NEW CHAPTER LETS GOOOO. BTW I'LL BE TAKING MY TIME FROM NOW. FOR MORE QUALITY WORK. Mostly post weekly.
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5 P.m. The Maquerade Ball.
3rd P.o.v
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The sun had yet to set, but the masquerade had already begun. Luxurious cars arrived at the castle one by one, and people adorned in flamboyant dresses and masks went inside.
Inside the venue of the Masquerade Ball, countless guests gathered to enjoy the night. All of them wore masks, either provided by the butler at the gate or their own personal design.
Not long afterwards, at 5:15, Kim Hajin, Kim Suho, Chae Nayun, and Yoo Yeonha arrived. Fully adorned in party clothes, their perfect figures shone brilliantly even with their faces covered.
Their arrival caught the attention of the present guest. Chatters and whispers all around asking about their identities.
Yoo Yeonha definitely enjoyed the attention she received.
"You know what they say. Clothes maketh the man. It was worth dragging you two for this."
"..." x2. Neither Hajin nor Suho were excited for this party.
After seeing Shiki and his date going into a clothing store, Yoo Yeonha immediately recalled the Masquerade ball. At that moment, Yeonha grabbed both of the boys' hands and started dragging them to a different shop.
Despite their strong refusal, Hajin and Suho were no match for Yeonha's persistence.
Chae Nayun tagged along from behind and pushed the boys forward. In the end, the boys reluctantly became models for the two girls to play dress up with.
'This shirt feels so stuffy...'
'Why am I here?'
Hajin and Suho were a little tired, each in their own way.
But before they could even complain, Yoo Yeonha had already reached her hand out to them.
"C'mon, you came all the way here. Aren't you gonna dance?"
"I've never danced before." Suho replied.
"So what, you're going to just stand around all the time?"
"...Well, I guess I'm a quick learner."
Kim Suho followed Yoo Yeonha's lead as they danced to a classical piece.
At the same time, Hajin discovered a strange movement of mana on the other side of the castle.
It was a Magic Portal.
"... I knew something would deviate from the story."
An alert popped up on his status screen.
[Homer's Ring – Mythical grade artifact. It doesn't make sense that only a few people would aim for it just because it hasn't fully awakened its power.]
[Modified setting – The Djinn group, Evil Society, has identified its origin and will interfere in the story.]
sigh* 'I should keep my guard up just in case.
Damn co-author..'
Hajin silently cursed at the person he knew that could done this, not knowing that that person might have been taken out of the story already.
"What are you spacing out for?"
A voice brought Hajin back to Earth. He turned to his left and saw that it was Chae Nayun next to him.
"Hello? Are you deaf?"
"No.... Nothing, just thinking a few things."
"Well... Aren't you gonna say anything?"
"What?"
'What does she want now?'
Filled with confusion, Hajin looked around to see that they were the few who weren't dancing then.
"Well...?" Chae Nayun asked again.
Truth be told, Kim Hajin and Chae Nayun weren't that close at the time. Even though they did talk in and after class, most of the time they were arguing and fighting.
Even so, their relationship has somewhat improved, gradually and steadily. The cadets still saw them bickering whenever they met, but the surrounding air wasn't as tense as before.
Shiki's guidance, along with Hajin's explosive growth, contributed greatly to this matter. If this were the old Hajin, he wouldn't bite back at Nayun's provocation. He would ignore the young girl, much to her 'aggressive' temper.
"Couldn't you wait for Suho to come back? Why do I have to be the one?"
"It's boring standing here you know. Now c'mon."
*Sigh* "Fine."
Resigned to Nayun's persistence, Hajin held out his hand.
With a little smirk on her face, Nayun accepted his invitation and followed him to the centre of the hall.
"By the way, do you know how to dance?"
"No... But I have good eyesight. I won't step on your foot by accident."
"So you will step on my foot intentionally."
"..... Just shut up and dance....."
The four youth dancing slowly became the highlight of the crowd. Despite their stiff and inexperienced dance early on, both pairs soon improved and synchronised perfectly.
Soon the dance must end, and they returned to a small corner of the hall. The moment they regrouped, Yoo Yeonha immediately teased the men.
"I didn't know you two could dance well, especially you." Yeonha gazed at Hajin.
"It's nothing to boast about, you're the one who should be praised."
"Of course it is...
...By the way... Where's that guy and his girlfriend? I don't see them anywhere here?"
One of the reasons they came here was to probe Shiki about his date, even if it had just been a few hours ago.
"Yeah! They went into a clothing store earlier. They must have bought something for this party, right? Where are they now?"
"I don't know, Nayun. Maybe they haven't arrived yet. Unless they didn't want to attend the ball in the first place."
*Clack clack clack clack*
A sound vibrated across the hall, making everyone turn their eyes to the doors. From outside the hall, two figures approached.
The couple walked in with their arm crossed together. The guests were stunned, looking at the scene before their eyes.
It wasn't because the masks couldn't hide their figures or faces, but it was because they had walked in without any masks at all.
The man was good-looking not to mention, but the woman was the star of the show.
She was already beautiful without the outfit. Ample figure, long silky purple hair, red eyes that stare into your soul and a soft smile that captivates both men and women. It was like a Goddess had just descended from heaven.
She wore a purple formal dress, both encapsulating her astonishing figure and elevating her white shoulders. Paired with a flower hairpin and a silver tiara, the 'goddess' gave off an alluring and mature vibe.
As for why they didn't wear a mask...
"Why should I hide myself at a party at all" was what Scáthach said when they were presented with their masks. Then she crossed her arm with Shiki, not letting him wear one either and went into the venue.
With that, they went straight to the hall under the panic of the butlers at the doors.
Scáthach paid no mind to the frozen crowd and led her partner toward the centre. She let go of her partner and went forward a few steps. She then turned around and held out her hand before looking straight into his eyes.
Catching onto her hint, Shiki walked closer to her, gently took her hand and lowered himself to kiss it.
Music started again as the two began to dance in the centre of the stage, where they were the most spectacular of them all.
Slow pacing, perfectly synchronised movement as if they have been dancing together for years. Their eyes never broke from each other immersing into their own world, their own moment.
"Whoa, they looked great together."
Nayun couldn't help but comment on the sight before her.
"It really is..." Suho agreed.
"How long have they known each other to be able to dance like that?"
"I don't know. It must have been a long time before he joined Cube." Hajin replied.
"How about you guys ask him later. Knowing him, he wouldn't hide anything if someone asked him politely."
"I'll do that then," Yeonha said.
For now, it's better to enjoy their performance. Who knows if there will ever be another party like this?
The music slowed down to its final note, but their moment of radiance lingered even when their dance was about to end.
After separating, people immediately crowded over Scáthach, hoping to strike up a conversation with her.
Shiki, on the other hand, went to the corner where Hajin and the other were watching him from.
"Enjoy the show?" Shiki asked.
"Yeah, you two were amazing. I couldn't keep my eyes away the whole time." Nayun answered.
"Thank you very much. Now, any questions? Don't think I didn't noticed you four behind me this afternoon."
"Of course you knew. It would be strange if you didn't." Hajin replied.
"And shouldn't you be the voice of reason? You knew better than to follow me, right?"
"I couldn't even say anything before they had already left to find you. All I could do was not let them go overboard."
"I'll take that answer. Now again, any questions? Or are we just gonna stand here for the rest of the night?"
But before anyone could ask their question.
*Boom* An explosion erupted and the second floor of the hall.
And from the debris, two armed women appeared, Yun Seung-Ah and Jain, a member of the Chameleon Trope. The two fought fiercely causing panic among the crowd.
The two also said something to each other. Though no one knew what they were saying. If things continue to escalate, there will be bloodshed.
Sword and dagger.
The density of magic power enveloping them was equal. However, the weight and size of the two weapons differed. Soon cracks appeared on the knife Jain was holding.
Yun Seung-Ah got on top of Jain and relentlessly attacked when a whip suddenly flew in and restrained her arm.
From the side, a girl wearing a cat mask was standing there.
It was Yoo Yeonha. Next to her was Kim Suho with his sword in hand.
"I don't know who you are, but you should have this lover's quarrel at home."
"Who are you guys?"
"We're the hero cadet.
If you put your weapon down, I'll make sure there is no bloodshed."
Yoo Yeonha added strength to her whip as she spoke leisurely.
Her whip seemed to want to snatch Yun Seung-Ah's sword, so Yun Seung-Ah ignited her magic power on her sword. Immediately, her magic power burned fiercely and scorched Yoo Yeonha's whip to cinders.
'Ah! My whip...'
In a daze, Yoo Yeonha took a few steps back.
"Uh..."
Yun Seung-Ah then dodged a stealthy attempt at her throat by Jain. He then focused her mana and continued her assault.
A few exchanges later and the dagger finally gave in. It snapped in half crumbling to the ground.
"!!!"
"You're dead."
Yun Seung-Ah swung down with all her force, aiming to end the woman who once betrayed her.
*Clank*
A sword had cut into their fight. Kim Suho had interveined.
"Who the hell are you... Get lost before I but both of you up."
"NO."
"I don't know who you're fighting but it's best to stop now. I don't want to get innocent people caught in it."
"I SAID GET LOST."
Irritated, Yun Seung-Ah kicked Suho right in the stomach, launching him out of the way before turning back. But by then, Jain had already gone from the spot.
"Where did she goes... What? Get back here."
"Would you stop if you were me. Good bye Yun Seung-Ah..."
Even in crisis, Jain was still trying to mock Yun Seung-Ah. However, Karma struck early this time.
*Sizzle * *Swooosh*
A dozen blood red mana power spiked, snatching a ring from Jain while keeping Yun Seung-Ah in place.
"Whh- What was that?"
A purple figure held the ring up high as it shone brightly in the night. Along with her tentacles like hair and legs, a demonic human had crashed the ball.
"I finally found it... Homer's ring."
Seeing the ring in the demonic human's hand, Yun Seung-Ah raised her sword toward it and said.
"Put it down... Immediately."
"This item isn't something you humans should have.
WE, the evil society, will be taking this."
"If anyone gets in the...."
But before it could finish, an orange whip-like mana shot from the outside and snatched the ring away.
From a building outside the hall, Kim Hajin had stolen the ring from the Djinn. Only a dead end await the demonic human.
As for how he was there at the time...
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5 minutes ago.
Kim Hajin P.o.v
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"Well, things got interesting." Teacher spoke out as Yun Seung-Ah and Jain were fighting in the hall.
He then turned to us and began speaking.
"Ok, things just got out of hand now, so I'll take command here, got it?"
The four of us looked at him for a second before nodding. He didn't look like he would take no as an answer then.
"Ok then. Chae Nayun, evacuate the guests. You don't have any other use here other than accidentally shooting them."
A 'Hey' came out from Nayun, protesting. But Teach ignored her and continued.
"Yoo Yeonha, Kim Suho, you two try to stop that fight any way possible. The sooner they stop, the better it'll be."
"Got it" x2. The two brought out their weapon and started to interrupt the fight.
"Hajin, go outside and secure the building. Anyone else in here trying to get in, you take them away or take them down."
"Got it. And teach, what will you do?"
"We'll go handle some uninvited guests."
As Shiki looked in a direction, it was the direction to the portal earlier that was still opening. So he is probably going to kill anyone who comes out of that place.
"Okay, I'll leave you to it..... Wait...? We?"
He smirked, said nothing more and departed. Oh well, I can ask him later. For now, securing Homer's ring is my priority, along with the party hall.
I then get on top of the building opposite of the hall, keeping my eye out for any more demonic human while waitting for a chance to steal the ring.
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On a different location.
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Shiki and Scáthach were met the some non-human guests at a mana portal.
Before them were dozens of shadow beasts and a demonic human. Why was he a demonic human? The dark mana leaking off him told the whole story.
"You two shouldn't be here. Would you mind telling me who the hell are you?"
The demonic human said, brandishing a handle-like object toward the two.
From the handle, green mana shot straight out forming a vibrating sword of light. Shiki and Scáthach both looked at it with interest.
"A lightsaber? How does that work? Looked to me like it consumed one mana to form its shape. What do you think, Lancer?"
"Seems like it, master. I wonder how they were made, how they can cut? Let's take it and find out, shall we?"
"Sound good to me. I'll take care of the beasts, you can go play with him."
"You know me well, master... Now, let's see if you are worthy of that blade."
"Have fun, Lancer."
"I'll try."
After Scáthach had finished talking, she grabbed the demonic human by the head so fast the Djinn couldn't react before she threw him away from her master.
Shiki, on the other hand, created a BoundaryField right after Scáthach left to chase her prey, trapping the beasts along with anything that came out of that portal with him.
"Now that you're all stuck here with me, let's blow some steam shall we?"
Shiki let his mana explode. Waves and waves of pressure sweep over the shadow beasts. None of the beasts made it move.
Even though they are mindless monsters, instincts deep-rooted inside them shook them to their core.
Some tried to back away, but the BoundaryField allowed no one to escape. Once they're in, they're in for the rest of their short lives.
One of them bravely attacked, only to get blasted with a fireball. Another pushed forward and got skewered with a light spear. Slowly, their execution began.
'By the time I killed all the monster, Scáthach would also done with the demonic human. I should find a nice restaurant for the three of us... Speaking of, Evandel is oddly quiet tonight. Is she sleeping in my front pocket? Nevermind that, let just deal with this quickly.'
Shiki then picked up the pace, dozens of spells flew off slaughtering the shadow monsters with ease. The number of mosnters slowly diminished until only Shiki was left in the middle of the Boundary Field.
...
On the other hand, the Djinn didn't have a good time fighting with Scáthach. He cut and slashed countless times, and yet with a 'lightsaber', he couldn't even touch the Servant.
Not to mention, a kick from her into his temple nearly put him out of commission. His demise came closer and closer while the Djinn found no hope of survival.
Out of desperation, the Djinn unleashed all of his mana into the artifact and swung it down, obliterating everything on its path. The mana blade crashed down to Scáthach's position.
*Boom* Dust and dirt scattered everywhere. Nothing was found at that spot.
"Hah... Haah. Hahahaha, Take that you bitch. You ain't so tough after a...."
"Mind telling me what you just called me?"
A cold voice froze the Djinn, he turned his head back to find that the Servant was standing behind him.
Though her dress was a little torn, she was unscathed from his final attack. Her face was clearly pissed off at him damaging her outfit.
"I-I...I...Uhh."
But before he could utter a single word. Scáthach slammed his head into the ground and stomped on him.
"This is one of my favourites and you just tore it. Hope you're ready for the consequences."
Thus began Scáthach's relentless beatdown. Though she could incinerate him with Runes or stabbed him with Gáe Bolg Alternative, it was too lenient in her book. He cannot die that easily.
Hell has no wrath like a woman scorned, especially if she was a god-killer. The Djinn suffered a painful and gruesome death.
"Tch... I ruined my heels thanks to this scum."
Scáthach yanked the 'lightsaber' from the dead Djinn hand and made her way back.
.
.
.
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Shiki P.o.v
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The Masquerade ball was ruined due to the invasion of the Djinn. Luckily, guests were safely evacuated thanks to the help of the cadets. The venue was then seized for further investigation.
Hajin's group was questioned by the official about the intruders. I also got questioned as well, but they only asked if I saw what the invader looked like.
I regrouped with them shortly after. Together, we went back to the portal at 6:50 to join the rest of the club before we went to the place we would stay for the night.
Scáthach, on the other hand, gave me the mana sword taken from the Djinn and took Evandel from my pocket, then left to take a walk around Paris. We'll have a quiet dinner later if no one follows me like in the afternoon.
Anyway, we got to the mansion, one that was owned by the club president's girlfriend's father. It was a large mansion, big enough to have room for everyone for the night.
That being said, I'm not staying there. Hell no. They will interrogate me to death when I get back from our dinner. I'll just wait until 11 when they're already asleep to get my stuff and leave. Scáthach wanted a late-night dinner anyway so it works for me.
I had already booked a hotel room for Scáthach to leave her stuff. I'll be crashing there till tomorrow.
For now, I'll just have to find an excuse to skip dinner with the club and hang around until they all sleep.
"Well... I'll be assigning everyone's room for the night. Boys and girls will sleep separately."
The raffle box came back, this time deciding they will sleep. I couldn't care less about my room. It will be one person less anyway... But fate had another plan for me.
As my luck never failed to screw me over, I got the same room as Hajin and Suho. One has a nearly mind-eye vision and the other is the most oblivious yet sensitive person ever. No one gets a whole room for themself as it isn't fair for the rest. Damn this curse.
The dining hall was rowdy as we talked about the incident earlier. But on one corner of the table, the topic shifted to an interrogation.
"So... Who's the lady and how did you two meet?" Yeonha fire the shot.
"Shit..." How can I dodge this question?
"Yeah yeah... I only heard Yeonha mention seeing you together before. Tell us about it." Nayun chimed in.
'When did that happ... Oh... Thursday... Damn it.'
"I am curious as well. Usually, I train after class is over so I didn't know anything about your life. If it bothers you then it ok not to tell."
'This dense mother... You're making it hard for me to avoid this, you know.'
"..." Hajin was silent. But judging from the afternoon, I had already guessed what he wanted.
"Even you?" I exclaimed. And the bastard just shrugged at me. I'll remember this.
"Fine... I'll talk. Only after we're done eating. It's too many ears in here."
"Yes! Finally ... I mean ... I looked forward to it."
"Ohhh I can't wait to hear about this."
'Women... A little gossip is all it takes to rouse them up.'
"Haizzz... I need a drink after this."
"I'm so sorry about them. Hope you forgive them for their enthusiasm."
"It's not helping, Suho."
"Haha..."
"..."
'Nothing to say to me, you ungrateful idiot? Nevermind... Double your tou... I mean training it is.'
'The dinner plan will have to be cancelled. I'll make it up to Scáthach somehow. I'll send a message to her in the meantime. Good thing she took Evandel to accompany her.'
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11 p.m. Nayun and Yeonha's room.
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The five of us are currently in the girls' room. Why the girls'? In Yeonha's words, she will ruin my reputation if I dare to give a trivial answer. Guess Hajin and Suho are just collateral.
Speaking of, Suho and Hajin are sitting near the door, blocking my escape, while the girls are sitting in front of the balcony, covering the second option.
"Now that everyone is almost asleep, fess up."
"Jeez, slow down, Yeonha... I'm still here you know."
"Just making sure you don't escape."
"How? It's not like I can magically vanish out of here." Not publicly of course.
"I don't know about that... Last time we officially fought, my attack magically slipped away, you know." Hajin replied.
'What kind of backhand compliment is that you bastard? Might as well keep silent for me.'
"Seriously? You hold a grudge from then?"
"..." Hajin really did hold a grudge. Just that he wouldn't say it out loud.
"Enough about us. Now talk." Yeonha interrupted.
"Okay okay... Now where do I start?"
"What's her name? Where did she come from? How did you meet? How long?" Nayun spoke her mind.
".... Call her Lancer. Her name is something I can't reveal. As for her origin... Scotland."
I don't know which part of Scotland Dún Scáith is from, the legend didn't say anything besides the origin country.
"And...?"
"We met back in Japan at a cáfe a few years ago. She was on a job there and we hung out a lot then."
'I can't just say I summoned her, can I? May as well create an identity for her now.
"And what did she do back then?" Yeonha pushed further.
"Hero... No affiliation, though. A free-lance you might say."
"So that's what you meant by 'we'. Look can be deceiving, as they say."
'I would love for Scáthach to hear what you said.'
"And how can I contact her? I would love a conversation with the lady."
"Ask her yourself, Yeonha. Though she got her own agenda now. She might not want to join your guild."
"I didn't say I would invite her to the Essence of Strait."
"You think I would believe that? You have already asked Hajin, no way you would skip a free agent."
"Damn it... He told you, didn't he?"
"..." My silence was a clear answer to her.
Yeonha then glared at Hajin with dissatisfaction. He looked away as if he wasn't involved in this matter.
"Enough about me, what about Hajin? He got stuff that he hid too? Why am I the one got question?"
"Well... Your were more interesting so..." Nayun replied.
"So it justified your stalking and probing into my life? My god..."
"Well..."
The questioning lasts for 40 minutes. Mostly about my doing in the past month including the past two days.
"...Speaking of, Hajin."
At that moment, Kim Suho, who was staring at Hajin fixedly, carefully spoke up. He seemed to be hesitating. Considering how needlessly nervous he was, this must be what he really wanted to ask him.
"Go on, tell me." Hajin said.
"...The report you wrote for Chae Nayun, I saw it too. You were a bit harsh."
"I know. And I wasn't harsh. Chae Nayun isn't a born archer. She needs to drop the bow and pick up the sword."
"Huh? You wanna repeat that, you bastard?"
"...Is that why you made that bet with Chae Nayun?"
"Yeah. If I win, I'm going to make her give up her bow. She said she'd do anything."
"If you win that is. You really think you can beat me?" Nayun lashed out but got ignored.
Kim Suho's expression stiffened.
"But it's the path she chose. I don't think it's something someone else should decide for her."
Kim Suho was both stern and soft at the same time.
He was right at that part. But as we all know, being right isn't everything. In this world, being right at all times only gets you to a certain point. Beyond that, right and wrong lost their meaning.
"...Then do you want me to encourage and console her, fully knowing that she's walking to a dead-end?" Hajin fired back.
"No, that's not what I—"
Without giving a chance for a rebuttal, Hajin cut in and continued.
"You can't succeed just by hearing encouraging words. What if you reach a dead-end after endlessly toiling away? What if the only thing waiting at the end is a greater despair? Will you take responsibility?"
Kim Suho let out a sigh. His breath was full of heat. He then spoke in a low voice as though he was angry.
"How can you be so sure that Chae Nayun isn't talented with bows, but swords? Are you saying all this because you can take responsibility?"
From Kim Suho's perspective, what he said was completely justified. Chae Nayun had trained for countless hours using the bow, but someone who seemingly wasn't close to her was telling her to give it up.
But then again, Justification isn't everything. If else, it is a shackle for the 'all good no evil'.
"You've seen her fight, you've seen how she struggles in rank ever since she made the switch. And you're telling me I'am not sure. Besides, I'm not the only one who criticised her decision, right?" Hajin then looked at me.
Then they all looked at me.
"...The second report was yours?" Chae Nayun was flabbergasted.
"Yes, it was mine. I wrote it based on how I would have fought in the same situation, as well as my other report."
"You as well, Shiki?" Kim Suho asked.
"Sorry Suho, but Hajin is right. Archery isn't her strong suit. Long-range Heroes has a lot of freedom, yet Nayun failed to utilise that perk. She is bound to the basic form and style. Sticking to basics isn't bad, but hanging on to them like a clutch will detrimentally affect your growth."
"I see... You too, huh?"
"But I didn't suggest giving up, that would be denying your training."
"I know, I read it. Having a secondary weapon would definitely help. But still..."
But I wasn't gonna let him talk his way out.
Chae Nayun was someone Hajin created with affection.
Her appearance, her personality, and even her tiniest hobbies and trauma were my creation. Of course, a few things had changed, but still... creation. Of course, a few things had changed, he came to this world and then me, but still...
He told me everything he written. So I know that he cares for them, for her...
"I don't know Chae Nayun more than Hajin know her. But I know battle more than anyone."
Even if Kim Suho was this world's main character like Hajin said, there was no one else in this entire world who knew Chae Nayun better than Hajin himself.
And there is no one understands combat more than me, a magician and a fighter. As the man who had reached Akasha and talked to it's personafication, I know more than just shooting arrows.
"So I know far more about her than you."
"...What?"
A strange light flickered in Kim Suho's eyes. Whenever it was my former or later statement but does it matter? I still got the point to him.
*Thud*
We heard a faint sound coming from the balcony. It was Nayun holding her face with both hands and curling up on the ground.
'A...!!! Shouldn't talk about Hajin in front of Nayun. She been listening to everything we boys have to say.'
"Oops... My bad."
'What about Ha... Nevermind, he didn't even want to look at me.'
A good archer also needs to hold in their emotion well, something both of them might have to further train.
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