A year had passed since Rahul assumed command of the kingdom, fully utilizing his authority and the mining system. In this time, the mining operations had been remarkably successful. The company had already provided $10 billion, with another $4 billion remaining to be disbursed over the year. Additionally, Rahul had secured $2 billion more from the company, ensuring a steady financial inflow.
The efficiency of the mining operations was evident in the daily sight of ships arriving at the port, transporting ores with precision. The company had also invested in upgrading the port infrastructure at their own expense to streamline operations. The surrounding town had undergone a dramatic transformation: the population had grown from 2 lakh to 10 lakh, new houses had been built, and a variety of small and medium-sized businesses had sprung up, catering to the growing workforce and their families.
This mining project had not only revitalized the local area but had begun to fuel the broader economy of Athenia. From population growth to business development and infrastructural expansion, the project was a resounding success, demonstrating Rahul's strategic vision and the potential of the kingdom under his leadership.
The mining region had quickly become a major contributor to Athenia's national economy, accounting for nearly 20% of the country's total output. Thanks to the company's investment, the area now boasted excellent transport connectivity, with upgraded roads, ports, and logistical networks that ensured smooth operations for mining and trade. The company had truly gone all out to improve the infrastructure, transforming the region into a hub of activity.
What had once been a small town was now evolving into a bustling small city. New houses, commercial buildings, playgrounds, schools, and colleges were springing up, reflecting the rapid development in the area. Rahul took satisfaction in seeing this progress. Even though the company would eventually leave after five years, he was confident that the foundations he had laid—government organizations, educational institutions, and infrastructure—would sustain the region's growth. The mining area had become a model of balanced development, blending industrial advancement with civic infrastructure, and Rahul knew that the region was now perfectly positioned for continued prosperity.
Alongside the rapid development of the mining region, the education sector also saw remarkable progress during this period. Education Minister Ram delivered an exceptional performance, establishing two schools in nearly every city across the country, ensuring that basic education reached all children. Literacy rates began to rise steadily as a result of these initiatives. In addition, he successfully set up three universities to provide higher education opportunities, cultivating a new generation of skilled and knowledgeable citizens.
Managing the recruitment of teachers, the allocation of resources, and the organization of curricula required immense effort, yet Minister Ram executed it with professionalism and efficiency. Rahul observed these developments with satisfaction, recognizing that the country was not only advancing economically but also building the intellectual foundation necessary for long-term growth. The combined progress in education and infrastructure made the trajectory of Athenia increasingly promising, setting the stage for a future of sustained development and national prosperity.
Rahul rang the bell, and Priya entered the room.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" she asked.
"Priya, tell me the recent status of the university that has been built. How much time will it take to become fully operational?" Rahul inquired.
"Your Majesty, it is now July, and the university is expected to start by the end of December. The first enrollment will be drawn from the students of the schools, and tests will be conducted across all colleges to select the best students for this college, as the facilities are still limited," Priya reported.
Rahul nodded thoughtfully. "Don't worry, Priya. We will have more colleges in the coming year. Right now, we focus on quality over quantity, and this is already a strong start."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your decision is wise. The children are learning well, and they will have a brighter future because of it," Priya said with a smile.
"I know that," Rahul replied. "Make sure to tell Ram that he has done an excellent job."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will inform him. However, the next budget meeting is in two months. It would be better if you told him yourself then," Priya added.
Rahul nodded. "Yes, I will tell him myself during the budget meeting. That will be the right time."
Rahul looked up and asked, "By the way, Priya, what about the newspaper? Is it gaining popularity?"
Priya replied, "Your Majesty, the newspaper, Daily Athenia, is already quite popular among the higher and middle classes. However, the lower classes are not buying it as much yet. The literacy rate is improving, and the distribution is increasing, but the quantity of newspapers produced is still limited."
Rahul nodded thoughtfully. "That's a start. As education spreads and literacy improves, more people will read it. Keep monitoring it and expand the circulation as the demand grows."
"Yes, Your Majesty. We will ensure that," Priya assured him.
"Okay, Priya, while you're at it, tell the Ministry of Defense to send the Defense Minister to my cabin by tomorrow," Rahul instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will follow it immediately," Priya replied and left.
Alone, Rahul reflected on the progress of the past year. The mining operation had brought in a substantial amount of funds, and the country's infrastructure, education, and economy were steadily improving. His eyes then shifted to the mining system interface.
Ding.
"Host," Rahul said, activating the system.
"Countdown for the next mining site: eight days. Exchangeable area: seven square kilometers," the system announced in its mechanical, formal tone.
Rahul's eyes widened in surprise. "Seven square kilometers? That's an increase of two kilometers compared to last time."
Ding.
"Correct. Annual area increment confirmed. Current increment: two kilometers. Next year: three kilometers. Following year: four kilometers. System level upgrades will increase exchange capacity," the system continued.
Rahul nodded thoughtfully. "With seven square kilometers, I can solve a lot of our financial challenges. But I have to carefully consider which ores to target and which planets have them in abundance."
He leaned back in his chair, already strategizing the next phase of Athenia's rise.