Day Eighty-One, Guidance (Part Two)

The technique described is known as the coil-building method, which requires mixing the soil with finely shredded dry grass, trampling it into a pulp, and letting it sit for at least three days. If time allows, the longer it rests, the better.

However, I was far too excited to wait and was already eager to start. Regardless of whether the final product would succeed, I could at least learn the process.

The method itself is quite simple: dig up some soil, shape it into the base of the object you want to make, then repeatedly roll out clay coils and slowly stack them upward. Smooth the surface with your hands, and finally, use a tool to pat it into shape.

After more than an hour of effort, my first creation was finished—a miniature water jar that could probably only hold half a bowl of water. If I manage to fire it successfully, it would make a decent bowl for eating, especially since the bowls I brought from the ship are quite large.

Perhaps I added a bit too much water, as the clay form didn't hold its shape very well and felt like it might slump after sitting for a while. It was only slight, though; unless you looked closely, you wouldn't notice.

Once it dries a little, it definitely won't deform. In my haste to see the first dried clay form, I hurried to the lower level of the treehouse and carefully placed the miniature jar near the fire to help it dry as quickly as possible.

I had intended to make a few more, but I found myself staring blankly at the clay form being baked by the high heat at the edge of the fire. Should I keep turning it? Would it be better on the other side of the fire? If I bake it like this, will it be dry by tomorrow? Will it crack if it dries too quickly?

Lost in a sea of questions, I squatted by the fire, just watching, though my mind was doing most of the work. None of these questions could be answered right now. I just had to wait! Once the clay dries, all the answers will be revealed.

Unconsciously, the sky had turned dark. The rain wasn't heavy, just a steady drizzle. It wasn't until a moment ago, when a hungry Little Black nudged me with his head, that I snapped out of my trance. If he hadn't called for me, I might have stayed lost in thought for a while longer.

When I stood up, I realized my legs were numb from squatting. I stomped my feet a few times to shake it off. The color of the clay had already begun to change, shifting slowly from its initial dark hue to a lighter shade—a sign of it drying. Once it is completely dry, it should turn a pale, brownish-tan color. At that point, it will be ready for firing. Of course, I hope no cracks appear during the drying process; otherwise, it would be useless before I even begin to fire it.

I had been so engrossed that I forgot to eat. Now, I finally felt hungry. The rice I dried earlier crumbles at the slightest touch, making it poor for plain rice, but it is excellent for porridge. Adding a few pieces of smoked meat makes it taste quite good.

Even Little Black ate two bowls. After eating, there was Lightning—this little guy is actually a honey badger. If I hadn't seen its kind bravely fighting a large snake with my own eyes, I would have had a hard time associating such a cute creature with words like "tenacious" or "relentless." It seems I'll need to keep a close eye on him as he grows, lest he cause some major trouble.

It is worth mentioning that the potatoes, garlic, and the unidentified seeds in my small vegetable patch are all growing well. Perhaps it won't be long before I have a harvest. The garlic, in particular, has grown quite tall green stalks. There aren't many, of course, not enough to eat, but once they mature, I can dig up the bulbs and replant them separately. I think it won't be long before I can grow them in patches.

Also, the arrowroot starch I made last time was very successful, and Lightning loves drinking it when mixed with water. The method is super simple: boil water in a pot, pour in the starch, and stir quickly with chopsticks while adding a little sugar. After a minute, pour it out, and it’s ready to eat once cooled.

Because it is pure starch, it is quite filling. If I had to describe it, it is similar to the lotus root starch found in civilized society. Of course, you can adjust the consistency; for example, I add less starch when making it for Lightning, but more when I make it for myself.

However, when I'm truly hungry, I don't care much for sweets, so it’s nice just for an occasional change of pace. Little Black was a bit picky at first; he turned his head away as soon as he smelled something other than honey water. Finally, after some coaxing and trickery, he tasted it and discovered it was a delicacy, finishing his bowl of arrowroot soup. I did this out of necessity; honey is limited, and I don't know when he'll be fully grown. If I don't find a substitute in advance, I can't just watch him starve when the honey runs out.

I’ve been looking for new beehives, and I even checked the notebook, but there are no records regarding bees, let alone hives. There were, however, some weapon manufacturing plans, such as stone axes, spears with stone tips, and even plans for making bows and arrows.

The stone axe doesn't appeal to me, but the spears and bows do! However, that is not a task that can be completed in a day or two; it requires too much time and energy. Therefore, I won't consider making them until I have successfully fired some tiles.

After all, I still have a fire axe and a pistol. Although I don't have many bullets left, at least I’m not lacking for now. What I lack is a safer, sturdier house. The coconut leaves on the roof probably won't hold up for much longer. Based on the current situation, I’ll likely need to replace the roof covering every three to six months. Otherwise, the completely dried leaves, battered by wind, rain, and sun, will inevitably become increasingly fragile, and if not replaced in time, they will easily leak.

I can't use the tarp yet; I still have several bags of grain that haven't finished drying. If I don't dry them out further, they will likely spoil, as the humidity here is too high. Fortunately, I have a fire burning twenty-four hours a day on the lower level, which not only keeps the mosquitoes away but also makes the air inside the treehouse drier than it is outside.

It’s starting to get windy outside. I wonder if the work shed has flooded? The pit I used to store the termite mound soil doesn't have a lid, so I hope it doesn't fill with too much rainwater. Fortunately, the rain outside isn't too heavy.

Even if this kind of rain lasted for three or five days, it wouldn't cause water to pool in the yard, as I have improved the drainage channels once more. Not only have they been widened, but they've been dug deeper as well. Those little pebbles won't be enough to clog them up.

It’s very late now. I hope that when I wake up tomorrow, the rain will have stopped.