Chapter 6: Economic Endeavors
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After the players and coaching staff had left, Peter asked Sebas to wait for a moment. He needed some time alone to explore the interface further and understand the implications of the S-Card system.

Sebas nodded understandingly and stepped aside, giving Peter the privacy he needed to delve into this newfound power. Peter's curiosity was piqued, and he began his exploration by clicking on the "Personal Athletes" category.

There, he saw Daniel Mori's name prominently displayed, along with the icon representing the Julius Erving S-Card. Peter's gaze lingered on this entry, knowing that he had just altered the course of one young athlete's life.

As Peter delved deeper into the interface, he discovered a wealth of information regarding the transformation Daniel Mori would undergo. It was a process that would unfold gradually over the course of eight months, aligning with Daniel's current age of 17, soon to celebrate his 18th birthday.

What intrigued Peter even more was the realization that the S-Card's effects weren't limited to merely replicating the statistics of a prime Julius Erving. Instead, it promised a synthesis of skills and attributes—a fusion of athleticism, knowledge, and experience—that could potentially elevate Daniel to a new level of excellence.

Peter envisioned a scenario where Daniel might gain an inch in height, acquire a higher vertical jump, sharpen his ball-handling skills, and refine his basketball IQ. It was a comprehensive transformation, one that would mold Daniel into a more complete and formidable athlete.

The system was cleverly designed to adapt these changes to the recipient's age, ensuring that they reached their full potential while accounting for their current physical and mental development. The prospect of such a transformation filled Peter with a sense of responsibility and excitement as he contemplated the impact it would have on Daniel's basketball journey.

With this newfound knowledge, Peter was now faced with the responsibility of choosing and bestowing these remarkable cards upon young athletes, individuals who were 18 years old or younger, and guiding them toward a future of athletic excellence and achievement.

Returning to the palace, Peter couldn't shake off the weight of his newfound responsibilities. The recent events at the Royal Basket facilities had been exhilarating, but now it was time to confront a different challenge—the economic well-being of Makay.

As Peter delved into the intricate issues of Makay's economy, he found himself grappling with the nation's heavy reliance on fishing, which had been its primary source of income. The fishermen of Makay had long sustained their livelihoods from the bountiful ocean waters, but this singular dependence had left the country vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market.

Further investigation led Peter to a crucial realization: Makay's economic landscape had yet to attract significant investment from other nations. The reasons for this became clear as he explored the nature of the Makay people themselves. They possessed a distinctive inclination to prioritize quality over cost, showing a preference for locally sourced goods and a commitment to their own unique way of life. This idiosyncrasy, while admirable, often deterred foreign companies from viewing Makay as a profitable market. The small population of the island compounded the issue, as it made the prospect of establishing large-scale operations seem financially unviable.

Peter recognized that diversification and innovation were essential for Makay's economic growth and sustainability. He contemplated the untapped potential of tourism as a catalyst for change. Tourism not only had the power to thrust Makay into the global spotlight but also held the promise of job creation, addressing one of the nation's most pressing challenges.

Peter went out to look into ways to expand and advertise the tourist sector in Makay with a strong sense of purpose and a vision for the future of his nation. He was ready to face the difficulties that lay ahead as he continued on his path toward economic change in the hope of providing a better and more prosperous future for his people.

Sebas, ever the diligent and efficient aide, took note of Peter's request to schedule a meeting with Otto Lee for the following day. He swiftly arranged the meeting, ensuring all details were in order before reporting back to Peter.

Sebas: "Your Highness, I've scheduled the meeting with Mr. Otto Lee for the next day, precisely as you requested. It will take place at the palace, and all necessary preparations have been made."

Peter, grateful for Sebas's prompt action, nodded appreciatively.

Peter: "Thank you, Sebas. Your efficiency is invaluable. Please convey my appreciation to Mr. Lee for his willingness to meet with me."

Sebas: "Of course, Your Highness. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

Peter considered for a moment before shaking his head.

Peter: "No, Sebas. That will be all for now. I'll prepare for the meeting with Mr. Lee and let you know if anything else arises. Thank you."

Sebas bowed slightly before excusing himself, leaving Peter to contemplate the forthcoming discussion with Otto Lee and the pivotal decisions that lay ahead for Makay's economic future.

In the opulent meeting room of the palace, Peter and Otto Lee sat across from each other, the weight of Makay's economic future resting heavily on their shoulders. With a sense of formality, Otto Lee addressed Peter.

Otto Lee: "Your Highness, it's an honor to discuss these matters with you. Let's delve into your proposals."

Peter leaned forward, eager to share his ideas.

Peter: "Thank you, Mr. Lee. Firstly, I've been considering diversifying our exports. Currently, we heavily rely on fishing, and while it's an important part of our heritage, I believe we should explore additional avenues. Perhaps promoting locally made crafts and goods or developing agriculture What are your thoughts on this?"

Otto Lee nodded thoughtfully.

Otto Lee: "Diversification is a wise strategy, Your Highness. Relying solely on one industry can indeed be desolate, but for a long time we didn’t have the capability of risking our income stream. Expanding our export portfolio could open new markets and provide stability if done right. Local crafts and agriculture, if nurtured and marketed strategically, have the potential to contribute significantly to our economy. For example, I personally think we should look into selling some of our handmade traditional clothes."

Encouraged by Otto Lee's response, Peter continued.

Peter: "Secondly, I've been contemplating the potential of tourism. Makay is a beautiful country, and I believe it remains largely undiscovered by the world. Promoting eco-tourism, showcasing our natural wonders, and preserving our unique culture could draw visitors. What are your thoughts on the viability of tourism in Makay?"

Otto Lee considered the idea, weighing its pros and cons.

Otto Lee: "Tourism can be a lucrative industry, Your Highness. Makay's pristine natural beauty is indeed a valuable asset. However, it would require substantial investment in infrastructure, marketing, and hospitality services. We would also have to think about security and how to prevent the destruction of the environment, as happened, for example, in Palau. Furthermore, we should approach this venture carefully to ensure it benefits our people and preserves our culture."

Peter nodded, acknowledging the complexities involved in the tourism sector. Finally, he broached his third idea.

Peter: "Lastly, I've been thinking about cultural initiatives. Supporting the arts, music, and literature would indirectly contribute to our economy through the promotion of local talent and cultural exports. What do you think of this approach?"

Otto Lee smiled, appreciating the well-roundedness of Peter's ideas.

Otto Lee: "Your Highness, investing in culture is investing in the soul of a nation. It's not just about economics but also identity. By nurturing our cultural heritage, we can foster a sense of pride among our people and attract international attention. It's an approach I wholeheartedly support."

Having discussed Peter's ideas thoroughly, Otto Lee paused briefly before presenting an idea of his own.

Otto Lee: "Your Highness, I've been pondering ways to enhance our country's economic potential further. One avenue we could explore is leveraging our geographical location. Makay is strategically positioned in the Pacific, and this offers unique opportunities."

Peter leaned forward, intrigued by the notion.

Peter: "Please, Mr. Lee, elaborate on how we could utilize our location to our advantage."

Otto Lee: "Certainly, Your Highness. Given our proximity to various shipping routes, we could develop and expand our ports to become a regional hub for trade and logistics. This could not only boost our economy but also elevate Makay's role in the global supply chain."

Peter nodded, considering the potential benefits of such a venture.

Peter: "That's an intriguing proposal, Mr. Lee. Let's explore this idea further during our government meeting next week. It aligns well with our goal to diversify our economic activities. Thank you for sharing your insights."

As the conversation continued, Peter recognized that Otto Lee's wealth of experience and innovative thinking would be instrumental in shaping Makay's economic future. He seemed like a very experienced businessman, but most of all, he seemed like a decent human. This made Peter smile, as it seemed that the politicians in this country seemed nowhere near as greedy or horrible as he knew them in his former life.

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