Uien 10th, 1442
Ten days had passed since the arduous work of reconstruction began, and in that brief span the landscape had transformed dramatically. Where once stood homes weathered by time—crumbling walls, leaking roofs, and drafts that crept through every crack—now rose sturdy, well-built houses. Strength had replaced fragility, and a comforting warmth had banished the bitter cold. The people of the land found solace in the steady progress, their resolve echoing in every newly raised structure.
The transformation was most apparent in the reimagined counties, born from the remnants of three formerly divided territories: Alryne, Linshen, and Owdon. What was once a fractured division of lands had now coalesced into a cohesive identity, reshaped to meet the evolving needs of its inhabitants. The vast Earldom, covering 5,227.3 square kilometers, had been carefully apportioned into six counties: Alryne, Linshen, Owdon, Kensign, Gentarth, and Eldrin. The first five each embraced the maximum allowed size of 1,000 square kilometers, standing as enduring pillars of stability. Eldrin, though smaller at only 227.3 square kilometers, flickered with untapped potential—a fertile ground poised for future growth. The governing laws decreed that should additional territory be acquired along Eldrin's borders, its domain would gradually expand to eventually reach the full 1,000 square kilometers. However, a county was permitted to exist with an area above 100 square kilometers, ensuring flexibility and room for pragmatic development even in smaller regions.
Each new county was more than a blot on the map—they were symbols of perseverance and renewal, a tangible testament to a nation rising from the ruins of a troubled past. Every meticulously drawn boundary and every planned public space echoed the collective determination of a people who refused to surrender to despair. As citizens marched forward each day, they not only rebuilt their homes and institutions but also laid the groundwork for a future defined by strength, unity, and visionary planning.
With the lands expanding and the spirit of renewal in full surge, attention turned toward developing robust infrastructure. Projects spanned from minor local improvements to grand, large-scale ventures. Fortunately, the essential groundwork for basic resource supply had already been established. This crucial step—garnered from my strategic initiatives with the Apollo Production Company—meant that industries requiring essential raw materials could now procure them directly, without the delay of constructing a fresh supply chain from the ground up.
This forward-thinking arrangement benefitted both the burgeoning industries and Apollo Production itself. As a subsidiary of the monumental Apollo Conglomerate—ultimately under my own directing hand—the company was strategically positioned to sell resources at high profit margins. At the same time, thanks to innovative technological advancements, prices could be set far below the prevailing market standards while still ensuring remarkable profitability. For example, while other suppliers charged 96 NSD for 1,000 board feet (approximately two tons) of untreated lumber, the Apollo Production Company was able to offer the very same product at just 30 NSD—a staggering 70% reduction in cost. Despite this pricing advantage, Apollo Material maintained robust profitability. With production costs for untreated lumber hovering around only 18 NSD, the operation boasted an impressive 67% gross profit margin. After accounting for labor and operational expenses, the net margin settled at an enviable 55%. This highly efficient model not only solidified Apollo Material's market dominance but also ensured that essential building materials remained accessible, accelerating growth and spurring development in the new counties.
With these foundational pillars firmly in place, the focus swiftly shifted to the creation of dedicated factories engineered to produce specialized components for forthcoming projects. Among these, the automobile venture loomed as a flagship endeavor, destined for mass manufacturing. While the final assembly of these sophisticated vehicles was slated to take place in a fully owned Apollo factory, many of the intricate, smaller parts were contracted out to independent factory owners. This mutually beneficial arrangement ensured that factory owners received a steady stream of contracts, generating consistent employment opportunities, while Apollo's assembly facilities could concentrate solely on integrating these parts into a flawless final product.
An additional advantage of this strategic move was the enhancement of industry-wide manufacturing standards. Factories tasked with producing basic components were upgraded to adhere to Apollo's stringent quality benchmarks, resulting in a general uplift in product excellence across multiple sectors. A total of 23 factories, dispersed throughout the six counties, underwent these comprehensive enhancements. Although each facility had been acquired by the Apollo Production Company, they continued to operate as autonomous entities. This deliberate balance—centralized oversight paired with independent operation—provided the groundwork for innovations and adaptability in the ever-evolving industrial landscape.
Despite their seamless integration under the Apollo umbrella, every factory retained the obligation to purchase raw materials rather than receiving them gratuitously. At first glance, such a policy might appear to marginalize short-term profitability compared to models where supplies were provided free of charge. However, through strategic negotiations resulting in much lower material costs, Apollo ensured that these factories not only matched but substantially exceeded former profit margins. This measured approach maximized operational efficiency and fostered long-term sustainability—a testament to Apollo's unwavering commitment to economic stability and the relentless pursuit of production excellence.
A prime example of this progressive methodology was vividly illustrated at West Alryne Productions, the factory nestled in the heart of Alryne County. Here, the Apollo Production Company had unveiled an impressive array of machinery which was designed to redefine current manufacturing methods based on the rough information sent to the Apollo Engineers. Inside the vast, echoing halls of West Alryne, an orchestra of mills, and lathes, rough yet effective equipment worked in synchronized harmony. Each machine, powered by glowing mana stones, pulsed with an energy that bridged the mana with the mechanical power. The radiant cradle of mana lit the sprawling workshop with an ethereal glow, highlighting the fusion of ancient power and contemporary engineering prowess.
Yet, beneath the mesmerizing shimmer of mana stone power, a courageous new vision was already on the horizon. Apollo's engineers and strategists were actively charting a course toward an advanced electrical power system. Their visionary plans promised to refine operational reliability and efficiency by leveraging modern power plants, state-of-the-art transformers, and meticulously engineered electrical components. In the not-so-distant future, the familiar hum of mana stones would yield to the steady, consistent pulse of electricity—ushering in an era where production was not only more sustainable but also more closely aligned with pioneering industrial design and environmental stewardship.
Within the dynamic environment of West Alryne Productions, every decision to upgrade a piece of machinery was laden with symbolism. The transition from mana to electricity was not a mere technical adjustment; it embodied Apollo's commitment to progress and improvement—a pledge to harness the potential of every breakthrough and adapt to the ever-changing economic landscape. Engineers and workers alike paused momentarily amidst the clamor of machinery to marvel at the sight of gleaming panels and flickering readings, their eyes reflecting both hope and determination. The once siloed concepts of old-world magic and modern science now danced together in intricate steps, choreographed by a shared ambition to revolutionize production.
The impact of these innovations extended beyond the factory walls. In nearby workshops and communal meeting halls, spirited discussions filled the air. Veterans of labor recounted how the integration of the new technology had transformed their daily toil. "We now build not just with our hands, but with an unyielding will," an elderly machinist declared, his voice resonant with pride as he recounted the evolution from manual methods to automated precision. The dawning of this hybrid era not only exemplified Apollo's innovative spirit but also reinvigorated the traditional crafts that had long defined the region's heritage.
As dusk fell over Alryne County, the soft glow of newly installed street lamps mingled with the fading luminescence of the mana stones, bearing silent witness to a turning point in history. Every revolution in technology, every restructured policy, and every improved production line contributed to a larger narrative—a chronicle of resilience, determination, and a transformative vision that promised to propel the nation into a future replete with endless possibilities.
Beyond West Alryne Productions, plans for further industrial advancements were already taking shape. Workshops dedicated to refining assembly techniques, research labs for innovative materials, and training centers for aspiring technicians dotted the county. Each project was imbued with the spirit of progress, and as the collective heartbeat of industry grew stronger, it signaled the dawn of a prosperous era—one forged by ingenuity, grounded in tradition, and uplifted by the relentless optimism of its people.