Inside the temple, beneath the rock and the statue of the Guardian God.

"You are a true divine craftsman; we don't know how to thank you enough!"

High Lord Algom approached Rance excitedly, clasping his hands.

"How exactly were you able to replenish the missing Divine Era characters and even imbue it with new magical effects?"

Algom couldn't comprehend it. He had previously consulted scholars from various races, but none had told him that these Divine Era characters could be repaired.

"Some artisans excel at drawing, others at carving, and still others enjoy academic research. If you know a little about ancient relics, you might be able to fix it."

Rance explained modestly.

"Which aspect are you best at?"

High Lord Algom's gaze returned to the statue of the Guardian God, unable to discern what type of artisan Rance was.

"I know a little about everything."

Rance replied with a smile.

"Haha, as expected of you."

High Lord Algom said sincerely.

The roars and cheers of the bear-beasts filled the entire temple, and in this celebratory atmosphere, High Lord Algom continued to express their most sincere gratitude to Rance.

He ordered the temple guards and priests to temporarily disperse and entertain the crowds in the temple, accompanying the Imperial craftsman alone to chat with him.

"Mr. Rance, the skill and dedication you have shown today have deeply touched all of us. You have not only restored our statue but also mended our trust in human artisans. I will personally write to the other high lords to ask them to provide you with the best care."

High Lord Algom's voice was deep and powerful, his eyes filled with respect.

"Your work just now was not only an art but also a sacred contribution; we are deeply grateful, Mr. Rance. Please remember, whenever and wherever you need help, we will support you without hesitation."

He added, seemingly feeling that these basic forms of assistance were insufficient to repay the debt.

Because an artisan with such skill was willing to help them repair it for a negligible reward; it could only be described as a pure favor.

"Don't be so serious, Mr. Algom. I just want to make friends with you. Don't feel too much pressure. Even without compensation or if it's dangerous, I will do my best to repair the statues for you on this trip to the Land of Eternal Night. If you need any other items related to the God of Rock and Protection repaired in the future, send someone to Heershalem to find me, or contact Empress Kexiya."

Rance waved his hand with a lighthearted smile, looking into Algom's eyes.

"...Is that so."

High Lord Algom met Rance's gaze for a long time, then revealed a hint of relief.

He had never seen such clear eyes.

He was willing to believe that this artisan's heart was without impurities, and that everything he did was out of a sense of responsibility.

"Won't you find it troublesome? After all, it seems to me that you don't necessarily believe in gods."

High Lord Algom walked beside Rance and said to him.

He led Rance away from the noise and walked along the inner side of the temple, chatting idly as they strolled.

At that moment, he was filled with interest in this human master craftsman.

He had seen many humans, whose Springs of Souls surged endlessly, vast and brilliant, able to persevere without relying on any faith. And the feeling this human gave him was especially strong.

"No, not at all."

Rance shook his head and waved his hand.

He thought for a moment, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his lips.

"The thoughts that appear in my mind are like lovers standing before me. I admire your spirit. You believe in gods, protect the land, and discipline yourselves. In this world, to still have such good faith is truly worthy of sincere praise from the bottom of my heart."

Rance replied.

Next, he humbly shared his thoughts and experiences in maintaining the statues, chatting with Algom about his interpretation of the Rock and Protection chapter in "The Genesis Chronicle," revealing his love for craftsmanship and respect for cultural diversity, suggesting how Algom should have his subordinates clean the statues regularly.

High Lord Algom listened with relish, occasionally expressing his agreement, becoming fascinated without realizing it.

The sky gradually turned white, and the temple of Little Stone City appeared even purer in the morning light.

"Mr. Algom, I must go to the next city-state. We should have many opportunities to meet again in the future, if you wish."

The moment of farewell had arrived. Rance looked at the clock and apologized for Algom's warm hospitality.

"Of course, I look forward to our next meeting."

High Lord Algom grasped Rance's hand tightly, reluctantly wishing him all the best in his future journey, and presented him with a commemorative badge representing friendship.

Soon, after saying goodbye, Rance left the temple along an inconspicuous backup passage.

At the end of the passage, he stopped to change his attire.

Rance took off his craftsman's clothes, put them in his briefcase, and changed back into his Proto Empire style formal attire.

Leaving the temple, Rance looked up at the sky and found that the dawn had begun to rise on the horizon.

The air was filled with the scent of a new day, as well as the cold and freshness unique to Little Stone City.

Rance took a deep breath, feeling the breath of this land.

"Huh, I remember Sigrid left halfway."

He looked around the temple entrance, but he didn't see Sigrid's figure.

Walking alone through the stone square and the neatly arranged stalls.

Rance looked around and finally found Sigrid in a corner outside the temple.

She was sitting under a protruding stone pillar, surrounded by several young beast-men ruffians.

They were playing cards together, and there were several banknotes on the ground, the atmosphere seeming quite relaxed and pleasant.

Sigrid looked focused, sitting on the ground and betting with a group of hooligans.

And seeing the banknotes in her hand, she seemed to have won some small money just now.

It was very likely that the bet they had made was on Rance's successful completion of the repairs.

Rance slowly walked over and stood beside Sigrid.

He didn't urge her, but slightly frowned.

Sigrid glanced up at Rance.

The silence made her a little uncomfortable.

Like being picked up from school by her parents.

"It's okay, finish this hand."

Rance reminded her.

The surrounding beast-men ruffians all looked at Sigrid in surprise, wondering how this dirty-looking girl could have a well-dressed, rich man come to pick her up.

"No, it's boring."

Sigrid stood up from the ground, patted her pants, and motioned for Rance to leave together.

The two walked on the roads of Little Stone City.

They were going to the post station to retrieve the Snowfield Reindeer.

Rance remained silent for a long time.

"I didn't waste time, did I? Why do you look unhappy?"

Sigrid glanced at Rance and asked bluntly.

"I'm not unhappy."

Rance replied naturally.

"Come on, if you say you're angry, that means you're not angry. If you say you're not angry, that means you're a little angry."

Sigrid spread her hands and said.

The nuns in the orphanage were also like this; when the priest made her angry, she would say this.

"..."

Rance was silent for a moment,

"Although I won't tell you what hobbies are good or bad at this age, or say things like, 'What should a girl your age be doing?' after all, my best friend always likes to gamble a little for fun, but I think it's still necessary to say a few words."

Rance's eyes were calm, as if saying, "You asked me to say it, so no matter what I say, don't get angry in return."

"You say."

Sigrid nodded.

She had already been lectured by this person twice for drinking, and this time she was caught gambling, so he was definitely going to nag again.

"Good people don't go to bad places, but bad people come to good places. You must know how to draw a clear line."

Rance slightly turned his head, watching Sigrid with great concern.

Sigrid was stunned for a long time.

She had never heard anyone preach to her like this before.

"Tsk, you actually look down on me too, right?"

Sigrid thought for a while and clicked her tongue.

"..."

Rance didn't answer, but looked ahead,

"You could have entered the hall of elegance with me just now, but you voluntarily stayed outside."

Rance walked towards the city gate on his own,

"Sometimes the choice is actually in your hands."

Everyone has the opportunity to become better, but without a reminder, it may be difficult to notice.

Perhaps Rance had slightly quickened his pace, or perhaps Sigrid's steps had become hesitant for a brief moment.

Sigrid was silent for a while, but still trotted to catch up.

"Oh."

Sigrid responded.

The little black cat sat on Rance's shoulder.

Looking at Sigrid's small figure.

It didn't expect these two to get along so well.

Although Sigrid seemed dissolute on the surface, she was surprisingly receptive to Rance's discipline.

---

ps: The next chapter will directly jump to several city-states later, near the end of the Demon World. I said I wouldn't write about each city-state one by one. Six city-states are because they correspond to six days, for easy understanding and memory. There are even people in this chapter saying questioning that I will write about the six city states for a long time ( ).

(End of this chapter)