Chapter 189 A New Residence
Southern Archipelago, Banuo Island.
The warm sea breeze blew continuously, and the lush green leaves swayed under the sunlight, casting a bright light green shade through the forest. A large ship was docked at the simple pier on this island, gently bobbing with the waves.
“Lord Black, this is the island. As you can see, here is the property deed issued by the Alliance.”
“Good, has anyone surveyed the island?”
“It has been surveyed. There aren’t any large animals on the island; almost everything is trees. Four years ago, when our guild bought it, we were attracted by these excellent white-tear trees. Their wood quality is quite good and suitable for furniture.”
“We originally planned to harvest them this year, but since most people have shifted to shipbuilding projects, nothing has been done.”
“Very well, don’t touch them from now on. None of these white-tear trees should be cut down. Also, consult a horticulturist to see if they can be planted on a large scale.”
“Yes, my lord.”
A young man in armor stood at the bow of the ship, giving orders to some guards and craftsmen. Then, several hundred people disembarked and began their work. They were the vanguard team, tasked with constructing a batch of houses and living facilities to prepare for the subsequent teams.
For confidentiality purposes, no one on the island could leave for at least three years. All necessary resources and items would be delivered by dedicated fleets. The fleet personnel and island inhabitants were not allowed to meet directly; only port personnel could act as intermediaries, and even the port personnel were not permitted to leave the island.
Once his subordinates started their tasks, a middle-aged scholar dressed in academic attire walked up to the bow of the ship and asked beside him:
“Black, is this the white-tear tree that Lady Lacy mentioned?”
“Yes, we sent some samples we found recently, and Lady Lacy replied that this is exactly what we were looking for.”
“What is so special about this tree that Lady Lacy values it so highly?” the scholar still seemed puzzled. He had reviewed many documents recently, and aside from its unique sap, the wood grain was decent, suitable for mid-range furniture.
“I don’t know either, but since the young lady ordered it, there must be a reason.”
“True, I won’t speculate further. The young lady said she will send detailed information later, and the craftsmen will also receive additional instructions.”
Everything was gradually falling into place. The notes on the Mage-Driven Steam Turbine that the Young Lady left before departing could now be tested on this island.
“The Ironclad Warship of Frost Rose has been receiving a lot of resources recently and is progressing rapidly. We cannot afford to fall behind,” continued the man dressed as a scholar.
“Regarding matters related to confidentiality, Lady Lacy has emphasized them multiple times. Afterward, I will arrange for the guards to set up an isolation zone at the port. For the next three years, Master Lund and your apprentices might have to endure some hardships,” he added.
“Haha, that’s nothing. Being entrusted with such a significant responsibility by Lady Lacy is already very exciting. Even if I were confined to this island for ten years, I would consider it worthwhile,” said the man in the scholar’s robe, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed at the densely shaded island. Filled with enthusiasm, he felt a new source of power, a key to changing the world, about to be realized in his hands. What could be more thrilling than that?
Lund himself came from Rourna, albeit from a small faction. In his early years, due to a lack of resources, he had to leave for Vergha to develop. It was there that he was recruited by Callites. However, his reputation remained low because in alchemy, knowledge and experience were considered more important than innate talent. Coming from a small faction and being far from the technologically advanced Rourna, he had stagnated over the years.
It wasn’t until last year that Lolan Hill provided him with many ancient documents, allowing him to resume learning and advancing. Although the guild respectfully referred to him as a master, he knew he still fell short of true mastery.
But even if he wasn’t a master, with the support of the guild’s resources and the excellent guidance of the Young Lady Lacy, he could now construct things according to blueprints. Even without being a genius, he could achieve what even the masters of Rourna couldn’t accomplish in their lifetimes.
The world is never changed by one or two geniuses but by those things that can be popularized among millions, benefiting countless people, and mass-produced and promoted on a large scale.
Lolan Hill had designed the concept of the Mage-Driven Steam Turbine, but upon reaching the experimental phase, they discovered that something crucial was missing—industrial lubricants and rubber. The sealing between metals, riveting, was too direct. Not only was the airtightness poor, but it also wore out easily, leading to frequent issues and a high frequency of part damage and replacement.
This resulted in high maintenance costs and the constant need for skilled alchemists to maintain them, making it difficult for alchemical creations to become widespread.
And then last year…
Lan希尔 left before she had the商会 personnel search for a tree with white sap in the Southern Region, and send her samples. It wasn’t until recently that she received a sample of the rubber tree, which locals call the White Tear Tree.
The rubber tree is a natural source of rubber, with applications ranging widely across industries, not only in construction but also in tire manufacturing and ship sealing, where its role is irreplaceable.
With it, industrial power can truly come alive, with steel and fire propelling the world into a new era.
The Callites Chamber will produce rubber on this island and test the first Mage-Driven Steam Turbine here — at Emanas, the Temple of Contemplation Academy.
Within the secluded part of the academy lies a small courtyard. A black iron fence separates the courtyard from the slate street outside. Inside the courtyard stands a charming little house. The white-blue stones feel similar to seashells when touched. Below the arched windows is a small garden filled with purple lavender. There aren’t many people around, and the courtyard is quite quiet.
Creak—
The wooden door of the house opens from inside. A silver-haired girl in a light blue dress steps out. She has eyes as clear and blue as the sky, wearing light-colored shoes, and walks around the courtyard for a bit.
Quite spacious, the girl thinks. Not only does it have a small garden, but there’s also a well. With the complete furniture inside, it’s suitable for long-term living.
This silver-haired girl is naturally Lolan Hill, though currently, she goes by the name Lohil. After all, with the promotion in Clancia, using her full name would draw too much attention.
And this is another dormitory of hers. Judging by the look of it, it was originally meant for a teacher.
After walking around, Lolan Hill familiarized herself with the house, locked the door, and then went out to walk around the surroundings to determine her exact location.
Having confirmed her position, this place will also serve as a future address for receiving letters, making communication with the Tixilan Mountains, Clancia, and the Callites Chamber more convenient. After all, the central school building is too crowded and inconvenient.
And tomorrow, classes will officially start. Who knows who she will meet?
Thank you to sANTuChuanBianJing, LoShanShang, ZuiQiangFangShengRen, YinFanDi, Wu, XunXunQianYin, SaLongQianYuHao, MengHuiLingDuNuan, and Ash for their support.
