Chapter 6: Preparation and Technology

After a restful night's sleep, Alex Greid woke up to a new day filled with anticipation. The sun peeked through the leaves of the jungle, casting a warm glow over his well-established land. Today was the day he would dive into the monumental task of building his ship, an undertaking crucial for his exploration of the world beyond his isolated domain.

After rising from bed, Alex made his way to the kitchen. The aroma of his breakfast—spicy glazed bacon and roasted duck—filled the air. As he prepared his meal, he couldn't help but reflect on the challenges he faced just to gather the ingredients.

"Do you know how hard it is to find this ingredient in the middle of nowhere?" Alex muttered to himself, his voice tinged with frustration. "It's not just about the cooking; it's about the journey to get the ingredients. Traversing all this terrain is no walk in the park."

He continued to speak aloud, his thoughts spilling over as he seasoned the bacon. "The forest isn't particularly flat. There are small hills and cliff terrains and it's a real challenge. And let's not forget the wildlife lurking in the forest. Philippine crocodiles, tarantulas, scorpions. You name it. Every foraging trip or hunt seems to be a battle against nature itself."

As he flipped the bacon and stirred the duck, his mind wandered back to a recent fortuitous discovery. "Thank God I came across a herd of Tiruray ponies. Without them, I'd be struggling with exhaustion, hauling supplies up and down these rugged paths. They're remarkably good at navigating rugged terrain and taking some of the load off my back."

With his breakfast ready, Alex sat down to eat. He was grateful for the food, but his mind was already drifting back to his ongoing projects. "I've been working on domesticating and selectively breeding native animals. It's a slow process, but it's crucial for sustainability here."

After finishing his meal, Alex set his sights on the day's primary task: building the ship. The ship was more than just a vessel; it was a gateway to discovering whether there were others in this world or if he truly was alone.

"Good morning, everyone," Alex said as he approached the stable. "Let's see how you're all doing today." He examined each pony, ensuring they were healthy and content. The ponies had become a vital part of his daily life, providing transportation and assisting with hauling goods.

Next, he moved to the other animals. He checked the condition of the chickens, collected eggs, and ensured their coop was clean and secure. The chickens had been a reliable source of eggs and occasional meat, contributing to his diverse diet.

The goats and pigs received their share of attention as well. He ensured they had fresh water and sufficient feed. Alex had found that the goats were particularly useful for clearing brush and maintaining the land around his property, while the pigs helped with waste management and provided meat.

With the animals tended to and their needs met, Alex felt a sense of satisfaction. "Alright, that's taken care of. Now it's time to focus on the ship."

He moved to his workshop, where the materials for the shipbuilding project were neatly organized. The ship was more than just a vessel; it was a gateway to discovering whether there were others in this world or if he truly was alone.

As he prepared his workspace, Alex considered the various challenges of shipbuilding. "The size of the ship is critical. Too small, and I risk running into logistical problems. Too large, and operating it could become an issue. Even with modern technology, large and medium vessels require many crew members to ensure everything runs smoothly. I'm on my own, which means I need to strike a balance."

He mentally ticked off the factors to consider. "Fuel supply is a major concern. A smaller ship might be feasible for short distances, but for long voyages, it could become a nightmare. What if I run out of fuel and can't make it back? Or worse, what if I find a destination that's farther than I anticipated? There are no refueling stations out there. I might end up stranded or forced to start over in a new land."

Alex decided that a medium-sized ship would be the best solution. It would offer enough space for supplies while still being manageable. He also planned to pack as much fuel as possible to mitigate the risk of running out during the journey. 

"Food security is another problem," he continued, his voice echoing in the quiet of his house's workshop. "Food spoilage can be a serious issue on long trips. There are several ways to address it, like refrigeration and canning, but since I only have limited time and resources, I need to prioritize."

He glanced over at his refrigeration unit, a marvel of technology he had built using propane and extracted from crude oil and the metals he had found and mined. "I've got refrigeration down, but canning is a different beast. It's in a lower priority right now. With just me working on everything, it's a challenge to keep up with all the demands. Maybe I'll need to build another factory for food preservation to avoid wasting time hunting for meat on unfamiliar lands."

The scope of the task ahead was daunting, but Alex's determination remained unshaken. He turned his attention to advancing his tools, recognizing that every detail had to be perfected. "One careless mistake could be fatal. I need to ensure that everything is up to standard."

As he worked, Alex felt a growing sense of exhaustion. The days were long, and the workload seemed never-ending. "Oh my lord, I have to do everything myself. How many days, months, or even years will it take to finish all of this?" he thought, his frustration evident in his tone. "It's overwhelming. Every day is a grind, and it feels like I'm barely making progress."

Despite his weariness, Alex remained focused on the tasks at hand. The shipbuilding project was a massive undertaking, involving precise measurements and careful construction. He started with the hull, ensuring it was sturdy and seaworthy. The design had to be practical, taking into account the need for both cargo space and living quarters.

"Building the ship is only the beginning," he mused. "There's also the matter of outfitting it with the necessary equipment. Navigation tools, safety gear, and of course, the internal combustion engine that will power it. I've got the engine ready, but it needs to be installed correctly."

The installation of the engine was a meticulous process. Alex had to ensure that it was securely mounted and connected to the ship's fuel supply system. He also had to consider the cooling system, which was crucial for preventing the engine from overheating during the voyage.

As he worked on the engine, Alex thought about the various advancements he had made over the past six years. "It's incredible how far I've come. From crude tools and basic survival skills to creating advanced technologies like induction furnaces and internal combustion engines. It's a testament to human ingenuity—or at least my version of it."

He reflected on his achievements with a mix of pride and disbelief. "The induction furnace revolutionized steel production, and tungsten lighting has changed how I live. Glass windows, electrical wiring, and even a textile factory—these are things I never thought I'd be able to create on my own."

Alex's thoughts drifted to the challenges he faced in this world. "It's not just about the technology. It's about adapting to a world with no other humans, no one to share ideas with or collaborate on projects. Everything I've done has been through trial and error even with modern knowledge, and sometimes it feels like I'm just scratching the surface of what's possible."

As the day wore on, Alex took a break to review his plans for the ship. He needed to ensure that everything was in order before he embarked on his journey. The ship would require a variety of supplies, including food, fuel, and equipment. He began organizing these items, making sure that everything was packed and ready for the voyage.

"Tomorrow, I'll start working on the ship's interior," Alex said to himself. "Living quarters, storage areas, and all the little details that will make the journey more comfortable. It's a lot of work, but it's necessary."

He paused for a moment, allowing himself to savor the progress he had made. "It's amazing how much I've accomplished in just six years. I've built a life here, created technologies, and now I'm preparing to explore beyond my current domain. It's both exciting and daunting."

As evening approached, Alex took time to prepare a meal. He opted for a simple dish: chicken soup, accompanied by mango juice. The meal was a reminder of the comforts he had created for himself in this world. He reflected on the journey that had brought him to this point.

"Six years ago, I was thrust into this world with nothing but the clothes on my back and the two wishes he had been given by God. Now, I'm building a ship to explore uncharted territories. It's been a long road, but I'm ready for the next chapter."

After dinner, Alex took a relaxing bath, allowing the warm water to soothe his tired muscles. As he settled into bed, his mind buzzed with thoughts of the upcoming voyage. The preparation had been exhaustive, but the promise of discovery kept him motivated.

"Tomorrow's going to be another busy day," Alex thought as he drifted off to sleep. "I need to finish the ship, finalize my preparations, and get ready for the adventure ahead. It's a big step, but it's necessary to uncover the mysteries of this world."

The night was peaceful, with the sounds of the jungle providing a calming backdrop. Alex's thoughts were filled with anticipation and hope. The ship was nearly complete, and the voyage was within reach. With each passing day, he felt more prepared to face the unknown and explore the world beyond his current domain.

As he closed his eyes, Alex Greid felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The journey had been challenging, but it had also been rewarding. The future held endless possibilities, and he was ready to embrace them with determination and curiosity.