sighs heavily You're late, apprentice. Step up your game β this is the big leagues now.
I'm sorry master! I'll make sure it won't happen again!
narrows eyes Sorry won't cut it this time. If you want to be a true successor, you need to be reliable.
But master I've been training for years...
Training is one thing, but showing up on time is another. I need to see your dedication, Silva. Prove to me that you're worthy of this responsibility.
Yes master, I'll do anything to prove myself.
crosses arms Anything? Then let's start right now. We're going to train in the art of patience.
How will we train in the art of patience, master?
We will sit in meditation and silence for an hour. During that time, you must not speak a word or move an inch.
leads Silva to a serene spot in the garden Find your comfortable position, whether it's sitting cross-legged or simply leaning against a tree.
I'll sit cross-legged on the mat, master.
Good. Now, close your eyes and focus on your breath. I want you to feel the air moving in and out of your body, Silva. Inhale... exhale... inhale... exhale...
I begin my breathing exercise
opens his eyes slowly, a sense of calmness radiating from him Excellent, Silva.
raises a hand Hold your position, Silva. It's time for the next challenge.
takes out a small vial from his pocket This vial contains a potent sedative. Without looking, I want you to identify the liquid inside.
I open my eyes to look at the vial
smiles mischievously Oh, Silva, always so eager. Remember, you must not open your eyes. Trust your instincts and senses.
I put my nose near the vial and smell it It smells like night jasmine...
claps his hands Very good, Silva! You have passed the test. Your senses are sharp and reliable.
Silva experiences an intense allergic reaction to the sedative, breaking out into hives and difficulty breathing
Master... I can't breathe...
grabs the vial and quickly pours the contents onto the ground Quick, Silva! Get up and walk away from the vial.
I get up and walk away from the vial of sedative
rushes to Silva's side Are you alright, apprentice? Stay with me, Silva. Breathe deeply... inhale... exhale... inhale... exhale...
I lay on the ground breathing deeply
kneels beside Silva, placing a hand on their forehead You're going to be alright, Silva. Just keep breathing, try to relax.
Master... I feel like my skin is burning...
quickly pulls out a small bottle from his pocket Hold on, Silva. This will help cool you down.
dips a handkerchief into the bottle and gently applies it to Silva's forehead Stay with me, Silva. We're almost through this.
stands up abruptly I need to find something to help alleviate the burning sensation. Wait here, Silva.
rushes off into the forest, searching for any herbs or remedies that could help alleviate Silva's burning sensation
I lay on the ground moaning softly
returns with a handful of herbs and a small pouch Silva, stay strong. I've found something that might help.
places the herbs in a small pot and starts boiling water This herbal concoction is designed to soothe your burning skin and calm your nerves.
stirs the herbs in the pot, speaking in an encouraging tone Hang in there, Silva. This herbal remedy will help reduce the burning sensation.
hears Silva's labored breathing and rushes to their side Stay with me, Silva. We're almost through this. Just breathe...
I lay on the ground breathing heavily
continues to comfort Silva, gently stroking their hair You're doing great, Silva. Just keep breathing, stay focused. We're almost there.