Raymond promptly reached out to the Magic Tower.
'Preparations are essential. This won't be a straightforward surgery.'
Cataracts.
They form when a hazy substance accumulates on the lens (crystalline lens) of the eye, obstructing the passage of light.
Similar to how a window becomes opaque when it's excessively dirty, the eye's lens undergoes a similar transformation.
The solution is simple: remove the clouded lens (crystalline lens) and replace it with a new one (artificial crystalline lens).
'In the medical hub of the modern Earth, it's a straightforward surgery. One of the most basic eye surgeries. But not here. There are several difficulties.'
Firstly, the constraints of the equipment.
There were no dedicated surgical microscopes for ophthalmic procedures, nor the equipment needed for ultrasound emulsification to liquefy the hardened crystalline lens.
He couldn't utilize "phacoemulsification," the central technique in cataract surgery.
He had to resort to removing the eye's lens using just scalpels.
Another challenge was Raymond's own skills.
'I've primarily specialized in major surgeries and have gained expertise in those. These minor fields, particularly ophthalmic surgery, are where my experience falls short.'
Medicine meticulously categorizes its subfields.
Among them, disciplines directly related to life are considered "major," while those less connected are designated as "minor."
Ophthalmology falls into the minor category, and Raymond's proficiency in minor medical subjects currently rested at a C level, barely reaching a novice status.
'Even on modern Earth, majors and minors are entirely distinct areas of study. Anyway, this isn't an easy field for me.'
Additionally, there was another formidable challenge: procuring an artificial crystalline lens suitable for replacing the clouded eye lens.
'We need a lens that's safe for the human body.'
Inserting a lens that triggered eye inflammation would be catastrophic.
'There appears to be a potential material for this.'
So, Raymond made contact with the tower.
Upon learning of his request, the Tower Master, Shameron, personally appeared in the crystal.
-Oh! Mage Raymond! Are you finally considering a formal study of magic?
"That's not it. I contacted you because I need to order a magical item."
Shameron gestured with his fan behind the crystal and responded.
-Oh, that's a pity. Nonetheless, please share your request. As a special courtesy to the pillar of our tower, we'll offer a discount.
"Can you craft white crystals into the shape of a lens?"
-White crystals?
"Yes, but they must be white crystals without any mana infusion."
White crystals, a variety of magical stone.
They possessed transparency and a glass-like texture.
'More precisely, they have a texture reminiscent of clear plastic.'
Raymond had a specific reason for selecting this magical stone.
White crystals were frequently employed by mages as artificial body parts due to their unique aesthetic appeal.
However, no one had ever encountered any issues following the transplantation of white crystals into their bodies.
'Typically, when you implant foreign materials into your body, complications can arise. But that doesn't appear to be the case with white crystals. They seem to be a material with minimal irritant properties, much like modern Earth's artificial prosthetics.'
After hearing Raymond's explanation, Shameron waved his fan once more.
-I see, I see. You want to create something quite complex using a rare material. It seems like it will be costly. I would usually charge more, but considering you're entitled to a special discount, I'll set it at 30,000 penas.
Even with the discount, it amounted to 30,000 penas!
The price was exorbitant.
However, Raymond didn't back down.
'What kind of discount is this if it's still 30,000 penas? It's quite the ripoff.'
[Confirming that the other party is a 'jerk!']
[Special skill activated: 'Becoming a Pushover!']
"Let's settle on 3,000 penas."
-What? That's not possible!
"Even for mana-free white crystals?"
-Processing white crystals in that manner is unprecedented. We'll need to consult a renowned master.
Raymond sighed.
"Very well, could you please contact the Clever Kingdom's tower branch?"
Branch? The cost there will be similar...
"No, I'll be transferring my mage registration there."
"..."
"It's not necessary for me to be affiliated with the Houston Kingdom's tower just because I'm from there, is it?"
By the way, the head of the Clever Kingdom's tower, located in the neighboring kingdom, had a hostile relationship with Shameron.
-Alright, we'll agree to 3,000 penas then. But consider this a one-time offer!
"Thank you for your understanding. Please expedite the process."
With that, Raymond successfully avoided being overcharged by the tower.
He sighed.
'Even 3,000 penas is quite expensive. What a group of profiteers.'
Each time he engaged in transactions, Raymond couldn't shake the feeling that the tower monopolized magic and reaped substantial profits.
'I won't keep falling for these rip-offs for much longer.'
Raymond's eyes glittered.
"Once the territory is established, we'll develop our own medical industry."
Promoting the medical industry!
It was an idea that started taking shape after securing the territory.
Raymond needed to find a way to revitalize the Laphad region without merely adhering to traditional methods.
He realized that he had to establish a new industry to breathe life into his territory.
The idea that struck him while pondering this was to foster the medical industry.
'What if I could use my medical knowledge to make money?'
This idea sparked a revelation.
'I could use my medical knowledge to create products!'
For example, a range of medications.
Why not offer pain relievers for laborers struggling with chronic discomfort?
Emergency treatment kits tailored for knights?
Antibiotics for those grappling with infectious diseases?
And perhaps even beauty products for noblewomen and solutions for hair regrowth for gentlemen dealing with hair loss.
Naturally, immediate demand for any of these products might be limited.
Healing magic was the standard for all treatments on the continent.
However, Raymond was certain that this status quo wouldn't persist indefinitely.
'I will spread medical knowledge across the continent. Over time, the medical industry will evolve into a vast market.'
With this blueprint, he aspired to turn the Rafalde region into a hub for the medical industry.
By preemptively establishing control over the medical sector, when the medical market expanded in the future, he could become a prominent figure on the continent.
That's why when he commissioned the production of medical equipment from the tower, he ensured that the patent rights were registered in his name.
'I'll start making medical devices with my own hands soon. Wait for it, you tower scoundrels. If by any chance, you decide to order something, I'll make sure to charge you a special premium!'
But for now, these plans were for the post-stabilization period of the Rafalde region.
Currently, Raymond needed to focus on treating Sage Mevinson's eyes.
The ordered items had arrived, and Raymond began the surgery.
***
"I will begin."
Mevinson, lying on the operating table, asked with a trembling voice,
"A-Are you really going to pierce my eye with a knife?"
"Are you worried?"
"Oh, no! W-Well, I am quite worried, but I can overcome it!"
Raymond reassured him.
"Don't worry. There will be a good outcome."
Anesthesia was administered.
Mevinson closed his eyes as sleep overcame him and thought,
'If I can regain my sight...'
In that moment of contemplation, he heard Raymond's gentle voice.
"I will begin the surgery."
Mevinson's consciousness faded entirely, and the surgery began.
***
Snap.
A delicate, slender scalpel traced an incision just above the pupil.
Hanson, the assistant, flinched.
Hanson acknowledged his lapse and apologized.
"I-I'm sorry."
By now, Hanson had garnered enough experience not to flinch at the grisly scene, but witnessing a knife slice into an eye still made him uneasy.
"Don't worry. I'm nervous too."
Raymond drew a deep breath.
He wasn't as well-versed in eye surgery as he was in other domains.
What he lacked in experience, he compensated for with his exceptional dexterity.
[Skill, 'Hand of a Warrior' manifests!]
[Skill, 'Experience of A Warrior' (C+)' is revealed!]
[Stat]
[Sense: 65 → 81]
With the help of the skill, his sensory stat increased to 81!
His dexterity now far exceeded that of an ordinary specialist, akin to a skilled general surgeon venturing into the realm of ophthalmic surgery.
Nonetheless, it didn't imply that the surgery was without challenges; several obstacles lay ahead.
'Unlike modern Earth, I can't rely on an ultrasonic vibrating device, so I'll need to make a larger incision.'
An ultrasonic vibrating device would have simplified cataract surgery by dissolving the lens with ultrasonic vibrations and extracting it through a tube.
However, Raymond had to rely solely on a scalpel to remove the lens, rendering the procedure much more intricate and susceptible to complications.
Thus, he created an incision approximately 1 cm in size, precisely 9.5mm.
Now, through this opening, he had to extract the lens from its pocket and clear the cloudy area.
'It's not very clear.'
Raymond muttered.
What he lacked was not only an ultrasonic vibrating device but also a specialized surgical microscope for ophthalmic procedures.
He had to make do with the makeshift spectacle-type magnifying glass he had fashioned.
'The bleeding from the incision is rather profuse.'
It seemed that the blood vessels were unusually distributed or something had gone awry during the incision, as blood continued to flow, obscuring his vision.
"Hanson, ensure that the blood doesn't seep in."
"Yes, Master."
Tension filled the surgical suite.
Raymond proceeded meticulously with the scalpel.
'I need to be careful. I don't want to make a mistake and hurt the pouch that surrounds the lens.'
Precision was imperative, but Raymond faced yet another hurdle: the lens had become exceedingly hardened.
'The cataract is severe, and the lens is too firmly attached to its capsule. It won't be easy to remove it without causing significant damage.'
Raymond bit his lip.
This was a formidable case.
In such situations, a misstep with the scalpel could result in substantial damage to the capsule, potentially even a rupture at the rear.
In such an instance, given Raymond's present ophthalmic skills, recovery would be a formidable challenge.
In the direst circumstances, he might have to excise the entire capsule encircling the lens.
'If that happens, I won't be able to insert an artificial lens, and his vision won't be restored.'
Raymond clenched his teeth.
With determination, he guided the scalpel.
'I'll make it work for me!'
With this resolve, he pressed on with the surgery.
Fortunately, thanks to his sensory stats far surpassing those of a typical specialist, he managed to extract the lens from its capsule without any mishaps.
Nonetheless, as Raymond reached the halfway point of lens removal, he encountered a challenge.
'...I can't see well.'
The deeper areas became obscured.
"Hanson, bring the light closer."
"Yes, Master."
Despite attempts to enhance the view with a magical lighting device, it remained unavailing.
Raymond had to proceed with caution, but an unforeseen mishap loomed.
He nearly punctured the capsule's rear!
'This won't do. I need to come up with a solution.'
Raymond's forehead beaded with sweat.
'If only I had a surgical microscope, I could see that region.'
But one couldn't conjure something that didn't exist.
He had to make do with the tools at his disposal.