Side Chapter: Invention Convention
In an underground laboratory inside the spatial world, several scientists worked together researching and documenting various experiments. An older man stood next to a tall thin man in a black robe. They were discussing recent events and progress with the lead researchers. The elderly man spoke out with an air of authority.
"How is the progress coming along for the steam engines?"
Nervously, the lead researcher who'd only been promoted recently shuffled the paperwork in front of him. Finally, he found the page that he was looking for.
"Ahem, first thing's first. We've had to conduct research into an appropriate fuel source. According to the information we received, something called 'charcoal' could be made by burning wood. Without anything else to go on, we conducted numerous test on various types of lumber."
Handing over the respective notes, he continued his report.
"Multiple types of fire were used on a single type of wood, to ascertain if they affected the resulting product in any way. The flint and steel kits given to the Rangers, a fire plough using wood and string, and a focused magnifying glass all produced similar charcoal."
Glancing over the notes, the elderly man asked him a question.
"Why couldn't we just use the wood itself to fuel them?"
The black robed man answered his question.
"Senior Lee, the charcoal will burn at a much higher temperature and will give off less smoke. This way our machines will be able to operate safer and with a more consistent output."
With his question answered, he waved the researcher to continue with his report, while thanking the robed man.
"Thank you Marcus. Please continue with your report, researcher."
Shuffling his paperwork, the researcher handed over the relevant pages to them.
"With a more consistent fuel type, we've had much better results with the prototypes for the steam engines. Cast iron cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, and the miscellaneous linkage have all been constructed by the smiths according to our designs. Thanks to the system's simulations, several boiler explosions have been avoided."
Once again, Senior Lee cut to the chase.
"What can these be used for? Why should the people care about our invention?"
A glint appeared in the researcher's eye when he responded with confidence.
"Senior Lee, we believe that these steam powered machines can be adopted into pumps that can raise or lower liquid. Mines, water wheels, and even damaged ships could all be quickly drained or filled, as needed. In addition, the raw potential for this device is almost limitless. Anywhere that mechanical work is needed, we can adopt a version on the steam engine."
Senior Lee was very pleased to hear about such an important invention coming to fruition. Zanir had given them a few general ideas and concepts to expand upon. However, they'd been left to fill in the specifics of the details and processes themselves. It seemed as if he was pointing them in the direction of greatness. How many generations would it have taken for them to discover the concept of a steam engine?
Meanwhile, the researcher continued reporting.
"As an example, just the other day one of our researchers completed a prototype that can power a mill for grinding wheat into flour. Imagine producing similar steam engine devices for cider mills, sawmills, textile mills, and even steel mills. Blacksmiths could be provided with automated bellows that use pistons, instead of pumping the air in by hand."
Switching over to the next topic of business, Senior Lee asked about the recent tools being built.
"Thank you for your report. I'm glad to hear about the steam engine progress, keep me informed if there are any major developments. Moving on, how are the tools coming along? Some of us will be leaving the spatial world soon and we'll need strong, reliable, and dependent tools."
Thankfully, the researcher had already found the correct pages and passed them out.
"With our supplies of iron and steel, we've been able to construct many instruments and tools for the outside world. Rakes, hoes, scythes, push mowers, shears, clippers, etc. We'll be ready to start planting the moment that we set foot outside the spatial world."
Marcus set down the paperwork and brought up another subject.
"Has there been any updates on the issue of waste management? I know that we've laid out plans for a sewer system in the blueprints, however, we're still going to need a method of dealing with the eventual buildup."
Maintaining his confident disposition, the researcher answered directly.
"Ah, yes! I wanted to inform you that one of the researchers had a flash on inspiration, while battling in the dungeon. During the battle, they'd observed that the dungeon was free of detritus and conjectured that something must be keeping it clean. Further analysis confirmed their initial conjecture! The slimes consumed the various waste and organic debris throughout their environment."
Senior Lee patted the researcher on his back, congratulating him and following over to the area where the experiment was being conducted.
"Excellent! This is exactly the kind of inspired thinking that we need."
A young female researcher with frazzled hair was carefully observing slimes in a tank filled with refuse and feces. It was a good thing that the tank was sealed off, preventing the rancid odor from escaping into the room. Noticing the two highest ranking officials and her immediate supervisor appearing, she quickly prepared her messy research notes.
"Are you the young miss who's discovered the possible slime solution?"
Looking over to Senior Lee, she confirmed and answered his question.
"Yes, Senior! I had the inspiration while fighting in the dungeon."
Gesturing his hand at the tank, Senior Lee asked if there were any results yet. Meanwhile, Marcus gave the exhausted researcher a much needed cup of water.
"How are things? Tell us what you've found so far and don't worry if there aren't any results yet. You've worked hard."
Pointing over to her notes, she let them know that the slimes would become incredibly valuable to their future endeavors.
"Not only do the slimes consume waste matter, from what I've discovered, they'll also eat trash as well!"
Marcus turned to address Senior Lee.
"This will take care of waste and trash as well. Such an important discovery should be rewarded, don't you think so?"
Clapping his hands twice, Senior Lee quickly agreed.
"That's right! This is wonderful news."
Turning to address the female researcher, he addressed her directly.
"I've already said that you've worked hard. Take the rest of the day off and pass this observation duty to a junior researcher. From now on, you're being promoted to one of our lead researcher positions."
After congratulating her, the three men from earlier all returned to the central area, where they continued to discuss the specifics of the upcoming migration to a city outside of the spatial world.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Zicon
Zicon Side chapter number 2. Going to head out and grab a quick bite to eat. After that, I'll continue to write some more side chapters.
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