Building a Base on Mars

Inside the lounge, Xiao He kicked the sandbag in front of him, then stumbled.

"Your center of gravity is off," Sebastian said casually, arms crossed. "In Brazilian Kick, there's a shift in your center of gravity during the kick. You can think of it as first kicking out a short, springy kick, and then using that springy kick to bounce your leg back and adjust your trajectory."

"This technique is really troublesome," Xiao He sighed.

"Once you get it right the first time, everything else will go smoothly," Sebastian laughed. "This technique is very hard on the knees, but Mutant's body should be able to handle it. If you master this move, it has a very high knockout rate."

"That's right, I've experienced it firsthand..." Xiao He stood up, stretched his knees, and replied, then kicked his leg again.

This kick was like forcefully swinging a vine; the vine's inherent resilience caused it to bend when the force was too great. Xiao He's leg also bounced back a short distance due to this elasticity. Taking advantage of this momentum, Xiao He adjusted his angle and kicked the upper part of the sandbag in front of him. With a "bang!", the sandbag was kicked away.

"That's it." Sebastian clapped his hands. "Now, remember this feeling, and keep practicing until you master it."

"It really hurts the knees..." Xiao He muttered, rubbing his knees. "To put it bluntly, it relies on the ligaments of the knee to withstand the force of the kick, thereby pulling the kick back and changing the direction of travel, right?"

"Yes." Sebastian nodded.

Xiao He glanced at him sideways and frowned, saying, "You've taught me all this, aren't you afraid that when we fight, I'll beat you to a pulp?"

"Let me put it this way," Sebastian laughed, "If you try to use Lane-Shift Kick against me, it's practically free. I've used Brazilian Kick more times than you've used them; I know you're going to kick as soon as you get into position."

"Hmm... it feels like a trap. Now we're stuck, not kicking it isn't an option either," Xiao He said, frowning.

Sebastian just smiled, then patted him on the shoulder. "Remember what I said, watch out for the new guys."

After saying that, he left the training ground.

"This guy's actually a pretty good person," Xiao He muttered to himself. "I wonder what he'll think if he finds out I was the one who escorted those guys..."

When Xiao He returned to the common room, everyone was discussing the engagement celebration with Ye Wanqing. Xie Haining planned to bring his wife and daughter along, so he needed to keep it a secret to avoid revealing his identity.

"Okay, everyone can come over tomorrow at noon," Cui Man replied, "Only the core staff of the Special Response Department."

"Why not today?" Xiao He asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Old Wu asked you for help today," Cui Man said, patting his head. "So, did you want me to refuse him for you?"

"No, they brought people to help me all day yesterday, working for more than ten hours to build the house. I should repay them for their kindness." Xiao He sighed.

The group of people who came to help him build his house yesterday, including Zhang Yuan, were actually members of the Research Department. Xiao He felt a little embarrassed that they had spent a whole day building his and Ye Wanqing's island cottage on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean, and he had only treated them to a takeout meal.

Perfect timing, I'll repay this favor today.

"Old Xiao, I'll go with you." Ye Wanqing smiled, and Xiao He patted her head. "Of course, I don't want to leave you for even a second."

"Hehe." Ye Wanqing couldn't help but chuckle, then grabbed Xiao He's arm, "Let's go, enough with the nonsense..."

Upon arriving at the Research Department, Wu Changchun was already waiting there.

Upon seeing Xiao He and Ye Wanqing, he immediately greeted them with delight, "Welcome, both of you! I didn't expect you to come together today." Then, noticing the ring on Ye Wanqing's hand, he laughed, "Oh dear, congratulations! I'm truly being rude, disturbing you at this time..."

"Old Wu, don't stand on ceremony. Just tell me what's on your mind, and let's try to get this done before the competition starts next week," Xiao He replied readily.

Wu Changchun nodded. "Okay! Then I'll give you a brief overview. Our mission today is to establish a temporary base on Mars, so we need your help. There are quite a few things to test."

Wu Changchun briefly explained today's procedures. First, they planned to test the newly modified spacesuit based on Wu Changchun's previous test. This spacesuit was based on the existing spacesuit used on the moon, modified using data from Wu Changchun's previous test on Mars. After confirming that the spacesuit could be used normally on Mars, the second task would begin.

Wu Changchun wanted Xiao He to build them the outer shell of a "Mars Base" using the same method as building a home. They would then house various instruments inside, which Xiao He could take to Mars to facilitate long-term work by researchers.

"Do you want to go to Mars?" Xiao He chuckled, patting Ye Wanqing's head. "I won't let anything happen to you, don't be afraid."

"Mmm!" Ye Wanqing smiled and nodded. "I want to be with you."

After a tester put on a spacesuit, Wu Changchun nodded to Xiao He: "Then, I'll leave it to Lord Yinglong."

"No problem," Xiao He replied casually. "Everyone grab each other; as long as someone touches me, it's fine."

Xiao He snapped his fingers, and the Perfect Cube enveloped everyone present. Then he led them to the Dimensional Walker Plane. The surrounding scenery rotated, and the next moment, they arrived on Mars.

"Wow! This is Mars..." Ye Wanqing couldn't help but exclaim, then noticed the large crater Xiao He had dug in the ground, and couldn't help but laugh, "Old Xiao, did you leave this here? Honestly, isn't it a bit much to cause this kind of damage?"

"Isn't this all for... science?" Xiao He stammered for a moment before replying earnestly.

Wu Changchun instructed the person in the spacesuit behind him to leave the Perfect Cube and begin testing on Mars, while he, Xiao He, and Ye Wanqing remained inside the Perfect Cube to observe the situation.

"Are you alright? What if there's a problem with the spacesuit?" Ye Wanqing asked with some concern.

Wu Changchun smiled and said, "Don't worry, basic safety can still be guaranteed. Even if the spacesuit malfunctions, there won't be any danger until the internal oxygen runs out. There will be a buffer period to allow him to return to this cube."

"And don't you still have me?" Xiao He patted Ye Wanqing's head.

"Hmm..." Ye Wanqing looked up at Xiao He and smiled sweetly.

"So cute..." Xiao He gently tapped her little nose, and Ye Wanqing made a face at him.

"Ahem..." Wu Changchun coughed awkwardly, but by then the tester had already left the protection of the Perfect Cube and was on the Mars surface. He immediately asked, "How are the data in all aspects?"

"The air pressure and temperature inside the spacesuit are stable, and movement..." the tester said, taking a few steps like a toddler learning to walk. "Although the gravity is less than on Earth, the spacesuit is too heavy, making movement inconvenient. Especially the head; we need to reduce the weight. Maybe it will get better after you get used to it."

"Really? Let's improve it when we get back. At least this spacesuit can operate on Mars, which will support this research project." Wu Changchun nodded happily, then turned to Xiao He, "So, can we begin the second phase?"

"Good heavens, we're building a base on Mars today?" Xiao He raised an eyebrow and asked. Wu Changchun laughed like a child, "This feeling... is similar to how Yinglong felt yesterday when he was building his home."

"Well said." Xiao He was speechless. "Alright, let's go back then."

With that, Xiao He led everyone on a Dimensional Traversal back to the Research Department on Earth.

Next, we need to prepare for the Mars Base.

"What about the materials used in the Mars Base?" Xiao He asked curiously. "I need to sense its fluctuations."

Wu Changchun waved his hand, ordering everyone to pull back a huge curtain, revealing a batch of materials shimmering with a peculiar luster. He explained, "This is a nanomaterial that can withstand high temperatures, high pressures, and extreme cold. It's the same material used in the space station that China launched this year. It's the most advanced material we have so far. Do you think this is enough?"

Xiao He stepped forward to sense the fluctuations of the nanomaterial, raised his hand to summon a Perfect Cube, and then waved his hand. A large amount of this nanomaterial appeared out of thin air and covered the surface of the Perfect Cube.

"This... this is... something created out of thin air?!" Wu Changchun asked in astonishment, "Where did these nanomaterials come from?"

"It's converted from air," Xiao He explained. "It's the same principle as when I built my home on the island, only I replaced seawater with air. Anyway, it doesn't matter what kind of particles they are."

"Wow, this ability is amazing..." Wu Changchun frowned and sighed. "This speed of transformation is far superior to Mr. Liang Bin's... If only I could work in the Research Department."

"Isn't I in the Research Department right now?" Xiao He said with a slightly embarrassed smile. "If you need help, you can just say so. It doesn't really matter where I am, right?"

He then summoned a second Perfect Cube and placed it over the surface of the first Perfect Cube, compressing the nanomaterial more firmly and fixing it in place. In this way, a nanobase with a Perfect Cube structure was completed, but it still needed some modifications to become a structure that could be habitable on Mars.

Because it's on Mars, there must be a double-layered isolation hatch, and space utilization must be maximized.

The first floor is set up as a laboratory, housing various experimental equipment; the second floor is set up as a living area, containing bedrooms, toilets, and bathrooms; the third floor is the researchers' rooms and storage space for daily necessities.

Powering all of this is, of course, a prototype of the Antimatter Generator. Although not yet perfect, this prototype is already the best power generation equipment available, and its practical application is being considered. The problem that needs to be solved is not the Antimatter Generator itself, but the issue of leaks.

With the help of the Research Department, Xiao He spent four hours completing the external structure of the Mars Base.

As for the internal structure, the circuits and piping, experimental equipment, etc., have been installed so far. They will be installed after the base is set up on Mars.

"Alright, now it's time to set up this base." Wu Changchun said, waving to the six astronauts in spacesuits behind him. "Everyone, get ready. Today marks a giant leap forward for our Dragon Country's space program!"

As he spoke, Wu Changchun turned to Xiao He and said with a smile, "It's almost noon, let's go to Mars for a meal!"

"Sounds pretty good... right, right, fiancée?" Xiao He put his arm around Ye Wanqing's shoulder and laughed.

"Ugh... Just be normal, just call me Xiaoqing." But despite saying that, Ye Wanqing seemed quite happy.

Xiao He used his Psychokinesis to lift the "Mars Base," and then used the Dimensional Walker to bring everyone back to Mars.

He placed the Mars Base on a relatively flat area and used his Psychokinesis to drive in stakes to secure it to the ground. Now came the exciting moment: testing the internal data of the Mars Base to determine if it was suitable for human habitation.

Six astronauts in spacesuits left the Perfect Cube and awkwardly walked towards the entrance of the Mars Base.

After opening the external hatch, the astronauts entered the base, closed the hatch, turned on the Antimatter Generator, and started the Mars Base's power system and internal circulation. Then they waited for the oxygen generation system and temperature control system to officially take effect.

Xiao He, Ye Wanqing, Wu Changchun observed the interior through the window. After a while, the people inside finally began testing various data.

"Temperature 26℃, stable air pressure, oxygen ratio just right..." The astronauts inside checked the data and couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, "My God, this cubic structure is truly amazing! It ensures that the external environment cannot affect the internal environment at all. I dare say, even if we shut down the temperature control system right now, the internal temperature wouldn't change significantly."

"There's no need. We have plenty of electricity. As long as we can solve the problem of food and water production, we can live here for the rest of our lives," another astronaut said excitedly.

Wu Changchun turned to the astronauts inside. "Then, let's try taking off our spacesuits first."

One of the six astronauts inside began to remove his spacesuit. The process was a little slow, taking about fifteen minutes to completely remove the bulky spacesuit. Then, the astronaut tried to move around inside.

"The interior is very comfortable," the astronaut replied. "The gravity is a little unusual, but it doesn't bother me."

Due to gravity considerations, the ceiling of this Mars Base is relatively low, easily reachable, facilitating movement for researchers. The low ceiling also allows the base to be divided into three levels, making better use of every space for research.

Seeing this, the other astronauts also took off their spacesuits and prepared to begin installing the experimental equipment.

"Alright, let's go in too," Wu Changchun said to Xiao He with a smile. "Let's go in through the main gate."

Xiao He took Ye Wanqing's hand and, together with Wu Changchun, arrived at the hatch. The astronauts inside opened the outer hatch, and everyone entered the isolation chamber. The hatch behind them closed, and then the inner hatch opened, allowing the three of them to enter the base.

"Alright, we can now deactivate the Perfect Cube, Your Excellency Yinglong," Wu Changchun said with a confident smile.

Xiao He deactivated the Perfect Cube and instantly felt his body lighten. Ye Wanqing quickly grabbed his arm, exclaiming, "It feels so light here!" Then, Ye Wanqing blushed and whispered, "My shoulders... they feel so much lighter..."

"I can help you make things easier sometimes," Xiao He said with a smile, kissing her on the cheek.

"Ugh, how annoying..." Ye Wanqing pushed his face away and complained.

"This is truly..." Wu Changchun sighed behind him, then suddenly covered his face, tears streaming down his face. "I never imagined that I would actually have the chance to see humans living on Mars with my own eyes... I can die without regrets."

"Hey! Look at you, is it really that serious?!" Xiao He suddenly became a little embarrassed. "Don't be like this, don't be like this. If you're happy, I'll give you another set, okay? Let's calm down and talk this out!"

"Huh? What do you mean by 'another set'?" Wu Changchun asked, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

"It's just..." Xiao He thought for a moment and decided to explain with actual facts.

Therefore, Xiao He once again enveloped himself in the Perfect Cube, then used the Dimensional Walker to arrive outside the Mars Base, placing his left hand on the wall of the Mars Base and his right hand facing the other side.

The particles in the air quickly gathered on his other side, and in a short while, an identical Mars Base appeared on Xiao He's other side, landing on Mars with a "boom".

"That's the feeling," Xiao He said with a slight smile. "By Replication its wavelength, we can Replication an identical Mars Base. How many would you like?"

"I... I..." Wu Changchun gasped for breath, then suddenly collapsed.

The astronauts around him were terrified and immediately went to pinch his philtrum and perform CPR. Wu Changchun then slowly woke up.

"I think we should just have two sets for now. I'm afraid your heart can't handle it," Xiao He said with a dry laugh.

"I also think we should start with two sets. After all..." Wu Changchun said, rubbing his chest, "Not everyone can come to Mars to do research. They need specialized outer space training to adapt to this environment..."

"Don't get too excited..." Ye Wanqing said with a wry smile, supporting him. "You're not young anymore."

"You're absolutely right, I was a bit out of line..." Wu Changchun cleared his throat and said, "Well then, let's get all the equipment here and connected, and then we can enjoy humanity's first lunch on Mars together?"

Half an hour later, M Country Assimilation images sent back by the Mars probe from the transit station, and the entire NASA was in an uproar: although it was just a blurry distant view, two "buildings" had indeed appeared on Mars!

"Humans have discovered signs of civilization on Mars for the first time!" "My God! This is a huge step forward for human space culture!" "This is thanks to our M Country!" "We absolutely mustn't tell other countries about this! Especially Dragon Country!"