Chapter 80
Chapter 80
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: Strategic Moves
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—We've reached a 10 percent market share.
Han Young-im clenched her fist.
The first milestone was finally achieved.
—At this rate, we should quickly climb to 15 percent.
Ten percent meant they had grown into a global exchange.
The monster byproducts, launched with a massive promotional campaign, had been a huge success.
They would continue to release a near-monopolistic supply, so their market share was bound to rise even faster.
“We’ll start selling the new materials in two weeks. Prepare for the synergy.”
—Understood.
After hanging up, Han Young-im looked at the documents on her desk.
Next to the list of items coming in from full-scale gate trade, the unit prices were listed, converted to gold and silver.
100 types of monster byproducts.
20 types of jewels.
15 types of new magic-related materials.
22 types of special minerals.
And there was one more category.
58 types of arbitrage imports.
16 types of arbitrage exports.
These were items that existed in both dimensions but had different market prices. About 20 of them were gate-related, while the rest were scheduled to be sold through trading companies.
“A bomb is about to drop on the market.”
A bomb that would, of course, profit her.
“If my partner is doing his job flawlessly, I can’t afford to show any weakness either.”
The 30 percent of profits designated to support them was just a number on paper.
“I have to handle everything I can from my end.”
Things Oh Min-jae couldn't do.
Han Young-im took care of them personally.
“Secretary Kim, come in.”
Secretary Kim knocked and entered immediately.
He was one of the seven people Han Young-im trusted.
“What’s the status of the general hospital acquisition?”
“A decision should be made soon. We’re in the final stages of coordination with the other foundation.”
“This isn’t for profit. You know that, right?”
“Yes. We’re negotiating to have the VIP ward operated independently by us.”
The acquisition cost alone was nearly 300 billion won.
On top of that, she planned to keep the VIP ward—a major source of revenue—reserved for the Earth Defense Force’s Mad Castle.
It was a situation that raised concerns about deficits, but Han Young-im decided to accept it.
‘It’s necessary to secure good doctors.’
Initially, she had planned to recruit top doctors and build a mid-sized hospital. But renowned physicians weren't moved by money alone.
Since surgery and treatment required experience, a general hospital was more than just an honorary position to them.
In the end, Han Young-im decided to acquire a general hospital.
“What about the base construction?”
“It should be completed within six months. There are some structural changes. Would you like to see them?”
The Giam Island base was also undergoing continuous changes.
The president of Guseong Construction was getting ambitious.
It was originally planned to have three basement floors, five above-ground floors, and three separate annex buildings, but he had come up with an idea to connect the annexes to the main building.
“We’ve converted the annexes into dormitories and connected them to make it feel like one building. This was due to concerns that separate living quarters might hinder camaraderie.”
“That makes sense. The people working there will be Mr. Wang-sik’s friends, after all. Proceed with this plan.”
“Yes. And the leisure facilities will be constructed after the main building is complete.”
“You’ve handled the permits and licensing, right?”
“No problems there.”
Han Young-im continued to check on many other things.
“Pay special attention to our relationships with countries where gates have opened. Make sure our agents can operate without any issues. It’s fine even if we take a small loss.”
“I’m on it.”
From major political approvals down to the minor details of their uniforms, Han Young-im checked everything.
“The interviews for the dedicated Mad Castle department are next week, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“I’ll be sitting in on the interviews myself.”
Secretary Kim looked slightly surprised but didn't voice any objections.
The newly established department would have a staff of 100, and they were currently hiring for team leader positions.
This department would literally be responsible for taking care of everything for Mad Castle.
It was a team that would manage everything from the food provided on Giam Island to any legal disputes arising from their activities, which was why Han Young-im was personally conducting the interviews.
After confirming everything, Han Young-im asked her final question.
“How is the Hunter Management Bureau?”
“It seems there might be trouble. The atmosphere between the President and the Bureau Director is tense.”
“It seems the transfer of the captured mage to the U.S. was a major factor.”
“Yes. But there are signs of another conflict brewing. The President is planning a joint research project with the U.S. on the two-way gate on the deserted island.”
“He’s relying too heavily on the U.S.”
“It’s also true that we’ve received a lot of support in return. His diplomacy is considered successful in areas other than gate-related matters.”
In fact, overall national indicators were showing stable results.
“Regarding gates, the President aims to solidify an Asia-Pacific alliance centered around the U.S.”
“Well, it’s not a bad choice. With Mr. Wang-sik and Ms. Ha-na, we can at least compete with Japan.”
The Asia-Pacific alliance was a system where things could become politically difficult if our military strength fell below Japan's.
Japan was ranked 10th in Awakened power, but they had the weakness of having no S-rank Awakened.
In contrast, South Korea unofficially acknowledged two S-rank Awakened, which gave them a political weapon.
“The problem is that it goes against Mr. Wang-sik’s wishes…”
Whether it was the Asia-Pacific alliance or the European Union, to Wang-sik, it would all seem like child's play.
“Should we lend our support to the Bureau Director?”
“No. It’s not our place to interfere. Just keep an eye on things.”
“Understood.”
“Please continue your hard work. If we don’t do our job properly, it’ll be embarrassing for our partner on the other side of the gate.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Han Young-im’s gaze returned to the documents.
Majit, Azelan Continent.
“Good work, everyone. That’s all for today. This is a special bonus for your hard work.”
“Thank you, Merchant Lord!”
The workers who received the special bonus bowed and left.
“Aisi, what do you think?”
“You’re always amazing, my Lord.”
“I like it when you praise me, Aisi.”
They entered the three-story building.
“Now that the move is done, it’s time to get serious.”
He had moved the trading company’s headquarters.
It was a building in the same city of Majit, but it was closer to the center and four times the size of the previous one.
Moreover, if he purchased the house attached to the back of the company building, he could even set up his own private research lab.
“I’m worried you’re overworking yourself, my Lord.”
“Don’t worry. If I hold out a little longer, reinforcements will arrive. And I’m going to entrust the established sectors to the Vice-Lord.”
“You must. You look very tired.”
Aisi couldn't hide the worried look on her face.
“I suppose I have been working a lot.”
He had recently acquired three organizations.
The Reril Trading Company, which operated two mines, was the first. He had also purchased a distribution-focused trading company.
Finally, he acquired a workshop specializing in gem cutting.
He had strategically expanded his enterprise.
He planned to continue with aggressive acquisitions in the future, all to build his reputation.
As it was, Sodoban from the Magic Tower had invited him to several social parties, but Oh Min-jae had declined.
‘There’s no point in making a half-baked appearance. I wouldn’t get any attention.’
Even within social parties, there were tiers.
It was as if there were nobles among nobles.
Attending without proper standing and just wasting time in a corner was pointless. That’s why he was expanding his company to make a name for himself across the continent.
“Here, take this.”
Oh Min-jae held out a box to Aisi.
“Open it.”
Aisi opened the box, her expression blank.
“It’s a gift.”
Inside the box was an elegant ruby necklace.
“What? For me…?”
It was the first gift she had ever received in her life.
Even if she had, receiving it from Oh Min-jae made it all the more special.
“You’re the only person I trust around here. Thank you.”
Oh Min-jae smiled and headed to his research lab.
“Ah, I should have put it on for her. Couldn’t bring myself to do that, though.”
It hadn't gone exactly as planned, but seeing Aisi’s expression was satisfying.
“Jewels are a real cash cow.”
Among the jewels from both dimensions, the ones with the largest price difference were, surprisingly, rubies and sapphires.
They were highly valued in Azelan, and the rubies produced on Earth were considered top-quality here.
Thanks to this, Oh Min-jae could now calculate his future moves.
“Now, shall I stir up some trouble?”
Min-jae picked up a document in his lab.
“If I establish an Alchemist Guild, the Magic Tower will come running.”
Mages and alchemists, while seemingly similar, walked different paths and were in stark opposition.
They utilized each other's knowledge and even shared crafted items, yet their relationship was poor because of the gates.
—How dare mere alchemists demand the same treatment as mages!
That's what Sodoban from the Magic Tower had once said.
Mages had received special treatment for a long time historically, but alchemy was a profession that had grown rapidly since gates became mainstream.
The mages didn't like it, and the alchemists hated the mages' baseless arrogance.
“When a fight breaks out, only the merchants profit.”
Oh Min-jae smiled like a child about to play a prank.
Rainbow Island.
It was the dream project being pushed by Drepia.
—The dream island with seven kinds of happiness.
Of course, 'happiness' was the public-facing slogan; the reality was pleasure.
Centered around a massive casino with dozens of games, they planned to create a district of debauchery.
Prostitution, hallucinogens, a slave gladiator arena, and a slave market.
A Room of Delirium created by hiring mental-type mages.
The last was a special auction house, hidden from the Empire's eyes.
Planning seven types of illegal activities, the construction itself should have been impossible. But a decade of lobbying and the power of their current wealth made it possible.
Famous noble families and trading companies from the Empire had already invested, and the island's native inhabitants had been driven out.
The foundational work was complete, so all that was left was to begin construction.
The only thing remaining was official permission from the Empire, which was why Drepia had been keeping a low profile lately.
Rainbow Island was originally separate from Neresa.
Demahe of Drepia had requested that the island, which was only nominally managed by the Lord of Neresa, be recognized as his private property.
In return, he promised enormous donations to the Empire and Neresa, along with high annual taxes.
This wasn't just a matter of money.
—We will build our own kingdom.
Within Rainbow Island, Demahe wanted to become a king.
The Lord of Neresa had already given his permission and sent a letter of recommendation to the Empire.
This was because giving an entire island to a single individual required the Empire's approval.
And a due diligence team from the Empire was scheduled to visit Neresa.
“In fifteen days, right?”
Wang-sik had also heard this news.
“So Demahe can’t hide any longer.”
“Won’t he try to kill me before then?”
“That’s a possibility.”
At Wang-sik's reply, Dusk sidled up to him and spoke with a desperate expression.
“I believe in you, Master.”
“Don’t. If you make even the slightest mistake, I’ll kill you.”
“I still believe in you! You helped me get back on my feet! I will be loyal to you for life!”
Wang-sik looked at Dusk.
Dusk puffed out his chest, trying to show his sincerity with a strong gaze.
At this, Wang-sik's gaze changed.
It was a cold gaze, devoid of emotion.
“Do you know what the hardest part has been since I met you?”
Wang-sik’s hand gripped Dusk’s neck.
“Keeping you alive. That’s the hardest part.”
Dusk was once again reminded.
His Master wanted to kill him.
He didn't know why. And he would never be told.
“The moment you’re no longer useful, you die.”
“I-I’m sorry. I’ll make sure to get it done.”
The fear that had momentarily faded was etched back into Dusk’s mind.