[Drawing Board Completed].
The pleasant sound of gears turning echoed once more in the workstation—it was time to unlock the next technology.
[Generator Energy Upgrade]: This upgrade increases the temperature provided by the generator by an additional 10 degrees Celsius, but coal consumption will double.
With the storm approaching and the generator needing to run constantly, Wang Zhan roughly calculated that the coal reserves wouldn't suffice.
If coal is insufficient, the coal harvester from the basic tech tree could be unlocked, or the Originium Combustion Chamber could be used to consume the remaining three units of pure Originium.
However, Wang Zhan preferred to unlock the coal mine for a long-term solution. Coal harvesters require additional collection stations and workers to operate, which is far less efficient.
Burning Originium would release Originium dust, increasing the likelihood of acute Originium disease. The current generator had no means to mitigate Originium-related illnesses.
But how much dust would burning Originium for a day release?
That being said, Talulah also brought something back but didn't put it in storage... If it's something for women, asking about it might lead to social suicide, right?
…Better let Alina ask and pretend it's her question.
After unlocking technology to increase the generator's heat output, maintaining its operation became a priority.
"Assign Talulah to the workstation to boost its efficiency to 100%."
Wang Zhan recalculated: with the workstation running at full efficiency, the coal mine technology could just be unlocked before the storm hit.
However, Talulah often managed external affairs and held significant influence among the infected. If unexpected situations arose that required her to step away, this plan would fall apart.
Since the coal mine couldn't be delayed, sending workers to the mines during the storm would be a death sentence.
After much deliberation, Wang Zhan decided to place Originium Combustion Chamber as the last resort, relying on Originium fuel to weather the storm. This avoided numerous complications.
As for Originium dust—one day shouldn't pose a significant risk.
Inside the workstation, Gatling stared pensively at the drawing board on the workbench. This was the result of their efforts.
"A drawing board… How did you draw blueprints before this?"
The other three calmly explained that they used steel rulers and pencils, provided abundantly in the workstation, along with sharpeners.
"You guys must be geniuses. Blueprints drawn without a drawing board actually worked?"
"Alina built plenty of structures using our blueprints," one of them retorted. "If they didn't work, she'd have chewed us out ages ago."
Gatling chewed on a pencil, wondering how they managed to pull it off.
The trio descended to the second floor with the newly designated workstation-exclusive drawing board and Wang Zhan's next task.
"Our task is to upgrade the generator, gentlemen. Let's divide the workload."
"Isn't this inappropriate? What if tampering with the generator curses us…?"
"What? What are you even saying?"
The trio exchanged glances, while Gatling chuckled, "You seriously think the generator is sentient? Upgrading it is perfectly normal."
The trio glared at him in unison. His hand froze mid-air as he reached for the task sheet, which read:
[The drawing board is for workstation-exclusive use; no additional details required.]
[Heating Category, Level 1: Generator Energy Upgrade.]
"Who is issuing you these tasks?"
Gatling recalled the trio going downstairs, followed by the sound of a typewriter… Was Alina transmitting orders via the network—?!
No, this place relied on books and records. Using something as advanced as a network wasn't feasible.
A telegraph? No, the distance didn't justify using a radio.
"It's the Generator, of course," they said with inexplicable pride. "This workstation is under its direct jurisdiction. Alina doesn't need to personally relay commands."
Gatling looked out at the Generator. How could cold steel have a will of its own, let alone assist the infected in building a home?
Unbelievable.
[The first "Firefly" and beast-hide cold-resistant clothing have been produced. Facing the storm might no longer be a distant hope. Everyone under the Generator deserves such a warm garment.]
Alina emerged from the roaring textile factory, holding a thick coat in one arm and a lantern in the other. The production manual specified that this lantern could be attached to the coat.
"'Firefly,'" Alina chuckled at the poetic name. "Turn the handle beside the lantern to tighten the spring mechanism, and it will provide light and heat."
It required no Originium, relying instead on mechanical structure and manpower.
Talulah would be thrilled, though she'd likely give up the chance to try it on to someone else.
"Mr. Zhan? The factory has completed the production of clothes," Alina said toward the Generator. The workstation resumed its hum—Wang Zhan must have been busy planning the next tech upgrade.
"I see, Alina."
Wang Zhan smirked as he watched Alina examine the clothes and lantern. It was a rare moment to unwind.
"Who do you think should wear the first set?"
Wang Zhan was surprised Alina asked him—it was a decision she could easily make.
"Give it to Sasha. He's the most suitable candidate."
Though a children's shelter had been built, Sasha still went hunting. The canyon was freezing day and night, and the coat would keep him warm.
He was just a kid, after all, and Wang Zhan felt the need to look out for him.
Alina thought of Sasha's frosted lashes that morning. The child, already engaged in dangerous work, didn't deserve to endure the cold as well.
She thanked Wang Zhan on Sasha's behalf, but he dismissed it, "No need to thank me; it's what he deserves."
Alina brought the coat to Sasha's tent, where Ino greeted her outside. "Is this the clothing promised by the Generator? For Sasha? Leave it to me; he's sleeping now."
Though disappointed at missing the chance to see Sasha try on the coat, Alina handed it over and explained the lantern's placement and operation.
"I'll prepare an instruction sheet as well," she added, not wanting a kind gesture to turn into a mishap.
"No need; I've memorized the details," Ino smiled. "My care for Sasha is no less than yours."
"I understand, Ino," Alina replied, hearing soft snores from the tent. "I'll leave it to you."
"Goodbye, teacher."
Talulah hurried through the quiet camp toward Alina, her expression grave. "Karl is back."
"The Patriot has encountered trouble."