ARC 1: A NEW WORLD
CHAPTER 16: THE FIRST PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
Adrian stood in front of the small building he had rented from Gareth.
It was no longer an empty storage room.
Several wooden shelves lined the walls. Containers were arranged according to their contents, and a long worktable occupied the centre of the room. The new mixing vessel Gareth had manufactured stood near the rear.
It wasn’t impressive.
Compared with the factories Adrian remembered from Earth, the place was practically primitive.
But it was his.
And every successful industrial enterprise had to begin somewhere.
“Thomas, how many workers have arrived?”
“Peter is already here. The other two should arrive shortly.”
Adrian nodded.
He had decided to hire two additional workers. One would assist with preparing materials, while the other would handle packaging and transportation.
The business was growing, and three people were no longer enough.
A few minutes later, two young men entered.
The first was broad-shouldered, with short black hair. The second was slimmer and appeared slightly older.
Adrian introduced himself.
“My name is Adrian Vale. This is a manufacturing workshop. Your responsibilities will be explained before you begin.”
He explained their wages, working hours and duties.
He also made one thing clear.
“Quality matters more than quantity. If a product fails inspection, it will not be sold. I don’t care how much time or material has already been spent on it.”
The two men exchanged glances.
It was an unusual rule.
Most workshops in Westbrook cared more about producing enough goods to satisfy customers.
Adrian wanted something different.
He wanted consistency.
By midday, the workshop was operating with five people, including Adrian.
Thomas managed inventory and packaging.
Peter supervised preparation.
The two new workers assisted with processing and finishing.
Adrian moved between the stations, correcting mistakes and explaining procedures.
It wasn’t easy.
One worker repeatedly measured materials incorrectly. Another struggled to maintain the required consistency.
But by the end of the day, production had improved.
Adrian examined the completed products.
“Better.”
Thomas smiled.
“Does that mean we can increase the number?”
“Not yet. We need to maintain this standard first.”
Adrian opened the system interface.
[INTERMEDIATE QUEST: ESTABLISH A SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISE]
[Workers employed: 5/5]
[Reliable suppliers: 1/2]
[Independent commercial customers: 2/3]
[Profitable production days: 12/30]
[Quest incomplete.]
Adrian studied the notification.
The worker requirement was finally complete.
However, he still needed another supplier, another customer and eighteen more profitable production days.
He closed the interface.
“Thomas.”
“Yes?”
“Tomorrow, we’ll visit the market.”
“What for?”
“To find another supplier.”
He looked towards the workshop.
“And perhaps a new business opportunity.”
CHAPTER 17: WHEN SUCCESS ATTRACTS ATTENTION
The following week, Adrian began noticing something unusual.
People were talking about his soap.
At first, it had been a product purchased by a handful of merchants and ordinary customers.
Now, several shops were displaying it near their entrances.
Some merchants had even begun asking Elena when the next delivery would arrive.
The demand was increasing faster than Adrian had anticipated.
One afternoon, a woman entered the workshop.
She was dressed in expensive clothing and carried a small leather purse.
“Are you Adrian Vale?”
“Yes. How can I help you?”
“My name is Martha. I own a small shop near the eastern market.”
Adrian offered her a seat.
“I’ve heard about your soap. My customers have been asking where they can purchase it.”
“How many pieces would you need?”
“Perhaps thirty to begin with.”
Adrian considered the request.
Thirty pieces wasn’t a particularly large order, but it was an opportunity to establish another independent customer.
“We can supply that.”
Martha examined a sample.
“I’ve heard your products are better than the soap sold by the larger merchants.”
“Quality is our priority.”
She smiled.
“Then I believe we can do business.”
They agreed on the price and delivery date.
After she left, Adrian checked the system.
[Independent commercial customers: 3/3]
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Another requirement completed.
However, he wasn’t celebrating yet.
His supplier situation remained a problem.
The workshop currently depended heavily on one source for several important materials.
If that supplier increased prices or stopped deliveries, production could be interrupted.
Adrian needed alternatives.
That evening, he visited a merchant recommended by Elena.
The merchant operated a small warehouse and supplied animal fat, oils and other materials.
After a lengthy discussion, they reached an agreement.
The merchant would provide materials at a fixed price for an initial period.
Adrian now had two reliable suppliers.
He returned to the workshop satisfied.
The next morning, a different kind of visitor arrived.
A well-dressed man entered without waiting for an invitation.
Two servants followed him.
“Adrian Vale?”
“Yes.”
The man smiled.
“Lucien Blackthorn.”
Adrian recognized the name immediately.
The merchant who controlled several warehouses and transportation contracts in Westbrook.
Lucien looked around the workshop.
“Business appears to be treating you well.”
“Can’t complain.”
“I’ve heard your products are becoming quite popular.”
“People seem to like them.”
Lucien picked up a finished piece of soap.
“Interesting. Very interesting.”
He turned it over in his hand.
“Tell me, young man. What makes your product different?”
Adrian smiled politely.
“Careful production and quality materials.”
“That sounds rather ordinary.”
“Perhaps.”
Lucien placed the soap down.
“I would be interested in purchasing your entire weekly production.”
Adrian considered the offer.
“At what price?”
Lucien named a figure.
It was attractive.
Very attractive.
But Adrian immediately noticed the problem.
The merchant wanted to purchase everything.
If he accepted, Lucien would control the supply available to every other customer.
“That’s a generous offer,” Adrian said.
“Then we have an agreement?”
“Not yet.”
Lucien’s smile weakened.
“Why not?”
“Because I prefer having several customers rather than depending on one.”
For several seconds, neither man spoke.
Lucien eventually laughed.
“You’re an unusual businessman, Adrian.”
“So I’ve been told.”
The merchant turned towards the door.
“We’ll speak again.”
Adrian watched him leave.
He had a feeling their next conversation would not be friendly.
CHAPTER 18: A GREEDY MERCHANT
Lucien Blackthorn disliked being refused.
He was accustomed to merchants accepting his offers.
Some did so because of his wealth.
Others because they depended on his transportation network.
A few simply feared what would happen if they became his enemies.
Adrian Vale was different.
The young man had refused a profitable agreement without appearing particularly concerned.
Lucien found that irritating.
“Find out how much it costs him to produce the soap,” he ordered. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
One of his assistants nodded.
“And the suppliers?”
“Everything. I want to know where he purchases his materials, who works for him and how much he produces each week.”
The assistant hesitated.
“Should we approach the workers?”
Lucien looked at him.
“Why wouldn’t we?”
“Some may be loyal to him.”
“Everyone has a price.”
Meanwhile, Adrian was dealing with a different problem.
Production had increased, but so had expenses.
He sat at his desk with Thomas, examining the weekly records.
“How much did we spend?”
Thomas read from the ledger.
“Materials, wages, rent and transportation. The total is higher than last week.”
“How much higher?”
“Almost one silver.”
Adrian leaned back.
“Then we need to examine our costs.”
He reviewed the figures.
Some materials were being wasted during preparation. Packaging expenses were also increasing.
He made several adjustments.
The workshop would purchase certain materials in larger quantities, reducing transportation costs.
He also instructed Thomas to record every damaged or rejected product.
“From now on, I want to know exactly where we’re losing money.”
Thomas nodded.
“Understood.”
Later that evening, Peter approached Adrian.
“Someone came asking questions.”
Adrian looked up.
“Who?”
“I don’t know. He said he was interested in working here.”
“What did he ask?”
“Mostly about how we make the soap. He wanted to know how long each batch takes and which materials we use.”
Adrian’s expression became serious.
“Did you tell him?”
“No. I told him you handle the manufacturing details.”
“Good.”
Peter hesitated.
“Was that the right thing to do?”
“Yes. From now on, nobody discusses production details with strangers.”
Adrian wasn’t interested in turning his workshop into a secretive organisation.
But he understood the importance of protecting valuable business information.
He introduced a basic rule.
Workers could understand their assigned duties, but detailed production records would remain under his supervision.
That night, he received another system notification.
[QUEST PROGRESS UPDATED]
[Workers: 5/5]
[Suppliers: 2/2]
[Customers: 3/3]
[Profitable production days: 18/30]
[Quest incomplete.]
Adrian smiled faintly.
Twelve more days.
If everything continued as planned, he would complete the quest soon.
Unfortunately, he didn’t know that Lucien Blackthorn had already begun looking for someone willing to betray him.
CHAPTER 19: THE PRICE OF COMPETITION
The first sign of trouble appeared at the market.
Thomas returned to the workshop carrying an unpleasant expression.
“Something happened.”
Adrian looked up from his records.
“What is it?”
“Another merchant has started selling soap.”
“That’s normal. There are several soap sellers in Westbrook.”
“Not like this one.”
Thomas placed a small piece of soap on the table.
Adrian examined it.
The appearance was different from his own product, but the packaging was suspiciously similar.
“Where did you get this?”
“From a shop near the southern market.”
“How much?”
“Two copper.”
Adrian frowned.
His own product sold for three copper.
A difference of one copper was significant for ordinary customers.
“Did you purchase it?”
“Yes.”
Adrian examined the soap more carefully.
It was rough and had an unpleasant smell.
But most customers wouldn’t necessarily notice the difference immediately.
“Who is selling it?”
“Merchant named Robert. People say he’s receiving supplies from Blackthorn’s warehouses.”
Adrian placed the product down.
So Lucien had decided to compete.
That wasn’t necessarily a problem.
Competition was normal.
The problem was that the new merchant appeared to be using similar packaging and selling at a much lower price.
Adrian gathered his workers.
“We are not reducing our quality.”
Thomas looked confused.
“But if they sell cheaper, won’t customers leave?”
“Some might.”
“Then what do we do?”
“We give them a reason to return.”
Adrian decided to improve the presentation of his product.
He introduced clearer labels showing the fragrance and intended use of each variety.
He also instructed Thomas to make sure every package was properly sealed.
The next step was customer feedback.
Instead of simply assuming customers liked the soap, Adrian wanted to know what they appreciated and what needed improvement.
Elena visited the workshop later that day.
“I heard about the new competitor.”
“News travels quickly.”
“My father says you should be careful.”
Adrian looked at her.
“Is that advice or a warning?”
“Both.”
She took a seat.
“Lucien Blackthorn has considerable influence. He controls several transportation contracts and has relationships with merchants across the region.”
“I know.”
“He doesn’t like losing business.”
Adrian smiled.
“Then perhaps he should learn to make better products.”
Elena laughed.
“You really don’t know when to be afraid.”
“I know when to be cautious. They’re different things.”
Elena studied him.
“What will you do if he continues?”
“Improve production. Protect my suppliers. Keep my customers satisfied.”
“And if he tries something beyond business?”
Adrian’s expression became colder.
“Then I’ll respond accordingly.”
Elena nodded slowly.
She had expected Adrian to become frightened.
Instead, he seemed almost eager to prove that his business could survive.
Before leaving, she handed him a small document.
“My father wants another meeting.”
Adrian glanced at it.
“Why?”
“He wants to discuss a larger distribution arrangement.”
Adrian smiled.
“Tell him I’m willing to listen.”
Elena raised an eyebrow.
“Even after your previous disagreement?”
“Business is business.”
She shook her head.
“You’re going to give both my father and Lucien a headache.”
Adrian laughed.
“That isn’t part of my business plan.”
But as Elena left, he returned his attention to the competing soap.
He knew something important.
A successful business attracted competitors.
A valuable business attracted people who wanted to own it.
And an innovative business attracted both.
CHAPTER 20: A NEW BEGINNING
Thirty days had almost passed since Adrian established his new production system.
The workshop was operating more smoothly than before.
The five workers had become familiar with their responsibilities.
Thomas had improved considerably at managing inventory, while Peter had become more confident supervising preparation.
Adrian was finally beginning to see the benefits of organising production into separate stages.
That morning, he reviewed the latest financial records.
The business had remained profitable.
Not every day had produced the same level of income, but expenses were under control. Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
He closed the ledger.
“Thomas, bring me the production records.”
Thomas handed him the documents.
Adrian checked the figures.
Then the system appeared.
[INTERMEDIATE QUEST COMPLETED]
[ESTABLISH A SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISE]
Requirements fulfilled:
Workers employed: 5/5.
Reliable suppliers: 2/2.
Independent commercial customers: 3/3.
Profitable production days: 30/30.
[REWARD UNLOCKED]
Intermediate Industrial Management.
Basic Mechanical Design.
20 Knowledge Points.
[Current Knowledge Points: 38]
Adrian stared at the notification.
For a moment, he simply smiled.
The reward was significant.
He now possessed knowledge that would help him organise larger operations and design more advanced machinery.
He opened the knowledge interface.
[Available Knowledge]
Intermediate Industrial Management.
Basic Mechanical Design.
He selected the first.
A stream of information entered his mind.
Production scheduling.
Inventory control.
Labour organisation.
Cost analysis.
Quality management.
Supply-chain planning.
The knowledge was extensive, but it didn’t make him an expert instantly.
He still needed to study, practise and adapt the principles to the world around him.
Nevertheless, he now had a much stronger foundation.
Thomas noticed his expression.
“Is something wrong?”
“No.”
Adrian looked around the workshop.
“Actually, things are going rather well.”
Thomas smiled.
“Then perhaps we should celebrate.”
“Perhaps.”
Adrian walked towards the entrance.
Outside, the settlement was beginning its usual afternoon activities.
Merchants shouted prices.
Carriages moved along the road.
Blacksmiths hammered metal.
Children ran between the market stalls.
It was a simple world.
But Adrian could see possibilities everywhere.
Better tools.
Improved transportation.
Mechanical power.
Mass production.
Agricultural machinery.
Printing presses.
Perhaps even engines one day.
He wasn’t interested in remaining a soap merchant forever.
Soap had simply provided the first opportunity.
He turned towards Thomas.
“How would you feel about working in a much larger building?”
Thomas blinked.
“Why?”
“Because this workshop won’t be enough for us much longer.”
Thomas looked around.
“You want to expand?”
“Eventually.”
Adrian smiled.
“First, we need to decide what we are going to manufacture next.”
ARC 2: THE FOUNDATIONS OF INDUSTRY
CHAPTER 21: BEYOND SOAP PRODUCTION
Adrian spent the next two days studying the new knowledge he had received.
Intermediate Industrial Management was particularly useful.
It explained how a business could expand without allowing its expenses and operations to become uncontrollable.
But Basic Mechanical Design interested him even more.
He studied gears, levers, pulleys, mechanical advantage and simple transmission systems.
The knowledge wasn’t enough to build sophisticated machines immediately.
However, it gave him a clearer understanding of how mechanical equipment could reduce human labour.
He eventually closed the system interface.
“Soap was only the beginning.”
He looked at the workshop shelves.
The product had brought him money, customers and a reputation.
But relying on one product was dangerous.
If competitors flooded the market, his income could suffer.
If a supplier became unavailable, production could stop.
He needed a broader business.
That evening, he invited Elena to the workshop.
She arrived carrying a small notebook.
“You said you wanted to discuss something.”
Adrian nodded.
“I want to expand into another product.”
“What kind?”
“Candles.”
Elena raised an eyebrow.
“Candles?”
“Yes.”
She looked slightly disappointed.
“I thought you were going to propose something more exciting.”
Adrian laughed.
“Something exciting doesn’t necessarily mean something profitable.”
He explained his reasoning.
Candles were used in homes, shops, inns and workshops.
Demand existed throughout the year.
The current products sold in Westbrook were often inconsistent. Some produced excessive smoke, while others burned unevenly.
Adrian believed he could manufacture better ones.
Elena listened carefully.
“How large is the market?”
“That’s what I want us to investigate.”
She opened her notebook.
“My family already supplies candles to several establishments. I can find out how much they purchase and what prices they pay.”
“Excellent.”
“But there’s something else.”
Adrian looked at her.
“My father has heard about your recent success. He wants to know whether you’re planning to remain in Westbrook.”
“Why?”
“He believes you may eventually attract the attention of people much more powerful than Lucien Blackthorn.”
Adrian smiled faintly.
“He’s probably right.”
Elena studied him.
“You’re not worried?”
“I am. But worrying won’t build anything.”
He walked towards the table and placed a rough drawing on it.
It showed a different arrangement for the production room.
“What is that?”
“A plan for expanding the workshop.”
Elena examined it.
“You intend to rent another building?”
“Not immediately. First, I want to understand the candle market and estimate the investment required.”
She nodded.
“Then I’ll gather the information.”
After Elena left, Adrian returned to his desk.
He opened the system.
[Current Knowledge Points: 38]
A new notification appeared.
[NEW DEVELOPMENT PATH AVAILABLE]
[Potential Industry: Lighting and Household Goods]
[Suggested Objective: Establish a Second Profitable Product Line.]
[Possible Rewards: Advanced Manufacturing Knowledge.]
Adrian smiled.
The system was offering another direction.
But he didn’t intend to follow every suggestion blindly.
He needed to understand the market first.
He picked up his notebook and wrote a new heading.
PROJECT TWO: CANDLE MANUFACTURING.
Then he added another line beneath it.
LONG-TERM OBJECTIVE: BUILD AN INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISE.
He stared at the words for a moment.
In his previous life, he had studied engineering and imagined working in a modern industrial company.
In this world, he had an opportunity to build one himself.
But he also understood the danger.
The more successful he became, the more people would want a share of what he created.
Merchants would demand control.
Nobles would demand ownership.
And eventually, even the king might decide that Adrian’s inventions belonged to the Crown.
He closed the notebook.
“Let them come.”
For now, he had a new industry to build.