Chapter 430: Something that Can Be Called Perfect |
On a sunny day, with the wind blowing and the Tribesmen all busy at their work…
*Step step step…* Yu Ying excitedly ran from the first floor to the second floor, her face showing excitement.
She calmed her breathing and excitedly exclaimed. "Shaman… Shaman, Uncle Gu Mu has asked you to go over."
Yu Ying had been stopped by Gu Mu on her way back from the sheep pen this morning, saying he needed to see the Shaman about something.
"What’s the matter? Is the hot air balloon done?" The first thing Su Bai thought of was this.
Yu Ying nodded heavily and said, "Yes, Gu Mu said he has already made what is needed and asked you to take a look."
Su Bai closed the book in his hand and immediately stood up, saying, "Let’s go and see."
He was somewhat impatient to see whether they could successfully produce a hot air balloon in this era. If successful, it would be wonderful.
Half an hour later, they arrived in front of Gu Mu’s workshop, which was still made up of wood.
The workshop looked relatively large, specially built for carpentry. Since quite a few new apprentices had been recruited, the workshop needed to be bigger. This way, it could accommodate more people, and it would be more convenient for Gu Mu to teach them.
"Shaman, I’ve developed what you’ve asked for. See if it’s right?" Gu Mu excitedly said.
He did not bother to remove the mask on his face. In fact, he forgot all about it in his expression as he rushed over, eager to share the news.
Ever since he received the drawing, he had been very excited. After learning the principles of how it worked, he was even more eager to bring this thing to life.
He felt that the concept of a hot air balloon to be amazing. If he could make it, it would be a testament to his own skill. His reputation in the Tribe would soar, which would also be good for the Tribe’s development – as workforce like carpenters would seem to be of greater value.
"Where is it? Show me." Su Bai was also excited. If the hot air balloon was really successfully developed, it would be of great significance to the Tribe.
Not to mention the amazing feeling of flying in the sky, just having ordinary people being able to traverse through the sky would help the Tribe a lot.
"Shaman, this way please. I placed it in the forest." Gu Mu pointed in the direction of the forest.
Because the hot air balloon was large, if it were placed in the Tribe, it would definitely attract many people to come over and see. This would be too conspicuous, and everyone in the Tribe would know.
Moreover, because of the Pink Flower Festival, many women from other Tribes had come to the Tribe, so they needed to be more discreet.
*Step step step…* Everyone excitedly walked toward the forest, and along the way, they met the Yan Hua and the others, who also followed them out of the Tribe.
Half an hour later, everyone arrived outside the Tribe, and they saw the hot air balloon in a clearing within the forest.
Su Bai immediately recognized the familiar hot air balloon. The appearance was slightly different from the hot air balloons on Earth, but not by much.
The only difference was the materials used. On Earth, the materials used for hot air balloons were more rigorous. Strictly speaking, hot air balloons consisted of three parts: the balloon, the basket, and the heating device.
The balloon of the hot air balloon was made of reinforced nylon (some hot air balloons were made of polyester), although it was very light in weight, it was extremely sturdy, and the balloon was airtight.
Polyester or nylon fabrics were waterproof and with air-tight treatment applied on the surface, like surface coating, it ensured that the hot air inside does not leak out.
This made the material strong, tear-resistant, and highly waterproof. It was material suitable for aerial airships, hot air balloons, parachutes, etc.
But in this era, there was no such thing. They could only use Animal Hides as a substitute.
So, their balloon was made from Smooth Skin Lizard Hide sewn together, which was both waterproof and relatively durable. Even if it suddenly started raining in the sky, there was no need to worry. The waterproof Animal Hide would give the hot air balloon enough time to land.
"Shaman, this is the hot air balloon you asked me to make. It’s simply amazing." Gu Mu excitedly said.
In the drawing, the upper half of the hot air balloon was a large balloon shape, and the lower half was a basket containing the heating device.
Gu Mu had never heard of or knew of the concept called thermal expansion. So, understanding the heat would create an upward force for the hot air balloon was astounding to him, Also, even when it was his first time hearing of this theory, he felt it to be logical and feasible. That was why he was particularly excited – not at all worried about any design failures.
Right now, he simply could not wait to bring this hot air balloon to come to life.
So, he spent several days trying to bring this hot air balloon to life, staying up several nights to continue crafting.
"It’s well made. It’s just like what I had imagined." Su Bai nodded with satisfaction. [This hot air balloon could be said to be perfectly made.]
Although the balloon seams could not be seen up close, the gaps between the Animal Hides were sewn very tightly. And it was not just a single layer. The balloon was made with a total of three layers, with different Animal Hides used for each layer.
Apart from the outer layer of Smooth Skin Lizard Hide which was both tough and waterproof, the two inner layers were also very durable.
This design was to prevent the hot air balloon from immediately falling to the ground if it accidentally brushed against tree branches and got torn.
The reason for using three layers of very tough Animal Hide was to account for other Tribes on the ground throwing spears at it once they saw it. If those spears accidentally pierced the balloon, the hot air balloon would crash. These three layers of tough Animal Hide would prevent such problems.
"Shaman, this hot air balloon is completely made according to your requirements. Please check if there’s anything that doesn’t meet your standards," Gu Mu said worriedly.
This hot air balloon was something he had encountered for the first time, and it was also the first time he had made such a thing, so it was inevitable for him to feel a bit uncertain.
Although the manufacturing process was not very difficult, and could even be said to be quite smooth, it was still his first time making it, and it was meant to carry people up into the sky.
If the quality of the hot air balloon was not up to standard, causing problems for the person riding it, he would feel guilty.
"Of course." Su Bai nodded and approached the hot air balloon to begin his inspection.
After all, he was going to ride this hot air balloon later, so he definitely needed to inspect it properly.
Although he now had his Curing Skill, he would be helpless if the hot air balloon suddenly broke and fell.
So before inflating the hot air balloon, he had to first check if the hot air balloon met the standards.