Chapter 88
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 88
Chapter Title: Industrial Revolution (12)
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The flower of the Industrial Revolution—mass production—was right on the horizon.
Of course, the Industrial Revolution wasn't just about that.
Still, stretching into other fields felt a bit out of reach for now.
"Someone else will handle those parts."
I decided to focus only on what I could manage.
Right now, that meant machine tools.
Machines designed to shape metal into whatever form I needed.
Machine tools were also known as precision machines, in other words.
Meaning their internals were incredibly complex.
"But if I built a car, I can't fail at this."
Failing would be utterly humiliating.
Besides, this wasn't optional—it was essential.
Every part coming out of the factory right now was hand-machined.
Thankfully, aside from the engine, the other components were simpler than they seemed.
I'd deliberately designed them that way, to be feasible with current factory tech.
"No need for that anymore, though."
All I needed were machine tools.
They wouldn't solve everything, but they'd fix a whole lot.
So, what was the foundation of machine tools?
The answer: the lathe.
A lathe, simply put, firmly secures an object, spins it, and cuts away at it.
"Electronic controls are out of the question, though."
In the modern world, you'd just input values, and it'd cut precisely on its own.
But that required semiconductors.
No choice but to build a manual lathe.
Manuals were for personal use; factories didn't bother with them. Still, no other options.
"Gotta start with the frame again this time."
First things first: sketch the blueprints.
I pulled out the old designs from the bookshelf.
They were so rough, it seemed better to start fresh.
I sat down and got to drawing.
"Since it'll be manual, this part goes like so."
It'd use mana too, so I'd craft a custom motor.
Not the electric kind we usually imagine, of course.
I'd link gears to gears.
For the record, "motor" has a broad meaning—sometimes synonymous with engine.
That's why motorcycles are called motorbikes.
"Oh yeah, what about materials?"
Steel for the basics, but cutting tools needed something tougher.
Diamond? Or mana alloy?
"Or mix diamond into the mana alloy?"
You might ask if it's too pricey, but industrial diamonds are surprisingly cheap.
Sure, gem-quality ones are expensive, but industrial grade? Easy to get.
Quality doesn't matter much for them.
Especially since they're ground into powder anyway.
I sketched blueprints while pondering materials.
A few days later, I began experimenting with new alloys for cutting tools and gears.
Steel, plain mana alloy, mana alloy mixed with diamond.
Making simple gears to test them out.
One problem, though.
"Steel is tops for gears but useless as a cutting tool. Regular mana alloy beats steel in strength but wears down from fatigue."
The improved mana alloy was already shattering for the umpteenth time.
If it were a brand-new material, I might've scrapped it or tried a different alloy later.
But mana alloy held up decently on its own, and diamonds were standard in industry.
So I figured it was just a matter of finding the right ratio.
"But damn, no clue what ratio works."
Dozens of scrapped gears already.
I tried multiple ratios per batch, but none survived intact.
At this point, I wondered if they just weren't meant to mix, ratios be damned.
"Pinpointing to the decimal is a pain."
Still, I wanted to believe it wasn't that finicky.
I mixed a fresh batch with a new ratio: 3% diamond in mana alloy.
I tweaked the mana alloy's composition too.
Poured the molten metal into molds and waited for it to set.
Once firm enough, dunk it in oil to quench.
Done.
"Whew, hot as hell."
Blacksmiths are something else.
Handling this heat every damn day.
Not that I'd pay factory workers extra for it.
They're already well compensated.
I watched the cooling gear, then pulled it out.
Luckily, no cracks.
I made four more with varying ratios.
Five gears total, mounted on the test rig.
Once secured, I retreated behind the safety line and hit the button.
Whirr—.
First up: high-speed load test.
The weak ones would deform or crack.
The device started slow, then ramped up.
One gear shattered, fragments flying everywhere.
"Phew, good thing I have the safety setup."
Startles me every time.
The barrier kept damage minimal.
I kept the test running.
Some visibly warped; in the end, only two survived.
The 3% and 3.4% diamond ones.
They passed round one. Next: compression and tension tests.
Stored the survivors properly.
Then whipped up fresh gears at the same ratios.
Fatigue buildup could skew round two.
"Even for the comprehensive test later."
Pressed on with the new ones.
Both held strong, fueling my hopes.
Could the sweet spot be between 3% and 3.5%...!
But sadly, the 3.4% gear failed the final test.
"Too bad. That one would've given a solid margin for error."
Can't be helped.
Instead, I gave the last survivor its ultimate trial.
Run every test at once.
Pass that, and it's battle-ready.
"Alright, let's do this!"
Loaded it confidently and fired up the rig.
And it failed spectacularly.
Damn it!
While Edn wrestled with the gears, Katiranya was secretly watching.
Well, not hiding on purpose—Edn just hadn't noticed.
Though she had no intention of revealing herself.
"Having quite the fun time, aren't you?"
She propped her chin, humming softly, but he still didn't catch on.
Not that Edn was oblivious; he was just laser-focused.
"Hmm, you'd have better luck tweaking the mana alloy ratios instead."
To Katiranya, the mana alloy itself was the issue, not the diamond.
Tweaking it should work.
But it was a hassle, and spectating was more entertaining.
As she pondered, Edn finally spotted her.
"Whoa?! Katiranya? How long have you been there?"
"A while now. You're slow on the uptake."
"Haha, got too absorbed. Anyway, what brings you here?"
Caught, Katiranya told the truth.
Edn nodded along, then asked,
"Mind giving some advice?"
"Advice on what? Those?"
Her slender finger pointed at the shattered gears.
Following it, Edn nodded earnestly and pleaded,
"Anything you've got!"
"Hmm."
Katiranya propped her chin again, mulling it over.
Should she tell him? She stared straight at Edn.
He sweated under her gaze but waited patiently.
So many failures—he'd grasp at any lifeline.
Of course, Katiranya couldn't read his mind.
Even so, her instincts said no... but then she glimpsed his face.
"Try altering the mana alloy's own ratios."
"The mana alloy itself?"
Edn had already varied those.
He'd expected diamond advice, but no.
Puzzled, but Katiranya was firm.
"I think that'll do it. Ultimately, it's your call."
Edn's face turned serious at her words.
As he pondered, she watched him quietly.
Just as he nodded, she spoke first.
"But you should wash up first."
"Huh?"
Katiranya sidled closer, brushing his cheek with a finger.
Edn jolted back in surprise.
"Wh-what are you doing?"
"Look at you—covered in grime like you rolled in the dirt."
Unlike flustered Edn, Katiranya smiled leisurely.
In the end, he surrendered.
"Sigh, fine. Watch things here for me?"
"Sure. Hurry back."
Edn headed home, mulling her words.
Katiranya waved him off gracefully.
Alone now, she sat, eyeing his creations.
"I wonder what you'll show me next?"
Excitement bubbled up—even as she inwardly griped about his novel-writing hiatus.
Maybe pretend to be mad when he returns? She pondered seriously.