Your success in retrieving Knuckles has brought your three colorful allies back together, thus marking it a resounding success. Still, it's highly unlikely Eggman is going to overlook the destruction of his robots at that base or Knuckles going missing... But strangely, it seems as though life goes on as usual in Chicago.
The patrolling robots have had their numbers cut; a sign that you're doing something, at least. Unfortunately, the humans of this world still don't react to your presence at all, and there's no stopping the chroma slowly overtaking the city. More buildings and wildlife have been affected this week, even though Eggman hasn't set foot here. It's not exactly the most encouraging thing even if this weekend was a success.
THE CITY
Now that you're familiar with Chicago and how to find your way back to the base, you're free to explore as you see fit. You want to venture out into the suburbs? You want to take a day trip to wander even further out? Sure thing! Just be sure to let Tails know where you're going so he doesn't have a heart attack if someone goes missing.
While you're out exploring, you'll likely run across Knuckles or Sonic - both of whom will immediately beeline into the nearest robots to smash them with extreme prejudice. Regardless, they'll gladly help you if you need a hand with anything, or will otherwise carry out their tasks for Tails.
Unfortunately, the rest of the city is as lifeless as it was last week. The humans will scarcely pay attention to you, wildlife will go about lifelessly, and Eggman's unique white chrome slowly overtakes more of the city. In fact, some buildings seem to have been entirely renovated from last week - you'll find more and more "Eggman" versions of stores, attractions, and landmarks.
NIGHTMARES
The biggest difference this week has nothing to do with the world around you at large, however. Instead, you'll find your nights are far more difficult - for absolutely no reason that anyone can pinpoint. If you're lucky, you'll have unsettling dreams that leave you feeling a little worried when you wake, but otherwise fairly well rested.
If you're unlucky, you'll have horrific nightmares.
You may dream about an unwinnable battle - is it against hordes of robots? is it against your enemies back home? - where you simply don't have any choice but to fight, even though you know you can't win. The odds are stacked too high against you, no matter what you do. Will you give in? Will you fight?
You may dream about your fears - the things that threaten to seize you in a vicegrip and never let go. Are you scared of failure? Then you will experience your greatest failures in detail. Even the simplest, most mundane fears will be wildly twisted out of control - and you're powerless to wake yourself up, trapped within the dreams until the night is over and you finally, finally wake up.
You may dream about your past - whatever horrible incidents that haunt you or frighten you to think about will return in full force. These are never perfect recreations of the past, instead twisted facsimiles that only make those thoughts worse. Reliving it is one thing, but having the experience changed on you may be even worse.
Regardless of your dreams, you may find that you're not alone. Others here can be pulled into these dreams - trapped with you until either the dream ends and you wake up... or you die in the dream. Those seem to be the only ways out, no matter what you do. Still, having a buddy with you to help fight might help, right?
When you do wake up, you'll see blood red and you'll feel tired no matter how long you slept. Perhaps a nap is in order - but these dreams are just as likely to infect your naps as well.
SHARDS
You should feel fairly comfortable with using your shard power by now. You may also find that the more you use it, the more things you're able to do with it. Starting this week, your shards' powers are more pronounced, allowing you to do more with them than you could before.
As you fight with your allies - particularly those you have a close bond with, positive or negative - you may feel the tug of something in the back of your head; it tells you that you can do more. Together, you can become more powerful. You can use your shards together. Doing so will grant you a new power, or strengthen the one you already have. The more you trust one another, the easier this power will be to use.
It might be good to experiment with these new powers; after all, you never know when you may need them.
TAILS' TASKS
As mentioned to some of you, the rings that Sonic and friends use to hop between worlds have been dwindling in number, given how many were used to visit all of you and bring you in to begin with. Your job - should you choose to accept it - is to track down more rings. Tails will grant you with a tracking device that will allow you to find the exact locations of these rings. All you have to do is figure out how to get them.
Rings, as it turns out, are not quite as easy to collect as one would expect. They can appear anywhere throughout the city or the surrounding areas, but they always appear in some sort of frustrating place. Perhaps one has manifested at the top of a tree, or on top of the bean. Maybe it's hiding behind rows and rows of items in the W*lmart. Maybe you'll have to break into an employees' only room or a restricted area for one. Regardless, no ring is going to be simple to collect, and it's up to you to figure out how to get it. Every single ring counts, after all.
ENEMIES
This week's enemies are the same as last week's, though lesser in number. Like last week, you shouldn't let them escape, but you're growing stronger: they should be easier to beat than last week.
Badnik Surveillance Units are primarily made for reconnaissance. They can be found flying overhead, observing the people go about their lives and following scheduled flight paths and patterns to ensure every inch of the city is being observed. Well, mostly. You can find some back alleys and hidden spots here and there, and these Badniks usually won't go into buildings or out into the woods. They will immediately try to flee upon spotting you. They're easy to take down, though a bit more durable than one would expect, given Eggman's designs. If cornered, they are capable of shooting a simple laser beam that will hurt and possibly leave a burn.
Badnik Drones are the most common combat robot you will find. Small chrome white orbs with red eyes, they are capable of scanning and detecting abnormalities. They are not quite as common as the Badnik Surveillance Units, but you'll still spot several of them floating through the city at any given point in time. Unlike the Badnik Surveillance Units, these come ready for combat. They can fire lasers as well as shoot small homing missiles. The homing missiles thankfully aren't very fast and can be outrun or otherwise blocked, but they pack a punch if they do hit! These robots will stand their ground and fight if they spot you, but they will call for backup - if you aren't fast enough, you'll find yourself facing many of them!
The Badnik Transformer Model B33, more affectionately called Buzz Bombers by Tails and friends, is... well, it looks like a bee. A hornet, rather, as that stinger is actually a precision laser that moves fast. These robots typically look like Badnik Drones, but are capable of shifting and uncoiling themselves to become the B33 units. They are fast, they hit hard, and they are relentless, pursuing you nonstop until they've been destroyed. They will not call for backup, which is possibly the only saving grace about fighting them. Unfortunately, it's impossible to tell if a Badnik is a Drone or a B33 until you're actually in combat - and by then it may be(e) too late.
Badnik Tanks are mini... well, tanks. They stand about the size of a large dog and roll around on treads through the city. They're much rarer than the other robots, but it seems some have been sent to Chicago after the destruction of the base. These tanks are capable of shooting a large laser that deals significant damage to anyone it hits, and they're quite durable. When severely damaged, they start sparking - they'll explode when hit, and you probably don't want to be in melee range!
Anyway, Casey darts over immediately, her bow shifting into a knife. Some of those tendrils withdraw when struck with Void Archives' light blast, and Casey quickly cuts through the rest of them.]
Please stay close! I won't let it hurt you!
[Yeager's next shot goes a bit wide, missing the mark, and he pointedly busies himself with lining up another so he doesn't have to focus on her.
I bet you weren't expecting another round of tendrils coming in for another attempt at stabbing!! Yeager's already distracted between Casey and that shot, so the tendril catches him hard in the left shoulder (2). It simply pierces him, which immediately causes him to lose hold of his weapon.]
██████!
I'm fine, Casey— Focus on keeping them safe!
[Never mind that he's bleeding and his left arm is essentially useless now; this isn't what killed him, after all. This means there's still a chance this won't end the way it always, always does.
You'd better dodge your own attack, Void Archives - or Casey will take the hit for you.]
[ Damn, this is what they get for opening their big mouth.
Ah, well. They're not going to take this lying down, of course, but this fight is going as well as it realistically could have gone.
When Yeager ends up becoming pierced by the shadow tendril, they hear him tell Casey to protect them. They are startled, but recover swiftly. ]
...Don't bother. I hardly need to be protected.
I'm more sturdy than humans like the two of you.
[ Anyway, they actually look like they're going to dodge, but the universe decided to say "Fuck you Void Archives, you protect no one, not even in a dream," and so, for some inane reason, with the probability of this happening at least under 0.00001%, they manage to completely whiff it. To the point of losing their balance (they tripped over something. Their feet? A piece of debris? Who knows, they don't recall anymore; all they remember is falling to the ground.)(1) ]
[They may have half a point, but this functions on dream logic, so Void Archives is not allowed nice things. In fact, that might even by why they trip and fall, because after all, Yeager expects this dream to play out in a certain way - and the dream itself always will.
They fall, and Casey immediately moves to put herself between them and that monster's attack.
It pierces her straight through, in the center of her chest and going straight through her back, stopping just short of hitting Void Archives. There's a brief moment that feels like it lasts far too long where everything is still.
Then the beast withdraws its tendril and Casey falls to the ground, already far beyond saving.]
Casey!
[And yet Yeager can't will himself to move - not because of his injury, but because of hers, because that's... that's how he—
The beast moves to strike again - on both, this time. Yeager isn't even paying attention to it anymore.]
[ They are starkly reminded of the reason why it is, in fact, verily a nightmare, and nothing else. They have no emotional attachment to Casey, but it's strange when even a dream's phantasm goes to the trouble to thoughtlessly protect them (unnecessary, really.) Enough that when there is the reasonable fall of the body after the hit, they are looking at her, blankly.
They don't feel regret for having encouraged action, though maybe there is a sting that someone's action was wasted on them like that.
They shouldn't prolong this, because the fight has left Yeager completely. Fortunately, their programming recognizes the futility of the struggle. ]
...A pity.
[ They move, ever so slightly, to stand near Yeager, and then channel a blast of light as hard as they can, aimed straight at the center of monster's head. Even if they could have possibly maneuvered themselves out of the way, they are truly not feeling it. This is just a parting 'Fuck you' shot before the nightmare ends and they both "die", so to speak. ]
[Yeah. There isn't much of a point in prolonging such a pointless struggle, is there?
The shot hits and the beast writhes in pain - but you don't have much time to savor that small victory. After all, its tendril has likewise stabbed you, straight through the center of your chest, just like Casey. Mercifully, you don't feel the pain.
Mercifully, your world goes black and you die.
You wake up exactly as you'd expect to, despite the dream.]
[ Some might overhype the sweet release of death when everyone's eventual time comes in battle or otherwise, but they know even before all of this it is nothing but. Except as per dream logic, there isn't much pain; if at all. It's instant.
Was it like that for this Casey too?
Well, despite them failing spectacularly, they acknowledge that they should see if Yeager is handling the personal reminder decently - which they won't be surprised if he isn't.
...By which I mean, they are actually going to bother to seek him out. Is the man hanging around anywhere? ]
[He sure is!! Yeager's up bright and early today, currently going through the cabinets in the kitchen looking for more of that instant coffee though really, he's just sort of stalled out staring blankly into space by the time Void Archives finds him. Man. These nightmares are really doing a number on him.]
[ Oh, he is doing very bad. Incredibly so, honestly.
...
Let's be real, Void Archives can't say that they had much of a plan here - but this is also something that they've dragged themselves into, so they will deal with it. ]
Good morning, Yeager.
...Ah well, considering your current state of mind, I can't imagine that you will be willing to return the sentiment. [ Pointed pause, because they are so terrible at this. Humans would normally ask far kinder questions following that. They suppose they can try to follow some sort of script, but...they decide on something they feel is an adequate start. Making themselves of use. ] So, what is it you were looking to find? I could always be of assistance.
Whether it is food or some type of drink, that is.
...I do think us suddenly having these nightmares out of the blue is quite suspicious. I don't believe it'd be wrong for us to start looking into this matter.
[ Honestly, it just occurred to them right about now. But, well...they know Yeager is out of it but they can't think it sounds like an awful idea to mention. ]
Ah, by the way, do you have a preference to the type of coffee...?
[ They grab a hold of the nicer stuff, then. They are not a big coffee person, but examining each kinds will make it clear which is the nasty stuff and which is far more worth consumption, terrible mood or no.
They will get started on prepping it too. ]
Ah, wouldn't that be nice? How would you prefer to destroy it? In one strike? Piece by piece?
Oh, certainly piece by piece. The slower and more agonizing it is, the better. If we're being made to suffer, then the least we can do is return the favor in some way.
[Usually he at least pretends he isn't Literally The Worst, but lmao nah. Today sucks.]
...I'm truly happy to know that we're on the same page.
[ Today definitely sucks. Therefore, Void Archives isn't going to object to it in the slightest - and really, sometimes (a lot of the time) being terrible isn't so bad (citation needed.)
They are reveling in the idea of exacting such retribution on these fools as well. It's a similarly nice thought. Anyway, the coffee is probably done, and they're waiting for it to cool...but also sliding the mug on over to Yeager. ]
I'm also certain that we'll get the chance. There's only for so long something can remain hidden, no?
[Oh, Void Archives, you are his favorite person here.]
Precisely~!
[He'll accept the mug, thank you.]
Whatever is causing this will be a delight to destroy - for all of us, I'm sure. It truly is unfortunate that the younger ones are stuck dealing with these nightmares.
[ Considering they bothered to hunt him down like this, sentiment's mutual. Time to embrace being terrible - ]
I'm certain that will be the case, yes.
[ Ah, there is the comment about the children...well, it isn't like the walls have ears, so. ]
...Alas, I must agree. While those who are more experienced would naturally deal better with them, those who are younger tend to simply not have the same mental fortitude. I suppose there could be exceptions, but...I am not going to split hairs. We've enough weight to carry on our shoulders, yes?
And it is all the more reason everyone should be motivated to not hold back on whatever device is the root cause~
They shouldn't have to deal with this, regardless. It truly is frustrating that there's little we can do about it right now. I wonder how much longer we're going to have to put up with this...
[ Unfortunately, they don't think they truly are the type of individual to display such true concern about people in general, including the other people amongst their team (or this is what they have presumed), but... ]
Tsk, it is a pain as it is, yes. I would only wish it on my worst enemy.
Also, I would normally say there isn't much to be concerned about in regards to length, but considering the detrimental effects thus far enacted on each and every single one of us, I can't offer even a generous estimate.
...Imagine, however, if the threat of nightmares were over in exactly three minutes, one second and fourteen milliseconds. What a reprieve that would be!
[ This is a stupid 3.14 math joke. Related to week 4 because the same number is in there, clearly- ]
[ Closing my eyes literally at this cube's nonsense...only they would truly bring this level of nonsense into it. ]
Oh, because it resembles the first digits of pi.
...Of course, that has nothing to do with a baked pie.
[ Stating this, because they kind of forgot that people weren't from Earth. Call it a miscalculation, and so they pause. ]
Which reminds me that perhaps I should have potentially accounted for a variety of different systems on different worlds as you are not from Earth, but, surely it is the thought that counts?
So, basically, teach Yeager "skibidi" "deez nuts" "ligma", etc. Got it. Due to rule of funny they make this a must-have on their to-do list. ]
I'm happy to hear it, and, hmm. Perhaps I should even teach you some unique ones I'm certain you will enjoy once understanding their purpose and then spread it to the others~
[ This is why someone needs to destroy them. For spreading the memes (but actually funny ones.) ]
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Anyway, Casey darts over immediately, her bow shifting into a knife. Some of those tendrils withdraw when struck with Void Archives' light blast, and Casey quickly cuts through the rest of them.]
Please stay close! I won't let it hurt you!
[Yeager's next shot goes a bit wide, missing the mark, and he pointedly busies himself with lining up another so he doesn't have to focus on her.
I bet you weren't expecting another round of tendrils coming in for another attempt at stabbing!! Yeager's already distracted between Casey and that shot, so the tendril catches him hard in the left shoulder (2). It simply pierces him, which immediately causes him to lose hold of his weapon.]
██████!
I'm fine, Casey— Focus on keeping them safe!
[Never mind that he's bleeding and his left arm is essentially useless now; this isn't what killed him, after all. This means there's still a chance this won't end the way it always, always does.
You'd better dodge your own attack, Void Archives - or Casey will take the hit for you.]
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Ah, well. They're not going to take this lying down, of course, but this fight is going as well as it realistically could have gone.
When Yeager ends up becoming pierced by the shadow tendril, they hear him tell Casey to protect them. They are startled, but recover swiftly. ]
...Don't bother. I hardly need to be protected.
I'm more sturdy than humans like the two of you.
[ Anyway, they actually look like they're going to dodge, but the universe decided to say "Fuck you Void Archives, you protect no one, not even in a dream," and so, for some inane reason, with the probability of this happening at least under 0.00001%, they manage to completely whiff it. To the point of losing their balance (they tripped over something. Their feet? A piece of debris? Who knows, they don't recall anymore; all they remember is falling to the ground.)(1) ]
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They fall, and Casey immediately moves to put herself between them and that monster's attack.
It pierces her straight through, in the center of her chest and going straight through her back, stopping just short of hitting Void Archives. There's a brief moment that feels like it lasts far too long where everything is still.
Then the beast withdraws its tendril and Casey falls to the ground, already far beyond saving.]
Casey!
[And yet Yeager can't will himself to move - not because of his injury, but because of hers, because that's... that's how he—
The beast moves to strike again - on both, this time. Yeager isn't even paying attention to it anymore.]
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They don't feel regret for having encouraged action, though maybe there is a sting that someone's action was wasted on them like that.
They shouldn't prolong this, because the fight has left Yeager completely. Fortunately, their programming recognizes the futility of the struggle. ]
...A pity.
[ They move, ever so slightly, to stand near Yeager, and then channel a blast of light as hard as they can, aimed straight at the center of monster's head. Even if they could have possibly maneuvered themselves out of the way, they are truly not feeling it. This is just a parting 'Fuck you' shot before the nightmare ends and they both "die", so to speak. ]
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The shot hits and the beast writhes in pain - but you don't have much time to savor that small victory. After all, its tendril has likewise stabbed you, straight through the center of your chest, just like Casey. Mercifully, you don't feel the pain.
Mercifully, your world goes black and you
die.You wake up exactly as you'd expect to, despite the dream.]
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Was it like that for this Casey too?
Well, despite them failing spectacularly, they acknowledge that they should see if Yeager is handling the personal reminder decently - which they won't be surprised if he isn't.
...By which I mean, they are actually going to bother to seek him out. Is the man hanging around anywhere? ]
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...
Let's be real, Void Archives can't say that they had much of a plan here - but this is also something that they've dragged themselves into, so they will deal with it. ]
Good morning, Yeager.
...Ah well, considering your current state of mind, I can't imagine that you will be willing to return the sentiment. [ Pointed pause, because they are so terrible at this. Humans would normally ask far kinder questions following that. They suppose they can try to follow some sort of script, but...they decide on something they feel is an adequate start. Making themselves of use. ] So, what is it you were looking to find? I could always be of assistance.
Whether it is food or some type of drink, that is.
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I was looking for coffee; I'm not planning on trying to sleep again, so best to start the day early, ja?
[The usual level of aggressive cheer isn't here, but maybe that can be excused by his lack of coffee.]
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...I do think us suddenly having these nightmares out of the blue is quite suspicious. I don't believe it'd be wrong for us to start looking into this matter.
[ Honestly, it just occurred to them right about now. But, well...they know Yeager is out of it but they can't think it sounds like an awful idea to mention. ]
Ah, by the way, do you have a preference to the type of coffee...?
[ They open the cabinet and look for some. ]
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[Percy at least picked up some nicer coffee than what the kids grabbed, but he'll take the shitty coffee. It doesn't really matter this morning.]
Though that's a good idea. It would be nice to know what's causing this. Hopefully it's something I can destroy.
[not!! that!! he's upset!!! or anything!!!!]
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[ They grab a hold of the nicer stuff, then. They are not a big coffee person, but examining each kinds will make it clear which is the nasty stuff and which is far more worth consumption, terrible mood or no.
They will get started on prepping it too. ]
Ah, wouldn't that be nice? How would you prefer to destroy it? In one strike? Piece by piece?
[ Venting frustrations is also quite valid. ]
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Oh, certainly piece by piece. The slower and more agonizing it is, the better. If we're being made to suffer, then the least we can do is return the favor in some way.
[Usually he at least pretends he isn't Literally The Worst, but lmao nah. Today sucks.]
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[ Today definitely sucks. Therefore, Void Archives isn't going to object to it in the slightest - and really, sometimes (a lot of the time) being terrible isn't so bad (citation needed.)
They are reveling in the idea of exacting such retribution on these fools as well. It's a similarly nice thought. Anyway, the coffee is probably done, and they're waiting for it to cool...but also sliding the mug on over to Yeager. ]
I'm also certain that we'll get the chance. There's only for so long something can remain hidden, no?
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Precisely~!
[He'll accept the mug, thank you.]
Whatever is causing this will be a delight to destroy - for all of us, I'm sure. It truly is unfortunate that the younger ones are stuck dealing with these nightmares.
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I'm certain that will be the case, yes.
[ Ah, there is the comment about the children...well, it isn't like the walls have ears, so. ]
...Alas, I must agree. While those who are more experienced would naturally deal better with them, those who are younger tend to simply not have the same mental fortitude. I suppose there could be exceptions, but...I am not going to split hairs. We've enough weight to carry on our shoulders, yes?
And it is all the more reason everyone should be motivated to not hold back on whatever device is the root cause~
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[week 4 laughing in the bg]
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Tsk, it is a pain as it is, yes. I would only wish it on my worst enemy.
Also, I would normally say there isn't much to be concerned about in regards to length, but considering the detrimental effects thus far enacted on each and every single one of us, I can't offer even a generous estimate.
...Imagine, however, if the threat of nightmares were over in exactly three minutes, one second and fourteen milliseconds. What a reprieve that would be!
[ This is a stupid 3.14 math joke. Related to week 4 because the same number is in there, clearly- ]
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Well, it certainly would be nice if they were shorter... Why that specific time length, though?
[whoosh, there it goes, over his head...]
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Oh, because it resembles the first digits of pi.
...Of course, that has nothing to do with a baked pie.
[ Stating this, because they kind of forgot that people weren't from Earth. Call it a miscalculation, and so they pause. ]
Which reminds me that perhaps I should have potentially accounted for a variety of different systems on different worlds as you are not from Earth, but, surely it is the thought that counts?
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I'll accept it as a joke, at least!
[he does not get it, but he appreciates the cube's attempt at humor!!]
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I am glad that you do.
[ They pause and then shake their head with a bit of a light chuckle. ]
Though, I will be certain to tell more easy to understand ones in the future.
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[at least until we get into the memes. please do not teach yeager about memes.]
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So, basically, teach Yeager "skibidi" "deez nuts" "ligma", etc. Got it. Due to rule of funny they make this a must-have on their to-do list. ]
I'm happy to hear it, and, hmm. Perhaps I should even teach you some unique ones I'm certain you will enjoy once understanding their purpose and then spread it to the others~
[ This is why someone needs to destroy them. For spreading the memes (but actually funny ones.) ]
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Oh? That does sound delightful - I'm certainly eager to learn!
[LUM I'M GONNA KILL YOU]
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