There was no other way; the Pioneer Territory was short on manpower, and all efforts were prioritized for the core task of cultivating farmland.
Building a decent new shrine? Even the Dragon God agreed to postpone it.
Although there were no offerings before the shrine at this moment, nor any lingering incense, a faint, golden glow, almost imperceptible, still flowed over the monolith, silently manifesting the presence and will of the master of this place.
Toka stopped before the shrine.
His gaze habitually swept over the area not far behind the shrine—those were several shelters built by the Druids using tough vines and rough logs.
Fandal Staghelm's tall figure was facing away, squatting in front of a small patch of verdant roots belonging to Dekovsil, which had emerged from the soil, observing with extreme concentration.
The other Druids were scattered around, some recording, some conversing in low voices; they formed their own group, their atmosphere out of place with the rest of the camp.
Finally, Toka's gaze returned to the dragon eye emblem on the rock.
With a solemn expression, he devoutly knelt on one knee, his right hand clenched into a fist against his chest, silently reciting the familiar prayer:
"May Your will be done on earth, burning unextinguished, following like a shadow."
The flowing light paused slightly, as if in response to his prayer.
After meditating for a while longer, Toka slowly stood up, unconsciously pressing the divine emblem tightly against his chest through his leather armor.
A firm touch came through, carrying a faint yet constant warmth that dispelled the last trace of unease in Toka's heart.
It was still there.
His slightly stiff face relaxed imperceptibly.
Toka withdrew his hand from his chest, allowing the warm, reassuring sensation to settle.
He turned, leaving the solemn shrine, and walked towards the northwest corner of the camp—that was where he and the accompanying clergy were staying, and also the "newest" area of the camp.
There were no proper houses here, only a few semi-underground dugouts excavated against the leeward slope.
The entrance was propped up with thick wooden stakes and heavy animal hide curtains to block the cold wind, and the top was covered with rough wooden planks, with moss and dirt stuffed into the gaps.
It was extremely rudimentary, almost primitive; rather than a dwelling, it was more like a wild beast's lair.
This was Toka's specific request.
Until a formal shrine could be built, everything should be kept simple, especially for leaders and clergy like them, who should set an example.
He pulled aside the hide curtain of his dugout.
The space inside was small and cramped; by the faint light coming through the entrance, one could see a simple bed laid with thick furs, a crude wooden stump serving as a table, upon which lay several beast-hide scrolls recording camp resource consumption and farmland development progress.
In the corner, quietly stood the snow leopard bone carving he had brought from Ital'ruk, the only decoration in the place.
The air was filled with the dampness of earth, the smell of fur, and a faint, lingering scent of incense from last night's prayer that had not yet dissipated.
At the entrance of the other two dugouts, two accompanying low-ranking priests were squatting on the ground, carefully cleaning the bone implements used for sermons.
When they saw Toka approach, they immediately stopped their work, pressing their right hands to their chests in salute.
Toka returned the same greeting, his gaze sweeping over their young but weathered faces.
Fatigue was clearly visible, but their eyes held a deep sense of stability and calm.
To receive divine grace and become a priest was, in itself, the most powerful proof of devout faith.
"Are the pioneers' houses all settled?" Toka inquired, his voice particularly clear in the small space.
"Yes, Your Grace Toka," one of them quickly replied, "With the assistance of our Paladin colleagues, all the pioneers' dwellings have been completed and are sufficient to withstand the cold wind."
"And the Druids..." the other hesitated, glancing towards the vine-shelter area outside the camp.
"It's fine, pay them no mind," Toka waved his hand, his tone calm but unyielding, "My Lord has a profound purpose for keeping them here."
"We just need to do our part."
He paused, about to continue giving instructions: "You two continue to prepare for the evening sermon, I—"
"ROAR—!!!"
Toka's words were abruptly interrupted by a sudden, low dragon roar!
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