Chapter 74: Small Revolution - 2
According to his sister, it wasn't just about regenerating organs—it could regenerate all cells in the body. Of course, that excluded limbs severed long ago. That was impossible. But even this was an absurdly groundbreaking effect.
What would the world look like if this were announced and people started using it?
The biggest takeaway from his sister's talk today was that it didn't just halt aging—it could reverse it. Regenerating skin and organs meant the elderly could reclaim their youth.
"Isn't that taking it a bit too far?"
"Yeah, it might seem that way. But theoretically, it's possible. And..."
"I feel like we shouldn't do it."
That was the problem. Ethics aside, there was this instinctive revulsion. And the disgust he felt? Others would too. Well, maybe not if it was happening to them. But universally speaking?
Of course, things might change with one condition: if everyone could do it. But troll blood wasn't an infinite ocean. From what his sister explained, fully regenerating one person required blood from about three trolls. Even hunting them until their species went extinct, it was impossible for all of humanity to benefit—hell, not even a single neighborhood.
"If it came to that, it would end up..."
"As the exclusive property of the elite."
"You're not researching it for that, right?"
"Of course not."
"Then how much troll blood do you need for targeted organ regeneration?"
"About 200ml. Think of it as one small milk carton from the store."
"That's still not a small amount."
"True. But a single troll yields around 50 liters of blood before it dies. So, one troll could make about 250 doses of organ regeneration treatment."
One troll saving 250 people. That seemed pretty viable.
He'd read that average human blood volume was 5-6 liters—for adult males. Trolls didn't just have ten times that; their hearts pumped out blood like mad until the end. No point thinking in human terms anyway.
Still, troll blood saving 250 lives per monster? Solid deal.
"But this 'technology'? Nah, it's mostly the troll blood doing the work. Releasing it to the world won't be easy."
"Probably not. We're not a pharma company—we're a pet food outfit. Heh."
Having a way to save lives didn't mean they could commercialize it. His sister was in biotech, so maybe she had connections, but how would people react to troll blood as the key ingredient? Tricky.
"Should we secretly slip it to a few people? Like a sleeve gift?"
"Whoa, Sis, you're dangerously bold."
Sleeve gifting—high-level players sneaking presents to noobs in games. But saving a few like that? Meant dosing patients without them knowing. Reckless mindset. If she kept evolving, she'd turn into a mad scientist.
"Kidding, kidding. But there's one person I am doing it for."
"Huh?"
"Juyeon's little brother."
"What's wrong with him?"
"Heart condition. And he's in high school now."
"Transplant not an option?"
"Koreans are super negative about organ donation. Confucian influence—keeping the body intact and all that. Lots of patients waiting, few donors."
"Not everyone abroad donates either."
"True, but the rates are way higher."
He recalled reading that too. Confucianism ran deep in Korean society, for better or worse. Plenty of positives, but negatives too. No easy answers.
"FYI, I'm signed up for organ donation."
"Good job."
They send a sticker to put on your ID. Helps identify donors in accidents. His resident card and license had them. Not sure if it's still stickers these days.
"Anyway, let's save Juyeon's brother first. Any side effects? We don't want an American-style disaster."
"I told you—processing the blood externally was the issue."
"You sure?"
"Pretty sure. But for extra certainty, have you check it? You've got Observation."
"Oh, right."
His sister handed him the treatment. It looked like a blood pack. He started observing it.
Observation skill used.
◈ Supplies the solution to the target organ, regenerating it.
◈ Applicable to the human body.
The description was straightforward. No extra effects listed. But the system confirmed it regenerated human organs—just like his sister said.
"System agrees with you, Sis."
"Good. Relieved."
"Gonna use it on Juyeon's brother right away?"
"No special effects or side effects?"
"Nothing listed. Probably safe."
"Phew."
"Where's the procedure?"
"Hey, mind if I bring some medical gear to your place?"
"Turning my house into an illegal clinic? Too risky. Someone might be watching us."
"From outside?"
"Yeah. Gate owners get protected—or monitored. If one dies, the gate vanishes, and that's a huge loss for the nation, humanity."
Unless like Hakashi, where the pet inherits and passes it on.
"So where?"
"Normally, at a hospital. Is that a crime...?"
"Kinda illegal."
"Better to do a clinical trial then?"
"Huh?"
"Run the trial, then stop. Not everything successful gets to market—cost issues, whatever. Trials aren't illegal; just get approval."
"Oh, yeah. Thanks."
She probably had the connections.
"Now, the scalp regeneration cream? How much troll blood?"
"200ml makes about 200 units."
"Whoa, one troll's a goldmine."
"Yep."
"Sell 'em and build a hospital?"
"Hospital? Think it'll sell that well?"
"Joking? Ten million balding folks' dreams!"
"We got ten million baldies?"
"Some comedian said it on TV. Not sure exactly. But one tube guarantees hair growth?"
"Yep."
"A million won per tube then."
"Sounds right."
"One troll turns into how much?"
"Ask a business major."
"You are the science one!"
"Oh yeah. 5 billion?"
One troll for 5 billion won. Enough for a hospital?
"Yeah, could build one."
"That's for entrepreneurs. I'm combining troll blood and pineapple for revolutionary skin regen ointment. Can't fully reverse aging, but looks-wise? Fine."
Sounded like anti-aging. Wouldn't extend lifespan, though. Eh, whatever.
"Do you. But don't make effects too dramatic."
"Got it. Oh, link an animal hospital too. Pets need organ regen."
"Yeah, the one near Dad's store. Vet there was nice."
"Good. People come from afar."
"Let's do that. How much for animal organ regen?"
"1ml for cats/small dogs. 100ml for big ones."
"Cool. Prep it. Our pet food needs testing anyway—perfect spot."
"Yeah. Vet'll love it."
He stared at his sister.
"What?"
"You like him, huh?"
"So what if I do? Don't even know if he's single. If my bros scout that out, research'll be fun, right?"
"On it!"
"That's why I like you. Dump that beast Seon-woo somewhere."
"Package him nicely. In front of Juyeon's?"
"Juyeon still thinks about that beast?"
"Can't forget her. First love... probably last."
His sister sighed. Hoya looked at him and sighed too.
What? Why'd their faces match like that?
Nyaang.
Hoya hopped on his shoulder, paw on his head. Bad vibe.
"Hey, cut it out."
Nyaang.
"Fine!"
Take care of your first love. As if. Fine, he'd make one. But where to find her?
Rumors at work said he liked men—barely looked at women. Queen bee tried giving her number; he shut it down clean. Dad heard and asked seriously if he liked guys. Shocked him.
He respected tastes. Just wasn't his.
"Drink?"
"Go check—the wine's finally aged."
Annoying sister. But he trudged off to inspect it anyway.