Gretel Stone Fortress, an independent city-state, was also known as Small Stone City.
The cold northern snowfields looked hazy in the light before dawn. The temple in Small Stone City was already brightly lit, with figures moving everywhere.
Although it was already eight in the morning, the sky had yet to brighten.
In this city-state, daytime lasted only about six or seven hours.
"I heard that today's ceremony will be personally presided over by Great Lord Algom."
"And several priestesses will supervise the human artisan from the Plant Empire."
"It's been many years since we've seen a master artisan brave enough to take on the repair work. For an artist capable of restoring a god's statue, this payment is practically nothing."
Not to mention the risks involved. He had come all the way from the comfortable central city-states of the human empire to the Land of Eternal Night.
At present, most of the orc residents believed this was a gesture of goodwill from the Plant Empire's royal family. The royals had sent over a noble and patriotic artisan who was willing to risk coming here in these troubled times to build friendship with the orc race.
Large numbers of orcs had gathered inside and outside the temple, discussing the matter.
Their faces were full of anticipation and reverence.
As for whether the artisan would satisfy them, that would depend on whether his ability was truly as reliable as the Plant Empire's royal family had vouched for.
Otherwise, if he made fools of them, they would only become furious.
The interior of the Temple of Rock was solemn and immaculate.
Totems carved by the Bearmen since ancient times covered the tall stone pillars. Murals and patterns symbolizing the God of Rock and Soil adorned the walls, shining brilliantly beneath the lamplight.