Dominic failed to detect anything amiss with Austin's pulse until his condition deteriorated. Later, Lily mentioned a difficult-to-detect virus responsible for the devastating Burnwken outbreak. "Perhaps all the viruses the research institute developed share similar traits," Dominic mused. "These viruses are adept at evading detection, much like the organization. Therefore, it's understandable we found nothing, and we shouldn't feel ashamed."

It wasn't incompetence; the organization was simply too cunning.

Austin smiled wryly, sensing his granduncle's attempt at reassurance. "So, what do you think of your condition, Uncle Dom?"

"He's highly experienced, and I'm sure he knows his body best," Dominic replied.

"Well, you already know the answer, don't you?" Dominic smiled.

Austin noticed the older man's casual demeanor and struggled to suppress his tears. He looked away, unwilling to cry in front of his granduncle. He also blamed himself for his perceived weakness compared to Dominic.

"Well, at least I'm okay for now," Dominic said, patting Austin's hand. "I feel so good I could eat a horse!"

"I'll go make you some steak!" Austin took his granduncle's words literally and started to rise.

Dominic gently restrained him. "Hey, I can barely chew, okay? Stay put. I have something to tell you."

"Y-Yes?" Austin asked hastily.

"I've reconsidered. It isn't a symbiote, but a virus. We were deceived!" Dominic's voice was hoarse and weak, but his words shocked Austin.

"What?" Austin looked at his granduncle's arms. Although Dominic's thin arms showed no signs of internal movement, Austin couldn't forget the horrifying scene and was certain of what he'd witnessed.

"We were misled by the highly similar symptoms. Furthermore, we assumed symbiotes because of our limited knowledge. However..." Dominic caught his breath. "If symbiotes caused this, the transmission method and symptoms would be different. Besides, symbiotes are easier to contain than this virus. If I'm right, it's already spreading."

"What are you talking about?" Austin was astonished.

"The virus, of course!" Dominic coughed, then cleared his throat, gesturing for tissues.

Austin quickly retrieved some, and the older man coughed up bloody saliva into them.

"Uncle Dom!" Austin was alarmed.

Dominic waved it off. "The fact that I can still talk shows I'm alright. However..." He paused, his expression grave. "I don't know how much longer I can remain conscious."

"You're going to be okay!" Austin insisted, though even he doubted his own words.