Final answer:
The alchemist claims that the boy can transform himself into the wind when they are captured by a tribe.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," the assertion that the boy can transform himself into the wind serves as a critical test in his journey of self-discovery and mastery of alchemy. Captured by a tribe, the alchemist strategically introduces this claim as a means to buy time for the boy. This declaration becomes a pivotal moment, requiring the boy to prove the depths of his understanding of mystical teachings.
The test underscores the fusion of spiritual and practical knowledge in alchemy, challenging the boy to transcend mere theoretical learning and manifest his wisdom through a tangible demonstration of supernatural power. This moment symbolizes the transformative nature of the boy's journey, emphasizing the fusion of belief, action, and the realization of one's true potential on the path to personal legend and self-discovery.