Chapter 14: The First Public Road Maintenance Project

The morning sun rose bright over Crofton, and for the first time in living memory, the villagers gathered not for planting or markets but for roadwork.

Taren stood beside GS516M at the village’s eastern road, Lord Kestrel observing from horseback with a few guards. The grader’s engine rumbled steadily, its deep hum drawing both awe and nervous glances.

“This is the first test,” Kestrel announced. “We’ll restore the eastern trade road, and Crofton will show what it’s capable of.”

Taren climbed into the GS516M’s cab, his hands steady despite the crowd’s stares.

“Here we go,” he murmured to himself, starting the engine fully. The roar startled a few villagers, but Kestrel reassured them with a firm nod.

With smooth precision, GS516M rolled forward. Its blade lowered to the dirt road, scraping and levelling it in one seamless pass. The uneven surface flattened quickly, dust rising in its wake.

Gasps rang out.

“It’s… it’s perfect!”

“Look at that no ruts, no bumps!”

As Taren worked, Kestrel directed groups of villagers to gather loose stones and clear debris along the roadside. The grader created a flat base, while others filled gaps and packed the edges.

Children ran to fetch water for reduce the dust, laughing as they watched the massive steel wheels crush the road firm.

“Keep it steady!” Kestrel called. “Follow its path!”

For the first time, the villagers worked with GS516M, blending manpower and machine into one effort.

By midday, a long stretch of road lay transformed flat, even, and sturdy. Wagons that once jolted over deep ruts now rolled smoothly.

“It would’ve taken us weeks!” one man said, wiping his brow.

“And he’s done it in half a day,” another replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

Even the sceptical elders could only nod in stunned approval.

Lord Kestrel rode closer, surveying the progress with satisfaction.

“This,” he declared to the gathered workers, “is the future of Crofton! With this machine and Taren’s skill, we’ll make roads the likes of which no village has seen!”

Cheers erupted. Some clapped Taren on the back as he stepped down from GS516M, flushed and dusty but smiling proudly.

As the day ended, Taren stood beside GS516M, looking at the long, smooth road stretching ahead. For once, there were no whispers of doubt only admiration and gratitude.

“You’ve done well,” Kestrel said, approaching him. “Crofton needed this.”

Taren nodded quietly, glancing up at the grader. “We both did.”

Kestrel smirked faintly. “I’d say you’ve earned a rest… but something tells me this is only the beginning.”

Taren chuckled softly, knowing he was right.