"Perhaps it's a pathogen, or something unknown," Dominic murmured, his eyes closed, drained of energy. The other two leaned in, straining to hear his soft voice. He moved his lips, but no further words emerged. They exchanged puzzled glances, questioning their hearing.

"Uncle Dom, what did you say?" Austin asked again.

Dominic's mouth moved silently.

"He's not saying anything," Alexander concluded.

Dominic then abruptly stilled, lapsing back into a stupor. Austin called tentatively, "Uncle Dom? Uncle Dom!" There was no response.

"Seems like..." Austin began, but Dominic's eyes snapped open.

Startled, Austin leaned closer. "Uncle Dom?"

Dominic looked dazed, as if waking from sleep. He focused on Austin. "You... brat!"

"Yes, it's me!" Knowing Dominic's limited wakefulness, Austin hurried to ask, "What should I do to help you?"

Dominic waved weakly, saying nothing.

"Uncle Dom?"

"Do... nothing!" His head slumped.

"Uncle Dom!" Austin exclaimed, taking Dominic's wrist to check his pulse. His grim expression gradually softened.

"How is he?" Alexander asked.

"He passed out," Austin replied.

Dominic had only lost consciousness briefly; his life wasn't in immediate danger. Still, Austin wondered how long his granduncle could endure the symbiotes, even if his life wasn't threatened. He thought, We haven't found a solution, and Dominic told us to do nothing. Is there really nothing we can do?

"How... should I help you?" Austin murmured, gazing at Dominic's face.

Alexander said gravely, "I think he's trying to tell us not to intervene before identifying the pathogens or symbiotes. The less we do, the fewer mistakes we'll make."

"But..." Austin hesitated, knowing the truth but struggling to remain passive while watching Dominic suffer.

"No buts. Your granduncle is right; it's best to listen. Unless you have a definitive solution," Alexander said, patting Austin's shoulder.