Chapter 3: Upgraded Tools

Alex Greid began his day with a sense of purpose. He awoke to the chirping of birds and the soft rustling of leaves outside his modest shelter. The early morning light filtered through the gaps in his bamboo walls, casting a warm glow over the small space. Stretching his stiff muscles and yawning, he could already smell the earthy aroma of the meal he had planned for breakfast. The tranquility of the forest, coupled with the promise of a productive day, filled him with a quiet determination.

In the early hours, Alex set about preparing his meal. The sweet potatoes had been dug from the ground the day before, their skin still slightly damp from the soil. The venison, a prized catch from the Philippine brown deer he had successfully hunted, was sizzling on the fire. Alongside these, he sliced juicy mangoes, their vibrant orange flesh a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory meat. As he ate, he mused aloud, "You know, the Philippine brown deer was considered extinct in my old world, but here, they seem to be thriving. It's a stark contrast to how things used to be. If only I could find more crops to diversify my diet... maybe some rice would be good. I hear rice is a staple in the Philippines, unlike wheat which is more common in other parts of the world."

With breakfast finished and his thoughts set on the day's work, Alex gathered his tools and headed towards the iron bars he had smelted the day before. The task of upgrading his tools from the crude stone implements he had been using was his primary focus now. As he approached his work area, he took a moment to reflect on the differences between iron and steel.

"Iron is straightforward to work with," Alex said to himself, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet forest. "But steel... that's another story. Steel requires precise control and advanced technology to produce. With just stone tools and a basic furnace, making steel is nearly impossible. Those MCs in web novels that make steel with stone tools might have the power of God (author) and plot armor in their hands or they might be OP. Anyway, for now, iron will have to do. At least with iron, I can make some significant improvements."

With that, Alex set to work crafting his new tools. He began with an iron axe, carefully shaping and tempering the metal. The process was meticulous; he hammered the iron into the desired shape, quenching it in cool water to harden it. Next, he forged an iron knife and a set of blacksmithing tools, including hammers and tongs. The work was painstaking, but he was determined to make the most of the resources he had.

As he shaped the tools, Alex couldn't help but think about the challenges ahead. "These tools are going to make a huge difference," he thought. "But before I get too ahead of myself, I need to consider making some crucibles for steelmaking. Clay-graphite crucibles seem like the best option. They're durable, can withstand high temperatures, and are readily available."

He took a moment to reflect on the benefits of clay-graphite crucibles. "Clay-graphite crucibles are quite useful," he mused aloud. "They're durable and can withstand high temperatures, which is exactly what I need if I ever decide to make steel in the future." He continued working on his tools, ensuring each was well-crafted and functional.

By the time he finished his iron tools, Alex was filled with a sense of accomplishment. The difference between his new iron tools and the old stone ones was striking. The iron axe sliced through wood with ease, the knife cut cleanly, and the blacksmithing tools worked seamlessly. He felt a surge of pride in his work. It wasn't perfect, but it was a significant improvement. The new tools would allow him to build more efficiently and hunt with greater success.

Sitting back, Alex couldn't help but reminisce about the conveniences of his old life. "Back in the old world, I had automation, pre-made meals, and transportation at my fingertips. Now, I have to do everything myself—walking for miles to find ores, foraging for plants, and preparing food. I miss the ease of modern life, but there's no turning back now."

With a sigh, Alex grabbed his new iron axe and set out to test it. He decided to cut some trees for firewood and charcoal, a task that would prove to be both physically demanding and rewarding. The iron axe made short work of the medium-sized trees, and in just 2-3 hours, he had felled more than four trees. The work was grueling, but the shed he had built for storing logs proved invaluable.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the forest, Alex built a fire using bamboo and branches. He cooked the food he had gathered, savoring the taste of his meal as he watched the flames dance. The stored food, kept in a bamboo smoker room, was ready to be enjoyed. Alex had made sure the structure was sturdy, understanding that the choice of wood for smoking meat was crucial. The sago palm, abundant in the area, provided a lighter flavor that enhanced the taste of the meat.

As he ate, Alex contemplated his hunting skills and the potential for improvement. "Maybe I should look into making crossbows," he mused. "Arrows could be made from iron, and a crossbow might give me an edge in hunting. Also, finding metals like tin and copper could be beneficial. The forest here has so much potential, but I need to be cautious. Traveling too far from home could expose me to predators and poisonous insects."

Reflecting on his limitations, Alex realized he needed to adapt. "I've already made some insect repellant using natural plants, lemongrass, sago palm starch, and powdered charcoal. Mosquitoes are relentless here, and it's essential to find ways to keep them at bay. Last night was a nightmare with all the bites, but I managed to avoid getting sick."

The following morning, Alex put his mosquito repellant coil to use. The lemony scent filled his makeshift home as he settled into his bamboo bed, which was comfortably padded with a deer hide he had prepared last month. As he drifted off to sleep, the mosquito repellant coil worked its magic, allowing him a restful night.

"Tomorrow's another busy day," Alex thought as he fell asleep. "I need to keep improving my skills and making the most of the resources available to me."

In the quiet of the night, Alex Greid's thoughts were filled with plans for the future. He had come a long way from his old life, and while he missed the comforts of modernity, he was determined to push forward, adapt, and thrive in his new world.

The next morning brought with it a renewed sense of purpose. Alex's newly forged iron tools awaited their trial, and he was eager to test their capabilities. After a hearty breakfast of sweet potatoes and mangoes, he set out to cut down more trees for firewood and charcoal. The iron axe performed remarkably well, slicing through wood with a precision he had never before experienced. The efficiency of the new tools was a testament to his hard work and determination.

As he worked, Alex couldn't help but appreciate the improvements he had made. The iron axe was far superior to its stone predecessor, allowing him to complete tasks more quickly and with less effort. The iron knife made food preparation easier, and the blacksmithing tools were invaluable for crafting and repairs. He marveled at how much progress he had made since he first arrived in this world.

In addition to his tool upgrades, Alex continued to refine his food preservation techniques. The bamboo smoker room, designed to keep his stored food fresh, was working well. The sago palm wood used for smoking imparted a subtle, pleasant flavor to the meat, enhancing its taste. He took great care in maintaining the smoker room, ensuring that it remained in good condition and provided optimal results.

As the days passed, Alex became increasingly skilled at navigating the challenges of his new environment. He learned to identify useful plants, improve his hunting techniques, and create effective insect repellents. Despite the difficulties he faced, he remained optimistic and determined to make the most of his situation.

One evening, as he sat by the fire, Alex reflected on his journey. He had come a long way from the comfort of his old life, and while he missed the conveniences of modernity, he found satisfaction in the progress he had made. He appreciated the simplicity of his new life and the sense of accomplishment that came with each new achievement.

"I've come a long way," he said to himself as he gazed into the fire. "There's still much to be done, but I'm making progress. With each day, I'm getting closer to mastering the art of survival in this world."

As he prepared for another busy day, Alex felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that the challenges he faced were only stepping stones on the path to greater achievements. With his new iron tools, improved food preservation techniques, and growing skills, he was well-equipped to tackle whatever lay ahead.

The journey was far from over, but Alex Greid was determined to continue pushing forward. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities, and he was ready to face them head-on. With a heart full of hope and a spirit of resilience, he embraced the journey ahead, confident that he would continue to thrive in his new world.