swept past them.
"Form 8 – Sempiterne. The form which connects everything together. From the first form to the eighth, everything loops back together…. few have made it to this stage as being unbroken is hardest on the battlefield. Your movements become flawless, unpredictable and unstoppable… Nobody can stop you – only you can." Bellum explained.
Missio paused. He crossed his arms, rubbing his chin.
"Is our consciousness only meant to stop our movement then…?"
"Do you even know what the flow state is, you dimwit?" Bellum touched his fingers.
"I have not, master." Missio's mouth twitched.
"Then, let me educate you." Bellum snapped his fingers. "Your sub-conscious is basically your muscles memory and instincts. The actions they take happen without you even having to think. Your conscious mind is your thinking and reasoning, working in real time unlike the sub-conscious which works with past experiences."
He raised one finger.
"But don't be fooled… They actively work together but… they hit their peak when you enter the zone. That's what the last two forms of Sempiterne Swordsmanship basically are. They make you realize which state you are in and help you to maximize yourself in that state."
"So… I don't have to learn them?" Missio tilted his head.
"Yes." Bellum opened his palm. "Sempiterne is part philosophy, part sword art. Understanding it is just as important as practicing it."
Missio nodded. "My training is done then."
"Absolutely!" Bellum cheered. "Even better, I don't have to train you anymore!"
"You son of a… I'm gonna get you someday." Missio shook his finger at the commander.
"I'd rather hope not." Bellum cracked his fingers.
Dante laughed. "Well, if you're done then. Let's get some breakfast, shall we?"
"Yes, I'm starving right now." Victor rubbed his stomach.
"Alright, let's go." Bellum waved his arms.
Missio smirked slightly, trailing the trio as they headed over for breakfast.