Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence - Chapter 554 - 334: Dawn_2
Chapter 554: Chapter 334: Dawn_2
The hull was approximately seventeen meters long and five and a half meters wide, using local oak from the Northern Territory as the base.
The pulleys for the rigging were optimized personally by Louis, making it possible to raise the main sail quickly with just two skilled sailors.
The lower cabin was fully configured, with heavy items secured, living quarters towards the rear, and watertight doors fitted at both ends of the passageway, along with drainage channels.
A space for a steam engine was reserved at the stern, though not yet in use.
The protective elements weren’t overlooked, with rail mounting points on both sides of the hull that could temporarily accommodate throwers or melee equipment.
The midsection was pre-installed with two Magic Explosion Bullet launchers, corresponding to sixteen spare bullets stored inside the cabin, fully sealed and shockproof.
The ship’s bow was equipped with a detachable ram for damaging Fishman skiffs or intercepting vessels.
The crew used Red Tide Standard crossbows and spears, with dedicated hooks on the cabin walls for easy access.
Russell stood nearby, inspecting the seams between the bow and the keel, casting a glance at the ropes between the mast and the pulleys.
“Rail group, ready!”
Russell waved his hand backward, and several craftsmen activated the slipway steam winch.
“Clack! Clack! Clack!”
The heavy Dawn began to move slowly, sliding along the oak rail towards the dock.
A few short shouts of “Tighten!” came from the deck.
The shipworkers on both sides of the rail watched the docking points underneath closely, fearing any accidental sparks from friction.
But the sliding was smoother than expected; there was no tilt at the bow, and no major disturbance when the stern touched the water.
The waterline just covered the lower edge of the red paint mark, indicating that the center of gravity control was as expected.
Russell watched the hull float steadily, a weight lifted from his heart: “It works.”
The craftsmen and sailors watching from the shore burst into cheers.
Louis stood on the wharf steps, his gaze calm.
Beside him, Eliot spoke quietly, “My Lord, everything went smoothly.”
“At least it didn’t sink,” Louis replied softly. “Continue.”
On the ship, the veteran shipworker Bernard had already taken over command.
He was accompanied by four seasoned crew members and two young technicians.
Today’s test was not just about sailing but confirming that it was a combat-capable ship.
Bernard issued the order: “Raise the main sail by one segment, unfold one-third of the foresail, slowly turn the rudder, and perform a downwind test.”
The helmsman quickly took position, and the rigging team engaged the pulleys. The new rail and counterweight systems smoothly raised both sails, the sails billowing out in the wind, and the entire hull began to slowly turn toward the outer side of the dock basin.
The hull traced several gentle arcs back and forth in the inner bay, control responded well, and directional correction was stable.
Several crew members began performing position-switching operations on deck, checking the efficiency of mobility between points.
On the other side, the knights alternated holding spears and crossbows, executing standard combat formation transitions in the limited deck space. Although they were only drilling, their movements were clean and orderly.
“The deck’s proportion is reasonable, no collision when turning,” Bernard reported. “The cabin’s width hasn’t been compressed too much, so switching positions is smooth.”
The next was the long-range attack test.
“Prepare the Magic Explosion Bullets.”
The target was a floating raft fifty meters away, gently bobbing with the water’s surface.
“Ready, fire.”
The first Explosive Bullet traced a low arc, landing slightly off but still exploding at the target edge.
A white mist erupted on the sea surface, the wooden frame at the center of the explosion shattered, sending a water column several meters high.
“A little off, adjust the angle again,” Bernard said calmly.
The second shot hit the raft’s center, and the shockwave of the explosion transmitted back through the water, but the Dawn showed no abnormal shaking.
On the shore, Louis squinted slightly, then said, “The shock wave didn’t reach the cabin bottom; the shockproof layer is quite solid.”
Eliot nodded, “It can now be applied in real combat as a long-range attack method.”
The Dawn circled the dock basin three times.
Standing by the helm, Bernard seemed noticeably more relaxed than at first.
He adjusted the sails slightly, then followed the northern dock line for a small segment.
The wind wasn’t strong but stable enough, surprisingly quick responses from the ship.
“We can go another round,” he shouted loudly toward the shore, his foot subtly moving, the hull cutting into the next arc.
This additional test was his own suggestion.
It wasn’t in the plan, but no one objected because everyone at the dock wanted to see it make another round.
After the fourth round, the sails were slowly furled.
The Dawn started its return, approaching the main dock through the original rail channel with no deviation.
“It’s done,” Bernard said softly.
The next second, a loud cheer erupted from the dock.
“Long live the Dawn!!”
“Long live the Lord!!”
Mike put down his pen, murmured softly, “Stable.”
Bernard descended the gangway, walked to the shore, and performed a standard salute to Louis: “Reporting, my Lord, the Dawn has successfully returned.”
“Very good,” Louis raised his hand, briefly issuing an order, “the Dawn is officially incorporated into the first batch of prototype ship models at Dawn Port.
Set up standard procedural files, including rigging configuration, material proportions, and assembly processes.
Based on today’s trial records, all details are to be further optimized by the craftsman team.”
Louis paused and ordered solemnly, “Within two months, I want to see six ships of the same type launched.”
Mike and Bernard exchanged a glance and nodded in unison, “Understood.”
Louis’s gaze swept across the entire Dawn, finally resting on the polished Dawn Port emblem.
The first ship of Dawn Port, completing the entire process of design, construction, launch, and trial voyage for the first time.
Not perfect, but it succeeded.
He turned to Eliot, “The entire port is to halt work tonight, take a day off. Eat meat, drink wine, celebrate.”
The dock fell silent for a moment, then a wave of cheers surged forth.
“Long live the Lord!!”
“There’s a feast tonight!!”
A craftsman raised his hammer high, while a sailor jumped directly into the port basin, soaking himself, shouting, and laughing like a child.
Standing beside Louis, Mike muttered with a smile, “We should have the kitchen prepare in advance, otherwise not even a pot will be left by tonight.”
That evening, the vacant lot on the west side of the port had rows of stove racks set up early, and a simple windbreak was erected by the sea.
The freshly caught sea fish were cleaned, strung together with smoked and dried meat chunks on iron skewers, emitting a tantalizing aroma.
Skilled cooks brought from Red Tide City oversaw ten young people flipping the cooking pots and pans.
Not far away, a makeshift barrel stand was set up, with drinks being poured into large wooden cups and passed around.
Louis did not stand at the forefront nor did he make a point of giving a speech.
He simply sat quietly on a high-backed chair aside, taking the wooden cup Eliot handed him, listening to the clinking of cups, the laughter, and banter around him.
This was genuine, belonging to the workers, a celebration.
……
When Louis woke, it was not yet dawn.
He moved his arm, first feeling a warm touch, then sensing the soft and faint breathing against him.
Opening his eyes slightly, he saw a strand of white hair against his neck.
Sif’s hair had grown longer, lying against her face as she slept, accentuating her Barbarian Race features in her profile.
She hadn’t woken yet, her brows relaxed, her hand resting naturally on Louis’s side.
Louis kept silent, only muttering softly, “Tsk, it’s been almost half a month, and still no movement.”
It was hard to discern whether his tone was one of disappointment or teasing.
The opportunity for Orsus’s birth had been there, facilitating a plan for creation, but alas… nothing came of it.
Emily was stationed in Red Tide City, overseeing things and taking care of Orsus.
Sif accompanied him to the port this time, overseeing port operations, sea defenses, and part of the Fishermen’s resettlement negotiations.
Louis carefully extricated himself, so as not to disturb the person in his arms, donned his outer robe, and walked to the window.
Outside, the sky was just lightening, with a faint sound of workers’ footsteps and the movement of timber towards the port in the distance.
“Let’s see what luck today brings.”
He reached out his right hand, waving it in the air, as a translucent interface appeared, words quickly scrolling past his eyes.
[Daily Intelligence Update Completed]
