Chapter 48: A Machine Mishap and the New City Beginnings

With the road from Mondstadt to the new city well underway, it was time for Satoshi and his team to shift their focus to the construction of the new city itself. The foundation had been laid, both metaphorically and literally, and now it was time to begin building the structures that would eventually become homes, shops, and all the other amenities a modern city needed. Excitement buzzed in the air, and everyone was eager to see this vision come to life.

Today, however, the team faced a new kind of challenge: the construction machines. The machines had been a lifesaver, making the work go much faster and easing the burden on everyone. But, as Satoshi was about to discover, introducing technology to Teyvat wasn't always as simple as flipping a switch.

The sun was just starting to rise as Satoshi made his way to the construction site, accompanied by Amber and Noelle. As they approached, they could see the towering machines—cranes, bulldozers, and excavators—all positioned at various points around the site. Workers were already bustling around, preparing for the day's tasks.

Amber stretched her arms over her head, her bright eyes shining with excitement. "I can't wait to see the first building start to take shape! It's going to be amazing."

Noelle nodded, her smile warm. "We've come so far already. I never imagined I'd be helping to build an entire city."

Satoshi grinned. "It's thanks to everyone's hard work. And today's going to be another big step forward."

They reached the construction site, where Jean was already giving instructions to some of the workers. She looked up and waved them over. "Morning, Satoshi, Amber, Noelle. Everything's set to get started on the first structure today."

"That's great!" Satoshi said, nodding. "What's the first building we're putting up?"

Jean glanced at the blueprints she was holding. "We're starting with a community center. It'll be the heart of the new city, a place where people can gather and connect. It seemed like the right place to start."

Amber clapped her hands together, her face lighting up. "That's perfect! A community center will bring everyone together."

Jean smiled, nodding. "Exactly. And with the machines, we should be able to make quick work of the foundation."

---

The work began smoothly enough. The construction machines roared to life, their engines rumbling as they moved earth and placed heavy materials. Satoshi watched from a distance, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. This was it—the start of the new city.

But, as the morning went on, things started to get… interesting. It all began when Kaeya, ever the curious one, decided to take a closer look at one of the excavators.

"Hey, Satoshi," Kaeya called out, his voice dripping with mischief. "How do these things work, exactly? They seem pretty complex."

Satoshi raised an eyebrow, walking over to where Kaeya was standing. "They're pretty straightforward, actually. You just have to be careful with the controls—it's easy to make a mistake if you're not used to it."

Kaeya's grin widened. "Careful, you say? Sounds like a challenge."

Before Satoshi could react, Kaeya had climbed up into the cab of the excavator, his fingers hovering over the controls. "Let's see what this baby can do," he said, winking at Satoshi.

"Kaeya, wait!" Satoshi shouted, but it was too late.

With a loud *whirr*, the excavator's arm swung to the side, narrowly missing a pile of building materials. Workers nearby scrambled out of the way, their eyes wide with alarm. The machine lurched forward, the bucket digging into the ground and sending a shower of dirt flying.

Jean, who had been talking to some of the workers, turned around just in time to see the chaos. Her eyes widened, and she let out an exasperated sigh. "Kaeya! Get down from there right now!"

Kaeya, looking only mildly apologetic, climbed down from the cab, brushing dirt off his clothes. "My bad, everyone. I guess I'm not cut out for operating heavy machinery."

Satoshi shook his head, though he couldn't help but laugh. "Maybe leave the machines to the professionals, Kaeya. We don't need any accidental craters."

Kaeya grinned, giving Satoshi a playful salute. "Understood, boss. I'll stick to what I'm good at—being charming and keeping everyone entertained."

---

Despite the hiccup, work continued, and the foundation for the community center began to take shape. Diluc, who had arrived later in the morning, was overseeing the placement of some large support beams. Unlike Kaeya, Diluc had no interest in playing with the machinery. He worked with a serious focus, ensuring everything was done precisely and safely.

Klee, who had been watching from a distance, suddenly ran up to Satoshi, her eyes wide with excitement. "Satoshi! Can I help with the machines? Pleeease?"

Satoshi hesitated, glancing at the excavator that Kaeya had nearly turned into a wrecking ball. "I don't know, Klee… these machines are pretty complicated. And we need to be really careful."

Klee's face fell, her lower lip sticking out in a pout. "But I'll be super careful! I promise!"

Amber, who had been listening nearby, knelt down beside Klee, her smile gentle. "How about you help me with something else, Klee? We need to clear some smaller rocks, and I bet Dodoco would be perfect for that."

Klee's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. "Okay! Dodoco and I are on it!"

Satoshi let out a sigh of relief as he watched Klee run off with Amber. The last thing they needed was Klee in charge of a bulldozer.

---

By the afternoon, the work was progressing well. The foundation for the community center was nearly complete, and the workers were beginning to set up the framework. The construction machines were doing their job, and despite the earlier hiccup, things seemed to be back on track.

Venti, who had been conspicuously absent for most of the morning, suddenly appeared, carrying a basket filled with fresh bread and bottles of cider. He walked over to Satoshi, a bright smile on his face.

"Thought I'd bring some refreshments for our hardworking builders," Venti said, holding up the basket.

Satoshi raised an eyebrow. "You just happened to have a basket of bread and cider lying around?"

Venti winked. "I'm a bard, Satoshi. It's my job to keep everyone happy and well-fed."

Jean, who had been overseeing the work, walked over, her expression softening when she saw the basket. "Thank you, Venti. I think everyone could use a break."

Venti set the basket down on a table, and the workers gathered around, grateful for the food and drink. As they ate, Venti began to play his lyre, singing a lighthearted tune that had everyone tapping their feet.

*With cranes that swing and beams that rise,* 

*We're building a city beneath bright skies.* 

*With laughter and song, we work and we play,* 

*A new home for all, not far away.* 

Satoshi watched as the workers relaxed, their spirits lifted by the music and the food. It was moments like this that reminded him why they were doing all of this—it wasn't just about building a city; it was about creating a place where people could live, laugh, and share moments like this.

---

As the sun began to set, the workers packed up their tools, and the construction site grew quiet. The framework for the community center stood tall, silhouetted against the orange sky. It was just the beginning, but it was a start—a promise of what was to come.

Satoshi stood at the edge of the site, looking out at the progress they had made. Jean walked up beside him, her gaze following his.

"We're really doing it," she said softly. "The new city is starting to take shape."