Chapter 1679

Austin awoke with no energy. He opened his eyes, staring upward in a daze. Still groggy, he tried to move his arm, managing only to lift his fingers. His throat itched; he wanted to cough but could only breathe shallowly with his mouth open. It felt strange, as if he were on the brink of death, clinging to life by a thread. He couldn't die, yet could barely live.

"You're awake?" A gentle voice broke the silence.

Austin wanted to turn his head but could only move his eyes.

"Don't try to move," Dominic said, sighing as he sat beside Austin. "You've drained your energy. Even if you wanted to, it would be difficult." He held a bowl of steaming herbal medicine, his expression gentler than usual.

"I..." Austin struggled to speak. Questions flooded his mind, but his throat was unbearably dry, making even a single word an immense effort.

Dominic pulled the blanket higher. Anticipating Austin's question, he said, "You'd like to know what's wrong with you, am I right?"

Austin attempted to nod, managing only a blink. Dominic sighed, setting the bowl on a stool beside him. After a long gaze, he finally spoke, "Frankly, I have no idea."

Austin was stunned.

"From a herbalist's perspective, you're experiencing blood dysfunction and a loss of vitality. Your rapid pulse and hormonal imbalance suggest extreme fragility. Yet, you're physically strong. It's impossible, illogical," Dominic said slowly, his gaze sweeping over Austin's body.

Austin's muscles were firm and bulging, yet his eyes were clouded, his tongue coated thick and yellow, his face pale. He was weak, yet appeared strong.

Dominic pondered. "You said they injected you with a virus?"

"Y-Yes," Austin rasped.

"Hmm..." Dominic murmured, leaning back and rubbing his hands together.

Austin knew his granduncle was grappling with the problem. 'I haven't seen him this troubled in years. If even he finds it difficult, does it mean no one can save me?'

"Uncle... Dom..." Austin croaked, a tear escaping his eye. 'Am I dying?'

"Why are you crying?" Dominic growled, wiping away the tear. "You're a grown man! Men don't cry! Besides, you haven't died yet. With me around, how could you die? You won't die without my permission!"

He stood, his anger evident. Austin, however, felt a profound sense of relief and comfort.

Dominic turned, hands clasped behind his back. "What the f*ck are those bastards up to? Do they have to kill everyone? Humans are always the architects of their own destruction!"

He returned to Austin's side, testing the medicine's temperature. "Good, it's not too hot. Drink this; replenish your energy."