"But I completed it in the end, and I didn't use any tricks or underhanded methods."
Shade spoke. The stone statue fell silent again before speaking:
"Yes, you completed it. I admit that it is even better than I could have imagined. Perhaps the Material World may not produce an artist capable of carving such a work for hundreds, even thousands of years. Ordinary craftsmen cannot bestow a statue with such beauty, nor such a wondrous sense of mystery. The combination of the two is simply marvelous. Even if it were placed in a temple, people would willingly worship it. You have passed the trial. Without a doubt, no finer work of art could ever be awaited."
Shade let out a long breath. Though he had been confident in his memories of home, he could only truly relax after hearing those words. Luvia showed little reaction, still gazing at the statue in amazement. As for Old Stone Mason Humphrey, motes of light began drifting from his body again. This time, he was truly about to leave.
"It is wonderful to have seen such a work before departing. Young man, you are quite remarkable."
The elderly stone mason spoke, and Shade reached out to draw a pitch-black rift, allowing the soul to head straight for its journey home.
"Thank you very much for your help. May your soul rest forever."
He offered his sincere blessing, but the old stone mason smiled and shook his head.
"I should be the one thanking you. Perhaps I ought to give you a little gift. Before I died, while quarrying stone, I found a metal medal inside a rock. Heaven knows how it got there. I hid it in the Association's warehouse. I never expected to die before I had the chance to sell it.