"He's a friend," Alexander said, pausing. "I'll hang up and call you back if I need your help."

"About the doctor..."

"It's alright for now," Alexander replied thoughtfully, pocketing his phone. He approached Austin. "Why not?"

"The doctors out there are useless," Austin said, his voice deep. "This isn't a common disease. You know that!"

Alexander nodded. "I know, but there's no better option right now. The old man has a high fever, and the servants aren't improving. We can't continue like this. Maybe an outside doctor could help alleviate..."

"I'm a doctor!" Austin exclaimed.

Alexander fell silent.

"I trained as a doctor," Austin emphasized, his tone markedly different from usual. He'd once been proud, confident, even slightly arrogant when discussing his profession, but now his voice was gentle yet heavy, his gaze firm, each word a reassurance to Alexander. "I've been decadent lately. Since escaping that...place, I've been running like a coward, indulging in Uncle Dom's care and everyone's concern. When Uncle Dom and the others fell ill, I lost myself, forgot I was a doctor.

"I've been drowning in self-doubt, self-denial. I don't believe I can do it. I don't believe I can cure them. I feel lost and confused. Because of that, I forgot what Uncle Dom told me: No one is born knowing how to cure; not even a doctor. Everyone learns as they go." Austin gazed into the distance, seemingly remembering Dominic's words. He hadn't taken them seriously then, dismissing them as superficial; now, they felt like gold.

"Yes, I don't know anything about symbiotes. I haven't studied them, never even seen one. But with all the books at home and the internet, I believe I can find a way," he continued, his voice firm. "An average doctor won't know how to handle this. So, I will."

Determination and confidence shone in his eyes. This Austin was different—no longer the conceited, fame-seeking Dr. Fike, nor the young man chasing praise as a miracle doctor's apprentice. He understood his responsibility, his mission.

Alexander nodded slowly. He didn't necessarily trust Austin, but he was right. There was no better option. Ordinary doctors couldn't handle this without symbiote expertise.

Austin called his family. His parents weren't worsening; aside from a slight fever and itchiness, they were gardening and sunbathing. This relieved him; it meant they weren't severely infected, or the disease hadn't progressed. Either way, he had more time.

I must develop a cure. I can't rely on others. I'm Austin Fike, the grandnephew of the miracle doctor, Dominic Fike! Even if I'm not his apprentice, I've been under his guidance for years. I can't stand idly by. I must act!