The agony seemed like it would be endless, yet Nero did not allow himself to get lost in the pain. He kept his mind sharp, and studied his pain despite how miserable it made him feel. Despite the burning sensation, he did not feel his body being harmed. In fact, it was as if he was removing a malignant tumour.
Barely a minute went by, though to Nero it was like an eternity, and the burning sensation within his body suddenly vanished. He felt as good as new, without any lingering sensation of pain at all. It was as if it had all been in his mind.
He opened his eyes, and discovered that at some point he had fallen to his knees, his body covered in cold sweats. Throughout the excruciating experience, he had resisted screaming, but the severity of his state was obvious to everyone as they observed him from afar.
