work on mental focus

“You’re mind must remain sharp, even in adverse conditions. I would find it most unacceptable if you’re brain turned to jello just because it was a little cold outside.” I announced as I returned to the wet room.

I grabbed her leash loosely and headed towards Raven’s next training ground. I smiled a little under my mask as I observed the slack in her chain. Despite everything that I’ve put her through so far today, she is still following me with little hesitation. She is turning out to be a most amusing apprentice.

“This, my dear little Raven, is my focus chamber. It may be simple in its design and implementation, but I have found it to be quite effecting in achieving its results. You may step inside now.”

When I had awoken Raven this morning I had anticipated the joy of shoving her into my little 6’ cube metal box but, just as with her physical exercise, she seemed to need little motivation. She entered into the box willingly.

“I’m sure you’re finding my toy quite refreshing after your long, strenuous workout. It is currently set to 45 degrees Fahrenheit and for your sake I suggest you keep it set at that. You see, once I close this door the cube will be locked and will not be opened again for at least 90 minutes. During that time the cube’s computer will ask you questions. If you answer the question correctly, the computer will simply move on to the next one. If you get the question wrong however, the computer will automatically reduce the temperature in the room by two degrees. Please try not to get too many of them wrong as I have no use for a raven-sickle.”

I sealed the cube quickly, making sure to leave Raven no time to question or whine about her predicament. This would leave me just enough time to get to the monitor room without missing any of the fun of watching her fight desperately to stay warm.

“Question 1: What is the derivative of the sin(x)?”

“I don’t know.” Raven said tentatively.

“3…2…1… Time has expired. Your answer is incorrect, temperature reducing to 43 degrees. Question 2: Which Roman emperor conquered the kingdom of Dacia?”

“Trajan.”

“Correct. Question 3: How many items are in a mole?”

I laughed a little as I watched her pace back and forth in her little prison like a caged animal. I knew the cube’s safety protocol wouldn’t reduce the temperature to a lethal setting, although it would lie and continue to announce decreasing temperatures.

Ah, 90 minutes of shivering and desperation. It was a beautiful thing to watch.