Samcheok Central Hospital, VIP Ward Family Room.
The door opened cautiously, and Seong Gihwan revealed himself. Deep fatigue from the past hours was etched into his face as he held a special cold-storage bag.
"Gihwan!"
Taeho turned around. It was the moment he had been waiting for.
Gihwan set the bag down on the table and took a deep breath. His shoulders fell limply.
"It's finally…… complete."
His voice was a mixture of relief and tension.
The cold-storage bag opened, and Gihwan carefully pulled out a test tube. A tablet screen turned on, displaying a complex molecular structure model.
"The computer simulation results are perfect. It's precisely targeting the weak point of the Amira Virus."
Taeho's gaze fixed on the test tube. Amira's fate was contained within the transparent liquid.
"What's the probability of success?"
"It's undergone hundreds of verifications. Theoretically, eighty-seven percent. But this is the first human application."
"Side effects?"
"Theoretically, it's safe. But there are unpredictable variables. The possibility is small, but in the worst-case scenario, it could trigger a reaction more fatal than the existing virus."
Silence flowed.
"We have no more time."
Taeho's voice sank low.
"The dawn test results show the virus levels are rising sharply."
The blood test results he had checked in Amira's room a few minutes ago flashed through his mind. Liver levels exploding, kidney function plummeting, immune system completely collapsing. Every indicator was crossing the danger line.
The family room door opened again. Faisal, who had stayed by Amira's side all night, entered with an exhausted face. He had briefly stepped away upon hearing that Gihwan had arrived.
"I heard the cure was completed……"
Desperation showed on Faisal's face.
Gihwan explained the situation. Faisal's expression darkened.
"So clinical trials are needed. I'll do it."
"No."
Taeho immediately refused.
"But I've already been infected by the virus before. Am I not the optimal candidate?"
"That's precisely the problem, Rashid. Your immune system has likely already changed. We can't obtain accurate data."
"Then……"
"The most medically accurate method is to apply it to a healthy subject first."
Taeho suddenly took the test tube from Gihwan's hand.
"I'll take it first."
"What?"
Gihwan's eyes widened.
"I'm saying I'll become the first test subject for this neutralizing agent."
There was no tremor in Taeho's voice.
"Ms. Amira is already in an extremely weakened state due to the virus. Her immune system is on the verge of collapse too."
"But……"
"What if unexpected side effects occur? Amira's weakened body won't be able to withstand the shock. But it's best if I, as a healthy person, check it first. And this is a hospital. If a problem arises, we can respond immediately."
It was a medically sound judgment. Primary safety confirmation in a healthy individual, and an emergency response system in a hospital environment.
Taeho began rolling up his sleeve.
Gihwan looked at him. It was a gaze mixed with worry and respect.
"Are you really going to be okay?"
"If a doctor doesn't believe in the medicine he prescribes, who will?"
A smile spread across Taeho's lips.
"Especially when it was made by a genius researcher like you, Gihwan. I believe in you."
Gihwan knew Taeho's personality well. Once this man had made a decision like this, no one could stop him. He let out a long breath.
"Understood. I'll monitor all biosignals in real-time. If even the slightest abnormal sign appears, we'll move you to the ICU immediately."
"Of course."
Faisal was still anxious.
"Doctor Gang, you don't have to go this far."
"It's not uncommon for medical staff or researchers to conduct the first clinical trial of a new treatment themselves."
Taeho nodded toward Faisal.
"Rashid, if I'm healthy after twenty-four hours, then we can use this treatment on Amira. I can say that with certainty."
Taeho smiled as if to tell him not to worry.
Faisal was at a loss for words.
To go this far for a patient……
Something hot welled up from deep within his chest. He had been right to believe in Doctor Gang from the beginning and come here. He wanted to show this to the advisors who had opposed coming to this land called Samcheok, a place whose very name was unfamiliar.
This is the heart of a great Korean doctor.
***
Various monitoring equipment surrounding Taeho blinked with electronic sounds. Biosignals such as ECG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature were displayed on the screen in real-time.
The tips of Gihwan's fingers holding the syringe trembled slightly.
"How is your condition?"
"Perfect. Let's begin."
Taeho entrusted his body to the bed and extended his arm.
A resolute voice.
Faisal and Jo Hyeongjun watched the monitor with bated breath.
Rema was also analyzing all data in real-time through a hologram.
-All of Gang Taeho's biosignals are currently within the normal range.
The needle slowly pierced the vein. The transparent neutralizing agent gradually seeped into Taeho's blood vessels.
"Administration complete."
The moment Gihwan spoke while withdrawing the syringe, it felt as if time had stopped.
All eyes focused on the monitor. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation—all indicators still pointed to the normal range.
Even more precise biological information rose before Taeho's eyes in real-time.
-1 minute elapsed. No abnormalities.
Gihwan checked the clock and waited nervously.
-5 minutes elapsed. All biosignals normal.
Faisal's fist slowly unclenched. He had been gripping it without realizing.
-10 minutes elapsed. Blood neutralizing agent concentration rising. No side effect signs.
Jo Hyeongjun let out a small sigh of relief.
Twenty-four hours passed.
Taeho maintained a healthy state without any side effects. He even looked more vigorous than usual. Gihwan couldn't hide his smile as he held the final blood test results.
"All values are perfect."
Rema announced the final analysis.
-The neutralizing agent is working normally in Gang Taeho's blood. Immune system strengthening, inflammation levels decreasing—positive results are showing in every aspect.
Taeho got up from the bed and said.
"Now we can treat Amira."
Faisal grabbed his hand with both of his own. He continued in a trembling voice.
"Doctor Gang, thank you truly. Thanks to your courage……"
"Save the thanks for later. We need to hurry to Ms. Amira."
***
The VIP hospital room where Amira lay.
Various monitoring equipment had been additionally installed, and Jo Hyeongjun and the nursing team had an emergency cart prepared.
Only Amira's faint breathing could be heard as she lay unconscious in the bed.
Taeho stood beside Amira's bed, took her hand, and whispered.
"Amira, it's starting now. Stay strong."
Gihwan checked the neutralizing agents prepared in stages. They were divided into five steps, starting from a 0.1mL test dose up to the final full amount.
Jo Hyeongjun spoke in a worried voice.
"Director, do we really have to do this? Shouldn't we have at least another week of observation?"
"Amira has no time."
Taeho spoke decisively. The virus levels on the monitor kept rising. At this rate, if they waited even one more day, they could lose Amira.
Faisal was tightly holding his sister's other hand. Worry and desperation were mixed in his eyes.
"Beginning first test administration."
Gihwan slowly injected the small 0.1mL amount into the vein.
Everyone's gaze focused on the monitor. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature were displayed in real-time.
After thirty minutes, with no significant abnormal reaction, Taeho ordered the next step.
"Begin immunosuppressant pretreatment."
After one hour of observation, she maintained a stable state without significant changes.
"Beginning twenty-five percent concentration administration."
The moment the injection went in, the heart rate on the monitor began stabilizing little by little. The irregular rhythm gradually calmed.
When three hours had passed.
Amira's body temperature suddenly began rising sharply. It crossed 39.5 degrees and kept climbing.
"Febrile convulsions beginning!"
The nurse shouted. Amira's body began shaking violently.
"Diazepam 5mg IV! Administer antipyretics!"
Taeho gave rapid instructions. Jo Hyeongjun and the nursing team moved busily.
"Body temperature rising to 40.2 degrees!"
"Prepare cooling blankets! Apply ice packs!"
After thirty minutes of fierce response, the convulsions stopped and her body temperature began gradually falling.
Faisal asked with a pale face.
"Is she going to be okay?"
"It's an expected reaction. Evidence that her immune system is fighting the virus."
Taeho reassured him in a calm tone.
Six hours later, they proceeded with the fifty percent concentration administration.
But two hours later, the worst happened.
Beep— Beep—
Warning sounds rang from the heart monitor.
"Cardiac arrest! Cardiac arrest!"
The nurse's shout froze Taeho's heart. Amira's heart rate plummeted before flatlining.
'No. No.'
Something inside Taeho collapsed. But his body was already moving reflexively.
"Begin CPR! Prepare the defibrillator!"
Taeho immediately began chest compressions. Jo Hyeongjun took charge of securing the airway.
"Epinephrine 1mg IV!"
"Defibrillator charged to 200 joules!"
"Everyone stand clear! Shock!"
Bang!
Amira's body jolted up with the electric shock.
It was still a flat line.
'Please…… please……'
Taeho prayed inwardly.
"Again! Continue CPR!"
Cold sweat formed on Taeho's forehead.
Faisal leaned against the wall and watched with a despairing expression.
After five minutes of fierce resuscitation, the heartbeat returned.
Beep— Beep— Beep—
"Pulse palpable! Blood pressure 85 over 50!"
Taeho's shoulders fell limply.
A wave of relief, yet fear took hold in one corner of his chest. Just the thought that he had nearly lost Amira made it hard to breathe.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but Taeho alone still couldn't take his eyes off Amira's face.
When twelve hours had passed, another crisis came.
"The virus levels are surging again!"
Gihwan was bewildered as he looked at the blood test results.
"Is the treatment a failure?"
Jo Hyeongjun asked.
Taeho answered calmly.
"No. This is the process of her immune system reorganizing itself."
He believed what he was seeing through his Bio Vision.
"But the virus levels……"
Jo Hyeongjun was curious what Taeho was thinking.
Could it be that the director's insides weren't made of organic matter like normal people, but contained something like a robot inside?
How could he maintain such a calm, composed posture like that?
"Wait and see. Gihwan, what about the immune cell analysis results?"
"T-cell and B-cell activity is rising sharply. New antibody production is also confirmed."
"She'll be okay."
Since Taeho was unwavering like a rock, the medical staff couldn't be easily shaken either.
At the eighteen-hour mark, a dramatic reversal occurred.
The virus levels began decreasing sharply. At the same time, Amira's vital signs began stabilizing.
After twenty hours.
Amira's eyelids trembled slowly before gradually opening. Her unfocused pupils gradually became clear and turned toward Taeho.
Faisal wrapped his sister's hand with both of his own, his voice trembling.
"Ya Ukhti! Amira!"
Tears streamed down his cheeks. It was the moment when two days of extreme anxiety and despair were released in an instant.
Jo Hyeongjun checked the latest test results and was amazed.
"Unbelievable. All virus levels have returned to the normal range."
The treatment was a success.
Amira called for Taeho before her brother beside her.
"Doctor…… Gang……"
Her voice was still weak, but vitality could be felt.
"Yes, Amira."
"……I'm okay."
Amira smiled a faint but warm smile.
That smile seemed to compensate for all the hellish time that had passed.
Taeho secretly let out a sigh.
Rain fell inside his chest.
His tilted world regained gravity once more.
For the first time, he was grateful to have become a doctor.