Dryad Sakura's dominance over nymph Alex followed by goddess Luna's finishing move over Sakura left the observers in the aspen grove shocked. Adding to the shock was the fact that everyone's memories were coming back.

  Luna posed a question to the nymphs, "Does anyone require some hummus?" Her gaze swept over the dozen nymphs with puzzled expressions emerging from the gde's edges. The goddess of cuteness acted like a Girl Scout selling cookies, setting out a spread.

  Some nymphs accepted the offered hummus bread, while others declined. Those nymphs who had been nymphs for a long time transformed into green-haired women of their original race. However, the majority preferred to remain nymphs. A few had been nymphs for so long that, despite regaining their old memories, they found being nymphs to be more comfortable. The fact that the life of a wastender was harsher than that of a nymph pyed a significant role in this decision.

  Previously known as Bob and Martha's son Kyle, Kaide, now identifying as female, expressed her desire to remain a nymph. She conveyed that it was her true identity. However, Kaide also yearned to reconnect with her parents and mend their retionship, hoping to make things right again.

  From the stone ax tribe that previously evicted Alex and his small group, a man was revealed to have been one of the nymphs who had transformed back into human form. Although he acknowledged that his brief time as a nymph was far more enjoyable than the daily survival struggles of tribal life, he still had a family within the tribe. When confronted with the opportunity to return to the tribe, he adamantly refused, choosing instead to embark on a new chapter of his life among the nymphs. His ultimate aspiration was to reunite with his family and free them from the oppressive chief.

  As Alex watched the tribal man effortlessly transition back into a human, a tinge of bitterness washed over him. The only lingering evidence of his transformation was a vibrant streak of green hair, which posed an additional dilemma. The stone ax tribe had chased them out of town, eager to monopolize the dungeon. Alex couldn't help but wonder if someone were to return and reveal his presence, would it incite the tribe to attack the grove? Although Alex felt hesitant to voice his concerns, he reasoned that if the grove had survived the demonic invasion, it should be able to withstand a few tribal warriors. However, doubt gnawed at him, questioning whether his actions would unintentionally trigger a series of events that could lead to even greater tragedy than the loss of humanity to nymphdom.

  "Fumi, we must depart shortly. Allow me to dissolve your contract with Sakura, and then we may return to the moon." Luna gestured, and the wooden bars restraining the fmingo parted, providing an avenue of escape. "It may require some time, but it is possible to locate a more suitable partner."

  With a hesitant step, Fumi turned and spoke, "I understand the importance of returning, but the thought of leaving Sakura behind weighs heavily on my heart. I implore you not to force me to abandon my friend in this time of need."

  Luna hummed thoughtfully, "Indeed, we have yet to determine the appropriate disciplinary measures for your actions. As such, your punishment shall be to assume responsibility for the rehabilitation of this unfeeling dryad. You will endeavor to impart upon her the significance of love and camaraderie, and your success in this endeavor will be closely monitored."

  The baby dryad cooed,"Ah goo goo."

  "With utmost reverence, I express my gratitude to the divine Goddess Luna." The fmingo executed a profound bow, extending her wings with her beak nearly touching the earth.

  Luna waved a hand dismissively. "Hmm, I'm assuming the rest of you who want to remain nymphs wish to stay here and continue tending the nds?" Luna looked towards the nymphs that wanted to stay nymphs.

  They all nodded.

  One nymph spoke for the group, "We've been tending the nd for so long that is who we are now. Sakura may not be the most empathetic mistress but knowing what life was like before she took our memories doesn't change the fact that she took good care of us in her own way. The life of a nymph is much longer than that of a human. Without the forest's protection life would have been a lot harder and shorter."

  The other nymphs voiced their approval.

  Luna smiled and responded, "Very well, you may proceed as you wish. Since none of you are magical girls, it falls outside my jurisdiction. Ordinarily, I would be unable to intervene so directly on Terre. 'Unable' may not be the most precise term. You're familiar with the treaties between opposing deities that prohibit direct involvement because such conflicts often result in the destruction of worlds."

  Luna turned to the other magical girl in the grove. "In any case, how are you faring, Alex? Fufi mentioned that you've been behaving unusually."

  Alex grimaced, "I...I felt so useless. I've been here what, a month now? It seems like I've been going one step forward and one step back. We haven't even confronted anyone from the demon queen's faction. For some reason I expected to get some kind of cheat skill and have nothing but success like in those isekai stories. I mean, I get that magical girls can be powerful enough that it is like they are cheating but that hasn't been me. Sometimes if I'm alone with my thoughts I can't help but ask myself if I'm a failure?"

  With a gentle touch on his shoulder, Luna reassured him, "You're alright. Take your time to reflect on everything. I don't view you as a failure. Your actions have demonstrated a commitment to creativity, friendship, love, and justice. It's important to remember that those who compromise their values and seek shortcuts often end up becoming what they once opposed."

  "Yeah, but still, why did I lose so badly?" Alex asked, "I tried my best but it wasn't even slightly effective."

  "Well, if you are comparing yourself to Sakura then don't. She's been a magical girl for much longer than you. Someone with only a couple weeks of being a magical girl can't expect to be on the same level of someone with decades of experience. Her level is several times yours. Besides, Sakura is a bad example. She put the quest over the values a magical girl should have." Luna sounded confident in Alex’s eventual success.

  Alex tried to take Luna’s encouragement to heart.

  "Alex," Luna spoke with the wisdom of a mentor, "being a magical girl is akin to being an artist. Each individual embarks on their own unique artistic journey, so it's futile to attempt to imitate someone else. I understand that Fufi has shared tales of numerous magical girls with you, but you are not obligated to follow in their footsteps. Your value as a magical girl doesn't diminish simply because you don't possess the ability to summon crystals from the ground that unleash repeated ser attacks, slicing through hordes of demons in a matter of minutes."

  Alex thought her example was oddly specific but oh well.

  "Luna?" Alex asked, "Is there anything that can help me feel better?"

  Luna gently caressed Alex's head, offering words of comfort. "We all experience tough times, my dear," she said. Turning her gaze towards Kaide, who managed a feeble smile, Luna continued, "It would be best if you took Kaide back to her family. Do not forget to bring her tree with you. Families are meant to be together." With a pyful wink, Luna produced a heart-shaped pink bubble. As the bubble popped, it transformed into a card featuring an aspen tree. Luna handed it to Kaide, expining, "Unfortunately, that is the extent of my assistance without risking trouble from the other deities. I must bid you farewell now."

  As Alex's phone dispyed a video of a spinning portal, Luna effortlessly diminished in size, taking the opportunity to leap into the screen. Alex, gncing at the phone, noticed Luna cheerfully waving within the image before the screen darkened and reverted to a regur phone desktop. However, the desktop now had a distinctively feminine touch, as Luna had meticulously adorned it with various decorations, leaving an indelible mark of her presence.

  "I don't really want to spend the night here. I know we won't get back to the farm until after dark but I'd like to leave right away." Alex addressed Merumeru, Kaide, and Fufi. He didn't say much else since he still felt embarrassed by what happened earlier.

  Merumeru gave Alex a hug with a heart-felt smile, "Merumeruuuu."

  Kaide nodded, still looking a bit sad, "I'm sorry about what happened. I'll do what I can to make things right."

  Fufi nodded, "We'll talk more when we return to the farm."

  Alex worried things might be awkward between the group and Kaide. The magical girl hoped that they would be friends now and everything was ok.

  The remaining nymphs created a cradle for Sakura out of their pnt magic. Some of the people who turned back by eating the hummus were grouping together discussing pns to leave. It seems like as good of time as any to set out.

  Fufi led the way through the woods, through a thick patch of trees and around the mountain. The others followed close behind. She only flew for as long as the sun stayed up. After it became dark, Alex lit the brazier and everyone stuck closer to the ticking cart. Luckily they could just follow the cart tracks back the way they came. Alex no longer could sense where Sakura's grove was so without some way to navigate the woods they could have gotten lost.

  As night approached, the temperature dropped and a cold breeze filled the air. Kaide and Alex alternated operating the cart, taking turns winding it back up occasionally. Although the cart moved forward on its own due to spring tension, the process was not much different from walking.

  As night descended, sleepiness washed over Alex. Despite his fatigue, his mind raced with thoughts of the day's events. Concerns about Martha and Bob's well-being gnawed at him. Had involving them in the magical girl turmoil been the right decision? Should he have simply left on the first day, continuing his search for a different pce? The weight of doubt burdened his thoughts.

  Meanwhile, Merumeru slumbered peacefully, oblivious to the watchful eyes of her companions. The moon's radiance illuminated their surroundings, granting them clear visibility.

  Alex looked towards the forest, there were a lot of shadows that made him wonder if it would have been safer to just camp out at the grove. They had already started on the journey so at this point there was no point in going back. They continued onward into the woods whether or not it was safe.

  Alex put his unfamiliarly petit hand against his head, lost in thought. Eventually this led to tripping over a rock

  Kaide turned to look towards Alex, "I can take over pushing the cart if you want to rest a bit. Fufi can keep an eye out."

  Alex opened his eyes and smiled weakly. "Sure, sorry I guess all the stress has worn me out a bit. I could use some sleep."

  "Why don't you lie down here then," she said, pointing to the back of the cart.

  Alex nodded and gently lowered his body onto the soft cloth bed, basking in the warmth and comfort provided by the lit brazier.

  Kaide gazed at Alex as he closed his eyes and drifted into slumber almost instantly.

  Throughout the night, the nymph diligently continued pushing the cart until they finally reached the farm.

  melchi