Sea Trials

Installing the second steam engine unit took another day, followed by a day of testing and adjustment.

With more electrical equipment aboard, the original small steam engine had been moved to the middle of the ship and assigned exclusively to driving the generator. The two newly acquired large steam engine units were placed in the stern compartment to drive the propellers, serving as the ship's propulsion. They were designated No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.

Once the outfitting was complete, Su Ming finally began the sea trial.

The bridge had been extensively remodeled and placed high on the forward section of the ship, where it had the best view. Transparent windows providing a 240-degree view had also been installed. A proper helm had replaced the makeshift contraption from before, and control consoles for the radar, sonar, and other auxiliary equipment were arranged around it. The entire layout had a thoroughly modern feel.

With the addition of all this equipment, the white skeleton Russell was also assigned to the bridge to learn the ropes.

Although it was night, Su Ming had radar, and he had also brought back plenty of searchlights this time. With ample power to support them, the entire ship and its surroundings were lit up as bright as day.

So Su Ming wasn't afraid to set sail at night. He started the engines, steered the ship away from the island, adjusted course to the southwest, and began increasing the propeller speed.

As the power output rose, the equipment grew louder and louder. Even though Su Ming had installed quite a few honeycomb panels, the noise still echoed throughout the ship. There was nothing he could do about it; he could only pin his hopes on the alchemical product Zijin had mentioned, porous crystal wool.

The exhaust outlet was