Location: Principal's Chamber, Main Building, The Octagon Academy

Time: 1:20 PM

Railan's POV:

Well, it took me 12 minutes straight to reach the Principal's office. The library is pretty far from the main building as it's near the student dorms. I don't know why, but for some reason, my heart is beating very fast,

"Master, are you alright, your mind is racing!" asked a concerned Aria.

"Oh, you are back, are you in a good mood now?" I asked her(/it), but I am still not sure how to categorize her.

"Cerci, calmed me, and then I realized you would be in deep trouble if I am not around" she replied back as if she was struck with a realization.

Well, it's probably true, to be frank, I don't even know, how would I fare if I actually got into trouble here, I don't even know about my stats and physical characteristics still. Farkas, Cerci, and Aria have been protecting me all through my life, but what would happen if I were to be alone with no one to help?

Presently, I am waiting for the Principal to call me into his office.

"So, Aria, what would be your pronouns?" I asked just to focus on something else. My mind is going crazy, I will be in the presence of one of the Strongest living people in the world, I know that Principal Adolas is generally very calm and collected, but I just can't calm down due to the fact that just my second day in the academy and I am already outside the Principal's office.

"I don't understand, master, why are you asking this suddenly, Aria is Aria only", She replied back not understanding the context.

"I meant how should I refer to you, if I don't call you Aria, as in are you a "he", "she" or "they"?", I asked her again.

"Master, Aria doesn't understand, why won't you call me by the name you only gave me?" she asked with a clear concern in her voice.

"Ahh, I meant, if other than Aria, how should I refer you" Seriously, I don't know why this fragment of the divine intellect is so dumb at times.

"Master, Aria has no pronouns, I am just a fragment of Divine Knowledge, you can call me what you please, the dragon, I am associated with was a female dragon, not that you would refer to her as female, she is a legendary being, so similarly, I also don't have any pronouns, other than whatever you wish to give me and refer me as" Aria replied, clearly confused as to why after all these years I am suddenly interested in what to call her.

"Oh, ok, as you say," Since, I arrived in this world I assumed Aria was a female, due to her voice all throughout so I'll keep on calling her just that.

"Railan Braveheart, you may now enter the Principal's Chamber" a voice echoed in the passageway or in my mind(?)

The moment I entered the Chamber, there was nothing, an absolute emptiness, an eerie stillness pervaded the atmosphere, suffocating any and all traces of sound. Time seemed to pause, and the boundaries of reality blurred before my very eyes, I could feel the fear in my heart intensifying, I immediately called for Aria, but there was no reply, I called for her again but to no avail, that's when the realization dawned upon me with a crushing weight—the chilling truth that I was utterly alone.

In that instant, I found myself getting carried away from absolute emptiness to the realm of the cosmos, it felt like I was transported to the outworldly dimension. The vast expanse of the outer universe stretched out in every direction, with celestial bodies shimmering with ethereal light. It was something that I had only witnessed on the silver screen and that too in a 4-D theatre from my previous world, it was something that I could never imagine traveling in my own existence. This stuff felt like something that could only happen in the movies from my previous world.

Suddenly, before I could even comprehend my surrounding thoroughly, it felt as if I was falling, falling from the outer universe back to where I was, and that too so fast like a fallen star hurtling through the realm of the cosmos, I descended with alarming velocity, surrounded by an inferno, consuming my very being, then with a jolting shift, it felt as if I splashed underwater and the blazing inferno was dispersed. The realm of stars now passaged into a never-ending expanse of water, swallowing me whole. The pain from the heat of the inferno was all gone, even the burnt marks that formed on my body were all healed.

Confusion gripped me, as I struggled to understand the sudden transition. I was overflowed with panic and confusion, I couldn't understand what was happening and most of all, why is my ability not activating(?).

Before, I could comprehend anything, the pressure mounted, squeezing the air from my lungs, as each gasp transformed into a desperate battle for survival. I tried fighting against the suffocating grip of the deep, frantically waving my hands in a desperate attempt to pull myself up, however, my every movement was weighed down by the relentless force of the ocean. Soon, Darkness descended, obscuring my vision, and leaving me blind in this abyss. At first, I was burning, then I fell into the deep ocean, and now it feels like I am sinking into a bottomless pit in the ocean, it is getting difficult to breathe, and as I sink deeper, I can slowly see the light on the surface fading.

My entire body ached due to the strain from my futile attempt to resist. I desperately sought an anchor amidst the unyielding darkness. Yet, the light that once shined from above began to fade, its glow diminishing with each passing moment. The surface of the ocean slipped further from my reach despite my struggles. Desperation, panic, and fear flooded my senses, and I was, now on the precipice of surrender.

Just when the idea of giving up, sounded sweet, just then:

THE POKER FACE is activated for you, you are under a deep illusion spell, THE POKER FACE is trying to keep you calm, but the spell is way too high for THE POKER FACE to overpower, it is now just trying to keep you sane, too much of your MANA is getting consumed, THE POKER FACE will deactivate soon

The moment the message appeared, my mind was clear, but I knew I wouldn't be able to keep consciousness for long. I desperately called out for Aria,

"Aria, can you hear me?" No response.

I shouted again in my mind, "Aria, can you hear me? Come out, fast! Aria, I need your help!" I could feel lethargy setting in, which meant that my mana was being depleted quickly.

"Aria, where are you?"

I could feel that THE POKER FACE was slowly losing its effectiveness, I once again shouted for help, "Aria, Farkas, Cerci, I need your help",

Just as I was about to lose my consciousness again, I heard Aria:

"Master, what's happening? how did our link break!" I heard Aria shouting in my mind

"Aria, what do you see? describe it to me?" I ordered her

"Master, you are currently lying on a sofa inside the Principal's Chamber, and three people are beside you, First is Celestia Starborne, the 2nd one is Lucius StarBorne, and finally the one currently casting his spell on you is Principal Adolas." She described the scene.

"Aria, My consciousness is not going to last long, listen, this is a test by Principal Adolas, it will probably end the moment I lose my consciousness, Except for Celestia, the other two are probably aware of your existence, there is no need to hide it anymore, can you talk in my voice and ask them to stop this test now, as I already know that its a test and I am actually lying on the sofa around me."

"As you say, Master,"

The link broke once more, severing my connection to reality, and plunging me into an abyss of uncertainty. Engulfed by an absolute void, darkness stretched out, seemingly infinite, obscuring all but the faint presence of my own hands and form.

But, this doesn't look like my(Railan's) hand(?)

Strange, very strange.

A peculiar unease crept over me, infusing the surroundings with an eerie aura. I strained my senses, attempting to discern something amidst the emptiness, but what could be uncovered if the entire surrounding is devoid of any substance?

Suddenly, I heard a voice echo:

"OH!, SO YOU ARE THAT PERSON ....."

My heart froze, it paused for a moment. How could someone perceive me in this void? And why was I unable to perceive them?

"WHO, WHO, JUST WHO ARE YOU, AND WHERE ARE YOU HIDING?" I shouted mustering all the courage I had in me.

"Some other time", came the cryptic response as everything dissipated in the darkness once again.

Once again, all fell into a deep slumber, veiling not only my body but also the enigma that surrounded me.

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I could hear some faint sounds again, though I am unable to describe them. Slowly, I can hear there is not one but many voices around me, but what are they saying?

".. Lan,.... up" , "Ma...rrr, Ra..an, up...."

I could slowly feel myself coming out from the depths of unconsciousness, as I am able to now gradually understand, these voices, they are somewhat familiar to me,

"Mas...r, Master, Master, wake up" This sound is awfully familiar.

I can now feel my eyelids fluttering, and my dormant senses are reawakening, slowly I opened my eyes, and I can now see some blurred shapes and, muted colors begin to emerge from the realm of nothingness.

I can now feel my hands, I can now move them again, gradually the fog in front of me is dissipating, allowing my thoughts to resurface as they become coherent with each passing moment.

"Master, Master, you are awake, now, you are awake" I heard a crying sound, for some reason, I feel very relaxed listening to this voice. I recognize it, it's none than my faithful and loyal butler, no he is the person, I am most comfortable with, slowly I opened my mouth to calm him down:

"Calm down, Farkas, and stop crying on my head, your tears are all falling on me, calm yourself down, I am alright," I said as I tried to open my eyes properly and pull myself up.

Even before, I could do that, I was pulled by someone, as he hugged me tightly, "I am so happy master, you are alright," I heard a high howl sound echoing throughout the chamber.

I opened my eyes and saw the familiar face of the person most faithful to me, Farkas.

"Calm yourself down, and put me properly on my seat, how long are you going to cry, I am fine, just calm yourself," I said as he made me properly sit on the sofa.

"I failed as a bodyguard, Master, allow me to take my life", Just as I settled, he immediately went back to his normal self.

"No, no, didn't I tell you, not to ask me this, just calm down and chill, I am alright," I said, realizing it doesn't matter what I say to him, he is not gonna change.

"Master, we were so worried, are you alright," asked a concerned Aria.

That's when I remembered everything, I was in the Principal's chamber and I looked around me, and my mind suddenly went into panic mode.

I saw a broken door with claw-like marks on it, and Farkas, how did he come here? I was startled as cold sweat ran down my forehead, I am in the principal's room with Farkas near me, and the Principal's door broken, my heart started beating rapidly and I looked around to apologize to the Principal.

There I saw, the Principal of the Octagon Academy, the Man chosen by the eight Kings to be their equal, Adolas Frostguard, sitting comfortably on his chair, with his face obscured by his clasped hands with his elbow resting on the table in front of him, and behind him on one side was Celestia StarBorne, and on the other her father, the sword of Avaloria, Sir Lucius StarBorne.

I immediately jump out off the sofa, however, I felt a little dizzy but managed to pull myself and bowed down in front of them as I said:

"Respected Principal Frostguard, Sir StarBorne, the King's sword, and Miss StarBorne, Student Council President, I sincerely apologize on behalf of my butler for his unacceptable behavior. As someone particularly loyal to me, I take full responsibility for his actions as the Master of Braveheart Household. I offer my deepest regrets for the misconduct exhibited, and I assure you that appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation. Please accept my heartfelt apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment this may have caused."

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"What appropriate actions will you take?" asked Sir Lucius in an authoritative tone.

"Sir, if I may, "I waited for Sir Lucius to give me permission to explain, " According to the article "Damage and harm to Academy's property: Section 2B: any damage caused by the student or his/her entourage needs to be paid by the student by working for the Academy until the amount is paid by the pay he would have received in lieu of his work." So, I am willing to work for the Academy, Sir Lucius".

I could see, Celestia about to jump in, but was stopped by the Principal, as he said "However" and waived to me to explain:

A smile crept on my face, as I explained further "However, According to the Article: "Test Regulations: Section 2C: Any damage incurred by the Academy due to the student or his entourage during a test, as the part of an effort to either protect himself or to protect his entourage and vice-versa, is pardoned by the Academy under the direct orders from the Principal." So, Sir, I believe as you three are the witness, that the current situation only occurred in an effort to protect me, thus, I am under no obligations as mentioned in the Academy's rule."

I finished speaking and slowly looked up towards those three.

All three of them were silent, Celestia looked discouraged while the remaining two were totally expressionless.

Just then, Sir Lucius StarBorne let out a huge laugh, "You are clearly not what the rumors said about you, Young Braveheart, you do have your father's courage and guts, I approve of you, I shall not kill you now, but hope to see you grow," he said so casually that he would kill me, I immediately looked at Farkas, his face clearly showed anger as if he was ready to fight Sir Lucius.

"Farkas, stop!" I said to him. While I could see, Sir Lucius clearly smiling at us, that evil laugh, as if Farkas was a joke to him.

I could clearly hear Farkas growling behind me, I didn't want the matter to escalate, Farkas is strong but Sir Lucius is a whole other plane of existence. he is clearly trying to provoke Farkas to do something irrational. I need to calm him down.

Just as I was about to sway something again to Farkas, The Principal lowered his hands and spoke:

"Lucius, I told you I will not allow such behavior against my students, you clearly saw, he is clearly different from the rumors about him in the Avaloria, you Farkas Forestwood, The Guard Dog of the Braveheart Household, and the son of the tribe leader of the respected Wolf Clan, I ask you to calm down, in my presence, there shall be no fight. I apologize for this sudden behavior and for putting your Master to such a test.

"Everyone calm yourself down, and let's sit together and discuss". He clapped his hands and the entire room was back to its original condition. There was no broken door, nor any claw marks, everything returned back to its previous/original state. I was back to sitting on the sofa while Farkas was standing behind me.

"Lucius, don't you have to say something," said Adolas.

"What do I have to say?" said Sir Lucius.

"Father, don't you remember, apologies to Railan here," said none other than Celestia.

"Anything for my daughter," his demeanor totally changed from the previous one.

"hey, you young master of the Braveheart Household, Railan, I apologize to you for putting you up for such a test, in the first place. I wanted to make sure that you are not what the rumors about you say in Avaloria, and I also apologize for provoking your loyal guard Farkas. ", he said in a single breath in a stern voice.

"Are you happy my child," immediately his demeanor changed from stern to that of a dotting father.

"Yes, and now I want you to go back to the kingdom," said Celestia clearly embarrassed by her Father's dotting nature in my presence.

"Adolas, my work here is done, Railan you have the potential to be a true knight of the Kingdom of Avaloria and the potential to surpass your father, being able to withstand Adolas's illusion spell as well as even able to communicate through your AI, is commendable, even the highest level mages cannot remain conscious under Adolas's illusion spell, so you clearly did well. I shall now take my leave, Adolas, it was good to see you again after such a long time, take good care of my daughter here, and Off I go. "

"It was my pleasure, Lucius, see you again but not in the Academy" Principal Adolas Joked, as he shook hands with Lucius and accompanied him to his door outside." I saw something grand which I shouldn't have seen. The sword of Avaloria, Sir Lucius, and Principal Adolas shook each other's hand, it's like two totally OP people acknowledge each other's existence. I observed something out of the world, since my mana is completely depleted, I cannot activate my ability so my emotions are obvious, but who cares, I survived that terrific illusion spell and even got to meet Sir Lucius and Principal Adolas, I don't know why I was feeling so scared before I entered the room, everything seems to be ending well.

"So, Railan, you still remember right, that you have to face the punishment from the Student Council ?" asked Celestia, clearly focused on me with a serious face.

Aria brought me back to reality by tapping me on the back, "Ya, ya, yes, I do" I stuttered.

Principal Adolas also returned back to his seat and began speaking, "So, Railan, First of all, I apologize once again for putting you under such a spell, I wanted to make sure you are ready, you must have a great mental ability such that you were able to bear my spell for so long, while simultaneously able to communicate with your AI."

I didn't know what to say, I just nodded.

"You know, while it is the Royal Family that delivers these fragments of Divine Knowledge, it is the Divine Knowledge itself, that chooses its hosts, I hope you know that!", I just nodded,

"Just having a fragment with you means that Divine Knowledge is always watching you! Not just you but all the bearers of the fragments. How and why some people are chosen over others, is a mystery to date, but one thing is clear such people are destined to do something. It doesn't have to be grand, but something that the divine knowledge wants you to do, however, as they are a free existence themselves, they don't force you to do their bidding, but at each point in time, they will give you options to choose. Those who realize this can pave their own way and the will of Divine Knowledge assists and rewards such people. Not all the greats that were born before us and will be born after us, are chosen by the Divine, so you must realize why you have your AI with you."

I listened to the Principal closely. However, I couldn't help but feel like an imposter as according to the original story of The Octagon, it was Elena that had Aria with her and later shared with Siddhanth. A sudden realization struck me that my existence might be disrupting the natural flow of this world!

"But Professor, what if I don't want to do anything related to the fragments?" I asked in a polite manner, I needed the answer, I cannot bear the thought that I might be the one to actually deviate this world from its original path.

"Railan, we don't know what the future holds, even if you don't want to do anything with it, the divine won't force you, but there is also a possibility that this might also be the will of the divine itself. After all, no one knows what the future holds!" Principal replied as if he was expecting this very question.

"You don't have to worry about it after all even I don't think I am following the divine will, I am stuck here all day in between these documents that I have to look at, what a boring job will it be if it was actually the will of the divine knowledge! isn't it right Christina " He laughed a little.

"Whatever you say, master," and there came out the AI that followed Principal Adolas.

Master, she is also similar to me but a little different, Aria said excitedly through the mind link we shared. It's her first time actually seeing another fragment, so it makes sense.

"Anyways, you are still young, you don't have to worry about it, all that stuff, first of all, what's important is to grow and choose your own path, the remaining things can be dealt with as time comes."

"So, Miss President, here tells me that you teleported her on your very first day to stop a fight between a first-year and a senior and as I witnessed myself, you are pretty well-versed with the rule book of the Academy!"

"I just know the important stuff" I replied back politely.

"Ah, don't be shy, not many people know the rules with such detail."

"I am actually impressed by your ability to properly decide the rules applicable in each scenario and situation. I was initially, against, Celestia's request, but now I do think you would make a fine addition to the Student Council, and Celestia, I approve of your decision."

That's when I realized that perhaps I relaxed a bit too early.

I immediately stood up and addressed Principal Sir Adolas, expressing my confusion. "I don't understand, Sir, how I can be a part of the Student Council," I exclaimed. (Having everyone's attention focused on me goes against my plan of observing this world from the sidelines without interference. Becoming a member of the student council is like a VIP ticket to hell!), " I'm not even in my second year yet, let alone my second day at school. How is it possible for me to be a part of the Student Council?" These words rushed out of my mouth in an instant.

"Didn't you say just yesterday that you were willing to accept any punishment? Well, consider this as your punishment." replied back Celestia with a sarcastic laugh. For a moment, I could clearly see Sir Lucius's reflection in her.

I didn't know what to say, I remember what I said yesterday but this is clearly, not what I expected! Wasn't the punishment supposed to be like long hours of work at the library or assisting the college staff after Academy gets over for the day or some other task that was supposed to keep me from the public view? Why does this world always go in a totally opposite direction to what I think?

"I remember Miss President, but surely there might be some other punishment, how can I be of any assistance to the Student Council, when I am myself a first year and need their constant protection?" I said hoping that I might be relieved of this punishment, just anything but this!

"Oh, is the son of the Great adventurer, Sir Simon Braveheart, and Young Master of the BraveHeart household, going against his own words, and that too in front of his own retinue," said Celestia smiling sarcastically. She is definitely enjoying my plight.

I cannot go back against my word, this will be against the Principle, laid down by my father. Me and My big mouth, I shouldn't have said all those stuff yesterday and clearly begged her to not give me any punishment. But somehow, I wanted to show off against Elena and Jim, and this is what lead me here.

I looked helplessly at the Principal.

He shook his head and then started speaking, " Enough Celestia, I know I agreed to your request, but yes, I cannot make Railan join the Student Council, you do know that Student Council is not a normal club, sometimes things do get scary even in the Academy and it will be too much for Young Railan here to handle, I hope you are aware of that," somehow, I could feel a little slimmer of hope.

"But, I did agree to grant you your request, Celestia, so I will do this, Railan you will not be a full-fledged member of the Student Council, but a first-year Trainee, and I leave the decision of whether to let you join the Student Council or not, at the hands of the Student Council, based on your performance throughout the year, all the members of the Council will have a vote and that will decide whether or not you will be a part of the Council in the future. Christina, write down all this in an official scroll and hand one to Kalkin and the other to Celestia. Starting the day after tomorrow, Kalkin you will report to the Student Council as a first-year trainee, and don't be too sad, I have some other first-year students in my mind, that will share the position with you!"

Immediately, the idea to perform poorly throughout the year came to my mind, but the moment I saw Celestia's face I realized she will not let me have an easy day.

"Also, Railan, I looked at your student data already, actually it was Christina we have that link like yours, I do think this will help you a lot, remember it doesn't matter what you were before you entered the academy, from the moment you are selected, you become and will always be a student of this Academy. And it is the Academy's responsibility to make sure you are ready and fit for the future. Don't worry about that." He said with an encouraging smile on his face, I didn't understand what he meant, but I still nodded in response.

"If you all don't have any questions anymore, you all are free to leave anytime, Railan, work hard these four years, and Celestia, this might be your last year but don't slack off just cause it is, I know you decided on your own whim to make Railan part of the Student Council but you need to take every member's thought into count, that is what a good leader is supposed to do, lead from the front but event he last guy in your group should have the confidence that you have his back. That would be all, you all are excused now!" He said as he went back to his own chair and clapped and just like that we all were out of his office with his doors closed.

"See you Railan day after tomorrow," said Celestia as she left towards the opposite end of the hallway.

"Congratulations, Master, you might be one of the first people to ever become a part of the Student Council at the Academy in your first year, Even the Principal acknowledges you!, isn't it great, I'll take my leave, I need to tell every person back in the mansion about such a great accomplishment you have achieved in just a span of two days in the academy. Aria, you kept the record right, we will play it to them. Keep working hard Master!" and just like that Farkas left the way he came.

Aria didn't you teleport Farkas here? I asked her while I was unconscious.

"No, master, he was already outside the Academy, I just contacted him, and even though he was feeling restless, he couldn't enter the academy because of your orders. But the moment I informed him about your situation, he rushed to your aid and broke through the door, the moment our conversation broke and you fell unconscious," she said as if she was proud of Farkas.

"You were great today, Master, my respect for you has increased," she said in a respectful tone.

"What did you think of me till now," I asked her

"Master, it's time for my daily chat with Cerci, so I'll take your leave, keep working hard master" and the moment she said this she vanished.

"Hey, Aria, come back, what did you think of me before", I shouted in my mind but to no avail. This fragment....!

Well, Railan, let's go back now, it's almost time for the afternoon sessions and I started walking back to the First-year Classroom. Isn't this day too big already?

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Principal Adolas's POV:

I smiled slightly, as I observed Railan and his group through my "seer globe" on the table, "Aren't they a lively one, don't you think, Christina" I suddenly remembered the gold old days of my time as a student at the academy.

"As you say, master" replied back Christina.

"What's on your mind? tell me already" I asked her.

"If you say so, Master, I am not doubting your judgment but don't you know his stats from the datasheet, aren't they way poor? why did you allow Miss Celestia's request?"

"Oh, you are already concerned about Railan, don't worry nothing would happen to him," I said to her.

"Master, please explain, I don't get it why?"

"Christina, he has infinite potential, that child, I looked inside his mind, while he was unconscious, and it was pitch black, everywhere, do you know what everyone's unconsciousness looks like?"

"No master, only you can observe such a thing,"

"Nah, I was just lucky this time, as his passive ability died down due to his current low mana capacity, that ability itself is great, only an S-tier ability even while at a low level could hold my spell from taking action."

"He has an S-tier Mental ability?" asked a shocked Christina.

"That's my guess, illusion spells are generally not above C-tier if I compare them loosely to inherent abilities, however, due to my mastery, my spell is comparable to an A-tier max, only an S-tier could challenge my illusion spell, and it did, thus, my conclusion that his ability was an S-tier" I explained to her.

"I get it master, but just 'cause of 1 ability you made your decision?" she asked another question.

"No, so as I was explaining previously when I looked into his mind, it was pitch black, and it wasn't just that, it was a void, a never-satisfied void. I only ever had one such experience, similar to the one when I looked into Railan, and that was when I looked inside a witch, total darkness, so dark that it started even corrupting my unconsciousness, that witch was great, evil but great, even stronger than current me, nothing that I had ever encountered, but it was too late to bring her back to the side of light, and the reason, I am alive today after that encounter, was due to the Previous Principal sacrificing herself by casting a spell that consumed not only the witch but also herself." As I said this, the Vivid encounter of that night played like a loop in my mind.

"After that encounter, the Divine Knowledge chose me and you became my AI, Christina. That's how we met" I joked a little to lighten the atmosphere.

"Tell me more about that witch, Master," Christina asked curiously and clearly ignored my little joke.

"Somethings are better left forgotten, my dear fragment of divine knowledge," I said to her as I tapped the center red diamond-like shape on her body.

I could feel her pouting but then she asked another question, "So you think that Railan might become like that witch?"

"No, I don't think that, but I want Railan to reach the prime of his potential whilst having a strong sense of goodwill and judgment."

"Aren't, witches only female?"

"Yes, they are"

"Railan is a guy, so he won't become one, right?"

"yes, you may be right"

"Master, give me a definite answer?"

"I am busy now, don't disturb me," I said to tease her, I sometimes love how these fragments of divine, become so involved and then their curiosity knows no bounds. That's when is the best time to tease them, with vague answers. I hope Railan learns that! I smiled as my AI continued to ask me questions and I kept on ignoring her.

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To be continued