Chapter 261

After the battleships were completed, the shipyard could fully shift its focus to other projects.

Transport ships, fishing boats, and other civilian vessels became the main business operations of the shipyard.

Particularly for transport ships, a large number were expected to be built.

Currently, the existing ships were too small and carried limited cargo.

As a result, transportation relied on sheer numbers—one ship couldn't carry much, so businesses used two or three instead.

This was the norm across all of Teyvat.

However, once large cargo ships became widely available, many merchant guilds would likely invest heavily in them.

Having massive transport vessels would significantly enhance trade efficiency.

In addition to these large ships, Takumi also planned to introduce smaller models for various purposes.

For now, though, he could only focus on producing standard fishing boats and large cargo ships.

Jiang Ji, upon receiving the blueprints, immediately set to work.

He instructed his team to begin manufacturing the necessary components before assembling the vessels.

Watching Jiang Ji get busy, Takumi stretched lazily.

Looking at the frigates docked at the harbor, he felt a surge of excitement.

The rest would now depend on the Qianyan Army.

They were already well-acquainted with the battleships.

Now, they needed extensive practice in utilizing both battleships and frigates in coordinated naval warfare.

Additionally, the development of various large-scale missiles was underway.

Takumi had already handed the necessary production techniques to Ningguang.

Future maintenance and weaponry upgrades for the fleet would be handled by her team.

With everything set in motion, Takumi was in no rush to leave the shipyard.

Instead, he headed toward a warehouse, where he retrieved several crucial parts for assembly.

Jiang Ji could later piece them together at the shipyard.

Besides a few minor weapon components, the cargo ships were relatively straightforward to construct.

Even the engines could be pre-built and handed over for assembly.

After gathering the required engines and control systems, Takumi discussed the final details with Jiang Ji before finally departing.

Now, he no longer needed to visit the shipyard daily.

For the first time in a while, he could finally relax.

With Shen He having mastered her administrative tasks, much of Takumi's workload had eased.

She had become an excellent secretary, capable of handling many of his responsibilities with ease.

It seemed Cloud Retainer had a knack for training secretaries.

Not only had she mentored a top-tier assistant like Ganyu, but she had now raised another outstanding aide in Shen He.

Chuckling at the thought, Takumi hopped onto his motorcycle and headed back to Guiliyuan.

The streets were bustling with activity.

Occasionally, he spotted foreign visitors among the crowd.

Cars frequently passed by on the roads, a sign of their growing popularity in Liyue.

Anyone with a bit of wealth had already purchased a vehicle.

Electric scooters and similar alternatives had also become widespread.

While they couldn't fly, they were a convenient means of transportation and widely welcomed.

As a result, not only in Guiliyuan but also in Liyue Harbor, a surge of electric scooters could be seen everywhere.

Even those who couldn't afford cars could buy an electric scooter, making it the preferred transport method for many workers commuting daily.

Takumi didn't head straight to the General Affairs Department.

Instead, he made his way to the alchemy workshop.

Following recent expansions, both the alchemy and mechanical workshops had been integrated into a massive industrial complex.

Qianyan Army soldiers guarded the perimeter, preventing unauthorized access.

This place had become a military research hub.

As the alchemy workshop continued making groundbreaking discoveries, its security became even more critical.

Initially funded by Ningguang, the workshop was now primarily supported by Guiliyuan.

A significant portion of the region's tax revenue was funneled into this research facility.

Takumi had invested heavily in technological advancements.

Fortunately, the alchemists did not disappoint.

Many civilian products had been successfully developed.

Once the network infrastructure was fully established, Liyue would achieve a truly modern lifestyle.

Household appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners had already been created.

Following the refrigeration technology, air conditioning systems were also developed, providing heating as well.

Electric scooters were also among their achievements.

There were many other innovations, too numerous to list.

Most of Takumi's investments had already yielded profits, and he continued earning steadily.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent mechanical workshop, efforts were focused on aircraft research.

Takumi planned to check on their progress later—it should be nearly complete.

With the dismantling of numerous Ruin Guards and anti-gravity devices, an aircraft prototype was undoubtedly achievable.

Perhaps even a spacecraft could be built.

The only concern was whether Celestia would intervene if a spacecraft attempted to leave Teyvat.

Airplanes, on the other hand, wouldn't face such an issue as long as they stayed within the atmosphere.

Sky Island was rumored to be above the atmospheric layer, meaning conventional aircraft should be fine.

However, space travel might prove problematic.

For now, these thoughts could be set aside.

There was still much to be done.

Takumi arrived at the alchemy workshop and immediately sought out Albedo.

The vast workshop was cluttered with various objects, including numerous unfamiliar contraptions.

Nearby, a stack of bouncing bombs sat untouched.

There was no doubt Klee had been involved.

Albedo, who was busy at work, paused upon seeing Takumi enter.

"You're here."

"I've completed the network prototype."

"If all goes well, we'll be able to conduct tests soon."

"The mobile phones will also need upgrades."

"I've already designed the new model."

"Since you're here, use your abilities to help."

"Let's get these ready to go."

Albedo casually pushed aside his current project and handed Takumi a set of notes.

Takumi blinked.

Was this guy just waiting to dump his workload on him?

Still, Takumi accepted the notes and skimmed through them.

The pages were filled with complex theories and alchemical runes.

Even experienced alchemists might struggle to comprehend them.

In reality, Albedo's upgrade mainly refined the existing server system.

It wasn't particularly difficult.

Additionally, memory capacity had been expanded.

This new network would support image transfers and various applications.

Takumi's eyes gleamed with excitement.

This was exactly what he had been waiting for.