Chapter 1712: Developing the Cure

"I believe I've seen some of the medicinal herbs in the Damaris family's ancient medicine books before," Peregrine said, trailing off. He couldn't recall the others.

Roxanne hesitated. "Give me some time. I believe I can figure them out based on your leads."

He was surprised she had also read the ancient texts, but his expression remained unchanged. "The other herbs aren't as important as the key component. I doubt Jack would have made it that easy for us." Their inability to identify that crucial ingredient stalled the antidote's development.

Jonathan cautiously offered his speculation. "I don't think it's simply a matter of identifying the herbs. Perhaps Jack used an unconventional method to synthesize the poison, making it so difficult to discern the raw materials." This explained why even Peregrine and Roxanne were stumped.

Silence fell, the atmosphere heavy. Both Peregrine and Roxanne were deep in thought, frowns etched on their faces. Despite their predicament, neither intended to give up.

"Will this help?" Lucian asked, presenting a bottle.

The others looked at it quizzically.

"This is the bottle that contained the antidote," Lucian explained. "Perhaps some residue remains." He had kept it after administering the antidote, a decision he now found fortuitous.

"You kept the bottle? Why didn't you mention it earlier?" Peregrine asked, though relief tempered his reprimand.

Roxanne's spirits visibly lifted. "Lucian's not a pharmacologist, Old Mr. Lomax. There's no need to snap at him." She beamed gratefully at Lucian. "Thank you for being so thorough! These few drops may be immensely helpful!"

Jonathan added, "Identifying the poison and antidote's composition in such a short time is difficult. However, if we can decipher part of the antidote's formula, we may find new leads, potentially identifying the poison's formula based on that partial information."

This excited Roxanne and Peregrine.

Peregrine urged, his expression serious, "Let's not delay! With the antidote, we can analyze it immediately!"

Roxanne nodded. "The hospital's equipment is inadequate, so I'll go to the research institute right away."

As she attempted to get out of bed, Lucian frowned, concerned about her condition. "You shouldn't be moving around." Roxanne's condition worsened with time since taking the antidote. Considering Jack's threat, any reckless action could trigger the poison before nightfall, rendering any discovery of the formula too late.

"I'll go, Roxanne. I know a little about pharmacology," Jonathan offered.