Chapter 77
Chapter 77
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: DJ01 Demo and Saudi Departure
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Two weeks had passed.
Mid-March.
The schedule to depart for Saudi Arabia was right around the corner.
The researchers at Vigang Systems had pulled all-nighters without a wink of sleep. It was proof of just how crucial this Saudi contract was above all else.
I gathered with Seo Kyung-hwan in one of the testing labs.
In front were twenty tank models scattered about—far from ordinary toys—and the drones prepared by Vigang Systems numbered over twenty, all awaiting the user's command.
"Get ready."
"Yes, sir."
People bustled about busily.
Seo Kyung-hwan watched the employees and spoke up.
"The new drone we've developed is a bit unusual."
Unusual?
In what way?
Did that mean it was different from the drones made by drone powerhouses like the US or China?
"Let's start with the test."
With a wave of his hand, the twenty-plus drones lifted into the air simultaneously.
"!"
N-No way!
One person controlling that many drones?
To be precise, it was Vigang Systems' senior researcher.
An elite with a drone license, no doubt.
Weeeeeng!
The drones powered their propellers vigorously and zeroed in precisely on the models ahead.
And then.
Kaboom!
Not a single miss.
If those had been real tanks, they would've erupted in savage flames.
"Wh-What is this...?"
"It's called the DJ01."
"DJ...?"
"We named it after you, President Do-jun, who helped us out at Vigang. It was the least I could do..."
"You didn't have to go that far. Wouldn't it be better to name it after Vigang itself?"
Everyone in the room shouted in unison.
"No! Without President Do-jun, we'd be out on the streets!"
The senior researcher who'd piloted the drones had the loudest voice of all.
They were the type who'd jump into fire or march into hell if asked.
The kind who'd even fake their deaths on command.
I really do have a good eye for people.
"Impressive. To bring it this far in such a short time."
"Hahaha, we had a generous investor pouring in the funding. Plus, our Vigang researchers burned the midnight oil for days to repay the favor. Honestly, we're still not satisfied."
"Even with performance this outstanding?"
"Yes. Nations around the world are taking this war as a lesson, viewing drones not as toys but as critical state projects. Not just Korea—the US has boosted its budget too."
Seo Kyung-hwan wasn't done.
"If we'd had a bit more time, we could've upped the connection from twenty to forty drones. That's the part that really stings."
"..."
The entire Vigang research team, including the CEO, were KAIST alumni.
True to their reputation as Korea's top tech elites.
And those drones reminded me of something specific, didn't they?
"Hahaha, you know your defense tech. Correct. Our DJ01 applies a system similar to the AH-64."
"AH-64—the world's strongest attack helicopter developed by the US?"
"Exactly. The AH-64 pioneered squadron attacks for helicopters. The lead chopper, dubbed Longbow Radar, shares real-time intel with the formation via digital data links. Mounted atop the rotor, the radar dome detects targets precisely even kilometers away."
Seo Kyung-hwan pulled a cigarette from his pocket and took a deep drag.
I'd heard he'd quit, but looks like he started again lately.
For his daughter's sake, maybe he should cut back...
"Back in 1980... I was blown away when the Apache hit the scene. I instantly saw how applying that system to drones could benefit humanity."
He puffed contentedly until thoughts of his kid hit him, then stubbed it out quick.
"Pure research took a solid fifteen years. Adapting it to drones? Errors galore—another five years gone. Korea's finest minds poured twenty years into this, and now it's finally bearing fruit."
Tears streamed from Seo Kyung-hwan's eyes.
The corporate bullying must've taken a heavy toll.
He clasped my hands tightly and bowed deeply.
"Without you, President Do-jun, we'd have been played for fools. The start of our downfall. You're the first businessman to see us researchers as humans, not disposables."
"President Seo..."
"Hahaha, embarrassing for an old guy like me to bawl."
He wiped his tears with his sleeve.
Gazing at the sky, he muttered like a vow.
"Vigang Systems pledges here and now to devote everything to you, President Do-jun. May our DJ01 protect this nation's people."
Of course.
I want to live long and thin.
Personal ability matters, but a strong nation is key.
And national defense is non-negotiable for that.
'This Saudi deal will give Vigang wings.'
Witnessing a man's tears melted away the last walls between us.
Like the Berlin Wall crumbling.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Time to head to Saudi.
An invite from Ramzan Abdulman, the number two.
I looked at the precious connections seeing me off at the airport.
Olivia, Im Yun-ah, Jin Seol-young, Prisia, Park Sung-ho, and more.
Regrettably, Jin Seol-hwa was the one coming along.
She was the one who'd inevitably crossed paths with Ramzan Abdulman.
"I'll be off."
"Yes. Safe travels, President."
"I'll call when I land. And Seol-young, be good for your sister..."
Damn.
Saying goodbye to a little sister so cute I could put her in my eye without it stinging.
Even just five days and four nights felt endlessly long.
"Don't worry about things here. I'll stake my life on protecting everyone."
Im Yun-ah thumped her chest, showing off her toned physique.
Prisia beside her did the same.
"No need to worry about you, sir. The mansion's security is at least fifteen times tighter now."
"..."
That explained all the new installations.
State-of-the-art high-res CCTVs everywhere, and we even bought the empty mansion next door. Im Yun-ah and Prisia had been hauling mystery boxes in and out.
Maybe intruders should be the ones worrying, not us.
"Uncleeee!"
"Aigoo, my princess!"
Smooch!
I soaked up as much little-sister power as I could for the time being.
Jin Seol-hwa just shook her head, muttering, 'President, hopeless.'
"Uncle, what if I miss you?"
Her big, doe-like eyes welled with tears.
Ah, igniting the flames in this Hnam man's heart.
"I'll come back as fast as I can."
"Really?"
"Of course! How could Uncle leave his princess behind?"
One more smooch.
I grinned in satisfaction—an act I'd never tire of, even after hundreds.
The women I'd bonded with all watched.
Wishing me well.
Prisia waved big.
"Sir, always watch for tails and sweeps. Incidents start with those two!"
"Got it. Take good care of Seol-young too, Prisia."
"I'll stake my life on protecting the young miss!"
She might look otaku-ish,
but Prisia was ex-counter-terror from America's top 1%.
Expert in tracking, explosives, detection.
Im Yun-ah had even suggested bringing her along.
"Then we're off."
Whoa, staring at the massive plane fuselage in the giant window brought back school days.
Truth be told, I'd only flown once before.
High school field trip survey—friends all voted Jeju.
First flight back then.
"President, deep breaths. Close your eyes, relax, and you'll be in Saudi before you know it."
"Hahaha... N-Nervous. I have a fear of flying."
Damn! Making a guy lose face.
Taking off felt like the Viking ride cresting at an amusement park.
Bugs crawling all over your body.
Come to think of it, some Vigang researchers had already headed to Saudi with the DJ01 I'd seen.
For a demo in front of the crown prince and Ramzan Abdulman.
Thorough prep to avoid any slip-ups.
Seo Kyung-hwan spotted my face and flashed a confident smile.
"President, plane crash odds are one in a million flights. Cars? One per ten thousand people. Relax."
That eased my mind a bit.
I gazed at the blue sky reflected in the window.
Luckily, unlike that budget economy flight in high school, this was first class up front.
Spacious seats, in-flight service, gourmet meals, showers, private lounge—pure luxury.
'Ramzan Abdulman, huh...'
What kind of man was he?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Where founder Muhammad ibn Saud merged with the Wahhabi movement to become a key political hub.
Landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport, I was speechless at the sheer scale. Ours isn't small, but this was another world.
Crown prince announced in '22 he'd build the world's biggest elsewhere—mind-boggling.
Truly a petrostate.
"Hello? I'm Go Do-jun, your Riyadh guide for the next five days and four nights."
"Nice to meet you. Early arrival?"
"Hahaha, close by, so I waited ahead."
"I see. Local?"
"Yes, local."
Go Do-jun, a Saudi local hired for me.
He briefed me en route.
"Ramzan Abdulman is the grandson of the founding king—King Abdulaziz, father of the current king. Thus, close ties to the throne. Saudi princes have ranks; the top is 'Royal Highness.' See Ramzan Abdulman as the pinnacle."
"..."
Tension bubbled up again.
This was a whole different league.
Flashback to the crown prince's Korea visit—chaebol chairmen legs together, hands neat on knees.
So deferential...
People snapped and shared pics like crazy.
Didn't feel like someone else's business anymore.
"That's Ramzan Abdulman."
A middle-aged man with a thick mustache.
An unexpected greeting.
"Welcome to Saudi, bio." (Note: Likely a playful or misheard "bio" for "beau" or Arabic welcome, but context cheek kiss.)
I'd expected a handshake at most.
But this guy went straight for the cheek kiss.
"!"
I stared at Ramzan Abdulman in a daze.
He'd claimed my first.