Chapter 26: My Name is Markus
Tokato. A small settlement that sprouted from the discovery of an ancient labyrinth. Since it’s discovery, many players had flocked towards the pyramid. No one has yet to uncovered the final floor in this endless maze; the honor and excitement that accompanied solving the mystery was the main driving force for players to continue their pursuit.
A playful melody could be heard at the entrance of the labyrinth. Singing a sweet tune was the small group of traveling bards. Otherwise known as the ‘Three Amigos’.
[-the hero who was the beacon of light~ thou slain the king, the demon of might~]
Everyone who entered the dungeon donated a gold coin.
[cling]
“Hey Prince, why is everyone paying a passage fee to get in?” (Marcus)
“It’s not a passage fee Marcus” (DarkPrince)
“It’s optional but I recommend you pay them for their services, it’s worth the gold” (RaymondX)
The group of boys nodded towards the bards while dropping a gold coin in the case. Marcus had quite the tidy sum. 1 gold coin wouldn't hurt.
[cling]
[ping]
You’ve been buff!
Shift shoes: +25% movespeed.
Strengthen: +15% strength.
Bear buff: +20% Max HP.
Mana Charge: +20% Max MP.
Duration: 12 hours
Wow!
Marcus body felt lighter. He was impressed with how powerful the buffs were. Marcus also paid for Yunni and Rieko to get buffed. Who knew when they might find themselves in danger?
Raymond was the vanguard. He lead the way through the horde of skeleton that filled the halls. Viper and DarkPrince were the mid-guard. Their roles were to control the mobs and prevent the monsters from reaching the back. Sitting in the rear was Yumomo, aka, the nuker. Yumomo casted powerful dark magic that devastated large groups of monsters, but during his time casting spells, he is very vulnerable.
With Marcus joining the group, they easily cleared their way through the first two floors. Marcus was told not to use his terraform skill in the dungeon, as it might cause the floor to collapse. Though without terraform available, Marcus was still able to handle his own. Using the footwork he learnt from the dojo, he easily avoided the skeletons haphazard attacks and dealt a counter.
Oddly enough, all the monsters in the labyrinth were skeletons. Considering this was Marcus first real dungeon experience, he felt the developers were stingy with this particular labyrinth. It was your typical pyramid! The stone walls were full of ancient glyphs that looked like nonesense. Everything, from the stone bricks to the cobweb hanging from the corners of the ceiling, yelled out cliche!
Marcus became disenfranchised by the whole experience. He decided to take it easy and perform his duty as Yumomo’s guard.
“Wow, they’re really strong!” (Yunni)
“...” (Rieko)
“Yeah, you’re right. I’ve already gained 3 levels! This is great!” (Marcus)
After a short break, the group headed down towards the 4th floor, the monsters finally changed to something more sinister. They were zombies! Well. More like demons with their flesh barely hanging off the bones. The group continue onwards until they've reached a large room. The boys huddle together to discuss their next action. Marcus sat quietly with the girls as he waited for them to finish.
“Okay guys! Initiate plan A!” (Viper99)
“Plan A?” (Marcus)
“-Shadow vector-!” (Yumomo)
“Wah! What the hell are you doing?” (Marcus)
“Eeek!” (Yunni and Rieko)
“-Forced Pulse-!” (RaymondX)
“UFF!” (Marcus)
The initial attack scorched a black lazer between Marcus and his friends. The second spell caused a shockwave that knocked Marcus back several meters towards the wall.
[thud]
“Ugh. What the fuck…” (Marcus)
It was the classic PK strategy. Drag an unexpected player deep within the dungeon and kill them when noone was around. Even if they manage to escape, being stucked in a dungeon solo usually spelt death.
“Eeek! Marcus!” (Yunni)
“Let go of me!” (Rieko)
Yunni, Rieko and Diloria were all being held captive by Viper99 and DarkPrince. Marcus blood was boiling. Why would people stoop so low as to steal from other people in a game?! It was just a game!
“PRINCE! You tricked me!” (Marcus)
“Hahaha! Don’t blame prince, it was my idea” (Viper99)
“Sorry Marcus, it’s a dog eat dog world. Only da strongest survive” (DarkPrince)
“Hahaha!” (Boys)
[BOOM!]
Marcus tumbled across the floor as he took a spell from Yumomo. His body was searing in black flames. The boys continued to laugh as they started to ridicule Marcus for his lack of strength and how naive he was. Marcus was grinding his teeth. He wanted to kill. He wanted to kill every bastard in that room!
“Finish him Raymond!” (Viper99)
“-Holy Bash-!” (RaymondX)
“WAHHHHH!” (Marcus)
If Marcus was going to die, he was planning to take them all down with him. He focused all his mana in the tip of his hoe...
“-TERRAFORM-!” (Marcus)
“Hah! Do it!” (Viper99)
A tiny stone glimmered in the paladin’s hand. As Marcus struck the floor, all his rage, all his frustration, all his anger was thrown right back at him. A barrier was created that reflected the flow of earth magic. The room split in half as Marcus finished casting his spell.
[rumble]
Marcus felt it. The floor beneath his feet were crumbling. His footing was no longer there. He could see it in Yunni’s face. She was scared. Her screaming face reflected in his eyes. Eyes full of desperation. He wanted to call out to Yunni. He wanted to tell her everything was okay. That he’ll always be there for her no matter what. The words fell silent as Marcus fell towards the abyss. The last impression Yunni got from Marcus was a timid smile...
I’m sorry Yunni...
“MARCUSSS! (Yunni)
***
[vrrrm-vrrrm]
Several school buses were driving down the expressway. The students of Fukuoka High were having their first school trip of the year. Sitting at the back of the bus was Sora and friends...
“Dude! Guess what?!” (Yuta)
“What?” (Shota)
“I got a job advancement!” (Yuta)
“Wah! No way!” (Matsuo)
“Really?” (Yuta)
“Wahahaha! Coward before my might! I’m now a dual sword wielder!” (Yuta)
“...That’s it?” (Shota)
“Oh, that’s nothing special” (Matsuo)
“WAIT! What are you talking about?! Sora back me up here!” (Yuta)
Sora was mindlessly looking out the window. He was still in a sour mood. After falling down to the fifth floor, Marcus had to run for his life while hiding from the zombie-like demons. He’s never felt so frustrated before. He really wanted to kill those jerks that did that to him, but for now, his goal was to survive.
“Hey Sora. Why the long face?” (Shota)
“Sigh...Someone kidnapped my companions and tried to PK me” (Sora)
“What?! Who’s messing with our bro?” (Yuta)
“Are you okay Sora? If you need us, we’ll come to kill those bastards” (Shota)
“Yeah, leave it to us Sora!” (Matsuo)
Sora gave his friends a meek smile. He knew they meant well but this matter was personal. He didn't know how he would do it but he was planning to kill every last one of them. Screw the infamy. Screw the penalties. He only had one thing on his mind.
“Hey look! It’s the headquarters of Frontier!” (Matsuo)
The whole bus erupted in excitement. Everyone who considered themselves ‘cool’ played Golden Age. And if you played Golden Age, you knew who Frontier was.
All the high school kids swarmed out of the bus. The teachers were having trouble controlling the kids. The only person not running around in a frenzy was Sora. Standing at the entrance of the building were several security personals. Leading the squad was a very busty female officer in her early twenties. She was roughly 175 cm (5.7ft), with short black hair and a pretty face.
“Listen up! My name is Momoko Koyanagi! I’ll be your guide for today!” (Momoko)
Sora watched as all the boys had their eyes glued to her chest. Even the security guards were sneaking some glances towards their superior! Sora wasn't interested in ogling at a girl’s assets. Actually, he wasn't even interested about the whole trip. He just wanted to go back online to find his way out of the dungeon.
The group of students followed Momoko on a tour throughout the building. The atmosphere was electric! Everyone was snapping pictures of the life size models that were set on display. Posters of skimpily dressed fantasy characters had all the boys drooling. Even some of the teachers that played Golden Age couldn't hide their excitement.
After lunch, the company brought the students towards the lower floors. Walking down 5 flights of stairs had everyone's heart pumping. You could feel the tension in the air... Momoko was leading the group towards the heart of the game. The supercomputer known as Omega.
Sora was in the back of the crowd. Luckily he was tall enough to see over everyone’s head. In the center of the room was a metal dome. A thick layer of glass encased the dome from top to bottom. The students at the front had their face glued to the window. Their sweaty palms left smears all over the glass. Everyone held their breath.
[rumble]
Like an inverted lotus flower, the metal faces were lifting up one by one. The dome opened to reveal a giant blue crystal. The light was dazzling. It was hard to believe the crystal was man-made. All the students fell in a trance. A splash of cool water washed over their soul. Their hearts felt at ease. The brilliant blue light was almost...hypnotizing.
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
Sora clenched his head. He felt a splitting headache. The pain was immense. No one noticed what was happening to Sora. Everyone’s eyes were captivated by the sheer beauty of the gem.
[...Markus...Markus...]
“ARG!” (Sora)
This feeling felt so familiar. He’s felt this pain before! Sora started to stumble. Everyone around Sora was getting pushed aside. His being was drawn towards to light. He felt something beckoning his soul to move!
“Eek!” (Student?)
“Hey, quit pushing!” (Student?)
Sora eyes were losing focus. Everything but the light was blurry. The sounds of students panicking couldn't reach his ears. All he heard was a name.
[...Markus...Markus...]
“Hey, stop distracting the presentation!” (Momoko)
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
The security guards were working their way through the crowd. Sora kept moving forward. His hands started to tingle. Like blood being drained, his fingers became numb. Next his hands. Then his arms. His whole body felt paralyzed. But the pain was still there; his head was about to explode!
[ba-dump, ba-dump]
Sora pressed his head against the window. Something was drawing his body in. He needed to get closer to the light!
[...Markus...Markus...]
Two guards wrestled Sora down to the ground. Thousands of images started to resurface in Sora’s mind. Places... people... knowledge... memories... everything! Everything that Sora knew or didn't know was surging from within!
“ARHHHHHHH!” (Sora)
“What’s wrong with him?” (Guards)
“I don’t know!” (Guards)
Sora struggled. He needed to see who it was. Someone was within that crystal! Someone was calling out to him!
“Let me GO!” (Sora)
The guards started to panic. One of them brought out their taser.
[BZZZZZ]
“GAAAHHH!” (Sora)
Everyone gasped as they watch Sora’s eyes faded. The teachers could only apologies to the company as the rest of the trip was cancelled. Sora was carried off towards the school infirmary where he spent the next 3 hours asleep.
***
Sora was waking up from his deep slumber. He felt like he was asleep for all of eternity. Sora was being possessed. There was somebody else in his body. Someone much stronger than he was...
Sitting next to Sora was Prof. Okamoto. They were both still in the infirmary after the whole incident. Everyone has left the school building. It was only Sora and Okamoto...
“Sora! Sora! Are you okay?” (Prof. Okamoto)
“...” (Sora)
“Sora?” (Prof. Okamoto)
“Ah. You mean me?” (Sora)
“Who else is in this room?!” (Prof. Okamoto)
Sora stared at Okamoto’s lips. This was the first time he has ever thought how pretty her pink lips were. Supple at the top and full at the bottom. They looked delicious.
Okamoto blushed when she noticed Sora staring. Sora softly chucked. He sat up from the bed and ran his hands through her velvety dark hair. She flinched from the contact. His hands were big. They were warm. Okamoto gazed into Sora’s eyes. She found herself lost in his charm. She started to fidget. She tried to resist.
“S-Sora, we mustn't...” (Prof. Okamoto)
“Sensei...it must be hard to be so beautiful. A woman like you deserves to be cherished” (Sora)
“Sora?” (Prof. Okamoto)
Sora leaned forward. His hot breath tickled her nose. Okamoto became paralyzed. The temptation was too strong.
“Let me love you the way a man should” (Sora)
“Ah? A-” (Prof. Okamoto)
***
-Smut warning ahead-
Spoiler :
-Okamoto’s POV-
Ahh~Sora!
Okamoto voice was silenced by Sora’s wet lips. She wasn't expecting such a hot passionate kiss. The boy she knew was no longer there. His shoulders looked broad; his chest was wide. It felt like his whole body engulfing her very existence.
She felt the tight squeeze on her chest. Sora’s hands danced along her spine, the pleasure was animalistic. A brief pause allowed Oka to gasp for air. She almost forgot to breathe.
The sudden pull against her hips made her lose balance. She found herself leaning her body against Sora chest. Little nips of love ran down her smooth neck. The feeling of his fiery breath made her back arch.
Okamoto moans were intense. Her lips trembled under her rough breathing. She started to pant. Sora hands were a sin. Lust ran across her silky thighs. The pressure of his hands tenderly whispered for her to open gently.
Sora’s dipped his lips towards Oka’s chest. Rolling his lips against her hard nipples, she bit her lips in pure ecstasy. She found herself saddling Sora like a bitch in heat.
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“...hah...Sora...hah…”
The intense physical contact left Okamoto’s legs quivering. She wanted to know what else he could do. How far he would go. Her body was tossed on the bed. Sora arched his body over hers like a predator. She could tell by the look in his eyes, he was ravenous.
She opened her legs with anticipation. Her fingers tenderly peeled open her flesh. Her gentle purr enticed the beast within.
“..hah..please..eat me..”
Sora lips darken with saliva. His hands tightly grasped her inner thigh. His tongue delved in her inner most sanctum. Sparks began to exploded up her spine. She wrapped her legs around Sora’s head; pulling his hair with intent. She could stop herself. She was howling.
“Ah! Ah! AH!”
The shockwaves made her spine quiver, arching her back as she exploded with pleasure. Her heart was hammering. Her breath was thick. Desire was eating at her consciousness, she was no longer a human. She was a beast... and she wanted more....
***
Sora returned home later that night. His parents were worried but Okamoto called them in advance, letting them know Sora was okay. He creep up the stairs and slid into his capsule. There was some unfinished business to take care of. And Sora knew exactly what to do.
Welcome back Marcus
Marcus was back. Back alone on the fifth floor of the labyrinth. He knew those bastards were still in the dungeon. If they left more than 500 m away from him, Diloria would have returned back to Marcus.
His eyes surveyed the hall. Running his hands against the walls, he infused some of his mana into the glyphs.
[ping]
Through special action(s): (New) Enfuse Mana beginner lvl. 1
+1 intelligence, + 1 wisdom
The entire hall started to glow. The darkness retreated under the faint blue light. Marcus eyes were running along the glyphs. Up and down. What was Marcus doing? He was reading.
[ping]
Through special action(s): Magic rune deciphering beginner lvl. 1
+1 intelligence, +1 wisdom
Marcus continued to walk along the passage while reading the glyphs. Several zombies approached Marcus but he didn't flinch. Reaching into his bag, he uncorked the ‘Vail of Stench’ and poured it all over his body. The monsters retreated under the rancid smell, clearing the way for Marcus to continue along the path.
Every wall had an ancient language written on them. Marcus was looking for something specific. He knew the entrance was somewhere near by.
[ping]
Magic rune deciphering beginner lvl. 4
+1 intelligence, + 1 wisdom
Ah. Here it is
In the middle of all the runes, there was a slight relief in the wall. It was the shape of a hand. Marcus instincts kicked in. He focused his mana inside the wall while chanting a spell.
“Rutera polinis” (Marcus)
[rumble]
A bright explosion followed by deafening darkness. There was eerily silent. Marcus walked forward towards the blackness. Each step he took was followed by a flicker of flame. One by one, torches were being lit on the side of the walls. A room was revealed. The chasm was adorn with gold trinkets and offerings that were meant for a god. Two statues stood guard beside a treasure chest...
The gold and red outlines that ran deep within the grains of the wood was enticing. Any man with an ounce of greed would devour the chest like a demon. Marcus casually walked towards the chest. Standing 1 meter apart, he stood firm while crossing his arms...
“Memnosis! Where are you?!” (Marcus)
[rumble]
A powerful being of light twirled in the air. His clothing was made of white silk, adorn with gold trimmings and red gems. It had an imposing figure; nearly twice the size of Marcus, with a solid build. The being had no pupil, but his eyes were pure gold. Facing towards Marcus, the giant spoke.
“Who dares awaken me from my slumber?!” (Memnosis)
“Cut the theatrics! You’re not fooling anyone” (Marcus)
“How dare you speak to me with such regards puny human! Do you wish for a swift death?!” (Memnosis)
“Do you not recognize your Master?!” (Marcus)
“What are y-” (Memnosis)
“Nularis ruman dilaree!” (Marcus)
“Wha?!” (Memnosis)
[ping]
Through special action(s): (New) Soul link beginner lvl.1
+5 intelligence
“Memnosis, sit!” (Marcus)
“...” (Memnosis)
“You heard me. SIT!” (Marcus)
The giant’s head sank as he floated down towards the ground, kneeling before Marcus. All the pride Memnosis had was now a shriveled piece of kumquat. Marcus rolled his eyes in annoyance.
“Good job guarding the elixir” (Marcus)
“Your praise is too kind Master...” (Memnosis)
“I’ll be taking it now, hand it over” (Marcus)
“But-” (Memnosis)
“I don’t have time to explain. Several humans are now seeking the treasures of this tomb. It would be best if I drank the elixir instead” (Marcus)
“Master! If you did that, you-” (Memnosis)
“Since when was your tongue so unruly?” (Marcus)
“I’m sorry Master. Please this way” (Memnosis)
Memnosis opened the chest and removed the hidden trap within. Grabbing the black vial, Marcus unfastened the cork and quickly swallowed the content.
The giant created some distance between himself and his master. Marcus stood still as a sharp pain stabbed at his heart. A prickling feeling emerged from his chest, branches of darkness crept towards his fingers. His veins were being polluted with venom, the burning sensation was gnawing at his skin.
“...huuuu...ha-huuuuu...” (Marcus)
The giant curled up while covering his face. Memnosis wished not to witness what was about to happen next.
“ARG!” (Marcus)
Blisters started to pop on Marcus skin. Black blood was oozing from the pores. Tears full of darkness rolled down his cheeks. Blood started to drip from his nose. His ears. Even his mouth. Marcus started to gag on his own blood. The pain was more fierce. The colour was draining from his skin. A fire was burning from deep within.
“ROARRR!” (Marcus)
“M-Master?” (Memnosis)
The screams were deafening. The whites of his eyes were dyed in black. His nails became sharper, his canines longer. Marcus was slowly being devoured by a beast!
A dark aura pulsed every time he howled in agony. His clothes began to burn in a dark flame and thus revealing his boil infected skin. Marcus continue to roar. The screams carried throughout the labyrinth, echoing towards the abyss....
"ROAR!" (Marcus)
***
-Viper99’s POV-
“Hehehe! This is great. We manage to finally get ourselves some pets!” (Viper99)
“Haha, did ya see the look on his face before he fell? It was priceless!” (DarkPrince)
Viper was dragging along three of his newest collection. Gagged and tied with ropes, Viper was thinking about all the kinky things he could do to the pretty little girls.
“Ehehehe” (Viper99)
“Hey, do you hear that?” (RaymondX)
“Huh? Hear what?” (DarkPrince)
[ROAR!]
The boys looked at each other in excitement. They’ve already cleared most of the 5th floor. They knew they had to be close. It was only a matter of time.
“It’s the boss! Hurry, lets go kill it!” (Viper99)
“Woot! We finally found the final boss!” (DarkPrince)
Raymond lead the charge as they ran through the hordes of zombies. Viper99 eagerness caused him to be careless while pulling the girls. They were being dragged across the stone floor, scraping against uneven pavement and jagged stones.
The sound was getting louder and louder. The noise guided them towards their destination.
“Hey! Hey! Over here!” (RaymondX)
“Oh my gawd! We’re almost there!” (DarkPrince)
The boys collided with Raymond as he suddenly stopped at the entrance. Everyone peered inside the tomb. Standing alone in the room was a singularity. The essence of all things evil. They finally found it. The boss!
The gang spread out in their usual formation. They’ve fought dozens of bosses before. They were completely confident in their tactics and coordination.
Viper was the leader of the party. He creep closer to examine who the monstrosity was....
The demon had a calm yet sinister feel. His skin was bleached, as if it was void of life and blood. The hair was long and ragged. Like the mane of a lion, it hung slightly below his shoulder. The beast had fangs and claws, very typical of a boss.
A small lingering black flame burned at every joint on his body. The flames seemed to have a life of their own. As the boss opened his eyes, Viper was suddenly struck with immense fear. The demon's eyes were cold. His silvery pupil was surrounded by vast darkness. Viper had seen many creature before, but this was his first time seeing eyes so menacing. The demon boss turned his body towards Viper and his crew.
The sinister grin signaled the start of the fight!
“Attack!” (Viper99)
The paladin was the first to charge in. Having a high affinity towards holy magic, he had excellent defense against black magic and dealt extra damage towards demons! Trusting in his defense, Raymond executed his most lethal attack!
“-Holy judgement-!” (RaymondX)
A giant holy sword instantly materialized above the demon’s head. With a flick of his finger, the sword crashed towards the ground. Raymond ran inside the dust cloud. He was confident the demon was at least stunned. Raymond raised his mace as he was readying his next move.
“-Holy bash-!” (RaymondX)
[thud]
His arms froze. He couldn't budge. Something was gripping it’s claws into his gauntlet.
[creakk]
His white metal gauntlet, supposedly effective against demons, was being crushed by sheer force! As the dust dispersed, Raymond could see a pair of silver eyes were mocking him.
“Ah-Help!” (RaymondX)
“-Dark crow-” (Yumomo)
“-Ember enhancement-! -Rapid sword strike-!” (Viper99)
Viper's sword glowed with an intense heat. Within a single breath, he unleash five consecutive attacks towards the demon’s heart! The boss retaliated by using Raymond’s body as a meat shield!
“Wa-wait!” (RaymondX)
“Ah fuck!” (Viper99)
Viper swung towards the floor as his body crashed towards his comrade. The demon quickly escape towards the dust as a storm of crows missed their target.
“Shit! Where’d he go?” (DarkPrince)
“YUMOMO! Watch out!” (RaymondX)
Yumomo knew what was happening. But there wasn't much he could do to stop it. Yumomo looked down towards his chest. His heart was beating in somebody’s hand. The sight almost made Yumomo gagged before he grayed out.
“You fucker!” (Viper99)
“-Binding whip-!” (DarkPrince)
The Prince used his lasso-like whip to bind his target. The usually plan was for Darky to hold down the monster with his whip while Yumomo casted one of his more powerful spells. However Yumomo was now dead.
As the whip found its way around the demons left arm. Darky was holding the demon down with all his might.
“Now, attack him!” (DarkPrince)
“-Paladin’s blessing-!” (RaymondX)
“-Vorpal blade-!” (Viper99)
A white light coated viper's body, while fire and ice swirled around his sword in a ferocious cyclone. The demon taunted Viper with a wicked grin. Like in a shonen manga, Viper flew across the room, with swirls of blue and red trailing behind him!
“DIEE!” (Viper99)
“Eh?!” (DarkPrince)
DarkPrince found himself standing between Viper and the demon boss. The demon strength was insane. He yanked Dark using the whip. It happened so fast, DarkPrince didn't realized he’d even moved! Viper couldn't stop the momentum. He could only watch as his sword pierced the heart of his comrade.
“Gack!” (DarkPrince)
“No! Prince!” (Viper99)
Prince gave Viper a meek smile; his will was transferred to Viper as he placed his dying hands on Viper's shoulder. Viper watched as Prince grayed out. He was now filled with pain and anguish. He had to avenge his fallen comrade! He had to killed the demon!
Raising his sword up high, he was readying another attack.
“-Rapid Sw-UGH!” (Viper99)
Viper took an elbow to the face. Thankfully he still had the -Paladin’s blessing-. Most of the damage was negated. Viper ready himself again to strike-
“Ugh!” (Viper99)
This time he took a heavy blow to the ribcage. His body bounced across the floor like a ragdoll. The pain hurt. He’s never fought a boss with such a high AI before. This was unreal.
As viper stood up, he witnessed the last moments of his friend Raymond. The demon was saddled on top the lifeless corps while pounding on the paladin's skull! Viper started to tremble. This boss was too hard! It was impossible! The mobs before it was so easy. It didn't make any sense at all!
“You bas-” (Viper99)
Viper froze. His eyes couldn't keep up with the movements. Just a moment ago, the demon was pounding away at Raymond's face, the next... he was standing in front of Viper. Viper’s knees buckled under the pressure. He sank to the floor while stuttering in disbelief.
“W-who are you?” (Viper99)
The demon eye’s were full of contempt. His overbearing presence choked the air out of Viper’s lungs.
“Who am I...?” (Demon?)
The voice was full of scorn. It crawled under Viper’s skin, leaving him paralyzed in fear...
“My name...? My name is Markus” (Markus)
“Marc-” (Viper99)
[BOOM!]
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