Chapter 47: Look, He's in a Rush Again

“How’s the serum development coming along?”

Roland looked at the researcher in front of him as he asked.

“Progress is going very smoothly. We’ve already derived three versions of the serum, each with different therapeutic effects. Boss, where did you find this serum?”

The researcher stared at Roland, barely containing his excitement. And it wasn’t without reason—this stuff was unbelievably effective. The original formula, in particular, was so potent it could pull someone back even after their heart had stopped.

Well—to be precise, within a certain window after cardiac arrest. Too long, and even this serum wouldn’t work. It wasn’t some immortal elixir.

“That’s classified. You don’t need to worry about that. Just do your job well. And don’t worry, I’ll keep my word—once the product goes to market, you’ll receive your share of the dividends.”

Roland threw him a glance but didn’t answer the question about the serum’s origins. Instead, he offered profit-sharing as motivation before turning to leave.

He did have the formula for the original serum, but he absolutely did not trust the people of this world with it. Instead, production was handled by Lissandra in a small factory, and the output was nowhere near enough compared to the three diluted versions.

Not that he planned to sell the original formula widely anyway. His target customers were the upper class—people who valued their lives above all else. He knew they’d pay whatever it took.

He had already examined the therapeutic solutions currently available on the market. Their effectiveness was very limited—mostly stopping bleeding and providing minor healing, just enough to keep someone alive until rescue arrived.

His products, however, were a different story.

The first-generation Type C serum wasn’t too different from existing options, but it offered several minor improvements—and at a much lower price. It was cheap enough that an ordinary household could keep one on standby.

The second version provided true healing capabilities—able to mend most wounds, stop bleeding, and support vital organ function. This tier was aimed at the company’s mid- and lower-level employees.

The third version could practically drag someone back from death’s door. Its restorative power was extraordinary, though it did have side effects—mainly temporary physical weakness and loss of appetite. But compared to its benefits, those were negligible.

Naturally, the price was steep—this version was meant for the upper strata.

“Kiwi, keep an eye on them. Before the product launches, don’t let them contact the outside world or leave this facility.”

“Got it.”

Kiwi nodded. An orange glow flickered briefly in her eyes as she resumed monitoring the researchers’ comms, ensuring no insider leaks emerged.

After Roland left, a strange glint flashed in one researcher’s gaze. But when he caught sight of Kiwi, he silently returned to his work.

Meanwhile, Roland contacted Kang Tao’s liaison along with Arasaka’s point of contact, showing them demonstration videos of all the serum variants in use.

In less than a moment, both Arasaka and Kang Tao were hooked. It was obvious why—they were major corporations with their own armed units. Anything that drastically cut medical costs and sent troops back into battle faster would always grab their attention.

The proposed deal was straightforward: PROJECT would supply them with a fixed annual quota of the serum at a discounted rate, and in return, Kang Tao and Arasaka would provide funding and resource support. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

After speaking with both companies, Roland kept Kang Tao’s representative behind.

“Mr. Edgar Huo, there’s something I’d like to discuss with your company.”

“Oh? And what might you need from me?”

Edgar Huo’s expression shifted into one of genuine curiosity as he looked at Roland.

“From what I know, the Trauma Team has a supply agreement with your company. I’d like to use your recommendation to establish cooperation with them.”

Roland stated his request directly, smiling as he did.

Edgar Huo’s face tightened in a pained expression—this time, not an act. He knew full well that the company before him operated in the smart weapons market, competing directly with Kang Tao.

And he had to admit, Roland’s smart weapons surpassed theirs in some aspects. Even the Zhuo-style targeting system had incorporated improvements based on weapons provided by Roland’s company.

“I can offer a 10% profit share,” Roland continued calmly, “and a blueprint for a new smart weapon. I assume your company wouldn’t refuse something like that?”

At that, Edgar Huo’s eyes brightened, though his face remained composed. He wanted to see if he could push for more.

After all, Roland was the one seeking cooperation. Securing additional benefits was only natural.

“Hm… I must say, Mr. Roland, your sincerity is impressive… However, this isn’t something I can decide alone. I’ll need to discuss it with those above me. Would that be acceptable…?”

He looked at Roland with a conflicted expression, then added a polite, ingratiating smile. Clearly, Roland’s offer tempted him.

Roland narrowed his eyes slightly, then nodded. “No problem. That’s reasonable. But I hope you won’t make me wait too long. And one more thing… being too greedy tends to backfire.”

He left that final warning before ending the call.

After disconnecting, Edgar Huoi chuckled softly, then gathered others to discuss. They determined a reasonable compromise—nothing overboard. They understood perfectly: Roland only needed Kang Tao to strengthen his ties with the Trauma Team, not to replace them.

And considering the performance of the weapons and the serum he had shown them, the Trauma Team absolutely wouldn’t miss this opportunity. The serum was far cheaper than hospital-level treatment, and securing exclusive supply rights would give them grounds to raise certain fees.

Before long, Kang Tao called Roland back, agreeing to help—but only if he yielded an additional half percentage point.

Roland didn’t hesitate. Securing the market mattered more right now.

As a result, Roland quickly reached an agreement with the Trauma Team. After seeing the serum’s effects for themselves, the Trauma Team soon realized that many of Biotechnica’s treatments… were no longer necessary.

They immediately planned to discontinue several Biotechnica medications to cut costs.

This left Biotechnica stunned. They hadn’t done anything—so why were they suddenly being dropped?

Biotechnica’s intelligence division soon acquired internal information from the Trauma Team: the collaboration was ending because they had signed a new agreement with PROJECT, whose new pharmaceuticals could replace portions of Biotechnica’s offerings.

Upon learning this, Fuda, head of the intelligence division, scowled darkly.

“Investigate. I want to know exactly what new drugs that company has developed!”

Though Biotechnica’s primary field was energy technology, pharmaceuticals were also a major profit source—one they had no intention of giving up.