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“Even if ya say that Missy, making a drug ain’t so easy, ya know.”
“I know.”

Merc agreed with Svemir’s sound reasoning.

It would be challenging to develop a cure for an unknown disease.

Despite Rosemary’s training, all of the drugs that Merc had created up to this point all had defined uses and preparation instructions. Nothing she had ever done before could compare to what she was about to do.

“Thankfully, I won’t have to start from scratch. Certainly, it will be challenging. However, there are medications that Dr. Bazar has previously created. Even while they haven’t been able to fully cure the disease, they have demonstrated positive results that will help me figure out how to create the ideal drug. Don’t you think so, Dr. Bazar?”
“You could say that. However, it will probably take some time. And you’ll all fall ill within that period. I still think you should leave as soon as possible.”

Bazar said in response to Merc’s question.

“It’s too late for that doc.”

Foldia replied with a slight grin.

“We’ve already entered the village. So you might as well consider us sick. Do you really think kicking out right now would be the best choice?”
“That’s…”

Bazar was rendered speechless by Foldia’s words. In response, Foldia’s smile only grew bigger.

Don’t tell me he planned this from the start…

Merc thought while looking at Foldia, who discreetly winked at her.

However, Merc was also aware that Foldia wasn’t so reckless as to drag in Edin and Svemir over something like this. She was confident that there had to be another reason for his actions.

“Fine… However, I will not take any responsibility if you get sick. Furthermore, I am powerless to cure you because Miss Merc’s Heal is the only treatment available for the disease at this time. Do you understand this?”
“Of course,” Foldia replied
“Sure thing! We came cause we wanted to. We are already in da same boat.” Svemir also agreed.
“I understand Edin’s worry about his family, but Mr. Svemir, why did you come? You should know the saying curiosity killed the cat. But since you’re already here, I might as well make use of your energy. After all, it’s as you said. We’re all in the same boat. We won’t be able to leave the village until we perfect this cure.” Merc said.

In truth, Merc could easily cure both of them with Heal and allow them to leave the village.

But even if the offer were made at this time, neither of them would probably take it. Additionally, Merc didn’t feel like bringing it up.

“With that out of the way, Dr. Bazar, could you give me a detailed explanation of the Emsnan disease? As well as the components, methods, and results of each and every drug you have thus far created?”
“You do understand you’re asking an Alchemist to reveal details about drugs he made himself, don’t you? But I suppose being fussy at this time would be inappropriate…”

Bazar spoke reluctantly before continuing,

“I guess I have no choice. Everyone, follow after me. I’ll show you to my lab.”

The group followed Bazar all the way to his lab, leaving Edin behind since he wouldn’t leave his wife’s bedside.

They soon came to a house that was constructed outside the village. This house was apparently given to Bazar to use and conduct research in.

From this home, Bazar conducted research on the Emsnan Disease and searched for a treatment.

“Even though there haven’t been any casualties yet, if the Emsnan Disease worsens, it won’t be long before there are…” said Bazar.

After hearing him out completely, Merc started to explore Bazar’s laboratory, which was filled with various chemicals and miscellaneous items.

She had learned from Bazar’s description that the disease had a variety of symptoms and that, despite the contamination path being uncertain, it appeared to be spread from person to person.

“Based on what I’ve experienced I believe it spreads through the air via coughs, sneezes, etc.”
“Do we truly not know the primary source of infection, assuming it is as you claim? I can’t imagine that a disease like this just appeared overnight.”
“As I already stated, I have yet to discover it…” Bazar said, biting down on his lower lip.

He was probably ashamed of himself for failing to locate the source of the disease despite spending so much time researching it.

I guess I can’t blame him. By the time he came here the disease had already spread…

“I’ve got the gist. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to look at the drugs you’ve made, Dr. Bazar.”
“You can find them on that shelf.” Bazar said as he pointed to a shelf.

A number of containers were tucked away behind the shelf’s glass doors. Each container featured a label that listed the ingredients and the method of preparation.

Without hesitation, Merc started to read the labels. The ingredients in each medicine were essentially the same, as she had anticipated given that they were all intended to treat the same disease. Every medicine contained a few universal ingredients, but the other compounds appeared to have been selected through a lengthy process of trial and error.

“Hm?”

While Merc looked through the drugs a thought came up in her head. When Bazar noticed this change in her behavior, he immediately enquired, glancing at what Merc was holding.

“Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s nothing…”

Merc replied, shaking her head and dismissing whatever reservations she could have had. She then placed the container on the shelf and moved away from it. Afterwards, she looked at Bazar and spoke.

“I think I have a good understanding of the Emsnan Disease now. Next, could you please allow me to see the patients who have been placed in quarantine after receiving the vaccine so that I may assess their conditions?”