Honorary Knight Typal stood with his two adjutants at the threshing ground of Village No. 3.

All 600-plus people from the collective farm had arrived. Their spirits were decent, though their clothes were still tattered and looked dispirited. Their fearful posture and evasive eyes immediately reminded Typal of the farmers from the old era he had seen in some old documentaries. When they formed loose formations here under the guidance of the militias sent from the Crimson Citadel, Typal felt like he was a fake army leader coming to the village to loot.

He quickly shook his head, clearing this unreliable imagination from his mind, silently reciting “serve the people” to straighten his mindset.

At this moment, Typal himself stood on a wooden platform temporarily built to welcome the “village chief” arrival. He and his two adjutants surveyed what would soon be commanded as the “Newbie Village” under his order.

There were no low thatched houses, randomly piled lumber, or penned livestock. Instead, what Typal saw was a whole row of well-planned and identical three-story “tube buildings.”

Those were residential areas built for the collective farm by the work teams of the “Stonemason Guild” under Heaven’s Chosen Grayman over the past period. The entire village planning was personally drawn by Professor Chen, the honorary chairman of the Stonemason Guild, full of an orderly aesthetic of “new rural areas.”

Because the Transia officials currently didn’t have enough manpower and resources to paint the buildings, the square and regular houses maintained their original appearance after the stone-to-mud spell catalysis, which was the cold gray color that stones should have.

But the uniform color made the architectural style of the whole village tend to be conservative and unified.

Indeed, Professor Chen was a rare talent in this field, not only doing the best under existing conditions but also considering unified architectural aesthetics.

Even more impressive was that Old Chen didn’t just plan the residential area for the collective farm, but also mapped out areas for livestock breeding and material storage. Since it was a collective farm, livestock breeding would definitely be collectively allocated.

From Typal’s “internship experience” over the past period, he knew that the current administrative office’s basic governance model for managing the subjects was built on the “labor point system” proposed by Dump Truck, Shovel, and Half Off With Full Coverage at the very beginning of the game.

Although this work point system would indeed breed many problems, Typal had to admit that under the current situation in Transia, this communal collective management approach was definitely the most suitable.

No exceptions.

Not only could it concentrate manpower and resources with maximum efficiency, but it could also extend the village chief’s management of the farm to the detailed level. Through the daily labor points summary, they could clearly understand the village’s situation today. This system could also put everyone in the farm under the management of the same system. Those who were disobedient and wanted to cause trouble secretly would find it difficult to make waves in this system.

Under the premise of the work point system, the benefits of obedience far outweighed what could be gained from not following the rules. Moreover, for the subjects of Transia, they were already very satisfied with their current life.

They would not allow one or two “bad apples” to wantonly destroy the “grace” from Lord Murphy and Lady Miriam. When they were still living in the advance camp outside the city before, there had been more than one instance of subjects actively reporting theft and pilferage to the administrative office.

Obviously, the local residents’ eyes were bright.

Although they were limited by culture and awkwardness in speech and wouldn’t sing praises loudly, they knew which was better between the current life protected by order and their social memories under the previous chaotic vampire rule.

All this filled Typal, the new village chief, with gratitude and respect for the senior administrative players. It was because the three seniors including Dump Truck had laid the foundation in the past that latecomers like them didn’t need to spend effort on how to make the villagers know and obey him.

“Report to the village chief! Farm No. 5 has a total of 657 people, 630 present, with 27 people dispatched to Crimson Citadel to apply for apprenticeships in the Stonemason Guild.

They will return in a week.”

The militia captain of the farm, a somewhat thin but very spirited young man wearing leather armor and carrying a sword and shield, stepped forward and reported loudly to Typal.

Honorary Knight Typal nodded and asked:

“When I left the administrative office, Professor Malcolm reminded me that in a few days there would be a batch of Blood Servants being disbanded, and some of them would be assigned to our farm. Are their houses ready?”

“Of course, Lord Village Chief,” the young militia captain smiled and replied:

“The two ‘gray buildings’ on the outermost edge had no occupants before. The Blood Servants can move in directly when they return, and some of their family members are also here with us, so you don’t need to worry about this.

They were mostly locals before they left for war, we can get along well with them.

Let me introduce myself, I’m Gotham John Portman, Village Chief sir, my 30 brothers and I will be under your management from now on.”

“Oh, I know you!” Typal smiled.

He lowered his voice and said:

“You’re Commander Portman’s nephew, right? Before I left Crimson Citadel, he specifically asked me to take care of you. I heard Commander Portman applied for an ‘Administrative Knight’ position for you, with an assessment in two months. Are you ready?”

This question made young Captain Gotham look embarrassed. He said somewhat sheepishly in a low voice:

“The practical combat courses are definitely no problem, I’ve killed Gnolls together with you warriors, but the cultural courses are a bit troublesome. But it’s okay, Professor Malcolm has assigned teachers to rotate classes among the five farms, I think I can handle it!”

“Very good.”

Typal nodded with satisfaction and promised:

“If our village develops well, I will write a letter of recommendation for you.”

These words made Captain Gotham’s eyes light up.

He knew that these “administrative warriors” directly assigned from the administrative office to the farms had the power to write letters of recommendation to nominate talents to the administrative office. This was a reward from Governor Murphy to the warriors.

“The villagers are waiting for your speech, Village Chief sir.”

Captain Gotham stepped aside, and as Typal looked at the over 600 villagers of all ages before him, he felt unusually nervous. After taking several deep breaths, he stepped forward and said loudly:

“I am your village chief, my name is Typal, from the Torrent Knights! My team will soon build a new city in the Anderma Hills, and you will witness its rise with your own eyes.

I have designated Farm No. 3 as the supply base for the Torrent Knights, which means anything you grow from the land will never lack buyers!

But besides being the knight commander, I am also your protector and leader!

My villagers, I came here not to squeeze resources from you, I hope to lead you to a better life.

I know it’s not easy to achieve this in Transia, but we’ve already gotten through the most difficult times, I believe we won’t stay at this stage.

Having enough food and clothing is just the beginning! Prosperity is the goal.

I’m not good at speaking, and I don’t intend to use words to make you trust me. I believe you can see with your own eyes the development and prosperity I bring to Farm No. 3.

At that time, I believe you will sincerely acknowledge me as your village chief.

Now, I will announce my first act after becoming village chief, which is renaming!”

Typal raised his voice by several degrees and said:

“From today on! Our farm will be renamed ‘Newbie Village’, don’t mind the implications of this name, because sooner or later, all of Transia and even the entire continent will know of our existence!”

“Clap clap clap”

Archmage Marin beside Typal immediately applauded.

The crowd below was stunned for a moment, then scattered applause followed, not enthusiastically. Most villagers still looked at this “heaven-sent village chief” with scrutinizing eyes.

Some even sneered at Typal.

Not only because he was too young, but also because this guy couldn’t even speak the local Transia language and could only rely on that weird spirit device to make everyone understand his words.

Everyone knew this guy was one of Lord Murphy’s “warriors”. The governor’s warriors were brave and fearless, and everyone present had seen their fierce appearance when hunting Gnolls. They had no doubt that Typal was also one of these valiant warriors.

However, being good at fighting doesn’t necessarily mean being an outstanding village chief.

If he messes up

Hehe, Lord Murphy won’t let him off.

After all, even the most merciful vampire is still a vampire, right?

————————

While Typal was passionately announcing new plans to his villagers, the welcome ceremony at Collective Farm No. 1 ended perfunctorily.

As the village chief, Life Is Pretty Good only very perfunctorily introduced himself to his subjects, then announced that all villagers who came today would receive the new village chief’s “gift”, with each person receiving relief grain at the threshing ground to take home as extra food.

A simple and crude method, but very effective!

The whole village became visibly joyful, and the villagers who received benefits praised their generous new village chief.

Of course, the young men’s gazes would always linger on the four beautiful girls beside the new village chief, but the “noble air” emanating from those girls made them behave.

Those were not noble ladies that they at the bottom could approach.

After completing his first meeting with his villagers, Old Huo dove straight into his village chief’s mansion, which was actually a small courtyard, also designed by Professor Chen for the administrative players. Though not large, it was very well kept.

After all, the players had to consider living comfort too.

Old Huo received an “envoy” from Farm No. 2 in his office, who was a sixteen-year-old girl, the secretary of Village Chief “Pink Cat Rabbit”.

She brought a handwritten letter from Village Chief Pink Cat Rabbit. After reading the letter, Old Huo nodded.

He said to the girl waiting for orders before him:

“Go back and tell Village Chief Pink Cat Rabbit that I will launch my plan soon, he can observe first and then decide whether to join. Your Farm No. 2’s location is very crucial, right between Bataxin City and Crimson Citadel. With your assistance, my plan will proceed more smoothly.

As for the profit distribution between the two farms, we can discuss that later. I believe Village Chief Pink Cat Rabbit can understand my difficulties.”

“Alright, Village Chief Old Huo.”

The young NPC secretary nodded seriously while reminding:

“Village Chief Pink Cat Rabbit has already renamed Farm No. 2, our village will be called ‘Lion King’s Pride’ from now on. Pink Cat Rabbit is working on establishing logistics and postal routes for Count of Kadman’s domain.

He hopes you and your friends can participate too.”

“Ha, asking for investment, right?”

Old Huo laughed and said:

“I knew Brother Pink Cat Rabbit was hiding his talents, planning to enter the logistics industry and become Transia’s ‘Postmaster General’. Such keen insight is truly admirable. Please go back and tell Pink Cat Rabbit that I will help him get funding.

My good friend Little Rich Brother has money with nowhere to spend, burning a hole in his pocket every day. I can’t just watch him waste the resources in his hands.

He may visit your farm in the next few days for negotiations. Please have Pink Cat Rabbit prepare.

I mean, prepare the PowerPoint to scam money.”

Village Chief Pink Cat Rabbit’s envoy clearly couldn’t understand what Village Chief Old Huo meant, but she knew the warriors had their own way of communication, so she memorized the three letters PPT and took her leave very properly.

Life Is Pretty Good watched this girl walk out the door, noticing a very unique brooch pinned to her collar, which should be a gift from Lumina. It represented that this child was one of the children personally rescued by Lumina Yanghen from the ruins of Kadman City.

She had clearly grown from an orphan into the talent needed under Transia’s current circumstances.

“This game shows us the complete growth curve of NPCs, making me often unable to tell if they are just strings of data or real people?”

Life Is Pretty Good sighed.

He planned to rest a bit before making another proposal, but before long, a knock on the door startled him.

“Come in.”

Old Huo said, and the next moment, Lady Dorothy pushed open the door and entered.

Seeing her wrapped up like a dumpling, it was clear this Blood Rat Gang boss had flown here under the sun, which was uncomfortable for vampires. This journey made Dorothy very irritable, so naturally she wasn’t polite.

She stood with her hands on her hips in Life Is Pretty Good’s office and asked directly:

“You said you have business to discuss with us?

To be honest, I don’t think a newly appointed village chief has any good business, but my apprentice Fangfang repeatedly assured me this is a business that can make big money. I trust Fangfang, I know that quiet little fool wouldn’t deceive me about such things.

But you

I don’t know you well.

However, I can smell some familiar scents on you similar to those Halfling factory owners and big merchants in Shaldor Port.”

Dorothy said in a low voice:

“I don’t want to deal with you people, you always throw a piece of bait to us who aren’t smart enough, and when we eat until our bellies are round we can’t leave you anymore.”

“You jest, Lady Dorothy, you’re now also the absolute ruler of Crimson Citadel’s gray zone.”

Old Huo put on an act.

He stood up from his chair and said with a smile:

“I really only chose to cooperate with you based on my responsibility as a village chief wanting to see his village develop quickly, and what we’re going to do is just a small trial before the big wealth-grabbing operation.

We want to issue a unique gambling tool, but I lack resources, I hope to get the Blood Rat Gang’s full support.”

“What can I get?”

Dorothy asked in return, and Old Huo shrugged and said:

“This product called ‘scratch cards’ itself is my gift to you. After the trial succeeds, all the profits gained will be yours to take. I guarantee as long as you operate it well, not being stupid enough to kill the goose that lays golden eggs for meat, you and your brothers can make enough money from this to spend for a lifetime.

All I need is your resources, nothing more.

This is also a ‘statement of loyalty’.

After you realize the huge benefits I and my village can bring to you and all of Transia, I believe you and your subordinates will make a rational and correct judgment.

After all, no matter what means we use to accumulate wealth, we ultimately serve the cause of all of Transia and Lord Murphy.

We are followers and servants, and the best loyalty we can offer to Transia is nothing more than this.”

These words made Dorothy hesitate.

She finally stared at Life Is Pretty Good’s eyes that were sincere to excess, and after several seconds of thought, she said:

“How many people do you need? How long before this project shows results? Please understand, Lord Village Chief, as a subordinate organization of the Shadow Intelligence Bureau, the Blood Rat Gang has the responsibility of raising funds for Lady Adele’s secret operations.

If this job doesn’t make money, we really have no need to continue cooperation.

And if you choose to use fraudulent means to take advantage of us rats in the gray zone not understanding business, then you will offend not just a small Blood Rat Gang.

I believe you are all smart people, I don’t need to make more reminders about the risks involved.

Therefore, I give you five minutes to reorganize your words, then decide whether to invite us.”

“I’m certain!”

Life Is Pretty Good didn’t hesitate at all, he waved his hand and said solemnly:

“Let’s not waste time, let’s start doing big things!”