After a while, Dominic casually said, “Did you notice a pattern with the virus?”“It’s active during the day and dormant at night?” Austin thought for a moment and answered.The older man nodded approvingly. “Most viruses are active at night, but this one is most active during the day. That’s why I slept well at night while suffering various discomforts during the day.”Austin patted himself. After all, he had also monitored his condition over the past two days. “This could be one of the traits the organization developed during the research. Still, I don’t understand how the transmission works. How come Alex, Galen, and I are okay?”Even so, his pulse had always been average and steady.“Let’s say I’m immune to the virus because I’m the source—what about Alex and Galen? It doesn’t make sense,” he quickly added after a momentary pause, “Of course, I’m happy they’re okay. I’m just curious why.”Dominic was curious about it as well.‘If it’s not contagious, how come the servants an
Alexander entered the hospital wearing a hazmat suit.Anastasia had already received emergency treatment, and the doctor diagnosed her condition as not severe.The doctor mentioned that her symptoms resulted from long-standing obesity and complications. Although she had lost weight, the doctor considered her overweight, and her cold and fever weakened her.After receiving intravenous treatment, the nurses transferred Anastasia to the VIP war. No one else was in the quiet ward beside her.Alexander told his men to ensure it so that he would not come in contact with other people. He also did not want others to know about what was happening.Anastasia was on IV drips as she lay in bed, eyes closed, seemingly asleep. Alexander stood by the bed and studied her face quietly. Her face was pale, and her lips were dry. She looked dehydrated, with red spots on her skin.The doctor said the fever caused the spots, but Alexander instinctively knew that was false. Although he was not a doctor
“You had a fever,” Alexander said, “and started throwing up blood. Don’t you remember?”Anastasia nodded. “I do. I just never thought my cold would become so severe.”“Listen. What you’re experiencing might not be a regular cold or fever,” Alexander said gravely.Puzzled, Anastasia looked up at him. She noticed what he was wearing and her surroundings and subconsciously raised her hands, murmuring, “Is it some kind of a contagious disease?”‘If not, why would he wear a hazmat suit?’She could not help but think so since the pandemic in Burnwken had just ended.“Yes and no.” Alexander’s answer sounded contradictory.“Yes and no?” Anastasia was puzzled.‘It’s either yes or no. What is Alex talking about?’“Simply put, I can’t say for sure because I don’t know what type of virus it is.” Alexander sighed because he did not know the answer either.Everything happened so fast and abruptly that Alexander and the rest hardly knew how to deal with it. In addition, more and more situat
"Hmm..." Anastasia was getting more confused as she listened.‘Something seems off. Carriers don’t get infected?’"I can't explain it clearly to you now, and honestly, I haven't figured it out myself." Alexander shook his head apologetically. "But I want to tell you I'm not just trying to comfort you. You won't die. You need to rest and care for yourself for these next two days and..."He looked around and continued, “You can’t wander. You must stay here, understand?”Anastasia nodded obediently and understood the reason behind his words. “I understand. I won’t go anywhere since transmitting the virus is possible.”Immediately after saying that, she realized something and added, “But I’ve come in contact with a few people in the past two days. Will that be a problem?”Alexander had already considered that possibility and pondered over it. However, no one could be that confident."For that, we'll have to see how things develop. Nobody can say for certain. I just hope it won't be
Night quietly descended and enveloped the entire place in darkness. Since the incident, Austin turned off the lights to let everyone rest better. After all, there were not many people working at night.However, the room in the backyard was bright and full of warmth. Since the afternoon, Austin had been heating a large bucket of water and pouring in the herbal concoction he had previously prepared.He had carefully selected the herbs and meticulously brewed them over a long period. He patiently did all the preparations. He felt exhausted after finishing, but it did not matter compared to what he was about to do.He took out a set of prepared acupuncture tools and stood behind Dominic, observing the older man soaking in the oversized bathtub, revealing his entire back.Dominic sat in the tub, his eyes closed. He was semi-sleeping, not completely alert but aware of everything happening around him.His breathing was slightly rapid, possibly due to the hot water. His face had a reddish
Austin took a deep breath to muster his courage and continue needling Dominic. The former hoped to eliminate the virus in Dominic’s body and allow him to recover. Austin did not want his granduncle to suffer anymore.Only three needles remained, and Austin hesitated because the last three needles were the most painful yet critical to the treatment."Uncle Dom..." Austin squatted, picked up a towel from the side, and wiped the sweat off the older man's forehead. Austin looked at the sweat on Dominic’s body mixed with the water in the tub and could not tell which was which.The older man's arms rested on the tub’s sides, his fingers tightly clenched. The veins on his arms bulged, showing he was enduring great torment."Uncle Dom?" There was no response, so Austin nervously called out again."Keep going!" Dominic spoke through gritted teeth, his voice sounding hoarse. Still, he persisted.Austin's eyes welled as he controlled his emotions and said, "Uncle Dom, the next three needles
Dominic roared, and the water seemed to boil while bubbling and gurgling.Austin pressed on the older man’s shoulders to try and control the latter’s movements. Soon after, Austin was surprised to see a drastic change in Dominic’s arms.Initially, something resembling worms wriggled as if trying to break through the skin but could not find an exit. Austin watched as the skin on his granduncle’s arms bulged and then returned to normal repeatedly.If an ordinary person witnessed it, they would undoubtedly be frightened. Then the worm-like things continued to move around until they reached the silver needles’ locations. It was as if they had suddenly found an exit.The area around the silver needles pulsed twice, and black blood flowed through. It looked horrifying.Dominic’s back was already full of needles, and now blood continuously flowed out along those needles.Only a few drops appeared initially, but all the silver needles gradually oozed blood. It was as if the virus had fin
Austin put Dominic down and carefully removed the silver needles. This step was much simpler and less painful than inserting the needles earlier. After removing the needles, Austin sterilized them, turned the older man over, and covered him with a clean blanket.Dominic's eyes remained tightly closed. He did not move and seemed asleep as Austin cleaned him up and covered him.Austin sighed as he watched Dominic’s peaceful face with closed eyes. Then the former sat beside Dominic and held one of his hands. Austin quieted his mind and took his granduncle’s pulse.Austin already had the answer but wanted to confirm it by feeling Dominic’s pulse. Although the older man’s pulse was slightly faster, it was much calmer than before.Austin’s fingers moved lightly. Judging from Dominic’s pulse, it seemed his organs were relieved. Something heavy seemed to press on them before, but everything felt light now. At that point, Austin knew he had undoubtedly succeeded.He gently covered his gran