Canary Gold Teritories
They were on a standstill. It was almost midnight with the vapors already getting colder at each passing hour, settling like a thin veil covering the whole surface of the Sila-ir Estate.
A little more, Simos thought. The exchange of blows, parry, shield. All of this was familiar to him. The sound of metals has been his lullaby ever since he could remember. The repetitiveness, the rhythm, made his mind go in a simple function that suits him. Hit, back away, hit, create opening. The dragon was stronger than him but he relish the fact that he has found a strong opponent. An iconic one at that. How many times have he dreamed of fighting a dragon? How many times have he promised to his sister that he would?
His sister.
Ilium as of now was covered with runes, his very movements were being restrained by the barriers from the majority of necromancers. The backs of the barrier casters were sweating and shaking, dark robes with a small embroidery of a bird adorned their cloaks. He was never really paid much attention to their hired necromancers. Not that he find them creepy or anything, it's just that, these people mostly work under the close supervision of his late father.
This time, he can't help but be intrigued. He doesn't want to note about it...but, were they laughing? Their faces were so hyped with vigor, you wouldn't think their lives were on the line.
"Ohboyohboyohboy, the sinews of mortis on this one is immense! Gorgeous!"
"Right, right? I can't believe I could see an Undead dragon in my lifetime!"
For a dark class, aren't they too cheerful? But he has to admit, dragons were amazing! He could feel an immediate camaraderie towards them, the same as you would feel when you see someone who strongly share your hobbies. They have been warding off Ilium for more than an hour already, but even with these much numbers, they can't put a dent on the scale of the beast. Truly a magnificent opponent!
Not that he was serious. He doesn't want to harm Ilium as much as possible, afterall Simos doesn't want to lose an amazing sparring partner!
Hang in there Ilium! He shouted honestly in his heart.
The knights circled the dragon and started to place pikes all around the giant Undead. Producing reinforced nets and ropes, they tried tying him down with brute force, to lessen even a little, the Undead's struggles.
Simos consciously moderated his breathing. Taking his attention away from the people around him, he again started his meditation. There were only a few chances for him to catch his breathe, and in doing so, he managed to take mana from his [Phoenix Sword], recovering his magic at once. The [Haphaestus Armor] were affixed nicely on his body. It was bigger than his twelve-year-old self, sporting almost 2 meters in height. But once equipped, he could move accordingly without any hindrance as if fine functions were attached to his limbs to accommodate the armor's movement. This was what it means to use magic armor--so useful. With this, no one would suspect that a child was using it.
The armor would have been perfect if only it wasn't that flashy. A golden armor, shining with mirror-like luster and continually giving off a halo of light. Not really ideal for daily use. He sighed feeling the heavy loss. It was no wonder this heirloom was tucked in the corner on the House's Treasure Vault.
But enough of that, he has to make sure to prolong this fight, which was not really a problem with how tough the Undead Dragon was. According to Aiven's instructions, he has to wait for Delica to appear and confront the Lion Gold Banner.
He might not act like it sometimes, but Simos could pretty much guess what Aiven plans to do. Since Delica doesn't want any of her 'babies' dying anymore, and Simos want to save the remaining House, Aiven suggested this strategy.
Sending the majority of the Undead Army to fight the lower spec and less numbered Bronze army, Delica's side could easily overwhelm the forces on the West in an instant with the most minimum number of casualties.
As for his house--erh, the Sila-ir House, Simos would be the one to handle it.
Despite them retreating, the ones who survived and leading the townspeople and farmhands were the best of the Sila-ir's knights. These elite knights survived the onslaught of un-ending encroachment so they couldn't let their guard down. If their side continued pursuing them, it'll only lead to more bloodshed and their thinning man power will get even thinner, with the Rust Iron Bronze and Lion Gold still ready to subjugate them.
But if for a chance, the survivors was on their side, then Simos could use them to fight the Lions. The bad blood between the two Banners has never faded, the very fact that they were marching against the ruined Sila-ir Banner was enough to speculate how they would fare if the two Houses met.
It doesn't sit well with him, but it was not like he could think of a better plan and this will also raise both their survivability, even if the Silai-ir survivors didn't know that they were being used, they were also being protected in the process. This farce of a game, this mock battle between Simos and Ilium would make it easier for Simos to lead the Sila-ir. That manipulative bastard's scheming was on a whole new level, but he can't help but to acknowledge the fact that it was the only way for his renounced house to accept a stranger's help. If left alone, the grudge from the Undead, and the approaching Lion Gold would pin the remaining Canary in the middle of all this chaos and more of the Banner will die, which he wants to avoid at all cost.
Argh?! His thoughts were in the limbo. But this fight, this he knows. This he could do with every fiber of his being. And so he readied his sword again.
Thankfully, the majority of the Canary was already at a safe distance, but he could still see their silhouettes etched against the mountainous ranges. Their only path was towards the open bridge. A few even glances back at them. They have been evacuating at a steady pace, the young and the elderly keep moving forward away from where the Dragon was being engaged by the knights who were left behind.
Then as if to slap him to reality, a panic voice came from across his runic communicator.
His voice trembled and there was so much emphasis on Delica's name as if to say that she was in deep trouble, "What happened to my sister?! Oi, Aiven!" Then the communicator was cut off.
He cursed, what was happening?
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Simos was put off guard, which never happen that often. Just as he was trying to contact Aiven again, the surrounding marshes turned frigid, as if the very air hung on suspension. It was enough for him to realize that there was something utterly wrong.
Far off the West was a thunderous crackle overcasting the night sky. The blackness seems to crack and from the bursting of shards, a portal opened.
A small girl with blonde curly hair and a red dress came into view. Emerging from the portal, came just her seemingly innocent face first, then her shoulders. Her grey skin devoid of any sighs of life gave an eerie deadness to her being and yet her eyes, when opened, were shifting undutifully with excitement. By the time she was fully freed did Simos noticed runes scarring angrily on her arms and neck.
A small single existence, and yet all attention of those in the vicinity was drawn into her.
"Can't be! Impossible, is she..."
"Is this an illusion? How could she be here?"
"By gods! What is the meaning of this?!"
The dragon throb, shiver went all over Simos as a rumble went to its belly towards its neck and from its enormous jaw came a roar, announcing the coming of the little Undead as welll as welcoming his mistress as befitting to a familiar. The survivors panicked and started to run away but that was before they uttered in sorrow or in prayer, a single name, "Young lady Delica."
"Captain! Assist the people. Don't let a single Undead pass the barrier!" He shouted, feeling the malevolent aura being induced at just the appearance of the lone Undead girl.
Nodding on his direction, a single knight responded, "Men! Prepare to retreat! Prioritize the women and children! Move!" A female knight with gold cloak already tattered beyond repair started giving her second of command the right to lead together with a quarter of the knightsquard to hasten the refuge. So far, she held her ground and didn't share the paralyzing fear that spread instantaneously. Only three hundred of the knight's ranks could still fight and they stood bravely alongside the Golden Knight that seemingly came out of nowhere for their rescue.
Simos snapped back to Delica who was now walking leisurely as if on a stroll. He knows it was her, but he could not sense his sister at all. Is this really Delica?
The girl ignored him, her eyes fixated on the ones suppressing the Draconic. "Nee, don't be mean to my Ilium!" She said pouting and before anyone could react, she started accumulating mana on her hand. "[Dissolvement of Shadows]"
A hostile mana was felt directed at them. The shadows of each necromancer from the moonlight, flickered. And each and everyone of the men started to sink in their shadows. But before it could swallow the dark mages, Simos chanted his own counter. "[Earth Script Incant: Quake 12.4m N, 3f Depth...Script Incant: Reversal 30 chains 180?]" He could feel the mana leaving his body, but his movement didn't slowed. He needed to go closer to Delica.
As expected, the earth beneath the dark mages crumbled into cracks making their shadows deformed. This gave them time to produce a small counter spell. From within those cracks they were able to take out their sunken legs and feet. They were still getting their bearings when the dragon, Ilium, who was now free from the runes, moved his tail, not heeding the measly bindings covering his body, and aimed to strike down the mages.
Clicking his tongue in anger, Simos followed another chant to hasten the second part of his spell. From the cracked ground formed a 30 meter circumference which started to levitate and in a quick swoop, switched around, smoothly dragging the still trapped necromancers on the other side of the circle away from the blow from Ilium. It settled back abruptly again on earth.
Gusts of wind assaulted them as the dragon flapped its gigantic wings and moved towards Delica. The robed men who almost died keeps on stuttering, their eyes glued on the image of a young girl petting a submissive dragon. Even the knights couldn't keep their posture. They have long since identified their assailant. They just can't accept the fact that it was their sweet and graceful young lady whom they have mourned just the day before.
"Delica, what happened...to you?" Concern and shock masked on every word.
It was the golden knight who spoke directly to the Lich.
"Happened? What do you mean? Nothing happened. I'm practically normal." She replied making her voice dance.
Anyone who could see her current state would disagree. She was obviously cursed by [Raised Greater Undead]. Her shadow was taken out of the cycle of threads and left to roam the lands for all eternity.
The news of both the young Sila-ir's death grieved the House Canary. The siblings who were almost twins were well-loved and admired by all even those outside of the Banner. And yet someone defiled their young lady to be brought back as a mere Undead that could be compared to pestilence! Unforgivable! A new life came to them. One by one, they started taking up their arms again, vowing to save her.
Their voices started to pick up until all of the knights were shouting promises and oaths not just to save her but also avenge her death.
"Pffft. Save me?" She burst out laughing, "when you can't even save yourselves?"
The night sky opened even more and the familiar's that she has summoned came forth. All 100 or so of those Undead slowly swarmed behind Delica who was now perched atop the dragon's head. The Canary's faces darkened even more as they recognize the beings that have been the cause of their ordeal.
She faced her familiars and her smile broadened in an unnatural length. They were still in trance when the Lich offhandedly send a wave of Darkness that slashed the Knightsguard's front defenses. Another spell from Simos emerged. [Stone Wall]
Roughly twelve injured resulted from that single attack but the barrier were raised again, stronger this time with the help of the necromancers. Unfortunately, the golden knight was critically hit by the larger part of the attack when he placed himself between Delica and the Canary as his defense wall broke, sending him to crashed on the ground.
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"Ara, I'm sorry. I guess I put too much strength on it? Are you okay? Ple~ase say you are okay. Ilium still wants to play with you. After I am done with you!"
He was able to cushion his fall by using wind and softening the ground but the slash itself left his armor to cave in. He fell exactly where the knights were gathering their formation. Simos hurriedly build up his reserves to automatically repair the armor. He also sensed holy and healing magic slowly recovering his health but his muscles were still strained. Grunting, he tried to speak, "N-no...get out. Get away, fast."
"Thank Hvatvetna, the rays of Bjartra! Are you feeling all right?" Voices of good will came across everywhere.
In terms of combat, Simos could overtake his sister anytime, but if its magic then he was in a great disadvantage. If it wasn't for his massive mana pool and spellforged sword that enables him to replenish it dramatically, then there was no way he could place even a draw against her.
"Look out!" A voice rang, and he saw a magic circle stacked on each other aimed at him from the Draconic's mouth. The barrier took another blow. It was the first time the dragon actually used magic spell.
To use a trump card.
"[Stone Wall][Stone Wall][Stone Wall][Stone Wall][Stone Wall]" Curses! His array of spell was limited. He even broke who knows how many mana potions just to retain a sizable reserve of mana.
His eyes roamed on the voice that called out earlier. It came from a young mage, older than him. But the mage apprentice's eyes were full with admiration. It hurts him seeing that more than he thought. The spell continued pounding on his earthen mana walls, shattering the third and the fourth before he could cast another one.
It filled him with guilt.
I wasn't saving anyone. He was just saving himself. He remembers him, the boy who look after the magic tools. His father, ah yes, Simos killed him, didn't he? One of the casualties in the flooding. His eldest brother was also there, he could almost hear him choking on his own screams. Or was it a different man?
On the boy's right, was an old veteran, the one who would give him apples in the morning. His name, he forgot, but he would always turn a blind eye whenever he climbs the trees from the olden orchards.
His son was part of the night guards. Did Simos also killed him?
Everyone who was giving him prayers--every one of them lost someone dear tonight, and he's the one who took them away. He mocked himself for all this hyprocisy.
The breastplate that was damaged continued to disintegrate as it return back to mana, showing a blonde boy with blood freely flowing from his temple. His eyes were tight shut as pain engraved deeper in his body. But when he opened his eyes, clear blue orbs reflects those people around him. The knights who rushed to support the fallen knight was transfixed on the spot.
""Young Master!"" They all shouted. Every second, a revelation that shook the very foundation of Sila-ir would unfold before them. They were expecting that it was Sir Reculus, their Herald in full gear, or a divine intervention from the gods borne out of their prayers, a hero. But this, this was even better. Their young master was back!
Joyful tears overcome to them.
"Healer! Do it quickly."
"I am already! Don't get in the way, greenhorn!"
"Protect the young lord!"
"Hurry up! Cover the right flank!"
Simos still continued supporting the walls when he was startled to hear a familiar voice on his head.
Delica was now openly scolding the Dragon, "Bad Ilium! I'm still not finish playing! You already have your fill."
Despite the protest of the knights who started to create a protective encirclement around him, Simos used [Haste] and quickly created a distance from the Canary Knightsguard.
Showing the result of the appraisal, Simos can't stop himself from panicking, "Blazes. Aiven. There's a negative status on Delica, [Soul Corruption]. It doesn't sound good." He replied when he was out of earshot from anyone. Simos was moving towards Delica and the runes creeping on her body became more apparent. It seems to be growing.
During their conversation, magic attacks from Delica continue to shoot down on Simos.
Simos has been used to tanking so his defense and vitality has always been high--bulk defense and offense, while Delica used long-range spell to keep Simos relatively on her sight. Whenever he got too close, she'll aim a strong spell on the Knightsguard and Simos was quick to pick the hints on Delica's habits and position himself enough to protect them. All the while, she'll be giggling like playing to her dolls.
"See? See? I'm doing everything according to plan! All in Aiven's plan! Take out the Sila-ir. Take out the Gold. And kill you, my dear brother. Ah my brother. Please di~e." She laughed.
She's gone mad! She even screamed Aiven's name for all to hear.
"What in helheim?! Is that why she has [Fractured Soul] Title?"
Thankfully, Aiven didn't heard Delica pridefully announcing that Aiven was behind this whole plan all along. Simos tried glancing at his knights and just as expected, Aiven's name was being circulated with murderous intent. She must be stopped before she says anything that'll compromise them further. Though all she said so far were all true. They really were planning to introduce Simos' return--a miracle was less likely to be questioned--then stage his death so he could cut all ties to his renounced House. But she's seriously taking the plan at heart. What happened for her to be fixated on the plan anyway?!
It's either that or she's a damningly convincing actress. But there was no way [Soul Corruption] status was just part of her acting. And the malice on each attack was real. She really was trying to kill him.
Right, Lady Maou-chan could use cleansing due to her holy attributes. It's the House' misfortune that no priest or faith-based class would want to work under the Sila-ir Banner due to its infamous reputation. It's worth the shot. "Understood. I'll stop my sister here. And Aiven, hurry up."
Simos could already see Aiven nodding. He was intending to dispell the communicator since he was busy dodging and shielding from Delica when he heard an unexpected question,
Simos was silent, it took him awhile to get Aiven's meaning, then he checked the Familiars who were thankfully still on stand by, not daring to move without Delica's command or else they might also be reprimanded.
"Yup, the Beastials under those animal-kin are here."
The Runic communicator activated and Simos just heard Aiven cursed, which was more than what his friend ever said in his lifetime.
Simos smiled wryly, "Could you do it before she kills anyone, in particular?"
Frowning, he can't help but muse, well that's that, he could only pray for their success.
Miasma started to trickle down on Delica's eyes--pupil and iris, turning all black. "If only-- If only I...Ahahaha don't look at me!!!" Something was causing Delica to amass that much negativity. If this continues, her, being in the center of carnage could have triggered something.
"Delica! Stop this! You are not yourself. Let me help purify you." He wanted to sound angry, but his voice failed at the end. He can't take seeing her like this. All this time, she has been acting her normal sunny self that he didn't notice anything was amiss. Lady Maou-chan should hurry or it might be too late.
Then a huge magic circle appeared beneath Delica. She screamed. Far off, a group of mages was able to cast [Control Undead]. It took awhile but the spellcasting successfully connect on target.
"Y-you dare! You dare! You dare!" The spell was immediately countered, breaking the circle. She glared at the Canary.
Delica raised her arm, aiming at the paling mages who didn't know what went wrong and released she recite a powerful incantation [Shadow Script Incant: Shatter, heads] [Dark Discord]
Same as before, Simos defended aligning himself to block the attack. He released a scroll [Slow]. The time lag started and the world around him decelerate. He used this to activate more scrolls, [Magic Resistance] [Aura Strengthening] [Anti-Spell Abjuration]. But from the onset, he knew he can't defend this. Taking a spell that could kill hundreds and followed by a wide area darkness counter was too much. But he was determined to take everything. That was the job of a tank. His job.
Murky shadows blasted towards him, and just when the spell breached his defenses, mana-filled Lightning strike the place infront of him, shielding him from the shadows that has formed into vengeful wraiths. The whole area was covered with blinding light. Spectres appeared condescending, sparkling into statics. At the center of it all, was a giant of a man. He wore the same gold of an armor but bulkier and has seen more action with all the signs of war. On his right hand was a lance, diverting the spell still pouring at their location. The man was smiling when he looked down on Simos.
"Just in time, I see."
"U-uncle Dalen!"
"Boy-a, so you still remember this old man?" He laughed, giving a friendly impression. Compared to the knight defending him, Simos felt small.
[Instant Teleportation] was simultaneously casted and a great number knights bearing the Lion Gold Banner appeared. The animosity between the two houses seems like a dream as the Lion Gold put up an immediate squad for healing, distributing supplies and reinforcing the barriers and defenses.
"Why are you--?"
The older man gripped his lance and forcefully made an opening until the shadow spell was dissolved, "We are family, are we not? Nephew?"
There was something off with his way of talking--hinting his calculated tone which was the same to his father, sizing the profit and loss to be gained by his actions. Simos does not like it one bit. Before he could ask further, two men appeared beside him. Both were carrying the mantle of Regalia. On their vest were the two-studded sudri rubies shaped in circle, A 2-Star Rank Emblem Chevalier.
As if he was expecting them, Sir Dalen gave his order, "Take Simos." and to the child he added, "do not worry, you are safe now."
Overhearing the man's declaration, Delica's face became conflicted, "Simos? You are...taking my brother? No, no, no, no, no." She suddenly writhed in pain as if assailed by unknown phantoms.
Her words were pleading, the coiling dark mana and runes on her body were continuously quivering.
"Begone Undead! You are no longer needed in the living!" Sir Dalen proclaimed. A group of priests were readying their chorus.
The uneven oscillation of her cores started to resist and repel each other. She hugged herself, agony bracing her every being.
"No, no, no, no, no, no," she hissed, her body went into convulsion and in a split second, she was seen standing infront of them.
Barefoot, she stepped closer. Her body seems stable but the mana was pulsating all around her.
"Delica..."
"Don't listen to her. She is no longer your sister. She is nothing but a relentless lich who plague life itself." The Emblem with a cropped neat hair and spectacles lightly commented, trying to soothe Simos but failed miserably. The men's stance didn't changed but their battle aura suddenly fortified, their battle zones also widened considerably.
"I...I..am no longer your sister? It's a lie, right Simos?" The daze on her eyes waned, clearing the miasma and showing the Delica they all knew, "Nee Simos, let's get away already. Please brother. Far away with me, my master, Aiven...Please?"
"So your Master is Aiven, of that filthy Blank Banner." Simos heard Sir Dalen muttered under his breathe. With a stern voice, he faced the three of them again, "Larem, go find him, the undead's master can't be far." The other one of the emblem nodded and he disappeared carrying his orders.
"Eh M-master. Lacrimal! My Master, where is--" A blood curdling scream came from Delica, pain and agony were apparent in her expression. The accursed runes glowed the brightest and five Undead Generals came to defend their Mistress, including the one she was just talking with. Unable to pinpoint what was wrong to their Mistress, they simply supported and do her bidding. The other Undead Familiars started to commence their attack to the humans.
"We have to move now, young Simos." the man with glasses beckoned him but Simos answered him with a glare even if the helm of his armor hides his face. The man continued staring at the battle, looking closely at Delica being shielded by a winged Undead. He seems to be enjoying the spectacle and was on no real rush to miss the opportunity to observed the fight. The remaining Undead Generals engaged into a close-knit battle with the Herald of Lion Gold. Even the Dragon was on the rampage.
The Lion Gold continued blocking the assault of the Undead Generals. A fiery whip came across from an Undead Elven, her seductive gazes was more on the craving of battle. The moment he dodged, a halberd slash would be waiting. The man smoothly pivot, mocking the Undead Tiger-kin whose red and black strips bristled past his lance. His attacks were teamed up with a Dwarven Undead who was using Gravity Magic to blow away the ground with its War Hammer. Sir Dalen's skill was still on cool down but the Herald's very movement was still swift and efficient, making everything seems like a child play. But his trained eyes didn't neglected the Undead Seafolk who was at the standby, standing resolutely between the battle and Delica.
Simos was helpless.
"Stop! Don't hurt my sister!" Simos was struggling on his feet, unaware of the bloodlust he was exuding.
"Amazing, to have this power at such a tender age." Simos ignored the Emblem's musings when he silently countered the [Teleportation] magic the chevalier used on both of them. "So this was the power of an otherworlder."
Simos was stilled by his words, "why did you...otherworlder"
He placed his hand on Simos' shoulder, "Your secret is safe with us. We have been watching your progress."
Then something clicked on his mind.
They were watching him. Calling him an otherworlder…then that means they think he came from the other plane. And they used [Corpse Spy] to watch over the otherworlder. The corpse spy...his sister.
Spewing hatred, he gnashed his teeth in rage, "You! You did this to Delica!!" almost reclining from revulsion on the man's touch.
Delica died...because of you.
Those words that haunted him suddenly held weight.
"What are you..." Simos brandished his sword to the unarmed man but it was easily dodged. "Young Simos! Stop this behavior!" He unsheathed his rapier, frowning as if debating on his next course of action.
But the very moment he put a space between them, Simos heard his communicator again.
With only those instructions on his mind, Simos put all his trust on his friend. He recasted multiple support and scrolls for [Haste] [Flight] and started his move. Not expecting Simos to make a suicidal attempt as he dashed on the center of the Undead battle between the Herald, the chevalier was a second late to match his speed.
Simos used his skill [Heavenly Steps] and his very image blurred. Even the Herald was caught off guard at the sudden appearance of his nephew.
Unfortunately, Ulna was getting agitated at her High Mistress' state. The chaos of battle. The factor of the new strong opponents. The unquestionable deterioration of Mistress Delica on her arms. All these made her [Familiar Arts: Ars Valkyria] sharpened beyond her current level. Her very weapon sings with mana-infusion at it sits on her side. This was an offense range that was just a hairsbreadth from her skin that creates an absolute kill zone from anyone who dare touch her at its activation. The range had already reached even her Mistress.
And with eyes widening from shock, Ulna saw Simos materialized infront of them, both his hands cupping the face of Mistress Delica with a relieved smile on his face. But it was too late, faster than she could ever imagine, her skill activated.
And when finally Delica looked up to meet the soft gaze of her brother, Ulna's spear was already piercing Simos.
"Simos?" With unsteady hands, she tried to clutch the failing hands that press warmly on her cheek, that it almost burns.
"De...lica." The smile never left his lips as blood started running at the edge of his mouth. "I'll be waiting for you."
The Lich's body shook with intense emotion, gasping sounds came, unable to push away the tears and the accumulating lump that threatened to burst on her throat.
At that very instance, something remarkable and unexplainable happened. Simos' falling body disappeared. And on its place was beautiful glowing girl with flowing ethereal gown and a radiance that could rival angels.
All was silence, stupefied by the unknown mysterious being.
The Lich looked amazed then frightened. She started to say something but the small girl merely placed her gloved finger on her lips, "[All is well now Delica. Please rest]" she said in a voice that could lull a baby to sleep.
In a blink of an eye, all Delica's Summoned returned to her staff, and the Lich herself disappeared.
The amazing feat left the weak-willed to kneel in tears and prayer. They could feel all their stats recovering just from the appearance of the mysterious girl and not before long she too was gone. But that was before, she released a massive holy mana wave, that almost turned the night sky into day.
On that day, the "Tale of Two Siblings" that became a popular theme for Bards and Theaters alike was born, and the "Legend of the Saint and her Golden Knight" begun.
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