Full-scale foundation work had begun on the Gimhae Plain.
Since the area had originally been a vast flat plain, leveling the terrain required relatively little effort.
From there, the work would continue for quite some time: digging deep foundation pits, embedding steel reinforcement bars into the ground, and pouring layers of concrete over them.
Kim Dong-sik stood there wearing a hard hat, staring across the immense plain now filled with heavy machinery and thousands of workers.
Even now, it still felt surreal that he was the one overseeing such a massive project.
But he couldn't afford to be distracted by that feeling.
He wanted to prove his abilities by successfully completing the construction of Luktic's second factory.
I can't just sit around occupying a seat on Luktic's board without accomplishing anything.
Thanks to meeting Si-woo, I ended up becoming a director at such a promising company. If I don't want to be a burden to him, I need to become someone worthy of that position.
In truth, Dong-sik had contributed significantly during Luktic's early days.
He had taken responsibility for the construction of the company's first factory and handled numerous licensing and approval procedures necessary for the business.
But as Luktic grew larger and the headquarters began employing hundreds of specialized professionals, the tasks Dong-sik once handled could now easily be carried out by others.
After all, it was Si-woo who had brought in the core technology and the initial capital for the company.
Strictly speaking, even if Dong-sik had been pushed out of management and only retained a small portion of shares, he would have had little right to complain.
Yet Si-woo had given him a seat on Luktic's board of directors.
Because of that, Dong-sik felt both deep gratitude and an overwhelming sense of responsibility toward his friend.
That was why he had constantly pushed himself to grow and improve.
When the large factory in Yangseo County had been built, Dong-sik had meticulously recorded every piece of advice given by Daesung Group's consulting team. He spent nights studying and reviewing everything he learned.
Whenever he had spare time, he studied as well—obtaining knowledge and qualifications that might prove useful for Luktic in the future.
His greatest strength had always been his instinct for on-site operations, something he had developed since childhood while helping relatives who ran small businesses.
Si-woo must have recognized that strength, which was why he entrusted Dong-sik with managing Luktic's construction and factory operations.
Now Dong-sik had been given the enormous responsibility of overseeing the entire construction project for Luktic's second factory.
In his mind, the leader of such a massive project needed two key abilities.
First:The ability to coordinate and manage the many subcontractors and managers involved in construction, guiding the massive organization toward a unified goal.
Second:The ability to build the systems, structures, and working environment necessary for smooth construction while making wise decisions at the right time.
Dong-sik had always believed that someday an opportunity like this would come.
That was why he had studied Daesung Group's methods so closely during the Yangseo factory project.
Now the moment had arrived for him to prove himself.
He made a silent vow.
He would prove his abilities.
And repay his friend Si-woo with real results.
***
Inside the cabinet meeting room, the President, Prime Minister, and cabinet ministers all wore faint smiles.
For decades, they had been tormented by hair loss.
Now, they were completely free from it.
As soon as Luktic's hair-loss treatment had been distributed nationwide, they had all received the procedure themselves.
After the cabinet meeting ended, the officials lingered for a brief conversation.
The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism spoke first.
"Mr. President, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea has been rising sharply."
President Kim Sang-min looked intrigued.
"Foreign tourists are increasing suddenly?"
"Yes. According to analysis from the Tourism Policy Bureau, a large portion appear to be medical tourists. They are coming to Korea for medical procedures."
"To receive medical treatment… Are you referring to treatments using Luktic's new drugs?"
"That is our assumption. Isn't that correct, Minister of Health?"
The Minister of Health nodded.
"Yes, that's correct. Recently, prescriptions and procedures using Luktic's drugs for foreign patients have increased significantly. Elixir and the Skin Regeneration Agent have seen steady growth since their approval two months ago. Recently, the number of foreigners receiving the hair-loss treatment has also surged."
The Tourism Minister continued.
"Travel agencies are now offering medical tourism packages. The hair-loss treatment packages are especially popular. Every package has already sold out, and apparently millions of people worldwide are currently on waiting lists. Even flights to Korea are selling at premium prices."
President Kim smiled broadly.
"Incredible. The popularity of Luktic's drugs is truly remarkable. Well, they're far superior to any medicines that existed before. Just look at my hair. Once it grew back like this, it hardly falls out anymore."
"Mr. President, you look twenty years younger!"
"Haha! Minister, you look twenty years younger as well."
"Well, Mr. President, that's all thanks to Luktic and CEO Hyun Si-woo, isn't it?"
"Indeed. CEO Hyun Si-woo is truly a national treasure."
Laughter filled the meeting room.
After the laughter subsided, the Tourism Minister added:
"Foreign patients receiving treatment in Korea are spending heavily on hotels, restaurants, and other services. This is providing tremendous stimulus to our domestic economy."
The Health Minister chimed in.
"And because these procedures are not covered by insurance, hospitals are charging premium prices. Hospitals are celebrating."
The President chuckled.
"For a moment, I almost wish Luktic's drugs would never get approved overseas."
He paused.
"Of course, I'm joking."
The room burst into laughter once again.
***
Foreign tourists walked through the streets of Seoul.
Officially, they had entered Korea on tourist visas.
But in reality, most of them had come to receive treatments using Luktic's new drugs—Elixir, the Skin Regeneration Agent, and the hair-loss treatment.
They chatted while exploring the city.
"Wow, is that Lotte Tower? You can see it from anywhere in Seoul. It looks like a giant tower from a cyberpunk city."
"It's massive. But why do Korean people all have such clear skin? Everyone looks so healthy."
"I noticed that too. Maybe that's why K-pop idols and dramas are famous worldwide."
At that moment, a young woman from the same tour group joined their conversation.
"That's because of Luktic Cream, a cosmetic product developed by Luktic. They say your skin becomes much clearer after using it for just a few days. I'm planning to buy a lot before going home."
"Really? That company makes cosmetics too? I need to buy some as gifts."
"I also want to try Luktic Drink. But I heard it's only exported to the United States right now."
"You could buy it online."
"The shipping and fees are expensive though…"
Many of the tourists wandering around Seoul were actually there for hair-loss treatment procedures.
Meanwhile, among those seeking treatment with Elixir, there were emotional scenes unfolding.
"Jessie, you can finally get better. That illness that has tormented you since childhood… they say Elixir can cure it completely."
"Really…? Does that mean I can go to school now? I won't faint and wake up in hospitals anymore?"
"Of course. A genius scientist in this country developed that medicine for people like you."
Others had traveled to Korea for skin regeneration procedures—patients with severe burn scars or advanced skin cancer.
Before long, South Korea was becoming the world's center for medical tourism.
***
Back in my office, I spoke with CTO Kang Joo-tae.
"Director Kang, you said the approval processes in Europe are progressing smoothly as well, correct?"
"Yes, CEO. Especially now that the FDA review is accelerating, other countries are likely to follow soon."
"So Big Pharma has finally gone quiet."
"Yes. Their lobbying had already weakened due to political deadlock in the U.S. House of Representatives. After Chairman White's assassination, they completely halted their efforts to block Luktic."
The memory of that assassination still caused a dull ache in my chest.
The young man Carter, who had chosen to become a murderer after losing his father…
It was difficult not to feel sympathy.
"Director Kang, construction of the research facility is progressing steadily. I heard the first research building will be completed soon."
His eyes lit up.
"Really? Then may we begin organizing the research teams?"
"Yes. I'll provide full budget support. Assemble the best researchers possible."
"Thank you, CEO. Being able to analyze and research the core technology behind Luktic's breakthroughs is an incredible honor."
"No, Director Kang. I'm grateful that someone of your reputation in Korean pharmaceutical research is leading this project."
Soon, Luktic's research institute would officially launch.
And Kang Joo-tae would lead it.
His reputation alone carried enormous authority within Korea's scientific community.
Once word spread that he was building Luktic's research team, talented researchers would surely apply.
My plan was to have them analyze the technologies decoded from the Akashic Records.
Rather than simply manufacturing products according to the recipes provided by the Akashic Records, we would uncover the scientific principles behind them.
The knowledge stored in the Akashic Records was clearly centuries ahead of modern human technology.
If we could understand the underlying principles, Luktic could create entirely new technologies beyond those directly given by the records.
It could elevate Luktic to a dominant position in global science.
Of course, such research would require enormous funding.
Possibly budgets comparable to national or multinational research institutions.
But I was confident we could sustain it.
Demand for Luktic's products was exploding worldwide.
Even the Yangseo factory could barely satisfy American demand alone.
That was why we were building the second factory—to support global exports.
And if the current momentum continued, the new factory would operate at extremely high capacity.
Given our extraordinary profit margins, Luktic's future cash flow would grow exponentially.
And there was another piece of good news.
When I checked the Akashic Records on the quantum computer yesterday, the progress bar had risen faster than expected.
[Hair Growth Treatment] (Tier 1)Progress to next knowledge: [782 / 1000]
Mass production at the Yangseo factory was accelerating the progress rapidly.
Which meant a new technology would soon unlock.
Another new product might soon become Luktic's next major revenue source.
I turned to Director Kang.
"Director, you don't need to worry about research funding or salaries. Build the best research department possible."
He looked deeply moved.
"Yes, CEO. Since you trust me with this responsibility, I will assemble the finest research team in Korea."
Soon afterward, Kang Joo-tae distributed recruitment notices to academic societies and graduate schools across Korea.
He also began contacting researchers through his personal network.
Not only pharmaceutical scientists, but also experts in chemistry and physics were recruited.
Naturally.
After all, they would need to study the material officially designated as RUQ-099—the Luktic Base Catalyst Stone.
Such research required multidisciplinary analysis.
Although Kang tried to hide it, he looked visibly excited.
Being told to assemble a top research team without worrying about funding had clearly awakened the curiosity of the scientist within him.
But a few days later, he came to my office looking extremely flustered.
"CEO… something unexpected has happened."
"What is it?"
"I only distributed recruitment notices domestically. But somehow… applications are pouring in from all over the world."
It seemed Luktic had already attracted enormous attention from the global scientific community due to Elixir, the Skin Regeneration Agent, and the hair-loss treatment.
News that Luktic was forming a major research institute must have spread internationally.
Perhaps Korean researchers had mentioned it to colleagues overseas.
Whatever the reason, scientists around the world were now sending applications to Luktic.
The volume was so overwhelming that our HR department's email inbox was flooded with English messages.
For a while, their work practically came to a standstill.