Creating the Water Wheel - [02]

The next morning, I opened my eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air of the new day. I stretched in bed, feeling my muscles elongate, and then sighed before getting out of bed.

I washed my face in the bowl of water that was on the small table next to the bed, the cold water waking me up completely. I walked over to the window and looked at the busy street, full of people coming and going. I took a deep breath again, appreciating the clear blue sky. "Time to get back to work!" I thought with determination.

I quickly put on the clothes my mother had washed the night before, now carefully folded on one of the tables in the room. After getting dressed, I went downstairs to the kitchen.

On the way, I met my mother, who smiled at me affectionately. "Nicolas, I'm going to the garden. Don't get into trouble; breakfast is already ready in the kitchen."

Nodding, I replied, "Sure! And if I'm not here when you get back, I'll be at the forge, like yesterday."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and went straight to the kitchen. Mia shook her head and sighed, thinking, "I hope he doesn't get into trouble."

She put on her gardening gloves, grabbed the scissors, and went out the door, disappearing towards the garden.

In the kitchen, I found breakfast prepared: a strange bread, cheese, and a bowl of fruits. I ate quickly, already eager to get back to work. My plan to build the Steam Carriage CVM was taking shape in my mind, and each detail seemed to fit perfectly.

After finishing eating, I washed the dishes and got ready to leave. I walked through the busy streets, ignoring the curious looks and whispers of the people around me. I arrived at my workshop, where the logs of wood I had brought the night before were still piled at the entrance.

Sitting on one of the logs, I let my thoughts organize themselves while reflecting on the main components for my creation:

1. Steam Boiler: The main power source.

2. Metal Chassis: A robust structure to support the weight of the wood.

3. Wheels or Mechanized Legs: Depending on the design, they could be wheels or legs simulating the movement of a horse.

4. Steering System: Allows control of the vehicle's direction.

5. Wood Carrier: Designated area for storing and transporting wood.

6. Brake System: To stop the vehicle safely.

7. Driver's Cabin: Where the operator controls the vehicle.

"Being smart is one of the best things there is," I whispered to myself. "In my past world, mentally designing a machine like this and putting it into practice would be almost impossible."

I stood up from where I was sitting and walked into the forge, unlocking the door with the key. "Steam boiler," I murmured, "I'll make a set of mechanical parts that will receive pre-programmed commands through an automatic mechanism powered by steam."

I looked at the metals and sighed, moving to the unlit forge. I grabbed some wood from the side and placed it inside the furnace. Using friction, I started to light the wood, turning it into embers. As soon as the first ember appeared, I quickly stepped back and began pressing the mechanical blower, filling it with air and expelling it into the furnace.

This manual device increases the amount of oxygen entering the furnace, raising the fire's temperature and making it more efficient for melting and working with metals. Of course, whoever designed this primitive item wouldn't be able to scientifically explain how it raises the temperature just by using air.

After some time, the furnace reached the ideal temperature. I looked at the metals and smiled. Before starting, I turned towards a massive clay table where all my late father's tools were. I approached, raised my arm, and grabbed a pair of tongs, a tool used primarily by blacksmiths and metalworkers. It is a type of plier used to handle hot metal objects from a distance and is therefore equipped with long handles.

With the tongs firmly in my hand, I began to pick up pieces of copper metal and place them in the furnace, watching as they started to heat and soften. The feeling of working with metals, shaping them and transforming them into something useful, was incredibly satisfying.

Watching the copper ingot turn red with the high temperature, I lifted the tongs and carefully placed the metal on the large anvil in the center of the workshop.

With a large hammer in hand, I flexed my muscles and began to hammer, each concentrated strike making the metal slowly take the shape of a plate.

"Pang~~" "Pang~~" "Pang~~"

When the metal started to harden again, I took it to the furnace, repeating the process until I had all the plates, nails, cylinders, iron rivets, and other necessary items. Everything took the right shape in the hands of the genius that I am.

"Uhh~~" This place is hot, I sighed, using the back of my hand to wipe the sweat dripping from my forehead.

The heat from the furnace still vibrated in the air as I prepared to assemble the steam boiler that would be the heart of the vehicle. Every piece I had forged, from bright and resistant iron-copper, was neatly arranged by my side. The sunlight entering through the workshop window made the metals shine, reflecting the hard work.

First, I picked up the main cylinder of the boiler, a sturdy and carefully hammered piece. With calloused hands, I lifted the cylinder and placed it on the wooden bench. With a cloth, I wiped away any soot residue, ensuring that every surface was spotless before starting the assembly.

Next, I picked up the reinforcement rings, which would be fixed around the main cylinder. They were crucial to ensure the boiler could withstand internal pressure without deforming. I positioned the first ring at the base of the cylinder and, with the help of a hammer, adjusted it gently until it was perfectly aligned. I repeated the process with the other rings, spacing them evenly along the cylinder.

Now it was time for the water tubes. Each one had been forged with precision to ensure a perfect fit. I grabbed the first tube and carefully inserted it into the designated opening at the base of the cylinder. A slight rotation and the satisfying sound of metal fitting to metal assured me it was in the right place. I repeated the operation with the other tubes, each one sliding into its slot with an ease that only well-done work can provide.

With the water tubes in place, I moved on to installing the connectors and valves. Each valve had been meticulously designed to control the steam flow and ensure the system's safety. I attached the valves at the connection points, using wrenches I had also created and tightening each bolt with precision. Each thread turned smoothly, a result of my careful forging.

The final step involved installing the basic, still primitive, sight glass, as it would take too long to collect sand and turn it into glass for use as a sight glass. Even though it was rudimentary, this sight glass would allow monitoring the water level inside the boiler. I positioned it on the iron-copper support and, with extreme caution, tightened the screws holding it. A crack in the metal would mean disaster, so I worked slowly, ensuring everything was firm but not excessively tight.

When I finished, I stepped back a little, observing my work. The steam boiler was assembled, each piece fitting with precision and care.

"HAHAHAH~~" I began to laugh and said loudly, "This world will be mine! At some point in the future, I'll even bring the gods to their knees!"

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