Three in the morning.
The sky was still dark as ink.
Rows of pale blue candles had already been lit across the training grounds.
The candles were made from Field Horsetail. Their flames were small, but extremely sensitive; the slightest disturbance in the air made them sway endlessly.
Five people were dragged out of bed by the little red panda disciples.
They stood on the grounds one after another, bleary-eyed and yawning.
Gon rubbed his eyes, looking utterly bewildered. "This early? Are we picking beans again?"
"No."
The acting master stood with his hands behind his back, looking even more serious than he had yesterday.
"Today's trial is Food Zen."
He pointed at the Field-Horsetail Candles before them.
"One candle in front of each of you. Sit in meditation and light it."
"Hold gratitude in your hearts for the lives of all things, and keep the flame burning for thirty minutes."
"If it goes out at any point, start over."
"You eat breakfast once you qualify."
Leorio immediately perked up at that.
"That's it?"
"Sit still and light a candle? That's way too easy!"
His arms had swollen from picking beans all day yesterday. He had thought today would be more physical labor, but it turned out they just had to sit there.
Wasn't this practically free points?
Killua raised an eyebrow as well, but said nothing.
It did indeed look much easier than the Ten-Meter Chopsticks.
"Don't celebrate too soon."
The acting master gave them a cold glance.
"These Field-Horsetail Candles are extremely sensitive."
"The instant the slightest stray thought, desire, or impatience appears in your hearts, the flame will go out."
"You can try it."
With that, he gestured for everyone to sit.
The five of them each found a meditation cushion and sat cross-legged.
The little red