I stretched my back and surveyed the surroundings. "Maybe I'll take a few more laps around the garden before heading back inside," I decided. With a renewed energy, I began walking through the garden, enjoying the fresh air and the soothing ambiance of nature.
Feeling refreshed and energized, I decided to take a few more rounds around the garden, enjoying the beauty of nature and the calming atmosphere. The gentle breeze brushed against my skin, and the vibrant colours of the flowers lifted my spirits. I took in deep breaths, savouring the scent of the blossoms, and let my mind wander. After a few more peaceful minutes, I made my way back inside and prepared for my next test.
After six gruelling months, I had finally managed to conquer 50 tests. Exhausted, I collapsed onto the ground, my back pressed against the unforgiving surface. With a heavy sigh, I gazed up at the ceiling, my mind filled with a mix of weariness and determination. "Ugh... 394 tests to go," I muttered, contemplating the seemingly endless journey that still lay ahead of me. The weight of the remaining challenges felt overwhelming, and I couldn't help but wonder how much more suffering I would have to endure before reaching the end.
Bang!
The sudden sound of the door being forcefully slammed open caught my attention, and I turned my gaze towards the entrance of the room. Standing there was Lady Nozomi, her presence commanding and energetic. I couldn't help but reflect on how much I had grown during my time with her. The initial shock that her dramatic entrances used to elicit had now been replaced with a sense of familiarity and acceptance. I smiled inwardly, realizing that I had become accustomed to her spirited demeanour.
Lady Nozomi rushed into the room with a sense of urgency, grabbing my attention and pulling me up from my reclined position. Her words startled me. "Stop lazing around. Master wants to see you." I blinked in surprise. "Huh? Masta wants to see me?" I questioned, my curiosity piqued. Lady Nozomi nodded energetically. "Yup! Now hurry. Master is waiting for you." Her words propelled me into action as I quickly gathered my thoughts and prepared myself to meet with Master. Excitement and anticipation coursed through my veins as I followed Lady Nozomi out of the room.
I entered the room and saw Master sitting calmly, sipping her tea. With a respectful bow, I greeted her. I looked up and gave a big smile. "I'm here, Masta. Miss me?" Master placed her tea down, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Someone trying to be cheeky, hmm?" she remarked, her tone light. I couldn't help but laugh, feeling a sense of ease in her presence. I took a seat opposite her, still unable to hide my admiration for her.
As I sat there, my thoughts began to wander, reflecting on my encounters with Master. I reminisced about our first meeting, when I was so captivated by her elegant attire that I forgot to greet her properly or even look at her face. The second time I met her, I had the opportunity to see her up close, and that's when I realized that Master possessed not only wisdom and power, but also a remarkable beauty.
But no matter how many times I see Master, I am always enchanted by her captivating presence and inner radiance. It's as if her beauty transcends mere physical appearance and reflects the depth of her character. Lost in my thoughts, I couldn't help but appreciate the privilege of being under her guidance and the inspiration she brings to my journey.
"It's rude to keep staring at people's faces, little chipmunk," Master Sil said, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.
"Why do Masta call me a chipmunk? Because I'm cute?" I asked, striking a playful pose. Master chuckled, finding my antics amusing. "Not just because you're cute, Llyne," she replied with a teasing smile. "It's because when you eat, your two cheeks puff up like a chipmunk storing nuts for the winter." She covered her mouth with her sode (sleeve) and let out a light-hearted laugh.
I pouted with frustration, a visible cloud of annoyance swirling above my head. "I don't like to be called chipmunk." Master put her hands down and asked. "How about a shrew? It's small and cute."
'What's a shrew? Hmm... Judging how Master likes to tease people, I bet it's not all small and cute.' I hesitated for a moment before responding. "A shrew, huh?" I said, my tone laced with scepticism. Master nodded happily. "Nah, I don't want to be called a shrew."
Master slammed the table in distress, clearly taken aback by my rejection. "Why not?" she demanded. I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure. "Judging from your reaction, I guess it's not an adorable animal."
Master pouted in anger and retorted, "That's not true. Shrews are actually sweet and lovable creatures, despite their voracious appetite. They eat three times their own weight and can't survive more than two hours without food, but they're still endearing."
I couldn't help but raise my voice in frustration. "I'm not like that, Masta! Yes, I have a healthy appetite, but I'm not a ravenous creature that devours everything in sight!"
"What? Have you forgotten what has been happening over the past few months?" Master's voice carried a tone of frustration. "You've been devouring everything in the fridge almost every night. What happened to practising a healthy diet, hmm?" As Master glared at me, I couldn't help but feel startled, quickly retreating and crawling below the table in response.
"Besides, I think it suits you the most. Shrew of the House of Aum or little Llyne Shrew," Master said, her smile widening. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Frustrated, I pouted and lightly whacked my head on the table. "Master isn't going to change her mind, huh?" I mumbled to myself. Seeking support, I turned towards Lady Nozomi, only to be met with a mischievous smile and a thumbs up. I glared at Lady Nozomi, feeling betrayed by her lack of assistance. 'Betrayer!'
Master clapped her hands, signalling the end of the banter. "Enough with the chit chat. Let's focus on the main topic," she said firmly. I turned back to face her, still sporting a pout. "I still ain't a shrew," I grumbled. Master nodded understandingly. "Alright, alright. I was just joking. Don't be so pouty, or else you'll grow old faster," she teased with a playful smirk. 'Well, not like she has much of a choice. I'm the Master and she is just a disciple. I can call her whatever I want. Mwahahahaha!' Master thought to herself while smiling creepily. I backed away in fear and looked at Lady Nozomi for help. Lady Nozomi shook her head in confusion. I was perplexed but decided to release my anger, but a tinge of annoyance lingered. "Fine," I replied, my tone reflecting my mild irritation.
Master continued, her tone shifting to one of excitement. "Now that that's all settled." To my surprise, Master and Lady Nozomi suddenly pulled out an array of party supplies from their inventory. Party hats, confetti poppers, cakes, and balloons appeared before my eyes, transforming the atmosphere into one of the celebrations.
"Wah! What's all this for?" I exclaimed in surprise, my heart feeling a flutter of excitement.
"Congratulations on passing 50 tests!" Lady Nozomi exclaimed as she lit the candles on the cake. I couldn't help but question the need for such a celebration. "Do we really need to celebrate for something like this?" I asked sceptically. Master chuckled. "Well, to be honest, the celebration is more for me than for you. It's been quite some time since a disciple has managed to complete 50 tests." My face paled at her revelation. "Oui... What did you do to them? Devour them?"
"Anyways, you still have 394 tests remaining," Master reminded me. Curious about my progress, she asked, "How have the tests been thus far? Have they been relatively easier or harder for you?"
Master's question prompted me to reflect on my journey thus far. "Initially, the tests were incredibly challenging. I struggled with fever, fainting, allergy, dizziness, and sleepless nights after each trial. However, as I continued to persevere and push myself, I began to adapt and grow stronger. Now, I can proudly say that I'm able to complete multiple tests in a day," I explained, a sense of accomplishment evident in my voice. With a confident grin, I struck a victory pose, feeling proud of my progress.
"I see. That's great, then. It's good if it gets easier. If not, you'll most probably die," Master said with a smile, seemingly proud of my progress.
"Eh? Die? Why? Did I miss something here?" My confusion deepened as I heard Master's words. The mention of the possibility of death in relation to the tests sent a chill down my spine.
"Before you, I had several people who took the test, but they died horribly. I've always wondered why, so I asked for their condition before they proceeded to the next step. That's when I found out that if they had trouble in their previous test, they would most probably die in their next test. That's all." Master said.
'That's all?' Master's revelation left me speechless, the weight of the previous participants' tragic fates sinking in. The realization that those who struggled in their previous tests were more likely to meet a grim end in the subsequent ones sent a chill down my spine.
"Oh... I see..." I murmured to myself.