Twilight Alchemist 40

Test

40. It's Exciting To Talk About Development, Isn't It?

Construction of the Golden Dawn Fortress City was progressing rapidly.

Given the immense final planned area, encompassing enough space for three entire capital cities, construction was underway from the inner wall surrounding the fortress site.

Priority was given to the second inner wall's construction. It's in the middle of the triple-layered walls.

Considering the current population, even the second wall, when completed, would be larger than an average city, so the focus was on establishing living spaces there.

Not only permanent residents but also wandering artisans and migrant workers were quickly gathering upon hearing the rumors, accelerating the construction.

It had been a while since I walked through the town with Leafan, inspecting the progress.

"Leafan, how is the construction divided into phases?"

"Yeah. Initially, we prioritize the foundation, followed by enclosing it with walls of minimal height. Even so, the defense is overwhelmingly superior to the makeshift fences of the old pioneer village."

"I see."

Though I received the explanation, I couldn't shake off a bit of unease, seeing thin walls erected upon a massively sturdy foundation.

"Even though the current construction wall may seem inadequate in comparison to the foundation, it still provides sufficient strength."

"That's true. Considering the ratio with the foundation, it does appear rather flimsy."

"I understand your concern. However, Alchemy Hardened Rock is both sturdy and versatile."

"I see."

While there were certainly technical challenges, Leafan and the artisans had established methods for reinforcing the walls post-construction, so there shouldn't be any issues.

"We're making various other things too!"

"Oh? Like what?"

"Oh, look!"

Leafan pointed to a massive waterwheel.

Waterwheels, utilizing the flow of rivers to draw water, were not uncommon.

"What's special about the waterwheel?"

"The base supporting the waterwheel is made of alchemically reinforced stone, and the aqueducts transporting the water to the town are also made of it!"

"Could it be... that huge, tall stone bridge was... an aqueduct!?"

"Oh, didn't you realize?"

"I, uh, I thought it was a bridge crossing for the town."

The aqueduct, spanning the same height as the planned fortress wall, was thought to be a bridge for soldiers' movement in times of crisis.

"I thought we were fine with the wells scattered throughout the town for water."

"Yeah. But once the aqueducts get completed, we'll have a fully-equipped water supply system, so we'll close the wells for emergency use."

"I see. I hadn't read that far in the reports."

"You've been quite busy with crafting recently."

"Apologies."

Being occupied with research, instruction, and alchemy, I finally managed to free up some time.

"After the aqueducts are completed, water pipes will be installed in almost every building."

"Water pipes? Are those the ones where you can turn the water on and off from a faucet-like pipe?"

"That's right. They're installed in some parts of the capital, and one of those artisans moved here, teaching us various techniques. We offered permanent homes as a reward, and they were thrilled, consulting with Kyle-sama."

"That makes sense."

If Kyle had arranged it, it would undoubtedly be prime property.

Among those hoping to relocate, many residents volunteered to undertake challenging or labor-intensive tasks in order to secure a better location.

For the transmission of water technology, there would undoubtedly be significant commendation.

"The fountain in the central square of the town is also powered by the water pressure from the aqueduct."

"What!? I thought it was using some magical device!"

"Yeah, pretty impressive, huh?"

"Ah, that's amazing!"

"Hehe."

I couldn't help but be impressed.

So, they built the aqueducts so high up to ensure water pressure. This will surely make life more convenient.

"The sewer system is impressive. It'll be completed soon, and it runs underground like a spider's web, allowing all buildings' wastewater to flow."

"I know about that. I've been involved in sewage treatment."

The sewage and water treatment facilities, soon to be operational, had been stocked with a massive quantity of purification agents. 

I had already prepared a ten-year supply, utterly exhausted.

Of course, the recipes had been submitted to Kyle and the production guild so other alchemists could produce them. 

With a new, simplified recipe that any alchemist with a crest could make, I made sure it would be fine even if I were gone. 

(We've also planned evacuation routes from the fortress, so it's quite complex.) 

(Who else knows the full plan?) 

(Just me. The construction was decentralized. I'll give Kyle-sama a copy of the complete sewer map without making duplicates.)

(As expected of Leafan.)

It must be as intricate as an underground labyrinth.

As we discussed finer details, we headed to the residential area.

"It's amazing, a ten-story building. Won't it collapse?"

"It's perfectly fine. It can withstand significant earthquakes."

"Earthquakes, those are the ones where the ground shakes, right?"

"Yeah, those."

"Aren't those only near volcanoes?"

"Sometimes, they occur even in places with no apparent volcanic activity."

"I see. I don't want to think about the ground shaking."

"Agreed."

I could only admire the taller buildings, surpassing the walls typical of a regular fortress. 

The buildings themselves seemed to contribute to the town's defense.

"It's fully a house inside. There are single-room types and three-room types available, suitable for individuals and families."

"I see. I remember permanent residents could choose between a settlement fee or allocation of these rooms."

"Yeah. Since most people seem to prefer rooms, we're rapidly expanding, but there's no rush since each building can accommodate many people."

"I see."

By planning ahead, utilizing the land effectively, and with the help of alchemically reinforced stone, the town construction was progressing smoothly. 

Many artisans were said to be living in these buildings, indicating their intention to settle permanently. I greatly appreciated them.

"That's the shopping district over there."

"It's impressive here too."

The central street, extending from the fountain in the central square, was paved with colorful cobblestones, considering the aesthetics. The shops lining it paid attention to their appearances as well.

Although the number of stores was still limited, the day it would surpass Gandarl's main street seemed imminent.

Certain shops were bustling.

"What!? The effects of Stamina Potions have changed!?"

"Yes. The ones available now have significantly different effects."

"Whoa!"

"But they're still crafted by Craft-kun. So there's no degradation."

"Are the effects comparable to those commonly available?"

"Yes. But the duration is longer, lasting a whole day."

"I see. Considering that, it's quite a bargain..."

"What will you do?"

"Hmm... I wanted Craft's perfect Stamina Potion, but alright, I'll buy it."

"Thank you. Oh, and compared to before, you can buy more now."

"Is that so? Then I'll take as much as this amount can get me."

"Thank you."

I approached after the crowd had thinned a bit.

"Hey, Shirura-san."

"Oh, hello, Craft."

"Looks like business is booming."

"Yes, thanks to everyone."

Shirura, a widow, managed this shop single-handedly. 

Technically, her two children helped her, but they also attended the newly established school, so they weren't as involved as before. 

Nevertheless, with the increase in large contracts, fewer merchants came directly to the store.

However, word of mouth attracted traveling merchants, who would make bulk purchases like this.

"I heard you bought the shop?"

"Yes. Thanks to Kyle-sama, I could arrange installment payments with no interest."

"But it must have still been quite expensive."

Even though they were among the initial settlers, the shop got undoubtedly sold for a considerable sum as it was prime property.

"Yes. But with many large contracts, it's manageable. And it's all thanks to the production guild that wholesales Craft-san's potions."

"If it's helpful, then it's good. If you ever encounter any problems, just let me know."

"Yes, thank you."

With a deep bow, Shirura bid farewell, and I headed to the Adventurers Guild.

"Hey, Craft."

"Hey, Raidoc. It's rare to see you here at this hour."

"I'm taking a break today and doing some town work."

"Belated congratulations on your promotion to Rank B."

"Thanks. But it's all thanks to you and Leafan. I can now solo a Cyclops after all the help with the potions and Leafan's hard Mithril."

"What are you talking about? You're the hero who took down a dragon and can now take on a Cyclops single-handedly. It's a fair evaluation."

"But that sword you made..."

Raidoc had received a special sword mixed with hard Mithril and dragon fangs as a reward for dragon slaying.

"You saw it the other day, right? It makes quick work of even the Cyclops killers."

"If you like it, you should consider changing your crest."

"Yeah."

We both laughed in agreement.

Seeing Solar behind Raidoc looking bored, I decided to take my leave. He might be prioritizing a date over rest. I have no interest in getting kicked by a horse while interfering with someone's love life.

"See you later."

"Yeah."

Golden Dawn was steadily developing from a village to a town.

Yeah.

I should work harder too.

"Huh, are you going to mess up something again?"

"How rude."

Stop saying it as if problems arise whenever I put effort into something!