Chapter 401
Rattan waved his hand dismissively. "It was nothing," he mumbled, his cheeks flushing slightly. "You would have done the same for me."
Chief’s smile widened. He looked at the gauntlet on the crate, then back at Rattan. "I saw you studying that. It seems you have an interest in our technology."
Rattan’s eyes lit up. "It’s... amazing," he breathed, his voice filled with awe. "I’ve never seen anything like it. I was just wondering where to even begin to understand how it works."
Chief rose to his feet, though he still moved with a slight limp. He walked over to the crate and picked up the gauntlet, turning it over in his large hands. "It’s not as complicated as it looks," he said, his voice warm and encouraging. "Though it does take some getting used to."
He began to explain the basic principles of the steam tech, pointing out the different components of the gauntlet and explaining their functions. He showed Rattan how the internal mechanisms worked, how the steam generated by the small furnace was channeled through pipes and valves to power the device. Rattan listened intently, his eyes wide with fascination, absorbing every word.
As Chief spoke, Rattan began to see the logic behind the intricate design. He started to understand how the different parts worked together, how the steam provided the power, how the gears translated that power into movement. It was like a puzzle, and with Chief’s guidance, the pieces were starting to fall into place.
"The key," Chief explained, pointing to a small valve on the gauntlet’s forearm, "is the pressure. Too much, and it could explode. Too little, and it won’t function properly. It requires careful balance and precise control."
Rattan reached out and tentatively touched the valve, his fingers tracing its delicate curves. He felt a surge of excitement. He was actually beginning to understand. This wasn’t just some magical artifact; it was a machine, built on principles he could grasp.
"Thank you, Chief," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "For showing me this."