Chapter Text
The humid Sumeru air hung heavy, thick with the scent of exotic spices and a pervasive undercurrent of fear. Reports of a strange affliction had spread like wildfire, reaching even the ears of General Mahamantra. Cyno arrived in Sumeru City within days of the first reports surfacing, his presence a stark reminder of the severity of the situation. While officially dispatched to lead the investigation into the mysterious illness plaguing the scholars, his personal motivations ran deeper. Tighnari and Alhaitham, both scholars in their own right, were Cyno's friends, and the thought of them being targeted, or even simply falling victim to the spreading illness, gnawed at him.
The reports painted a grim picture: initially, the afflicted scholars had simply fallen into a comatose state, their bodies stable but unresponsive. But now, the situation was deteriorating. Some victims had developed high fevers, their bodies wracked with tremors, while others exhibited a slow, insidious decline, their once sharp minds clouded and confused. This worsening of conditions pushed Tighnari to work even harder, his already long hours stretching late into the night. He knew time was running out, and the faces of his fellow scholars, now pale and drawn, haunted his every thought. The Grand Bazaar, usually a vibrant hub of activity, was subdued, the colorful stalls casting long, somber shadows, mirroring the growing unease in the city.
Tighnari, his usually bright eyes shadowed with worry, hunched over a microscope in the sterile, brightly lit laboratory of the Akademiya. This was a stark contrast to his usual workspace - his meticulously organized hut – but the urgency of the situation demanded it. Alhaitham, ever pragmatic, had insisted that the Akademiya provide all the resources necessary for Tighnari's research, and that included access to their state-of-the-art facilities. Tighnari, despite his initial reservations about leaving his familiar surroundings, had reluctantly agreed. He hadn't slept properly in days, fueled by strong coffee and the gnawing anxiety that threatened to consume him. He meticulously documented his findings, cross-referencing data from recovered samples with ancient texts.
The victims shared a common thread: trace amounts of a previously unknown compound in their systems. What intrigued and alarmed Tighnari was the nature of the compound itself. It seemed to be a naturally occurring substance, bearing a striking resemblance to some of the potent toxins found in rare and highly poisonous plants he had studied extensively in the past. This realization made his expertise absolutely crucial to finding a cure. His deep understanding of Sumeru's flora, particularly its more dangerous varieties, was now the best, perhaps only, hope for these afflicted scholars. He knew he had to work quickly, meticulously analyzing the compound's structure and exploring potential antidotes derived from his knowledge of counter-toxins and neutralizing agents.
Cyno arrived in Sumeru City with his usual stoic demeanor, but Tighnari could see the concern etched on his friend's face. "The reports are… disturbing," Cyno admitted, his voice low. "I've begun my investigation, focusing on any potential sources or distributors of this substance. Have you noticed anything unusual, Tighnari? Anything at all?"
Tighnari shook his head, rubbing his tired eyes. "Nothing concrete yet, Cyno. The compound is… complex. It's like nothing I've encountered before."
Cyno’s gaze softened with concern. "Tighnari, this is dangerous. These scholars… they're not just falling ill. Some are deteriorating rapidly. I worry about your safety. You and Alhaitham could be targets. And you, Tighnari… you're pushing yourself too hard. You haven't slept properly in days. You're pale, you look exhausted. What if you become a victim yourself? What if you succumb to this… this rot?"
Tighnari forced a smile, but his eyes held a flicker of worry that he couldn't quite conceal. "I'll be fine, Cyno. I'm strong. And besides," he added, trying to lighten the mood, "who would be left to decipher all those ancient Sumerian scrolls if I succumb to some mysterious illness?"
Cyno didn't smile. He knew Tighnari's bravado was a façade, a way to mask the fear that gnawed at him from the inside. "Don't try to be nonchalant," Cyno said, his voice firm. "This is serious, Tighnari. These aren't just illnesses, they're… attacks. Someone is deliberately targeting scholars. And you, my friend, are right at the center of it."
Tighnari sighed, the bravado slipping away. "I know," he admitted, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "That's what scares me. What if I can't find a cure in time? What if… what if I fail them?"
Cyno reached out and placed a hand on Tighnari's shoulder, his grip firm but gentle. "You won't fail, Tighnari," he said, his voice unwavering. "You're the most brilliant scholar I know. You'll find a way. I know you will."
Tighnari looked at Cyno, his eyes searching his friend's face for reassurance. He saw the genuine concern in Cyno's gaze, the unwavering belief in his abilities. A wave of warmth washed over him, a counterpoint to the chilling fear that had been gripping him. He knew Cyno was right. He had to take care of himself. He had to be strong. For himself, for Alhaitham, for all of them.
"I'll try," Tighnari whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll try my best."
Cyno squeezed his shoulder gently. "That's all I ask," he said, his voice low. "Now, go. Get some rest. Alhaitham is worried about you too. He's been making subtle inquiries about your caffeine intake and sleep schedule."
Tighnari chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "Alhaitham," he muttered, shaking his head fondly. "Always the pragmatist."
He turned and walked back into the lab, his mind already racing with new ideas, his fear tempered by the unwavering support of his friends. He knew he wouldn't face this alone. He had Cyno and Alhaitham, and together, they would overcome this.