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Kohaku was summoned to meet the Indonesian shadow government ministers where it was hidden, he summoned his black umbrella as his appearance became a hologram projected and disappeared into the mist. In the form of his 'business suit' including formal dark gray blazer, black collared long sleeves shirt with glasses fixed on his nose, black pants and shoes--his short messy auburn hair remained the same, his bangs almost covering his magenta-red eyes as he sat down on the chair--before the veiled dark curtains that shadowed the ministers and being masked from their identities.

"Kayana Sahanaya Tirta, it is an honor for your presence here... we would like to inform you and other assassins, that... one of the assassins broke one of the rules in Secret Garden--we need an executioner to whip. So, we want you to be our executioner for tonight's program, that assassin broke the following rule that has the entire Indonesian assassins enraged..."

Kohaku wondered who--well, not sure which, but the order of secret words were issued for the rule-breakers to be called and will be informed on their true names. The Indonesian assassin-leader of OUTLAW was thinking of who was the assassin who broke the rule, so he wanted to be very objective as possible. "Please name that assassin, and what rule that he or she broke," Kohaku demanded in a gentle but firm tone, before he was handed a list of broken rules that had caused his compatriot the greatest rage possible--making him taken a deep breath for his preparation to enter the mist for the punishment of this rule-breaker.

"Kayana, our deep apologies but... the rule he broke is the one-year and all of us are very ashamed when that happened... because this is some kind of complicated case."

"Huh? Which rule is it, sir?" Kohaku was told which rule that the rule-breaker broke. He was stunned at the rule of Secret Garden, no wonder his compatriots are so angry. Only --the Administrators have authority to perform the executions towards the offenders, one of the reasons why it was their responsibility to execute the offender assassin. "As you may know, the unwritten rule of Secret Garden Assassin Syndicate is not revealing our true names to anyone, regardless who are they--and if it requires of our exposure then only in certain case to warn certain authorities or law enforcers for the sake of protecting the other assassins. That happens when you get suspected by a police force or political rivals against your client... and a person's real identity is required to be protected..."

Kohaku pondered, should Damien know about this? He's the leader of Secret Garden after all. Well, he decided to tell it later as the former was pulled back into his reality when his hand was shaken. "Did... Damien knew about this?" Kohaku asked, the ministers nodded. Kohaku's expression hardened and turned grim, before he received a weapon from the administrators as the magenta-red eyed assassin will need it to wield, it was something that couldn't been easily obtained--except the Administrators who will pull the levers and their minions will force the punished assassins to come into their presence, and has a motive to execute them for the unspoken rule of Secret Garden.

Then, he nodded as he was guided by one of the men in black to meet the assassin who broke their rules, with the whip fixed on his hands and no mercy at all. Kohaku sighed, as he kept his grip of the weapon on his wrists.

"LET THEM COME!" he declared, as the ministers gave Kohaku the identification name of that assassin.

However, when he saw the assassin who broke the rule...

... it was Sherry.

"Apparently, two of your friends forced her to speak up about her identity--no matter how many times she used her Hypno-Whisper to Andrew and Shania. In order to free her from the whipping punishment, you'll be given twelve hours to pay the bails of this one-year punishment before the next voting or the members has to decide when the crime still goes on. Do you understand?"

Kohaku had to agree, before he escorted Sherry out of that place and they went back to Bali through his black umbrella. As they have arrived, he hold her shoulders--seeing her nonchalant face that she never sense such a fear in her life. "Sherry, tell me... is it true?" Kohaku asked, keeping a stoic composure as his magenta-red eyes stared at her. She let out a cold chuckle, before she exhales. "If that Shania girl didn't resist my Hypno-Whisper spell... I might be able to finish a mission, well... at least I won't get whipped before the last day--are you going to believe me?" she asked reluctantly, annoyed that Shania fucked up everything that she have done in the first place.

Kohaku can't find the words of his next sentence, and as much he wanted to save her life through paying the fees, he forced a smile as he patted her shoulders. "Listen here, I'm not letting you die on me--you're one of my team. Sherry Simalungun, do you think I'm just going to watch you got executed?"

She frowned slightly upon listening to that, it wasn't a usual case... she was about to open her mouth to defend herself but Kohaku interrupted her. "No no no, this is different because... I think I should cut off my ties with Shania, as much I want to trust Andrew--it'll be much difficult to have her around. So, I will help you. Remember, don't ever break the rules anymore because not even a half of Indonesian assassins are very aggressive and merciless. Remember that, all of us are..."

Sherry clenched her fists into a ball, understanding what he was saying about Shania. But, he doesn't tolerate Shania's behavior anymore--he already decided to move on. "... couple?" she teased, making Kohaku facepalmed and smack his best female colleague on her head. "DON'T JOKE AROUND! I'M PREPARED TO DO SOMETHING FAR WORSE TO PROTECT MY FRIENDS, DUMBASS!" he barked, Sherry absolutely find it satisfying to tease him.

Kohaku had enough, he decided to confront Shania because she has gone too far. When he entered the Batu Belig beach, Kohaku saw Shania in the middle of hitting the watermelon before she dropped the baseball bat, greeted him with the biggest smile but Kohaku was unable to return the warmth this time. "Why do you look so upset?" she asked.

"A lot of reasons, Shania..."

"Why? What's going on? Why do you feel sad?"

Shania asked, before she gasped when he scowled. "You know why, Sherry... is on the verge of getting killed by you guys for breaking my workplace's rule! We are supposed to be able to hide ourselves as our missions, especially when one has to reveal their true occupation... now look what you've done... tell me, what did she do to you?! Is it true?" he asked, gazing as Shania immediately rose to her feet and scowled back at him--revealing her true colors that made Andrew tensed.

"What are you talking about? W-Wait... you're going to believe it?! Don't... don't tell me it's one of those rules that she break them--" she realized that she was not lying, and gritted her teeth with her gaze turn fierce and filled with rage--after getting herself exposed. "Kayana... you know how much I hated your workplace's damn rules! You live two lives--one is to protect yourself by being a researcher and an assassin. Well guess what, you were able to hide from the public--since you're THAT GOOD ON PRETENDING NOTHING HAPPENED!"

Kohaku had enough after Shania yelled at him--it sounded like she couldn't accept him anymore, unable to repress it any longer as he removed his glasses and stared at her sharply. "Stay... out... of MY WORK! This is between us--we, the Indonesian assassins--and our methods that is so well hidden from many people around the world! Sherry promised me that she wouldn't break her promise and accidentally slip our true selves--thanks to you and Andrew got exposed, dammit!" he scolded, clenching his hands into a ball.

Shania was having the most furious anger in her head, no wonder--Kohaku's co-worker were very angry with the knowledge that both Andrew and her revealed not only their identities, but their datas when they have to use their hypnosis to make their target exposed themselves. "I trusted you, Shania! And now, you betrayed me... after the death of our friends--DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH IT PAINS US?! HOW AM I... SUPPOSED TO TELL MY CO-WORKERS ABOUT THIS SHIT?!"

Nadya gasped from the distance with worried expression, seeing her friend Kohaku had to endure the frustration of dealing with his own friends outside his work, now as she can see Shania's eyes were already seething with rage. 'Kayana...' she thought, hoping that Kohaku will be okay there--as much she wanted to help him; but she didn't want to get involved too much. "Andrew, why can't you stop her? Do you have a stance or something, God fucking damnit?" Kohaku snapped at him, who was stunned. "Sorry... I guess I have to side with her..." he replied, as he hid his eyes away in shame.

Kohaku was stunned by his decision, having to side with her--but he can't believe it. Not him.

Sherry narrowed her eyes from the distance, she facepalmed at Shania's attitude that enraged him--like why did two of his friends became like this? After he lost some of his friends like Julian and Misuzu, he ended up had to struggle through to overcome this hell.

And, this is his last straw.

Shania saw the crown princess was playing with the seashells from the distance, making her sprinted towards her in anger as she yelled at him. "Andrew, let's go!" he heard her as he had no choice, so he ran with her. "Don't you dare!" Kohaku yelled, before he ran towards them to protect Kamila from these two. That's when Andrew punched him out of nowhere, leaving him knocked out on the ground with some of his men grabbed their items and his personal belongings, before Shania smirked at his unconscious body. "There, now Kayana... let's began the action."

"Kamila, watch out!"

Kamila heard Nadya yelled as she glanced at Shania who take out the baseball bat and was about to harm her, she summoned her thunder sword with purple-yellow color with lightning bolt-like blade to block her attack in time--Shania was still had a raging grin on her face. "Good job blocking my attack... but I don't appreciate fighting against a woman."

Her eyes widened to see Kohaku was being restrained by Andrew, until Nadya kicked him with her superhuman strength and defended Kohaku from him. Sherry also arrived to save his ass, landing on the ground beside Nadya. "My my, you dare to kill our beloved captain?" she chided with all-knowing look on her face, Sherry decided to use her Hypno-Whisper that forced Andrew to surrender and releasing his hold over him, making Kohaku gasped and coughed for some air.

Shania shrieked when she fell down after Kamila swung her blade towards her head and knocking her off balance as she yelped in pain before her head throbbed, she couldn't believe she had to fight against someone whose bloodline involves in leadership and royalty. "Are you insane, trying to harm a fucking noblewoman?!" Kohaku snapped, getting so angry for the reckless actions of hers--oh no, how is he supposed to explain the situation to Damien and his other friends?!

"S-Stop it! I'll... I'll...!"

She already took out a gun and pointing it at Kohaku's head, her arms trembling when she tried to balance her own posture as Kohaku struggled from Andrew's grasp. "Say one wrong step... or Kamila won't ever be able to reach her end-date, on saving you..." she challenged the Indonesian man, but can't help feeling a slight guilt inside her. Sherry stepped back, watching carefully but Kamila realized the reason of their reasons to point out their guns and swords.

Kohaku's magenta-red eyes shimmered in ruby red, signaling him to enter his assassin mode as his friends and Kamila sensed it--and Shania's eyes turned fierce once again with the rage being revived, since Kohaku's friends have shown their abilities and their fight will never end! "Enough, stop this fight right now!" Kamila ordered in protest, her soft brown eyes stared at Kohaku's sharp ones while Nadya pinned Andrew to the ground with her stiletto-like blade aimed at his nape as a warning. "Kayana... what is this all about...?" she asked, worried as the crowned princess noticed his gaze.

"She started attacking my workplace with our true identities... especially our biggest rule is no reveal our own names to anyone," he muttered, while Sherry aimed her blade of her katana-like weapon at Shania--warning her to not harm Kamila or else, they'll pay a hefty price. Her hand has been aiming for Kamila, as for Nadya--she's going to keep Andrew hostage. "It's a long story but... she broke my trust, several times... and not sorry for what happens next."

Sherry eyed at her, before sneering. "Shame on you, you're acting like a spoiled brat... not only that it'll ruin your own country's face, but it'll affect Kayana's work in terms of building relationships with the clients," she said to Shania, while Nadya tilted her head at Andrew who was terrified at her weapon that was held against his throat. "You need a good lesson to learn, Andy. Siding your friend is understandable... but picking on mine is crossing the fucking line," Sherry coldly said, revealing her enraged expression. "We're truly sorry for the trouble, Your Highness..." Kohaku apologized.

Kamila frowned, before she folded her arms and glared at Sherry. "I don't know what problem you had with Kayana in the past, but you shouldn't play with people's identity like it was some cheap toy or anything! It's so rude to reveal others' private identity in public, not to mention you decided to force her on telling the secrets of not mentioning or revealing everyone's true identity! Come on, don't you know it's far more important than that?!"

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To make the latter worse, it seems like Shania didn't mind if Sherry got punished as she was still holding Kohaku in the gunpoint. "Let him go, if you don't--you'll be in deep trouble," Nadya warned, making Shania flinched as she wasn't letting go of Kohaku anytime soon--frustrated even, as the crowned princess scoffed in anger. "Shania, let him go! Or else, you won't get forgiven easily for your problems!"

"And please apologize to Sherry, since I trust that she won't break the rules anymore. From now on, if this happens again... then I won't ever be seeing her ever again, got it?!" she added, no longer standing around and made an example by poking Shania's forehead. It was fun until she forced her grip loose from her weapon, and pulled her up to stop her from hurting Kohaku.

...and that means Kamila still has to save her someday.

Shania struggled, since the hand of hers was grabbed on the wrist and she gritted her teeth--no longer her anger anymore as her eyes showing the regret in it. "I hope you repent yourself, both of you..." Kohaku reminded them, when they surrender to him and the rest of his comrades who saved them. Shania actually has no intention in doing it, but when she saw the regretted look on his face, it had gotten worse. "Kayana, I--"

Kohaku look away from her, letting both of them being taken care by the police. "Shit..." he breathed, not having anything to say anymore as his friends arrived. "Are you okay, Kayana?" Nadya asked, lending him a hand as Kohaku accepted her offered help and stood up--adjusting his blazer as his glasses were crooked due to Shania grabbed him roughly with the help of Andrew. "Well... I'm okay, what about you?" he asked, making her sighed in relief.

"If it wasn't for your girlfriend, I think Andrew won't let you go," Sherry playfully mused, making Kohaku growled at her as his face turned red--while Kamila giggled, but something kept ringing in her mind. "We're not dating, Sherry... like why are you guys thinking that I'm popular with girls?!" Kohaku snapped, slamming the palm of his hands on the wooden counter and glared at his friend (even though in a sense, they're colleagues) who just mocking at him. "I mean... you always get around with girls everywhere when you're available, being both sweet and protective of us as well, Kayana. Just saying... from the fact that you usually attract girls by your sweet and calm demeanor, so that's why..."

Nadya trailed off, a deep blush crept on her face and immediately giggled. However, since he's aware with Kohaku is VERY VERY oblivious when it comes to signs of a girl's affection, like he won't know about it and thought it's usually coming from their acquaintances--not knowing they actually very into him. Kohaku leaned over her, and whispered something. "Sorry, but that's not my style. Seriously, I'm used to being seen as single but whatever, that's not me..." he glanced as his other friends approached him with a pat on his shoulders.

"Unfortunately, it's true."

Kyoran stated, making them jumped by his presence as the psychic looked slightly sleepy but he stayed like that. "Goddamnit, Kyoran. You almost scared us!" Kohaku whined, Kamila was curious about the latter's friends--who's a bit 'popular' in her knowledge. He really does look pretty tired, though not in both mental and physical because he can sense Kamila's troubles and her situation right now--except the latter can sense his ability in sensing another's ability. "Kyoran Asagiri, I'm Japanese-American," Kyoran introduced himself to her, adjusting his specs as he folded his arms under his blazer. "Don't mind him, he always predicts or know the situation more faster than anyone else... but then, he's such a weird guy," Sherry explained, making the psychic made a hurt expression on his face. "'See what he did?'... is that what you're going to say?"

Sherry paused when he guessed it right, giving him a deadpanned stare. Kohaku chuckled, as Sherry was feeling humiliated and was getting smirks from his co-workers when they giggled about what Sherry has been thinking. "Do you still want to take a look around? Well, you only have few weeks in Indonesia, so..." Kohaku trailed off, knowing that Kamila is dealing with her royal duties and he don't want to ruin her schedule so much. "Hm... if it won't be too much," Kamila replied, a faint flush on her cheeks. "But I hope, this won't be a permanent good-bye or anything..."

"H-Hey! We can visit you, every two-three weeks!" Nadya added, followed by Sherry. "Yeah, I forgot that your country doesn't allow people much... unless there's some new political agreements that makes things are easier on tourists, even in Bali here."

"We'll... still trying with diplomatic relations, but I need to fix Sandyakala's government first."

Kamila grumbled, not that she was pissed of her government in the first place. Maybe just a few mistakes of handling its resources or administration, but she won't be fully occupied about her responsibilities as the newest crowned princess to become a queen soon--it would be much easy to maintain peace in both provinces, let alone regaining public's trust and forming some alliance with other fellow nations. "I was thinking of sending some of the children in Sandyakala abroad, letting them study in order to increase the quality education for their welfare and benefit..."

Kohaku stared at her soft brown eyes, before they shared a smile as Kamila kept quiet and lowered her gaze. The conversation between them continued while the rest of the young adults walked with them, planning to wander off around Indonesia as they wanted her to see their beloved country, as she'll be going to look for those opportunities in the future to promote trade with her friends. She still has about a month before she's supposed to leave, the first thing she remembered was how she first met Kohaku, no wonder...

Kamila felt her cheeks turned redder at the thought of her first meeting with the man.

"And there she goes, dreaming about Kayana and being with him forever... Oh my! We all knew about it, gurl--I bet he'll fall head over heels in love with you!"

One of her servants teased Kamila when they're in the hotel in Ubud, this made Kamila slap her hand to her own servant girl who was making jokes and giggling when one of the guards blushed profusely and was about to fall from his chair. "Are you serious, Miss? Are you wanting him to marry you?" one of the maids added, the crowned princess immediately covered her face. "You guys... my status is a fucking problem in this case, my uncles and aunts are not yet informed. Besides, Kayana is so tall and lean yet sweet, he's caring and devoted--but there's something about him being scary when he got angry..."

Wait, WHY IS SHE TALKING ABOUT HIM AGAIN?!

Kamila froze as she can feel Kohaku's glare from the distance in her senses, knowing that he hates being described like that. 'I know you're exaggerating it, Crown Princess. Besides, I'm not that perfect... as what Sherry and you describe--is it true? Crosscheck that first' Kohaku's voice interrupted her thought, Kamila tried not to give him any clues or he'll know about it. "Anyways, I want to finish my schedule first. Urgh, I don't have time to look for man..."

"I believe so, but... what's wrong?" the little girl questioned, making the young woman sighed. "Crown Princess, we're back!"

That was when Kamila was summoned and greeted by two of her advisors and ministers of state, it looks like she has to work earlier as she was escorted into her temporary office and get back to signing official papers, at least she's in charge to make sure it's readable and organized... the advisor sighed, making one of her servants rolled their eyes. "How did it goes?" Kamila asked sternly, making the woman bowed and gave her the documentations before she read it, while her aide stand by the balcony and kept his gaze at the view of the city.

'I shouldn't have showed my true strength, knowing that it was a big mistake. Now they began to target me... can't understand why he can survive the explosion alone like that!' he thought, before Kohaku has to avoid exposing his so-called powers from his friends that he possesses. Until, he might find the reason... the reasons of why he has a certain memories as his past life, and some that are questionable and mysterious to him. He heard someone's calling his name, so he turned his head--stretching his arms.

Byakuya was there, his best friend who have been by his side through thick and thin.

"Did you hear anything from her, Byakuya?" Kohaku asked, shaking his hand as he saw the man's small smile. "Well, Nadya told me... that she will be departing after two weeks in here. Also, good thing that Sherry didn't get punished--seriously those two..."

"I know that."

***

Kohaku watched Kamila headed towards him in the same Sanur Beach where they spent some time together, without anyone seeing them as she greeted him with a smile. "Kayana, I almost forgot about you," she chuckled with delight, his co-worker rolled his eyes and crossed his arms but he couldn't help grinning while giving the Crown Princess a fist bump. "Yeah, haven't really heard from you... also, are you going to spend some time in Bali for two weeks?" he asked, Kamila nodded with a sigh escaped from her lips. She can't leave her responsibilities for the entire week at this point, not until she finished preparing for the coronation in her kingdom. "I might be busy for a while, though I can't leave until my family's funeral service in a few days..."

"How do you hold up with being a big sister, Kamila?"

"Good actually, I handled myself well while she has to spend less time with us but mostly with me and our aunts and uncles."

Then, her expression changed to something different while shaking her head and laughed awkwardly. "My female relatives wanted me to get married but I don't know, not with every men in the world..." she trailed off, the noblewoman was pretty much disinterested with that suggestion. As a great royal leader, even marrying anyone was complicated in her current social status. "I have decided to write my own vows in case I marry anyone of my choosing, because I can't seem to forget my childhood friend and thinking about my feelings I have for him--it was... Maharasthra Anjana, he was my family's enemy and... I can't forgive him for being part of Southern Rebels."

Kohaku nodded, raising his brow for a moment. "Oh. Well, if you need my help or anything," he gestured towards himself, as the auburn-haired young man jokingly smirked. "Just call me for help, I work in very unexpected places in this city," he replied in his nonchalant tone. Kamila sighed, she missed having his company along with some assassins who are his comrades and friends, for now. "Also..." she suddenly took a step closer, leaning against him while closing her eyes...

The sight may looks like they were kissing, but no... the Crown Princess have pecked her lips against the corner of his left cheek before taking a step back. The kiss was brief, not too long or not too short--of course Kohaku has a slight tint of rouge on his cheeks, before he let out a sigh. "S-Sorry... I just couldn't help it," the noblewoman laughed lightly, Kohaku playfully nudged her head with his knuckles as the sound made her burst laughing.

"Stop it, Kayana!"

Then, Brahmana showed up from the beach which surprised her--the Dharma-class Phantom Beast serpent slithered towards her, causing the human to flinch. "Don't worry, they won't bite--Professor Hokuri already tamed them," Kohaku reassured, looking at the giant serpent with their curious eyes over Kamila as the crimson-haired haired young woman touched its head--before Brahmana nuzzled against her, licking her face. "Not gonna eat me? Oh wow!" she squeaked, both giggling when she has a bit ticklish around her head and lips. "I've never seen someone gets to hug a giant snake before..."

Vishnuda also appeared as they coiled beside Professor Hokuri, he also enjoyed the sight of Shivada looming their head over him and patting his black locks. "These are my companions, don't call them pets or snakes or anything--they are similar with humans, maybe sometimes we are animals to their own and yet they feel like us humans sometimes," he explained as Kamila blinked in fascination, looking at the white serpent Vishnuda who's watching her back and forth. "I swear they're amazing."

While watching her like there's something bad about her, Kohaku realized a pattern with the serpents' behavior with the certain members. Kamila caressed Shivada's cheek with her hand, before the snake approached her and pushed its face onto her frame, letting Kamila relaxed in its long neck and tail as her head and the lower half rested against the snake's body with its length curled around her while Kohaku began thinking. "Prof, do they--"

"They acted like this because they reacted to feelings, and they're kind of similar to your phobia against women like Vishnuda," Professor Hokuri explained, while stroking Brahmana's throat and looking at him. "HEY! My personal life is still private!" he snapped at his colleague for the embarrassing truth that not everyone needs to know about, before the lecturer sheepishly laughed. "Oh yeah! Let's call it my teaching material!"

"Can I bring these three to Sandyakala?"

Kamila suggested, making Professor Hokuri jolted in shock before he growled. "Those are Dharma-class Phantom Beasts and why do you have that idea, Kamila?!" he protested as Kamila stuck her tongue out at him, before she folded her arms across her chest. "Aw come on! I've always wanted a pet..." she pouted, despite being a royal--she still whined like a toddler but in a mockingly cute fashion, tugging Kohaku's sleeves until it's not broken into two. "No means no, if you want to get one--then find it yourself!"

"Wouldn't it be bad if someone finds out that we're guarding Crown Princess of Sandyakala?" Sherry spoke behind Kohaku as he yelped, almost fell into the sea from such a surprise. "Sherry! When the hell did you learn how to sneak behind other's people backs?!" he hissed, clenching his chest as he's still being conscious about the sand is getting into his shoe. "Aww, you haven't forgotten about me...!"

Before Sherry can react, Kohaku placed his thumbs right on her cheeks and pressing them together while he grumbled. "You're still annoying as ever."

Kamila wasn't trying to even hide her amusement with Sherry (also confused) pressing her fingers between her nose and her face as her face is pinched, Kohaku is almost tempted to put Sherry to go through the pain like how he wanted. "Kayana, get your hands off meeee..." she whined, trying to move her face away before she was given mercy and he let go of the Indonesian woman and muttered under his breath about how incompetent she is when it comes to working as his assistant like before. "Seriously, you keep leeching me for no reasons..."

"Do you ever have fun with me around, Kayana?" Sherry chuckled, although she rolled her eyes from Kohaku's sarcastic reply. "Fun? We're not done with the business yet, so have it."

Shivada raised its head over to the two before making low sounds, Kamila gasped in excitement and running her fingers through the snake's body as Professor Hokuri sighed in disbelief, Kohaku knew that the gentle leader is pretty much innocent and even being clingy with him for company. Brahmana watched its surroundings while Vishnuda nipped a stick and spat it, before the Triumvirate serpents slithered back to their master as Professor Hokuri petted them. "We'll spend some time with you, Kamila--until your last day in Bali... when you return back to Sandyakala later, then you have to tell about them?"

Kamila nodded in excitement, unable to contain her excitement before jumping onto Kohaku from his left side as they almost fell down, laughing awkwardly.

"Sheesh... you..."

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