Chapter 219: "Using Our Magical Gems for Farming?!"
Chapter 219: "Using Our Magical Gems for Farming?!"
Chapter 219: "Using Our Magical Gems for Farming?!"
"Division of labor? Standardized processes?"
The terms Lynn mentioned furrowed the brows of Raphael and the others. They could grasp the general idea but couldn't fathom how three people could craft a firearm in a month.
Even without magic, just polishing and crafting the stock and barrel took more than that time.
"Lyd, if I tasked you to teach an ordinary craftsman all the techniques to make a firearm, how long would it take?" Lynn inquired.
"Maybe seven to eight days? No, at least half a month!" Lydia hesitated. Teaching required hands-on experience, getting familiar with the process.
Yet, even then, it didn't guarantee swift learning and independent production. Not everyone could replicate it on their first attempt like her.
Thinking about this, Lydia couldn't help but feel proud of her skills.
"But what if I only need him to learn how to craft the scythe or trigger?" Lynn chuckled.
"Mostly two to three hours!" Lydia pondered briefly. These two weren't as challenging to craft; even the clumsiest craftsman should learn within three hours.
"Why not break down the gun into parts, have a group specialize in making barrels, another in stocks, and more for individual components? Isn't that simple and easy?" Lynn suggested.
As Lydia said, teaching one person to craft an entire gun took at least half a month. But teaching them a single component only took a few hours, significantly lowering the difficulty of training a skilled craftsman.
This was akin to modern industrial thinkingdividing work into steps, enhancing specialization.
Using this method could swiftly train a batch of skilled workers. With focused tasks, they'd naturally become proficient.
"Can it be done this way?" Lydia was stunned, feeling something off but unable to pinpoint it.
"Wait, Dean Lynn, if we split the production process, what if the crafted items don't fit together?" Philip interjected. Thousands of craftsmen making different components might lead to discrepancies, like a slightly larger barrel from one person and a smaller trigger from another...
Even the slightest difference, when assembled into a firearm, might risk an explosion.
"Hence the need for standardization and establishing related standards!" Lynn continued. "For instance, a gun barrelwe set specific length, diameter, and allowable tolerances. Only those meeting these standards are finished products. The same applies to other components."
Though initially cumbersome, the benefits were evident. If any part broke, replacements were easily found. Each worker only knew their craft, preventing the spread of production methods.
As Lynn explained, Philip and the others brightened, understanding the advantages of division of labor and standardization. They contemplated applying this method elsewhere, perhaps in creating some alchemical items.
"Orlando, tomorrow, have the Magic Daily publish two announcements. First, Iyeta seeks to establish a Flintlock Gun Workshop, recruiting fifteen hundred workers. Second, I'm planning to form a gun brigade, targeting three thousand individuals," Lynn handed the firearm back to Lydia, addressing Orlando nearby.
Since they successfully crafted flintlock guns, it was time to consider forming the first gun brigade.
"But, Dean Lynn, recruiting another four thousand five hundred peoplewhat about this year's farming and fishing?" Orlando hesitated. With the previous glass, paper, and textile workshops, it was already tens of thousands.
The entire Iyeta Harbor comprised just over fifty thousand people. Nearly one-fifth of the population diverted from their original tasks.
Not to mention, this was only a preliminary plan. At this rate, Orlando doubted it wouldn't be long before the whole city worked for this lord.
"So, during this time, you all need to work harder. Utilize internal combustion engine technology, research several alchemical instruments capable of automatic cultivation, sowing, and harvesting. This way, even if most people move away from the land, it won't affect food production," Lynn confidently proposed, having planned this aspect well in advance.
"What?" Orlando was dumbfounded.
Philip and the rest stared oddly at Lynn.
An alchemical internal combustion engine, a magical treasure, and you're considering using it for farming?
Moreover, if there were alchemical instruments capable of automatic farming tasks, what need would there be for peasants? This seemed like a dream...
---
At dusk, not far from the capital, Hadralata, an invisible airship silently descended into a manor within a village.
This was one of William's outposts established outside the capital for storing and transporting goods.
After settling Lode and the others and advising them not to wander, Cody, accompanied by a few trusted aides, swiftly rode a carriage alone into the city. He was soon granted an audience.
William, stocky and round-faced, sat in a spacious chair within the chamber. His accumulated fat distorted his entire face, making his eyes nearly disappear.
"What's happened, Cody? You better not tell me there's a problem with this year's trade..." William knew the departure and return times from the port. Under normal circumstances, a transoceanic trade took at least forty days. Yet, here was Cody, back within half a month, raising some unsettling thoughts.
"Reporting, sir, this year's trade went smoothly. We brought in a new batch of goods from Iyetaa thing called glass and paper," Cody excitedly reported, then as if remembering something, hurriedly added, "Also, sir, the current head of Iyeta Harbor is an extremely young mage. It's said that Master Herlram met with an unfortunate end while handling an internal rebellion."
"What did you say? Herlram is dead..." William's expression changed. He stood up from his seat, his excess flesh trembling, emitting an indescribable pressure.
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