Chapter 123: Even Chaos Couldn’t Afford This
When Gu Hang placed several new “black boxes” in front of Wu Jiarong, her mouth opened wider than it ever had in her life.
Where did these things come from?
Previously, she had speculated that they might have been provided by the Gu family, but upon reflection, the Gu family wasn’t capable of such feats.
Later, even bolder thoughts crossed her mind—was the Governor actually the secret child of some great sage from the Adeptus Mechanicus?
But then she realized that to any great sage, the importance of these black boxes would undoubtedly surpass that of their own child.
For those who had already replaced everything but their brains with mechanical components, it was hard to say whether they even retained familial affection.
In the end, Wu Jiarong could not think of any other plausible explanations.
Even imagining the worst-case scenario, like the Governor betraying the Empire and turning to Chaos, seemed impossible.
What Chaos faction would be willing to part with so many black box fabricators just to corrupt a backwater world like Fury Owl Planet?
The cost-benefit ratio simply didn’t add up!
Unable to figure it out, she decided not to dwell on it.
Wu Jiarong earnestly listened to the Governor’s instructions, occasionally manipulating the mechanical arms on her back to sketch and jot notes on the paper beside her.
Instead of pondering unsolvable mysteries, she thought it was better to focus on how to meet the Governor’s demands.
The Governor was like a demanding client with complex ideas, but the rewards offered were impossible for her to refuse.
There were so many black boxes of various kinds, each with immense research value.
Although most of Wu Jiarong’s time was spent on tasks assigned to the research institute by the Governor, even just studying black box products or their mechanisms during her breaks yielded precious insights.
Of course, she couldn’t figure out how the black boxes operated. That was a problem even the great sages of the Adeptus Mechanicus couldn’t solve, let alone someone like her.
However, mere observation had already provided her with valuable gains.
The greater benefit, however, came from studying the standard products output by the black boxes, which was more suited to her current level.
In just a short period, she felt that she had made significant progress compared to her past self.
Wu Jiarong had a clear understanding of her technical skills.
Though her official title was merely “Technical Specialist,” she had been preparing to advance to the rank of Mechanic ten years ago and had already reached that level in practice.
Yet, the past decade of stagnation left her without the motivation, time, or opportunities for further learning.
Now, she felt the rapid pace of improvement she once experienced returning.
It probably wouldn’t take long for her to advance to the level of a Tech Priest.
Aside from helping the Governor conceal the existence of the black boxes, she was determined to showcase her value.
Though the former task was important, it wasn’t irreplaceable. She needed to excel in the latter.
However, the Governor’s demands were still rather challenging.
“Fifty 155mm heavy artillery pieces per month… That’s a bit difficult. But after reviewing the locally produced 155mm guns, I think I can simplify my design.
If we work hard, we should be able to meet the target this month.”
“Fifty ‘Walker V’ vehicles per month, with gradual increases later… This is much harder than producing artillery.
The finished black box cannot fully resolve the issue—it can only produce 15 units a month with nonstop operation.
To expand production, we need to build dedicated assembly lines.”
“Setting up the production line requires the black box to slowly manufacture components, and assembling the line requires technicians to be involved throughout the process.
The Walker’s components are numerous. The engine can use the improved Whetstone Engine, but the chassis, body, internal instruments, and weapons systems all require separate production.
Even the assembly phase will be a challenge—we need to train skilled industrial workers capable of handling such tasks.”
“I estimate it will take two to three months to achieve a production rate of 50 vehicles per month.
However, once that level is reached, further increases should be relatively easier.
The good news is that we can use the black box’s direct output for now to meet the army’s immediate needs.”
“The production line for the G9 rifle series is relatively mature, so increasing its output shouldn’t be difficult.”
“The process for producing plastic-steel bulletproof plates for clothing is similarly straightforward.”
“Bolters, on the other hand, can only be produced using the black box.
Even with a production line, we lack the necessary raw materials and components.
However, the demand isn’t high, so it doesn’t matter much.
Most importantly, it simplifies logistics for the Space Marines.
Any extra capacity can be used to produce bolter machine gun models to mount on Walkers, replacing the current co-axial machine guns.
When completed, the combat vehicles will feature dual 40mm autocannons, bolter machine guns, and anti-tank missile launchers, making their weapons systems quite formidable.”
“We also lack the capability to produce reactors, which rely solely on the black box.
However, there’s no immediate need for mass production.
With the black box’s finished products, I can deploy a controlled reactor generator outside Weixing City within a month.
With Revival City and Weixing City’s existing power grids, our energy problems will be resolved for a long time, providing immense power for all production lines.
This will lead to exponential growth in our production capacity.”
“Basic medical technologies are relatively simple.
We can quickly set up a chemical plant, and as long as the imported raw materials arrive, we can start production swiftly.
This includes over a hundred common medicines, ensuring the supply for military and city hospitals.
These medicines can also be used for trade or stockpiled to prepare for future Imperial taxation.”
…
Wu Jiarong meticulously reported her conclusions and evaluations to Governor Gu.
In some areas, Gu Hang was slightly disappointed. For instance, the production ramp-up for armored vehicles was slower than he had expected.
But Wu Jiarong’s explanations were grounded in reality, particularly regarding the severe shortage of skilled automotive workers.
If not for the production of Iron Bull series trucks and Hunter motorcycles, which had already fostered some experience, the gap would have been even larger.
The demand for qualified industrial workers would only grow in the future.
Gu Hang pondered that once he returned, he needed to prioritize the development of the education sector.
This would include compulsory education for children and adolescents, technical schools for rapid training of youth and adults, management colleges to cultivate new administrative officers, and military academies for training qualified officers and ideological commissars, potentially named the Loyalist Academy.
At this thought, he couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed.
The education industry required substantial time and effort.
Moreover, he didn’t yet have the right person to take charge of it.
Osena?
She was capable, but her current workload was already overwhelming.
Rebuilding cities, restoring production, and managing insufficient administrative personnel had left her frazzled, and it was unlikely she could take on another equally heavy responsibility in the short term.
Gu Hang could only consider other candidates.