The secret organization, originating overseas, had always focused on viruses. After expanding into the country, it began researching herbs and poisonous plants. This led Alexander to wonder about West Virho's possible involvement.

"I have no idea," Dominic said, shaking his head. "But you're right, there are ways to get rid of them."

"Yes," Austin replied, emerging from the bathroom, hand to his chest. He'd been vomiting. "I read about it in the ancient text downstairs, but we first need to know what kind of symbiotes they are." Repulsed by the word, he retreated to continue vomiting. The others were speechless. Dominic, lips curled, nodded at Alexander. "He's right." Looks like Austin hasn't wasted time reading the books and has learned something after all. Perhaps I underestimated him.

"Then how do we determine what kind of symbiotes they are?" Alexander asked, considering. "Anything I can do to help?"

If Lily were here, she would know what to do. Medicine wasn't his forte. He felt powerless; unlike the business world, where he felt capable of solving anything, he was utterly at a loss here. He lacked experience comforting his son and dealing with this complex disease. He knew far less than Austin, who was still ill in the bathroom. Alexander felt helpless.

"We must develop a counteracting medicine, but it's not the time yet," Dominic said flatly. "Besides, I suspect we're not the only ones infected."

He looked calm, much improved from his earlier state.

Alexander was confused. "Not just us?"

Austin, having finished vomiting and rinsed his mouth, emerged to wipe his face. "Uncle Dom, are you saying I've infected others? Like… my parents and grandfather?" His voice trembled slightly. They were family, and the implications were serious.

Dominic nodded gravely.

Alexander was shocked. He'd assumed isolating themselves would contain the disease, but the infection might have begun long ago. It's too late now.

Austin looked grimmer still. "I don't understand," he said, clenching his jaw. "How is this transmitted? Would I infect anyone I come into contact with? Wouldn't many people already be infected if that's the case? I can't even remember how many people I contacted escaping that hellhole, let alone those on the streets. What about the police officers? Wouldn't it mean..." Wouldn't it mean the disease would spread widely, and we can't contain it?