Kael strode through the streets of Devon City, his mind buzzing with anticipation. The city had changed since he was a boy, but the familiar cobblestones and low hum of life brought back a strange sense of comfort. Soon, he reached the modest home of his childhood master.
Raising his hand, he knocked firmly on the door. A soft click, and it swung open to reveal a girl with wine-colored hair and glasses perched neatly on her nose. She looked to be about his age and greeted him with a warm, bright smile.
"Kael! It's been so long!" she exclaimed, stepping aside. "Kaien already told us you'd be coming, so I was expecting you. Come in, come in."
"Miyako," he said warmly, bowing slightly as he greeted her. "It's good to see you again."
Kael's lips twitched into a smile as he stepped inside, memories flooding back. A part of his childhood had been spent in this house, while he was off learning the basics of combat and survival, she had been buried in books, always reading, always learning. She had a spark, a lively energy that made the room feel brighter.
"Still got your head in books, Miyako?" he teased gently, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Miyako straightened proudly, glasses glinting. "Forever is the deal," she said, smiling warmly back at him.
Miyako's eyes sparkled, and she grinned. "Kael! You've grown taller… and more handsome. I can't believe how much you've changed!" She adjusted her glasses with a playful flick.
Kael chuckled, looking at her intently. "Even with the glasses, you're still a sight, Miyako."
She laughed softly, nudging him with her elbow. "Flattery already? You've been practicing charm along with swordsmanship, haven't you?"
Kael only smirked and shook his head. "Maybe a little."
Just then, an older man moved forward, surprisingly agile despite his frail frame. Kael's master. His eyes lit up with recognition and pride. "Kael! My boy! You've grown into quite the young man."
Kael bowed respectfully. "Master. It's good to see you. How have you been feeling?"
The master gave a small cough and smiled weakly. "Ah, you know… the usual. These sweets I can't resist—they give me a little trouble now and then."
Miyako smirked, teasing her father. "See? I told you, Dad! All those sweet pastries will catch up with you someday."
The master groaned in mock embarrassment, rubbing his face. "Very funny, Miyako. Thank you for reminding me."
Kael reached into his bag and pulled out several small vials and medicines. "I brought some healing supplies for you, Master. They might help with your recovery."
The master's eyes softened, gratitude evident in his voice. "Kael… thank you. That's very thoughtful of you."
Miyako clapped her hands together. "Well, now that everyone's feeling better, let's get down to work. Kael, you know why you're here, so no time to waste."
Kael nodded. "Yes. I'm here to learn—politics, religion, advanced magic… everything I need to become stronger."
The master smiled proudly. "You're in capable hands. Miyako's a scholar and a teacher at the city library. She can teach anything you ask, and she does it exceptionally well. You'll be learning from the best."
Miyako beamed. "Flattery from your master… okay, okay, I'll take the compliment." She motioned for Kael to follow her. "Now, library time. Let's make learning fun."
Kael followed Miyako through the training hall, the walls lined with ancient runes and floating orbs of faintly glowing magic. He finally stopped and looked at her, curiosity flickering in his amber eyes.
"Miyako… before we start training, I need to understand something," he said, voice calm but insistent. "All these gods… the system, the magic tied to them… I need to know who's who."
Miyako's lips curved into a faint smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Straight to the point, I see. Very well, Kael. But don't say I didn't warn you—it's… complicated."
He raised an eyebrow. "I've got time."
She took a deep breath and began, pacing slowly. "At the top of the divine hierarchy is Seraphina, the Goddess of Balance. Everything—life, death, magic, even the will of mortals—flows through her, either directly or indirectly. She's the reason the gods can't just run wild. Her judgment… is final. Even gods like Kaivor, the God of War, and Vorik, the God of Betrayal, dare not openly defy her."
Kael nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Balance… so she's like… the referee?"
Miyako chuckled softly. "More like the architect of the game. Next, we have Kaivor. He thrives on conflict, strategy, war—he's powerful, feared by mortals, and always testing limits. But he respects Seraphina, grudgingly, because even the fiercest war must have a ceiling."
"And love?" Kael asked, tilting his head.
"Amelyra," Miyako replied. "Goddess of Love. She weaves bonds between mortals and immortals, inspires devotion, desire, even obsession sometimes. Subtle, often unnoticed, but very influential. Seraphina ensures Amelyra doesn't tip the scales in favor of chaos."
Kael smirked faintly. "So there's order even in love."
Miyako's eyes glinted. "Exactly. Thalira is the Goddess of Kindness, encouraging mercy and altruism among mortals. Vorik, God of Betrayal, keeps the world sharp—he reminds mortals and gods alike that trust can be broken. Elyndor rules knowledge and arcane arts, Myrrhiane weaves fate, Daryon enforces justice… and so on. Each has a domain, a power. But Seraphina? She watches over all of them."
He frowned slightly. "Does that mean even the gods can't just change things on a whim?"
"Correct," Miyako said, nodding. "Chaos exists, but she manages it. Even the God of Death, Noctar, can't steal life indiscriminately. Sylvanna maintains nature, Fenrik plays tricks… all allowed, but within balance. If anything threatens that, Seraphina intervenes. She's why mortals like you—even mages—cannot simply bend reality without consequence."
Kael's fingers twitched at his side. "So… the gods aren't just powerful beings. They're… rules. Boundaries."
"Exactly," Miyako said, her voice softening. "And if you're going to understand magic, control it, or survive the world… you have to know the rules, respect them, and recognize the hierarchy. Miss one step, and even the smallest god can ruin your day. Or your life."
Kael let that sink in, scanning the room, feeling the weight of centuries of divine politics, power, and history pressing down. "Got it," he finally said, voice firm. "No skipping steps. No shortcuts."
Miyako gave a faint, approving nod. "Good. That's the mindset of a mage who might one day stand against gods… or at least survive among them."
Kael exhaled softly, eyes narrowing, already thinking of the training ahead. "Then teach me. I don't want to just survive—I want to win."
Miyako smiled warmly at him, proud of his curiosity
----
Kael followed Miyako into a circular chamber at the heart of the training hall. Crystals floated midair, casting shifting light across the walls etched with arcane symbols. A faint hum of latent magic vibrated through the floor.
"Before we even touch the basics," Miyako said, spinning a small crystal in her hand, "you need to understand how the gods influence magic. Every advanced spell, every forbidden technique, draws its power from their domains. But—" she tilted her head, eyes glinting, "if you don't respect who's who, or overstep… you burn out. Sometimes permanently."
Kael's brow furrowed. "So the gods… fuel magic? All magic?"
"Most of it," Miyako replied. "Mortals can manipulate raw mana, yes, but it's fleeting, unstable. To really command magic, advanced magic, you tap into a god's domain. You can invoke Kaivor's war energy for offensive spells, channel Amelyra's influence to manipulate emotions, borrow Sylvanna's nature energy to heal or summon beasts, or use Elyndor's knowledge to weave complex arcane chains."
Kael's fingers itched. "Sounds… complicated."
Miyako smirked. "It is. And that's why most mages never leave the basics. To push beyond, you must understand divine patterns, how each god's aura interacts with mortal mana, and how to avoid Seraphina's notice if you're… ambitious."
Kael tilted his head. "Ambitious… meaning what exactly?"
"Meaning," she said, leaning closer, voice soft but teasing, "that if you try to break the rules, even slightly, the Goddess of Balance herself, or her agents, will notice. And I don't think you want a direct lecture from a goddess who can erase your existence with a glance."
Kael's lips twitched into a faint grin. "Noted. Don't get erased."
Miyako continued, pointing to a floating diagram of glowing lines. "Now, every god has signature spells, effects you can learn if you attune yourself. Kaivor—war—creates battlefield distortion, amplifies combat instinct. Amelyra—love and obsession—can influence loyalty, devotion, even drive fear or passion. Vorik—betrayal—enhances deception and trickery, letting you turn enemies against each other. But draw too much… you risk possession by their essence."
Kael's eyes narrowed, studying the floating patterns. "Possession… meaning?"
"Literal," Miyako said, voice serious now. "Lose focus, and you become a puppet. That's why advanced mages always study divine signatures, not just the spell. You must see the god's nature, respect it, or it will consume you."
Kael nodded slowly, absorbing everything. "And Seraphina… the Goddess of Balance… she oversees all of this?"
"Exactly," Miyako said. "She ensures no single god dominates. She's why chaos is contained, why even mortals have rules. If you want to master advanced magic, you'll need her blessing—or at least her tolerance. And that… is no small feat."
Kael let out a slow breath. "So mastering this magic isn't just skill… it's politics too."
Miyako smirked. "Oh, very much politics. You learn which god to draw from, when, and how much. Push too far, or favor the wrong one, and you'll have more than just a failed spell—you'll have divine attention you didn't ask for."
Kael's gaze hardened, determination blazing. "Then teach me. I don't want just skill. I want control. I want to be strong enough" .....*so that nothing—no god, no system, can stop me from finding Rin and Lyra.*
Miyako's eyes softened, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Good. That fire… it'll keep you alive longer than any lesson I could give. But remember, Kael… respect the gods. Fear the balance. And maybe… try not to annoy me too much while you're at it."
Kael rolled his eyes, a small smirk on his face. "I'll try. But no promises."
----
Kael leaned back slightly, his expression serious, brows furrowed. "Miyako, I need you to tell me everything, the political structure, all the kingdoms, cities, towns… everything. I need to understand the world completely."
Miyako blinked, clearly shocked. She tilted her head, eyes narrowing as she studied him. "Kael… you're a prince of Devon, right? Did you seriously never learn this in school? All of it?" Her tone mixed disbelief and amusement.
Kael shook his head. "We learned the basics of history and diplomacy, yes. But I never learned the full scope, how the Imperial Kingdom rules the smaller kingdoms, all the towns under their influence. I want the complete picture."
Miyako's lips pressed into a thin line, a soft sigh escaping her. "You're relentless, Kael. Fine… if you insist, I'll tell you. But don't expect me to make it boring."
She crouched and traced a map in the dirt with her finger, beginning her explanation. "The Imperial Kingdom sits at the center of everything. Its capital, Solara City, houses the Emperor or Empress, the Imperial Council, and the administrative heart of the empire. From there, they oversee all the smaller kingdoms and territories."
Kael leaned in, eyes scanning every detail.
"Devon is your homeland," Miyako continued. "Devon City is the capital. The kingdom includes towns like Briarthorn, Goldleaf, Silverwind, and Windspire. Eryndor is the military powerhouse, with Stonekeep as its capital and towns like Ironhall, Bloodridge, and Frostpeak. Valemere is the trade hub, capital Coralport, and towns like Seaguard, Stormhaven, and Moonbay. Thalor is the mountainous kingdom, rich in minerals, with highland towns like Cragwatch, Emberfall, and Skyhold."
She paused briefly, letting Kael take it all in. "Then there's Lyria, small but wealthy in mana crystals and magical research, capital is Crystalspire, towns include Mistwood, Dawnvale, and Glimmerhaven. Arendale lies to the south, more rural, farming and trade towns, Riversmeet, Sunfield, Willowbend. And finally, the Frostlands up north, harsh and cold, capital is Icevein, smaller settlements like Snowridge, Winterhold, and Frosthollow. All these territories ultimately answer to the Imperial Kingdom, though some kingdoms maintain their own rulers for daily governance."
Kael nodded, absorbing the information. "And the people? Nobles, merchants, military?"
Miyako's expression softened, a hint of pride in her voice. "Each kingdom has its own hierarchy. Nobles oversee towns, merchants manage trade routes, and armies protect their borders. The Imperial Kingdom places representatives in each kingdom to ensure loyalty. Solara City is where decisions affecting all kingdoms are made. Miss a single detail, Kael, and it could affect diplomacy, trade, or even war."
Kael's gaze didn't waver. "Good. I need to know everything if I'm going to succeed. No mistakes this time."
Miyako nodded, satisfied with his seriousness. "Then remember every name, every place. Devon is your home base, Eryndor the military might, Valemere the trade lifeline, Thalor the resource kingdom. Lyria and Arendale support magically and agriculturally, Frostlands is the extreme north. All of it… interconnected, controlled by the Imperial Kingdom."
Kael exhaled softly, letting the weight of the world sink in. "Perfect. That's exactly what I needed."
Miyako smirked, shaking her head slightly. "I'm glad you know more about the land, Kael…"
----
Kael leaned against the balcony railing, eyes scanning the hills of Devon but clearly distracted. After a pause, he turned to Miyako, who was sitting cross-legged on a stone bench, her scrolls spread around her.
"What about… mages?" he asked casually, as if it were just a passing curiosity.
Miyako looked at him, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. "Ah, your curious little brain… it's kind of cute, you know that?" she said lightly, shaking her head.
Kael raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Cute, huh? Don't let it distract you from explaining."
She then sighed, a little bit disappointed "I was looking forward to teaching more than basics, but we still have enough time ahead of us"
"But don't worry," she replied, dramatically flipping a scroll open. "I'll explain everything. Listen carefully, Prince Kael. Mages are ranked by levels, from one to twenty-six-plus. The higher the level, the stronger their magic, and the more powerful the beasts they can control. But there's more than raw power. Each level also has specialties."
Kael leaned in, interest sharpening. "Go on."
"Levels one to five," she began, "are apprentices. They mostly handle elemental sparks, minor healing, and illusions. Their specialty is versatility and learning quickly. They can control level one to three beasts, tiny familiars like fire imps, water sprites, and small wolves. Notes: they're weak individually, but clever mages can use numbers to their advantage."
Kael smirked. "Weak, but useful in groups."
"Exactly," Miyako replied, a faint smile crossing her face. "Levels six to ten are intermediates. They can enhance elemental control, set wards, and make minor enchantments. Their specialty is battlefield manipulation, positioning, traps, and support. Beasts are level four to six: medium wolves, trained wyverns, minor golems. Notes: must maintain focus; distracted mages often lose control of beasts."
"And after that?" Kael prompted, eyes sharp.
"Eleven to fifteen, advanced mages," she continued. "They summon storms, bind creatures, teleport short distances, and make mana shields. Their specialty is offensive and defensive balance. Beasts are level seven to ten: griffins, wyverns, minor dragons, enchanted golems. Notes: extremely powerful, but reckless use can cause collateral damage."
Kael whistled low. "Not bad."
"Sixteen to twenty, master mages," Miyako said, her tone serious. "Reality-bending spells, massive healing, mana constructs. Their beasts are level eleven to fifteen: dragons, phoenixes, giant serpents, mana elementals. Specialties: strategic control of multiple high-level beasts, large-scale magical zones. Notes: one error can cost armies."
Kael's jaw tightened. "Discipline is key. Got it."
"Twenty-one to twenty-five, legendary mages," Miyako continued, eyes gleaming. "Reality manipulation in small zones, dimensional magic, ultimate bindings. Level sixteen to twenty beasts: ancient dragons, titans, celestial creatures. Specialties: legendary battlefield command, tactical foresight. Notes: survival depends on deep connection with beasts."
Kael leaned back, processing it all. "And the final tier?"
Miyako's gaze sparkled with a mixture of awe and amusement. "Twenty-six plus. God-tier mages. World-altering magic, time manipulation, divine bindings. Level twenty-one and above beasts, primordial beings, gods' avatars, celestial dragons. Specialties: near-omniscient control, godlike perception. Notes: extremely rare. One in a millennium may reach this."
Kael's eyes were sharp, calculating. "And mage specialties… you said each has a focus, right?"
"Correct," she nodded. "Some mages are offensive experts, some excel in defense, others in support or summoning. Even within levels, understanding your beast's temperament is critical. You can have a level fifteen mage controlling a dragon perfectly, but if their specialty doesn't match the beast's nature, it can turn on them."
Kael smirked faintly. "So it's not just power. It's understanding, strategy, connection."
"Exactly," Miyako said, folding her scroll. "Knowledge is power, Prince Kael. A weak-minded mage may have the strongest beast, but without skill or focus, it's useless."
He leaned back, letting the wind carry her words into his mind. "Alright, Miyako. Thanks. I'll make sure I'm ready."
"Good," she said, tucking her scrolls neatly. "And Kael… never underestimate low-level mages or small beasts. They're unpredictable, clever, and dangerous if you're careless."
"I won't," he replied. "But they'd better be ready for me too."
---
Hours passed with Kael immersed in study. Miyako's lively energy, her teasing remarks, and her ability to make complex subjects engaging kept Kael alert and entertained.
Finally, they returned to the living room. Kael leaned back slightly. "We could keep going like this for a while, Miyako… and I'll pay for your lessons."
Miyako waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about payment. We've known each other since childhood, remember? This is just… part of the deal."
Kael's master sighed with regret. "I wish I could train you in swordsmanship myself, Kael. But I'm not strong enough anymore. We'll need a swordmaster for you."
Miyako perked up instantly. "I have an idea! My boyfriend is training as a knight in the kingdom. Underrated, yes—but he's skilled with a blade. We can have him teach you swordsmanship alongside my lessons. Of course…" She smirked mischievously at Kael. "You'll definitely have to pay him."
Kael laughed, shaking his head. "I expected as much. Alright, deal."
Miyako clapped her hands with delight. "Good! Now we're a proper team."
"I am grateful for this opportunity Miyako, .... Master"
That evening, the small group gathered around a cozy fire in the living room. Laughter, teasing, and warm conversation filled the space. Kael felt a rare sense of peace as he watched Miyako joking with her father, who was now more relaxed and smiling, and shared a few words with Mira and Hiryuu.
For the first time in a while, surrounded by familiar faces and warmth, Kael allowed himself to relax, knowing that while the path ahead would be difficult, he had allies, and friends, he could count on.
........
Rin's body was still small, curled into the soft cushions of her room, but her muscles ached pleasantly from her secret training. For the past week, every moment she could steal from her confinement, she had been pushing herself, slow movements, stretches, resistance exercises using the furniture, and shadow sparring against the walls. Her tail flicked experimentally as she jumped, landed, rolled, and tested her reflexes. Each motion was deliberate, measured.
Her body had changed noticeably. Her legs were longer and stronger, toned from repeated jumps and rolls, while her arms had gained subtle definition, hinting at the strength growing beneath the soft skin. Her waist had slimmed, curving gently into hips that felt more womanly with every passing day, and even her chest had developed fuller, more pronounced curves, the subtle swell of her breasts now drawing her gaze every time she caught her reflection. Her skin glowed faintly from the mana-infused fruits, warm and soft, as if the magic itself was coaxing her into maturity. Her body was no longer the fragile frame of a young beast girl, she was becoming something more, something powerful and dangerously alluring.
Her bare stomach, still marked by the faintly glowing restriction spell, pulsed with mana from the fruits she had been devouring, fruits with strange, vibrant hues, each glowing faintly with life force. The Manafruit, the Sapphire Berry, and the Golden Pomme all helped restore her reserves, and with each one, she could feel the power simmering inside her. Her limbs, once soft, were slowly hardening; strength and agility creeping back to muscles that had been idle for too long.
"Okay… one more roll, one more jump," she muttered to herself, tail bristling, ears perked in concentration. She pushed her legs higher, landing softly on the balls of her feet, then attempted a series of flips she had only read about in the old training scrolls. Sweat dripped from her brow, mixing with the faint glow of her mana, a warm tingle spreading through her chest.
After a particularly grueling sequence, she collapsed onto the cushions, breathing heavily. Her reflection in the polished floor showed subtle changes, her body stronger, more toned, more alive, and unmistakably adult now. Her ears twitched involuntarily as she whispered to herself, "I… I can do this. I will be stronger."
Three hours later, as Rin stretched lazily, the soft click of a door announced a presence. She froze.
"Rin, my little cat," Sayaka's lilting, teasing voice echoed through the room. "Well, well… didn't I just see you not that long ago? You were so small then. Smaller. Younger, even."
Rin's ears twitched, her tail curling tighter. "…"
Sayaka's laugh tinkled like bells. "But… hmm… beast people do grow fast when they're well-fed, don't they?" She moved closer, hands clasped behind her back, gaze sharp but flirty. "I hope everything's to your liking. Do you have everything you want, hmm?"
The priest hovered nearby, as always, looking uncomfortable under her scrutiny. "Y-Yes, Lady Sayaka…"
"And you," she turned, voice silky and dangerous, looking at Rin directly, "will soon be a very… useful bait. Oh yes. Kael won't know what hit him." Her smile widened dangerously. "Are you excited about that, little kitten?"
Rin said nothing, but her ears flattened, muscles tensing.
Before Rin could even process the words, a new presence entered. The room's temperature seemed to drop, the light dimming slightly in response to the aura. Rin's tail stiffened, fur rising on instinct.
Azazel. But this time, he walked in not as a shadow, not as a whisper, but fully human.
Rin's eyes widened, her heartbeat hammering violently. Even from across the room, the raw power emanating from him made her legs feel like lead.
Sayaka's brow furrowed. "Hm…"
Without warning, he stepped forward, and Rin's world narrowed to the sharp, predatory glint in his eyes. Before she could react, his long fingers wrapped around her throat. Her arms flailed instinctively, claws brushing the air, but the sheer strength pressing down pinned her in place.
"I've had enough of him," Azazel growled, his voice low, like steel grinding. "Kael… you will pay for taking Lyra from me." His grip tightened, and Rin's vision blurred as panic surged through her.
Sayaka's face fell into a frown, but she did not move, her control absolute. Azazel ignored her for a heartbeat longer, fingers biting into her throat. Rin's eyes watered; her breaths came in shallow, terrified gasps. "I-I… can't… stop him…"
Azazel hissed, voice like ice, "And you… little beast, will be the first to suffer. I'll make sure of it. Every second you breathe, Kael will know he's losing!"
Sayaka finally moved, stepping forward with deliberate calm. Her hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist with unyielding strength. "Enough." Her tone was quiet but filled with absolute command. "Let her go, Azazel."
He glared at her for a long moment, muscles rigid, before releasing Rin with a shove that sent her crashing to the floor. She coughed violently, wheezing, her vision swimming, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her ears drooped, tail flicking weakly, but she was alive.
Azazel's voice was sharp, calculated, still radiating danger. "She will be the tool to find Kael. Use her until he comes out. Even if it means… torture."
Rin's body shivered violently, lying flat on the floor. Her small frame felt fragile in the wake of such raw power. Her thoughts were frantic, Kael… how dangerous they are… what if he gets hurt…
Sayaka straightened, brushing her hands together, face returning to that teasing, dangerous smile. "Now now, little one… behave. Or things will get… interesting." She turned her gaze back to Azazel, who had stepped back, still fuming but restrained by her calm authority.
She let out a soft sigh, muttering under her breath, "He always gets so crazy about that girl…"
Rin remained on the floor, chest heaving, eyes wide and trembling, yet somewhere deep inside, a tiny ember of resolve glimmered. She would grow stronger. She had to. For Kael… for herself.
.............
The night was thick with smoke and screams. Fires devoured the small village, sending crackling embers into the dark sky, painting everything in a hellish orange glow. The air was heavy with the acrid scent of burning wood and the metallic tang of blood.
Masked figures moved like shadows through the chaos, blades glinting in the firelight. Men tried to fight, raising axes and pitchforks, but the attackers were swift and merciless. Cries of pain echoed through the streets as some fell, their lifeblood staining the dirt beneath them. Women screamed, clutching children, only to be dragged away by hands that showed no hesitation, no mercy. The village that had lived peacefully for decades was shredded in hours, homes reduced to rubble, the marketplace overturned, livestock scattered and terrified.
From broken rooftops to the burning streets, the chaos consumed everything. People ran blindly, some tripping over the bodies of friends and neighbors. Dogs yelped, trying to escape the madness, but many were lost to the flames or the masked intruders. Every corner seemed to hold danger; every shadow hid a blade.
Among the smoke, high on a ridge overlooking the village, sat a single figure. Calm. Poised. A man dressed in a general's uniform, adorned with the trappings of nobility, a perfectly tailored coat, polished boots, and a gleaming sword at his side. His mask hid most of his face, but the glint in his eyes was unmistakable: satisfaction.
He watched as the chaos unfolded, each scream, each fireball, each desperate struggle feeding something deep and dark within him. The destruction was complete. Nothing was left untouched by the carnage.
A soft gust carried the stench of burning wood and blood toward him, but he did not flinch. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, appreciating the symphony of agony playing before him.
Even as the flames consumed the last structures, he remained seated, eyes scanning the devastation with meticulous precision. Every death, every act of cruelty, had been orchestrated perfectly. His lips curled into a faint, chilling smile. Satisfaction.
The village was gone. The people were gone. Only smoke, ash, and the echo of screams remained. And he… he remained, the silent observer, the noble orchestrator, the man who relished in every horrifying moment of it.