Let’s start all over again,shall we?

Chapter 233 Fancy a Drink?

“Your pulse shows signs of long–standing poisoning, the dean explained. “This toxin is sneaky, hard to catch at first, but it builds up in your lungs, draining your energy slowly. Early treatment with acupuncture and medicine can help. But if it’s ignored for too long, and the toxins reach a critical level…

In a sombre tone, the elderly man looked at Maggie with pity.

Maggie withdrew her wrist, her expression steady as she commented, “So, there’s no remedy for this poison in me.”

The old man turned to the bookshelf, grabbing a book and flipping through its pages. After a moment, he found what he was looking for and pushed the book towards Maggie.

“If I’m right, you’ve been poisoned by something called ‘Dream Venom,” the old man explained. “As it spreads, you’ll face a barrage of illusions before your final breath. Regrets, grudges, loves, and unfulfilled wishes will haunt you. Every memory will become excruciating, and the poison will unleash its full fury then.”

The dean had a serene voice, and Maggie felt her heart being at peace.

Maggie’s gaze swept over the page, revealing details about the ‘Dream Venom‘ poison. It was concocted. from a mix of deadly herbs like Aconite, Asarum, and Geranium, but the exact recipe and strength remained shrouded in mystery.

It said that before death would claim the poison’s victim, they would turn blue in the fact, while their lips would take on a shade of golden, and their pupils would dilate. Their life would flash before their

very eyes. Hence the poison’s name.

Following a brief silence, Maggie gently flipped through the weathered pages of the ancient tome.

The book, aged and worn with several pages torn out, held a mix of detailed and vague information. It was clear that documentation on ‘Dream Venom‘ was scarce.

“The art of using this poison is rare, and its antidote hard to find,” the old man explained, his words sinking into Maggie’s thoughts. “It’s sneaky, with no smell or taste, and it doesn’t show its effects right away. By the time it’s noticed, it’s usually too late, having already spread through the body’s core, making treatment pointless.”

She fixated on the description in the ancient tome: ‘face turns blue, lips turn gold‘ – a haunting image indeed.

Meeting the old man’s gaze, she asked softly, “Will dying make me look ugly?”

a gentle smile. “My dear, how many find their final moments pleasant?” he asked. “And

didn’t

old man interjected, pausing before adding, “While I might not

a chance?” Maggie’s eyes lit up with hope, though she realised it

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233 Fancy a Drink?

for Zacharias Hudson, the Miracle Healer, Wilfred Roster, the National Physician, Waylon Cricket, the Phantom Surgeon, or Flora West, the Angel of Medicine. If you can reach out to any of them, or their descendants, there might be a chance.”

no time memorising the

elaborated, “The Hudsons and the Rosters are well–known in medicine. The Hudsons stay discreet, with their descendants occasionally surfacing. Meanwhile, the Rosters hold a high status, admired by many. Mr. Roster Sr. is currently the national physician, making it tough for regular folks to seek his help”

Maggie’s mind wandered to

celebrated for his extraordinary medical talents. Few had

needed to rule out the Rosters first. Their involvement wouldn’t stay under wraps in Swallowton. If a cure was

Surgeon,” the old man continued. “He might not specialise in medical poison, but he could have useful medical knowledge. Finding him won’t be easy though. He’s clusive, with a unique personality and

tragic mistake caused the death of nine family members due to conflicting medications. Since then. Flora has secluded herself

hope. “While you’ve been poisoned for a while, you’re not at death’s door yet. With the right treatment, there’s a chance you could survive. Even if we can’t

Maggie respectfully thanked the old man before departing. Despite her polite demeanour, her mood remained sombre as she left. She swiftly dialled Lucas,

medical skills. Notably, the Phantom Surgeon stood out for his surgical prowess. He couldn’t help her, and she knew she couldn’t seek out the

Lucas inquired, eyeing the screen

have sparked my curiosity,” Maggie

and she’s been off the radar for the last two years. Last seen in Deuceland, two

drained from the consultation, sighed and massaged her temples. “Please forward the details to my

“Sure thing.

Sat, 25 May

Fancy

a familiar name

Samuel Hudson.

found herself at a loss for words, Zacharias’s son turned

even miss