Industrial Cthulhu, starting from the island lord

Chapter 157 The War Machine Gradually Starts
The islanders of Castres have been feeling something is different lately.

The lord shut down half of the olive oil factories and three-quarters of the soap production lines, and at the same time recruited a large number of workers, and started work at multiple construction sites at the same time.

The islanders were a little surprised, as they could recognize most of the newly built construction sites. These were also factories, but on a much larger scale.

Building a new factory?
At the same time, the content of the night literacy classes has also been increased. It is said that a lot of knowledge from the advanced classes has also been transferred to the literacy classes. The school has integrated them into "general education" courses, which are compulsory courses.

But the general education course taught something a bit outrageous. It actually talked about a steel machine that made an incredibly loud noise. What was a steel machine?
The students in the advanced class told them that it was a steam engine, like a stone mill that could turn by itself, and all they had to do was feed it with fuel and water.

Everyone has seen a stone mill. People use it to grind olives and squeeze out oil. But it can rotate by itself, which is a bit unbelievable.

Unexpectedly, the next day, a machine nearly two people tall stood in front of the school gate. The heads of various factories also organized workers to come and visit. Finally, under the onlookers of the crowd, a group of students in the advanced class disassembled it into parts and reassembled it with their own hands.

Xius came to the scene in person and explained it to everyone.

He took a rag, wiped the grease off his hands, looked at the workers around him and said loudly:
"See? This is a steam engine. Boiling water in a boiler pushes the piston into motion—you should have learned that in class, right?"

Despite learning so much, seeing such a huge metal structure with its lines that exuded industrial beauty still gave them a huge shock.

"There will be an exam soon, and the subject will be a steam engine. Those who fail the exam will not be able to work in the factory in the future. But don't worry, from now on, this steam engine will be constantly disassembled and reassembled by students. You can come anytime and see its principles with your own eyes."

The crowd was agitated. They couldn't work in the factory because they were counting on earning a few rios. Besides, the atmosphere in the factory was different from other places. The bustle, the chaos, the feeling of everyone working hard and enthusiastically was something they had never experienced before.

As long as they work well enough, they can earn money; as long as they work hard enough, they can climb up the ladder. Unknowingly, the people of Castel have become accustomed to this kind of life. Every day is fulfilling, instead of just sitting around in the sun and getting bored. They can't explain why. Seeing new factories being built, seeing more and more goods, and seeing the food on the table gradually become more abundant, they seem to feel happy even if it is hard work.

Their efforts are making everything better and better.

Therefore, even if the lord was right in front of them, some people still dared to ask, "If we learn it, will there be a reward?"

"There's no such thing as so many rewards. Knowledge is the reward," Hughes said with a smile. "Once the new factory is built, you'll understand. These steel machines will do the heaviest work for you. All you need to do is cooperate with them and maintain them. Of course, your salary will be paid according to the machinist apprenticeship."

There was a sudden commotion in the crowd. They didn't quite understand what the word "mechanic" meant, but recently many students in the advanced classes who came to teach them had mentioned that this was a position that only students who graduated from the advanced mechanical principles class could apply for.

Machinist apprentices are those who have not yet graduated from the mechanical principles course. They need to go to the factory to participate in learning and receive an additional salary subsidy of one rio per day.

A Rio every day!

People's eyes lit up. The money was not small, and it was extra income added to the original wages.

Besides, since he is a mechanic apprentice, will there be a chance for him to become a regular employee?

Hughes looked at the workers around him and couldn't help laughing: "As long as you work in the new steam factory for a certain period of time and pass the exam, you can obtain the status of a mechanic. You may not be familiar with mechanics, so I will just say it directly - the salary is eight rios a day." Eight rios.

The workers fell silent instantly.

This salary can easily support the expenses of a family of three, and if you are alone, you can live a pretty good life.

This number was so shocking that the workers didn't know how to react for a moment.

Xius smiled secretly in his heart. Eight Rio was indeed a very high salary in this era, but it was nothing compared to his industrial production capacity.

This was the case when he had no channels to sell his goods. He did not have much money at the moment, so this was the price he offered.

If it really goes as he expected, the salary of a mechanic who can repair equipment independently should be at least more than ten rios.

The production capacity of industrial society is completely unimaginable to the local natives. Even before the use of steam engines, Castell relied solely on advanced systems and assembly line production to fill warehouses with various goods, greatly enriching the lives of the islanders.

With the start of the steam engine, Castell's development speed will be much faster than before, and this is just the beginning.

Unfortunately, Zeus sighed lightly. A war was about to break out here, and all production capacity had to be tilted towards the war effort. Heavy industry had to be developed first, and the days of stable development were gone forever.

Hughes looked at the islanders around him
"People of Castel, the steam engines you see before you will soon be shipped to every factory, turning your millstones and forging your steel. You've already witnessed the efficiency of these factories, and steam power will double and triple that efficiency. Steel can achieve heights that human power cannot reach."

"You may not understand it now, and you may be afraid, but you will eventually understand what the development of technology means - in fact, you have already seen some of it."

"Fried fish! Soap!" Someone shouted, and laughter came from the crowd.

"Yes, this is material abundance. Oil has become cheaper, and frying food is no longer a luxury. I promise you that in the future, food, clothing, housing and transportation will be like this. Cheap and high-quality goods will slowly become more and more abundant with the roar of steam."

People listened quietly, their expressions fascinated.

Zeus always told them about such a bizarre and beautiful future, so beautiful that people could not believe it, but he always made it come true. Gradually, people developed an almost blind trust in Zeus, and "The lord never lies" has become a common saying.

They look forward to such a life, they yearn for the future that the lord has spoken of, and they will not allow anyone to take away this beauty. If anyone stands in their way—

"Unfortunately, we have to stop now." Xius said slowly.

(End of this chapter)