The Stone Statue

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the air carried the damp scent of earth and grass. The group once again arrived at the lonely wooden cabin on the high ground.

The Stubborn Granny was already waiting outside, with a wooden bucket full of water and several clean soft cloths at her feet.

"Oh, you're here." She pointed to the things on the ground. "Take these. This is the last time. Clean up that statue of the hero in the canyon. I'll lead the way."

The group followed the old woman along a winding path behind the village into the depths of the canyon. The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the forest was filled with the moist scent of grass and trees.

Fern's pale purple eyes held a hint of curiosity as she looked at her grandmother's retreating figure walking ahead. "Grandma, is the statue of the hero you mentioned the one of Himmel?"

Frieren shook her head, her silver hair swaying slightly in the morning light. "It shouldn't be. He doesn't seem to have built any statues in this area."

Lowell, hands behind his head, strolled leisurely and continued, "Moreover, generally speaking, those who symbolize civilization and power, and are celebrated heroes, are often depicted as bronze statues. Stone statues... often signify a more distant era, usually representing a guardian or a forgotten deity."

Sein scratched his chin. "There are so many rules for erecting a statue?"

"Heroes certainly deserve to be treated with respect." Lowell smiled.

Hearing this, the Stubborn Granny walking ahead glanced back at them and seemed to chuckle slightly, "Hmph, you're right. That stone statue is said to be a hero who saved the entire world long ago. Who exactly it was, no one knows anymore. The village has guarded it for generations, but the young people nowadays think I'm stubborn... Hmph."

Sein watched his mother-in-law's retreating figure, lost in thought, "Is that so... a forgotten hero..."

The old woman stopped and squinted at Sein, saying, "Speaking of which, you're that 'Goatee Priest,' aren't you?"

Sein was taken aback. "How did you know?"

The mother-in-law didn't answer, but turned around and pointed ahead. "We're here."

Deep in the canyon, a stone statue, weathered by wind and rain, stands silently. It is two human figures standing back to back. One is agile, with a short sword at his waist, and pointed ears that indicate his identity as an elf, like a warrior. The other is dressed as a monk, and is slightly thinner in comparison, with a goatee.

Fern examined the statue and murmured, "It looks a bit like Mr. Sein and that 'Gorilla Warrior'."

Frieren leaned closer, blinking her emerald eyes, and pointed at the stone statue resembling an elven warrior. "Hmm... isn't that Kraft? Fern, the monk we met at the snow mountain hut a few days ago."

Fern suddenly realized, "Ah, it really does look like it."

Sein looked at the monk statue, then touched his own face. "So that one was called Kraft... And this one?" He pointed to the monk statue that resembled him somewhat.

Frieren shook her head. "I don't know."

Sein stared at the statue, remaining silent for a moment. Fragments of memory quietly surfaced.

(In front of the same stone statue more than a decade ago)

Heiter stood beneath the stone statue, looking up. "What is this?"

A blond, smiling boy pointed at the stone statue and said, "Look, it looks just like us, doesn't it? The Village Chief said they were heroes from ancient times, but now nobody remembers their names. We can't become like that, forgotten. I won't do that! I want to become a hero like Himmel, a hero whose name is renowned!"

Heiter smiled and said, "All heroes, in the end, will be forgotten. Even Himmel, who defeated the Demon King, is no exception."

Xiao Sein was standing to the side with his arms crossed, nodded upon hearing this. "Indeed, it's impossible to be remembered forever."

The blond boy clenched his fist, full of fighting spirit. "That's why I have to train like crazy! I wonder if I can reach that height! Oh, and from today onwards, I'm called 'Gorilla Warrior'!"

"Why choose such a name?" Sein, puzzled.

The blond boy said matter-of-factly, "To avoid being forgotten, your name has to be memorable first!"

Heiter was amused and laughed heartily, pointing at Sein: "That makes sense. Then you can be called 'Goatee Priest'."

"Huh?" Sein dumbfounded.

The blond boy, however, thought it was a brilliant idea and patted Sein on the shoulder forcefully, "Great name! Distinctive features! 'Goatee Priest' is definitely you!"

(End of flashback)

Sein shook his head, as if trying to shake off the yellowed images, and rolled up his sleeves. "Ah, finally done, that was exhausting." He looked at the cleaned stone statue, revealing its natural stone color, and let out a long sigh of relief.

Frieren commented from the side, "If it's a bronze statue, a 'Clean Statue' spell would take care of it in no time."

The Stubborn Granny carefully examined the newly polished stone statue, her tone softening slightly. "I also had that Gorilla do this job. He didn't clean it as well as you guys."

Sein wiped his hands with a towel and smiled, "That guy is really unreliable in every way except when it comes to fighting and caring for his friends."

The old woman's gaze fell on Sein's face, and she slowly said, "But his name is unforgettable. The Gorilla often mentions you, saying he wants to be with you, to become a hero whose name will be etched into history."

Sein simply smiled and didn't reply.

After saying goodbye to the Stubborn Granny, the group began their journey home.

Lowell looked at Sein: "So, did you find out where the 'Gorilla Warrior' is?"

Sein pulled out a simple map his mother-in-law had given him and pointed northeast. "Hmm, they say they went to Tiyua, a trading city in the central part of the northern kingdoms."

Upon hearing this, Fern pulled out his map, compared it to the map, and frowned slightly. "Tiyua is in the northeast. The Oysast Continental Magic Association, which we're going to, is in the northwest."

Sein put away the map, sighed, and looked at the others. "Yeah... what should we do now?"

The group fell silent for a moment, with only the sound of footsteps echoing in the morning air.