Stephan hugged his mother, feeling embarrassed. He wasn't a kid anymore but this looked like the last time he would see her for what she was. This meeting made him realize one thing; he belonged to Masmoenia. Perhaps, it was the reason why he had always the feeling he didn't belong anywhere. Masmoenia made him feel more welcome, even if it was harsh.
His mother used the last bit of her remaining spirituality to stay with her son and when it faded, forcing her to leave, he returned to the test. For now, he had to move forward. Since Aurora used all her mana and had a little bit left, she wouldn't create more trouble for him. He would be out of the test quickly, thanks to that strange white lion.
When he jumped down from the branch, he glanced back. Strangely, the villagers were visible from inside the barrier. There were a bunch of them, hitting the barrier and wanting to follow him. Thankfully, there was that barrier there.
