Rahul verified the next mining target: Venus. After reviewing all the geological and industrial data gathered by his teams, he confirmed that Venus contained extremely high-quality deposits of platinum and silicon, both of which were far more profitable and strategically valuable than even gold or diamonds. With the decision made, Rahul finalized the plan — the Venus mining transformation would begin within ten days.
This time, the entire operation would be conducted within Athenia, under full national control. Now that he had firm authority over the government and corruption had drastically declined, Rahul knew the project could be managed domestically. Only a few upgrades were needed at the port and transport facilities, which he ordered to be completed immediately. This new phase of mining would mark a turning point — one that could elevate Athenia's economy and scientific strength to an entirely new level.
After ten days of preparation, Rachit entered Rahul's office and bowed slightly.
"Your Majesty, we are ready to leave for the site," he reported.
Rahul nodded. "Good. Then let's go and finish the work."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Soon, the royal convoy of Athenia's King departed from the capital. Unlike the previous mission, this time the journey was not shrouded in secrecy. The convoy moved openly, comprising armored vehicles, several private cars, and logistical support trains carrying personnel and equipment. The movement was visible and deliberate—an unspoken message of the king's growing authority and confidence.
After three days of travel, they reached their destination—Harish Town, a modest settlement with a population of around 50,000 to 60,000. Once a cluster of rural villages, it had slowly transformed into a small town, though still lacking major infrastructure. The other two towns nearby, Rarish and Parish, were in similar states—developing but under-resourced.
Rahul stood at the town's elevated ridge, overlooking the land that would soon change forever. His eyes scanned the horizon—the soil that would be swapped, the place where the new Venus Mining Site would emerge. He could already envision what would happen once the operation succeeded:
these three small towns would merge into a large metropolitan city, fueled by wealth, industry, and the technology born from Venus's platinum and silicon veins.
After gathering the basic information about the nearby towns and outlining his plan for future development, Rahul decided to personally visit the selected site. He turned to Rachit and said calmly,
"Rachit, you stay here. I'll go alone this time. No one should follow."
Rachit immediately obeyed, bowing slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Rahul walked alone toward the open, barren stretch of land that stretched across the northern plain. The air was still, dry, and the faint hum of the wind brushed past his coat. Once he reached the marked area, he closed his eyes and summoned the system.
A cold mechanical tone echoed in his mind—
"Ding. System activated. Awaiting command."
Rahul spoke quietly, "System, change this land. Swap it with Venus."
Another chime followed.
"Ding. Confirmation required. Do you confirm to swap this seven square kilometer area with the surface section of Venus?"
Rahul inhaled deeply. "Confirm. Swap it."
"Ding. Swapping initiated. Estimated completion time: seventy-two hours. Host is advised not to survey the area for two months after the swap. The land will need to stabilize and cool from Venus's solar exposure. Early interference may cause severe geological discrepancies."
Rahul paused for a moment, surprised by the warning. He understood the meaning clearly—the new terrain would retain Venus's temperature and chemical instability for some time.
"Understood," he replied firmly. "We'll follow that."
The mechanical voice concluded—
"Ding. Process started. Countdown: 72 hours remaining."
A faint shimmer appeared over the land, invisible to others but visible through Rahul's system interface. He looked at the countdown slowly ticking down, then turned away.
Rahul returned to the camp and found Rachit waiting. He lowered his voice and said, "Rachit — I'm giving you a great secret. Ensure that nobody comes within a five-kilometre radius of the site I just inspected."
Rachit's face registered surprise then excitement. "Your Majesty… did you really find a mine there?" he asked.
Rahul met his gaze. "I can only trust you. I'll tell you everything in time, but first you must obey this order: for two months, not a single soul may enter that five-kilometre area."
Rachit swallowed, then bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will follow your command."
Rahul continued, "Also notify the mining head, Priya, the Ministry of Trade, and the Ministry of External Affairs. Arrange procurement of mining equipment from foreign partners and begin building the basic infrastructure in the three nearby towns and the connecting routes — but do not touch the mine site itself. Prepare everything so that after two months the mine area can be developed immediately."
"Understood, Your Majesty," Rachit said. "No one — not a single person — will approach the site. Only those you name will know its location."
"Good," Rahul said. "Keep it tight."
Rachit saluted and left to put the orders in motion.
As Rahul began his return journey toward the capital, Rachit remained behind at Harish. His duty now was to ensure that every command given by His Majesty was executed without error.
Rachit immediately called a meeting with the key departments — Piriya, the Ministry of Western Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, and the Ministry of Mining.
He relayed Rahul's exact directives, emphasizing the secrecy and importance of the northern development plan. The mining ministry was tasked with preliminary surveys for infrastructure planning, while the trade ministry began negotiating contracts for machinery and tools from neighboring nations.