Farming in a Parallel World and Becoming a God
Chapter 696 - 500 Roll Call_2

Chapter 696: Chapter 500 Roll Call_2

Gaven’s gaze swept over everyone, one by one, their personalities and abilities flashing through his mind as he tried to determine the most suitable candidate. But when his eyes met Zalanda’s, he involuntarily paused.

Her gaze seemed to carry a deep meaning, subtly shaking her head without leaving a trace.

What did that mean?

Was she suggesting he shouldn’t decide on someone directly?

Did she have a suitable candidate in mind?

Given her character, if she had someone in mind, she would have straightforwardly made a recommendation instead of resorting to such insinuations. Clearly, her actions were laden with deeper intentions.

Was she suggesting they nominate themselves? Or perhaps that they recommend each other?

Yes, that was very likely. After all, the group assembled before him was cobbled together. He knew them through and through, but they did not know each other all that well. Integrating them would indeed require a gradual process.

No, that was not quite right. His thinking was still stuck in the autocratic state of controlling the Gnolls. The individuals before him were not Gnolls; they were all highly proactive—take Kopofiel, for example. After sending him out for two months, Kopofiel not only brought back a group of mid-to-low-level officers but also a band of mercenaries, adding a new card to Gaven’s hand.

A competent leader would not immediately reveal all his own opinions upon taking charge.

This wasn’t just for show; there was a method to it.

As the supreme ruler, once his own opinion was expressed, it would set the tone for everything.

The others, even if they had their own views, would have to hold back when expressing them, lest they inadvertently contradict their leader.

Normally, it would be appropriate to let the subordinates express their opinions first and then, in the end, for him to make the final decision.

Not only should this be the case for the current matter, but it should also apply to all future affairs.

The discussion could go on and on, but Gaven’s thoughts were rapidly transforming into a query as he spoke, "Do any of you have a suitable candidate to recommend?"

No sooner had Gaven finished speaking than a figure, taller than the others even while seated, stood up and said, "Lord, I would like to nominate myself for this important task."

This person was none other than the Maiden Priestess and third-ranking Knight of Lady Strategy, the Demi-Human Holy Strategist Veranika, with eagerness flickering in her eyes.

In her view, the soldiers brought back by Kopofiel were all excellent prospects, promising candidates to become followers of Lady Strategy.

Although she had sworn allegiance to Gaven, her primary duty was still as Lady Strategy’s exclusive Sacrificer. Promoting the faith of Lady Strategy was always her main task. What could be more effective than to become the supreme commander of an army, influencing them by direct contact and leading by example?

"Certainly, if the Lady were to take on the task, she would be more than capable, but it would be underutilizing her talents," Gaven said as he shook his head to decline, "In fact, I have already considered a position for you, my lady: the Chief of Staff for our domain, exclusively in charge of coordinating all military affairs, remotely directing the overall battle situation, while also being agile and capable of joining me wherever the most critical, urgent situations arise."

He needed not only Veranika’s intellect but also her teleportation ability.

In the past while, it had been her providing the silent support of teleportation when deploying forces to Anfield Village.

In the short term, no one could replace her in this role.

As the migration process began in earnest, it was unlikely that Gaven could afford to be tied down; he might have to flit back and forth, either dealing with matters within his domain, establishing a forward position, or covering a retreat. At that time, he would need teleportation support, and he would naturally not allow Veranika to be bogged down by mundane tasks.

"It’s just that..." Veranika hesitated. The duties of a Chief of Staff, as they sounded, indeed aligned well with Lady Strategy’s divine role and suited her perfectly. However, the position, inevitably behind the scenes and somewhat removed from the front-line soldiers, was not conducive to her mission of spreading the word.

Gaven saw through Veranika’s hesitation and with a meaningful smile, he said, "Which is greater—to evangelize a single village or to evangelize an entire army? Can’t you tell the difference, my lady? When the military strategies you formulate are implemented throughout all my territories, does it really matter if the soldiers executing the plans are followers of Lady Strategy or not? When these soldiers experience Lady Strategy’s unique abilities during this process, do you think they will simply ignore them, or will they actively seek out her guidance?"

To believe in Lady Strategy and be loyal to him.

These were not contradictory pursuits, not just for Veranika, but for all of the Deity’s followers.

The Maiden Priestess Anna had even actively evangelized among the Gnolls, attempting to integrate the faith of Ilmater into their lives.

In Felen, the True Gods were a tangible reality.

Attempting to exclude any one Deity’s faith was equivalent to making an enemy of that Deity and all their followers.

Choosing a primary faith and blending one’s own development with the expansion of that faith could yield doubly effective results.

Zalanda was a prime example. She had already tightly bound herself to Lady Strategy. Wherever her territory expanded, the faith of Lady Strategy would spread, and Lady Strategy’s followers would do everything in their power to assist Zalanda.

Gaven had no intention at the moment of binding himself entirely to Lady Strategy—otherwise, he would not have previously refused to become one of the Chosen.

But he did not mind Lady Strategy expanding her base of followers around him, nor did he object to the evangelizing of other Benevolent God’s priests, as long as it did not interfere with his rule.