Chapter 669: The Construction Begins
On the final day of November, the 30th.
It is finally the day when the full-scale construction of the new ship begins.
Given the impracticality of a monocoque structure similar to the one Jin crafted for the “Shark,” Reinhardt suggested a vertical design.
A vertical structure involves utilizing a large number of structural materials in the fore-aft direction to guarantee strength against bending, considering the elongated nature of the hull.
Specifically, one of the two prepared 40-meter materials is utilized for the keel, while the other is vertically split into two, serving as an auxiliary keel.
This auxiliary keel is attached to the left and right sides of the hull, extending into the water, providing a damping effect on the sway.
It was Reinhardt who came up with this idea.
And when tackling the construction of a ship this large, the challenge was how to get it afloat on the water. In response to this, Rodrigo proposed a creative solution.
Specifically, the idea was to construct the ship on a carriage and then transport both the ship and the carriage from the traditional dock to the lake.
“Hmm, Rodrigo really knows his stuff.”
Jin murmured as he surveyed the workshop, already envisioning potential challenges.
Likely, the carriage’s wheels might sink into the ground under the ship’s weight. In such a case, Jin intended to propose laying wooden rails for smoother movement.
Additionally, foreseeing potential challenges during boarding and disembarking, Jin opted to devise a unique gangway for the time being.
(Maybe a straightforward ladder… No, a staircase might be more suitable. Foldable, allowing the angle of the stairs to be adjusted while ensuring each step remains horizontal…)
It appeared to be a rather intricate design.
The construction of the ship has now begun.
A sturdy carriage made of wood similar to oak was constructed, and on top of it, processed keel and auxiliary keel were lined up.
The ones handling this task were two large golems, Gorias.
“Oh, having heavy work delegated really comes in handy!”
Rodrigo muttered as he watched the operation.
Jin, along with Reiko, inspected the three arranged components. The wood grain ran straight, making it good lumber. However…
“Reiko, the spacing on this side is off.”
“Yes, it’s 10 centimeters too narrow. Shall I fix it?”
“Yes, please.”
Reiko effortlessly lifted one end of the auxiliary keel, which had a cross-section of 30 cm x 60 cm and a length of 40 meters, and placed it back in the correct position.
No one noticed Reiko casually handling lumber weighing over 5 tons.
Connecting the keel, joists were attached, and further structural materials were added to them. In no time, the skeleton of the ship took shape.
“Indeed, work progresses smoothly with the Gorias.”
Large golems serving as heavy machinery. Moreover, their greater freedom of movement compared to traditional heavy machinery is a significant advantage in this work.
Although inferior to Jin’s and those in Penglai Island, the frame was completed in a single day.
“How does it look, Lord Jin?”
“It’s well done.”
With the frame completed by 4 PM, the day’s work concluded.
Christoph, the site supervisor, along with Jin, conducted an overall check.
“It seems like you’ve carefully selected quality wood for the structural materials, and the joints are well done. The dimensions are also quite precise, so let’s continue the work in this manner.”
“It’s reassuring to hear that from you, Lord Jin, the Magi Craft Meister. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
It’s only natural that the result is good. While Jin was inspecting the frame during the work, he quietly fixed any issues he noticed.
“Maybe they’ll start putting on the outer plating tomorrow. That’s exciting.”
After another round around the ship, Jin returned to the hotel, which served as his accommodation.
＊ ＊ ＊
Then, on December 1st, with only one month left in the year 3457, the installation of mechanical equipment, including the propulsion device created by Jin, the “Jet Thruster,” was carried out.
“So, this is the latest model Jet Thruster…”
“It’s an impressive piece. Lord Jin, you truly have remarkable skills.”
Gigantic Jet Thrusters, boasting a maximum diameter of 1 meter and a total length of 4 meters, were being carefully attached one by one on each side of the ship.
Additionally, for auxiliary purposes, pairs of small Jet Thrusters, each with a diameter of 25 centimeters and a total length of 1 meter, were mounted at the bow and stern.
These additions allowed the ship to execute subtle forward and backward movements. They could change the direction of the jet, making it useful for turning.
A steering mechanism was also installed, completing the navigation-related installations.
The next step was to attach the outer plating.
“Gorias, a bit higher… That’s right. Now a little to the right. Good. ‘Joint Attachment.'”
Christoph manipulated Gorias to perform provisional attachment of the components. Properly joining them was the task of the hired Magi Engineers.
Reinhardt was supervising their work.
“Alright, securely connect that part with ‘Joint Attachment.’… Ah, pay extra attention there. It’s a critical area where force will be applied.”
And as for Elsa, she was supervising the interior.
“…Yes, don’t lay the floorboards last, or it’ll be difficult to work.”
Elsa gave instructions without looking at the blueprints. The blueprints were already imprinted in her mind.
“Elsa, what about these components here?”
“That’s going to be the dining area. If we don’t secure the tables and chairs, they’ll move with the motion. Understand?”
“Yeah, so we’ll bring in the tables and chairs later?”
“That’s right.”
“Oh, what’s the role of this?”
“That’s a voice transmission pipe. Install it before putting up the walls.”
“Understood.”
“Maintaining proper sanitation is essential. Cleanliness is of utmost importance during a sea journey. We can’t afford to have wastewater scattered around. Ensure that the magical formula for ‘Deodorization,’ ‘Decomposition,’ ‘Purification,’ and ‘Sterilization’ is written on them.”
Jin inspected everything, addressing any issues or mistakes.
(Working together like this to create something as a group… it’s quite nice.)
Suddenly, Jin remembered his middle school days when the class collaborated on a cultural festival project.
(I was in charge of props back then.)
The project was a puppet play, based on the tale of the “Forty-seven Ronin.” Jin single-handedly crafted all the props, including the swords and kimonos for the puppets.
Well, there were others assigned to props as well, but they were so clumsy compared to Jin that, in the end, it was quicker for him to do it alone.
Afterward, Jin also assisted with the larger props. No, he was coerced into helping.
However, amidst the shared enthusiasm of the entire class working together to achieve a common goal, Jin found the experience strangely nostalgic and pleasant.
In the end, the day concluded with progress reaching around 70 percent.
＊ ＊ ＊
“The meals at this hotel are decent.”
“Yeah, no complaints here.”
“And they have a selection of pretty good wines too.”
Jin and the others were having dinner in the dining room. While room service was available, Reinhardt enjoyed ordering various wines, so they opted for the dining room.
The white wine they were currently drinking was from the year 3453, a late-harvest Auslese wine called Erlich.
“Reinhardt sure has a taste for wine.”
Elsa remarked with a hint of amusement as she watched Reinhardt swiftly empty a bottle.
“Tomorrow, don’t come complaining if you’ve got a headache.”
“What? Elsa, you’re not going to cure it? That’s harsh.”
In a slightly tipsy mood, Reinhardt gazed at Elsa’s face and pretended to cry.
“No point in such a weak performance.”
Observing the playful exchange between Elsa and Reinhardt, Jin suddenly recognized the necessity for antidotes. Later, when they retired to their rooms, he directed Laojun to craft three magical antidote tools.
“For the design… Well, something like a business card holder will work for mine and Reinhardt’s. We can carry it in our breast pockets. For Elsa, a pendant head will be suitable.”
“Understood.”
After receiving these magical tools, and a few days later, Reinhardt reportedly stopped getting more than slightly tipsy. It was said that he displayed a complex expression, a mix of joy and disappointment, upon realizing this after using the antidote for a few days.