Magic, steel, heavy industry

Chapter 32 The First Application of Cement

Two days later.

Vilan arrived at the military camp.

Since recruiting 30 new soldiers two days ago, the military camp has undergone a major transformation.

Under Rossi's command, the first thing the recruits did was not to train, but to renovate their training grounds and dormitories.

The 30 soldiers were divided into three squads. Squad one was responsible for the dormitory, while squads two and three were responsible for the training ground. Thanks to the ample food supply every day, the new recruits were very motivated, and in just two days, the barracks had been completely transformed.

It is worth noting that the training ground's running track was actually made of cement.

That's right, those guys at the stonemason's workshop adjusted the ratio of lime powder and river sand, and improved the process of making quicklime, successfully creating a new version of cement.

Just then, the military camp was renovating its runway, so they took out the cement and, while helping the new recruits with their work, began testing the effects of the new cement.

Vilan also received a detailed report from them.

Just like in their previous life, they mixed cement powder and river sand to form mortar, and also added clay and some small pieces of iron.

Of course, the most important thing is to add gray magic powder while stirring.

Through repeated experiments, they found that adding about a quarter bowl of gray magic powder to each bucket of cement powder yielded the best results.

Too little cement will affect structural stability, while too much will greatly accelerate the setting speed of the cement, often turning it into a solid before it even leaves the barrel.

Then, following the method given by Vilan, we first dug out the foundation of the runway, then laid a layer of gravel or pebbles, filled the gaps between the gravel with cement, and finally smoothed it out.

And so, the world's first concrete running track was born.

Since the cement was laid last night, it needs to solidify overnight.

Vilan couldn't wait to come over early in the morning; he wanted to witness the effects of this magic powder cement firsthand.

Behind him was Brock, the head of the stonemasonry workshop.

This is a man nearing 50, with thinning hair and a hunched back, but his face bears an unyielding stubbornness.

He was originally a stonemason from Silverflow City, but when he made a mistake while building a sheep pen for a knight, the knight broke his leg, leaving him with a limp in his right leg.

Nevertheless, Brock continued his work as a stonemason, only moving his family to Anvil Territory to get away from the aggressive knight.

When he received the contract from Vilan, he was worried, fearing that this would be another demanding "Knight".

But he didn't expect that Vilan wasn't asking him to continue building with stones, but rather to research a new type of building material called "cement".

Confusion, bewilderment, doubt... Brock experienced many emotions, but when he and several other stonemasons created cement, all of these emotions turned into exhilaration.

Although the method was given by Lord Vilan, it was he, Brock, who truly turned the blueprints into reality!

Therefore, he developed an almost obsessive adoration for Vilan.

Now that the results of his efforts were about to be reviewed by Lord Vilan, his heart was pounding involuntarily.

Vilan didn't notice Brock's tension. He glanced over and saw that the cement track had solidified and its color was no different from the cement ground in his previous life.

He rubbed his hands together, squatted down, and touched the cement track.

Then, a strange emotion suddenly surged into his mind.

"It's done...it's really done..."

Vilan couldn't help but murmur softly, her eyes already stinging with tears.

Although all the processes are the most primitive and simplified versions, the addition of gray magic powder actually gives it the characteristics of modern cement!

Hard, tough, convenient... it's very similar to the effects of modern cement!

Vilan's thoughts instantly drifted back to the days and nights he spent working on the construction site, but he quickly put those thoughts aside and then looked at Brock with a smile.

"Without a doubt, Mr. Brock, you are a hero of Anvil Territory. You invented real magic powder cement."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes widened, and they all looked at Brock with envy in their eyes.

To receive such high praise from Lord Vilan, is the cement really that good?

Brock was also somewhat flattered and for a moment didn't even know how to respond.

Vilan patted him on the shoulder. "I will keep my promise. Your bonus will come to you along with your first month's salary. You deserve it."

"Thank you... It's an honor to work for Lord Vilan!"

"Keep up the good work. The demand for cement in the future will be enormous, beyond your imagination. Go back and prepare, and we'll plan a cement plant."

Vilan's eyes were incredibly bright, and a surge of modern-day pride rose within him.

Cement! I got it!

Let this damn world experience the ultimate efficiency of concrete and steel!

Then, Vilan looked at the others behind him.

The consultant, the butler, the maid, the guards—everyone looked surprised.

They didn't understand why Lord Vilan was suddenly so agitated. And what was this cement factory anyway?

"What are you standing there for? Step on it and feel it. This is the first cement road in Anvil Territory."

Vilan smiled brightly and then took the lead onto the track.

"Is this even a road? I've never seen such a strange road before..."

Hans muttered something, then went up as well.

Then his expression suddenly changed, and he tried to stomp his foot forcefully.

The sound of thumping came, but the concrete ground beneath his feet was undamaged; instead, the soles of his feet ached.

The others also stepped forward, including the new recruits who were too shy to go up, as well as the logistics women who were responsible for cooking, and they all followed onto the track.

Gradually, everyone became bolder and began to jump, run, and even roll around on the cement track.

"This is amazing! It's the smoothest road I've ever seen!" Saka and Belin exclaimed in amazement.

Igris, standing to the side, couldn't help but place her palm on it. It felt icy cold, but without a doubt, it was an incredibly smooth road. Even the most dilapidated carriage could travel on it with its wheels that were about to fall apart!

"Lord Vilan! This is incredible, I mean... you are simply a genius!" Hans exclaimed, his face flushed with admiration.

Vilan laughed heartily, "That's right, this is what a real road looks like. Those muddy roads in town, you can easily end up with your pants covered in mud if you're not careful, but you won't have that problem with cement roads."

Hans keenly sensed the implication in Vilan's words and immediately probed, "You don't mean to pave the entire Anvil's Ridge with cement, do you?"

Vilan's lips curled into a smile. "Of course, that's the meaning behind my creation of cement. I want Anvil Territory to never again have carriages stuck in ditches, roads riddled with holes after rain, or people covered in mud and grime!"