The Withering
While surviving an Absence attack is rare, it is possible. However the tainted power coursing through them poses a major risk in the aftermath. For Petalyths, it usually just results in a scar but in severe cases it may result in death. For most living beings, it manifests as The Withering.
Since The Withering originates from The Absence, modern medicine has no effect aside from providing oxygen and nutrition. Not even Eve can fully cure it, the best she can do is reduce the worst of the effects. There is a possibility Keilea can fully cure it, however she refuses to do anything about it or answer any questions about it.
Stage 1: Low-grade fever and general weakness, exhaustion even after sleep, minor respiratory difficulty after exercise, difficulty walking long distances, frequent colds or mild infections.
Stage 2: Muscle weakness, walking becomes harder and require frequent rest, occasional dizziness and shortness of breath, minor infections get worse and take longer to recover from. Frequent nosebleeds.
Stage 3: Walking becomes extremely difficult, chronic infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis become frequent, wounds take longer to heal and don't heal properly, basic physical activity causes shortness of breath, fainting fits and exhaustion becomes more persistent. Coughing fits can result in blood. Nervous system begins to shut down and the patient loses the ability to use their hands.
Stage 4: Becomes mostly bedridden, abdominal pain, life-threatening infections become common and minor illnesses can become deadly. Patient spends majority of time sleeping, can't stay awake for more than a few hours a day. Even basic exertion can result in respiratory distress and patient can no longer eat on their own. They would frequently require an IV for nutrition.
Stage 5: Body can no longer fight off infections, respiratory failure becomes common. Patient requires ventilation and is emaciated and frail. Even minor cuts and bruises take months to heal. Multi-organ failure from chronic infections. Death usually comes from sepsis, pneumonia, tuberculosis or respiratory collapse.