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Chapter 742 - Chapter 743: Growing Potatoes on Mars

Olympus Mons, the tallest mountain in the solar system, rises 27 kilometers above the Martian surface. Its base spans an area larger than all of England, and it hasn't shown volcanic activity since its discovery.

With no tectonic plate movement or collision on Mars, Olympus Mons is surrounded by steep cliffs up to eight kilometers high. Hidden within these massive geological structures, any base would be shielded from detection by kilometers of solid rock—a natural fortress and an ideal location for a secret base.

After flying for over an hour, William's spacecraft approached the western ice caps of Olympus Mons. He circled the glacier, analyzing 3D data as he deployed dozens of probes. After several hours of scanning, Sunday provided a report.

"Sir, based on surface ice alone, the glacier contains enough water to support a population of 100,000 for a century.

"However, we cannot yet determine whether the frozen water contains dangerous viruses or other contaminants."

"That's not a concern," William replied. "I don't lack water. If I need to put on a show for Earth, I can always synthesize water from hydrogen and oxygen."

After surveying the glacier, William turned his attention to Olympus Mons itself. He conducted multiple flyovers before selecting a cliff face that Sunday confirmed hadn't shifted in over a billion years.

Deploying engineering robots, construction equipment, and charging stations, William set the robots to begin hollowing out a secure base.

Once everything was operational, he returned the spacecraft to the northern canyon where he had initially landed and opened a portal back to the Oxford castle.

After enjoying a home-cooked dinner from Nysa and indulging in some "healthy exercise," William was about to sleep when Sunday interrupted.

"Sir, congratulations. During construction of the Mars base, engineering robots encountered a large deposit of high-purity gold ore at a depth of 200 meters."

"Gold?" William frowned, hugging the sleeping Nysa. "That's not good news; that's bad news. If there's gold here, I'll have to pick a new base location."

But Sunday replied, "I must remind you that in 34 days, the English capitalists who bet on gold futures crashing because of you will face their settlement period."

"Huh?" William opened his eyes, intrigued. "They've held their positions this long without selling off?"

"Yes, Sir. Your direct flight to Mars gave many hope. With gold prices only rising 4% so far, they're not at immediate risk of liquidation.

"Approximately 70% of them have been holding out, gambling that you would find gold on Mars, a planet rich in metals."

"Ha!" William sat up, chuckling as he left the bedroom. "Such faith in me? Well, I suppose I should reward them. Have the ship search the canyon for any natural gold deposits.

"If none exist, have the robots at Olympus Mons extract some gold ore. The ship can transport it back to the canyon and scatter it among the gravel and sand."

"I'll make sure the gold is processed into placer gold, mimicking river deposits on Earth," Sunday confirmed.

William nodded, then paused to ask, "Who's targeting the second spacecraft?"

Sunday hesitated before replying, "I regret to inform you, Sir, that surveillance at the component manufacturing companies has revealed very little suspicious activity."

"That's odd…" William pondered the lack of threats. "Are they worried this is all a trap? That the energy shortage might be fake?"

Smirking, William realized he needed to convince his enemies that the spacecraft truly couldn't return to Earth.

"Prepare ten fresh potatoes," William instructed.

The next morning, at 9 a.m. London time, William, now back on the Mars spacecraft, connected to an Earth satellite to begin a live broadcast. He greeted the awaiting journalists with a wave before donning his helmet and activating a spherical drone camera.

"Yesterday was… eventful," he began. "I won't dwell on the details, but I'd like to thank everyone in England who has shown their concern for me.

"However, let me remind you: a man brave enough to fly to Mars alone won't give up so easily when faced with adversity."

After a brief pause, William continued, "Under normal circumstances, my supplies would last until rescue arrives.

"But after thinking it over, I've decided to plan for contingencies."

From a metal storage box, he produced a small case containing ten potatoes, their surfaces glistening under vacuum-sealed plastic.

Grinning, William held them up to the camera. "I don't know which angel packed these for me, but the moment I saw them, I knew God hadn't abandoned me."

The sight of the potatoes left the audience speechless. Across the globe, viewers couldn't help but think, Is he seriously planning to grow potatoes on Mars?

"Haha, that's right!" William exclaimed. "The spacecraft is equipped with a water recycling system and can synthesize water from hydrogen and oxygen.

"Yesterday, I discovered glaciers near Olympus Mons. With water, volcanic ash as soil, and these potato seeds, I can turn the cargo bay's 20 square meters into a potato farm.

"The ship's remaining energy—29%—is enough to maintain a constant temperature of 26 degrees Celsius for years."

This revelation caused jaws to drop worldwide. Experts immediately recognized the implications.

Was William singlehandedly laying the groundwork for colonizing Mars? If he successfully cultivated food, wouldn't the planet, by right of use, become Devonshire family property?

Meanwhile, those who had hesitated to act against him began reevaluating their plans. Was the spacecraft truly incapable of returning?

As William finished outlining his plan, he added somberly, "Of course, subsisting on just potatoes will have long-term consequences.

"In six months, I'll start experiencing severe nutritional deficiencies: hair loss, tooth decay, and osteoporosis. Within a year, the lack of vitamins and minerals will weaken my body significantly.

"But that's still better than starving if the second spacecraft faces delays or accidents."

As the broadcast ended, enemies across the globe began plotting in earnest.

Both werewolves and vampires, unwilling to let this opportunity slip by, mobilized to disrupt the spacecraft's construction. Even factions within the U.S. began covertly planning their moves.

If William could only eat potatoes and drink purified water for a prolonged period, he would eventually become too weak to resist.

Some even considered more direct methods: destroying the rescue spacecraft or assassinating William during his weakened state on Mars.

(End of Chapter)

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