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Chapter 2

Saturday, July 27 th .

Tatsuya was ‘discharged’ from Miyakijima’s hospital.

Exactly a week ago, he was seriously injured in the collision of the ship that he was on board with a coast guard ship. And he was hospitalized to treat this injury.. That was the official version of what happened.

But in fact, everything was different: this fake hospitalization was supposed to be an alibi for Tatsuya, so he couldn’t leave from there until the end of the ‘treatment’. Despite the fact that strangers weren’t allowed at the hospital, he switched places with the ‘doll’, which was made in great detail using the same ‘materials’ that make up living bodies and was his substitute in the bed until last night. After waking up the next morning, Tatsuya demonstratively left his hospital room ? everything was thoroughly played out.

“Onii-sama, congratulations on your discharge.”

In the lobby of the hospital, Miyuki was waiting for him with a bouquet of flowers. Of course, Miyuki knew that Tatsuya’s hospitalization was faked, but her full-faced smile when presenting the bouquet seemed to not be acting to sell the fake, but rather because she truly was glad that Tatsuya was discharged from the hospital.. or more specifically that she finally can be together with Tatsuya without worrying about other people’s attention.

“Thank you, Miyuki.”

Tatsuya smiled and received the bouquet. His smile had the nuance ?It can’t be helped..?, it wasn’t a bitter smile, but an expression of his deep affection for Miyuki.

Miyuki didn’t come alone ? she was accompanied by Lina, who at least today didn’t show any signs of surprise at the behavior of this couple.

“Congratulations, Tatsuya. Now you, finally, can move freely.”

“Right. Looks like I inconvenienced you.”

“It couldn’t be helped. How could I leave you when you were injured.”

Lina’s lines were also part of the cover, but it didn’t mean that her words were completely meaningless. Since Lina had some unfinished business in her plans , which required waiting for Tatsuya to be discharged.

On the same day, information that Tatsuya was discharged crossed the sea and reached the mainland .

Outsiders were only prohibited from entering the hospital, but visiting the island wasn’t forbidden. The Stellar Furnace plant under construction on this island was intended as a model case for non-military magic application, so it was highly preferable that its success be widely announced by the media around the world. Isolation from the media was undesirable for Tatsuya.

Besides, Tatsuya put on a performance with his discharge from the hospital ?in order to establish his week-long alibi ?in the eyes of the USNA and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Among the reporters, there were clearly spies disguised as journalists and reporters collaborating with Intelligence Agencies. If they didn’t inform their employers about what they saw, then the whole performance would have been for nothing.

Bezobrazov got information about Shiba Tatsuya’s discharge on the same day in Khabarovsk, while Clark received it a day later in a transport plane flying to Hawaii.

Residential buildings used by administrative staff when Miyakijima was a former prison for magicians who committed serious crimes were currently being used as living quarters by the Yotsuba family’s personnel. When Lina was hiding on this island, she also lived in former administrative housing. Shibata Katsushige, recently appointed supervisor of Miyakijima, also lived on the first floor of this eight-story building with his fiancee Tsutsumi Kotona.. From the Main House, a recommendation came to settle on the seventh floor, but instead of the high-end apartments, Katsushige preferred to be able to respond immediately in case of emergency situations.

On the top, eighth floor of this building, there was a lodging room for Maya’s exclusive use for when she visited the island and another apartment prepared recently as secondary residence for Tatsuya and Miyuki.

“Welcome back, Tatsuya-sama, Miyuki-sama.”

“I’m back.”

“I’m back, Minami-chan.”

“Welcome, Lina-sama.”

“I apologize for the intrusion, Minami.”

Minami, who was brought back three days ago, was waiting for Tatsuya and his friends at the secondary residence.

She had returned to her duties as Tatsuya and Miyuki’s maid. At first, Miyuki suggested that Minami have a thorough examination at the hospital; however, Minami strongly desired to return to her duties ?on the day she got back, so Miyuki ultimately gave up.

Tatsuya stayed quiet ?during the dispute ?between the two girls.

Staying true to keeping silent, neither Tatsuya nor Miyuki questioned Minami in regards to the time that she spent with Minoru .

From Minami’s behavior, it was obvious that she sometimes had the desire to speak about it, but at such moments, Miyuki always changed the subject, and Tatsuya entrusted her with some simple but time-consuming work. Thus, they tried not to touch on the subject of her ‘escape’.

Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Minami returned to their daily life, which was outwardly no different from before.

“I’ll be leaving tomorrow.” ? Lina told Tatsuya during tea time after the four of them had lunch together.

“Just as planned. Okay, I understand.”

As Tatsuya said, the day before yesterday it was planned that tomorrow, July 28 th , Lina will go to the nuclear submarine aircraft carrier ‘Virginia’ which was sheltering Canopus.

“When is the departure?”

“I would like to leave before dawn.”

“Understood. I’ll get things ready as well. Then let’s meet in the underground port at 4 AM, okay?”

There was a hidden harbor under Miyakijima that was open to the sea. When Tatsuya headed for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, he also departed from there.

“..Really, you don’t need to burden yourself with this. You even prepared a Thrust Suit for me, so I’ll be fine going alone.”

Lina was hesitant because of Tatsuya’s promise to ‘give her a ride’ in the Aerocar.

According to Tatsuya’s plan, they should get to the rendezvous point with Virginia by Aerocar, and from there Lina, dressed in a copy of the Thrust Suit (American military flight combat suit) , would dive underwater and board the aircraft carrier.

“I also have my own reasons.”

As Tatsuya said, he wasn’t escorting her out of kindness. Even small objects, such as a Thrust Suit or Mobile Suit, could be captured by the Surveillance Networks of military satellites.

A figure boarding the ‘Virginia’ underwater wouldn’t be seen from satellite cameras. But if they were to capture how some magician took off from Miyakijima and then dove into the middle of the Western Pacific, it could disclose the cooperation of the ‘Virginia’ and Tatsuya. In order to keep it secret, he planned on using the Aerocar with the advanced stealth function.

“I don’t want to create any problems for Senator Curtis. So you don’t have to worry about it, Lina.”

“All right.. Then I’ll follow your advice.”

Lina also understood the necessity of covert actions. So she nodded with approval on her face.

July 27 th , afternoon.

Kuroba Mitsugu was greeted as a guest during tea time at the Main House of the Yotsuba family.

“So, Mitsugu-san, about what you wanted to report personally?”

“Of course, I could just call; however, sometimes I at least want to see your beautiful face in person ?and not through the screen. ”

Mitsugu answered Maya’s question with a staged ashamed expression upon his face.

“If that’s so, fine.”

Unfortunately, Maya’s response was coldly short.

Mitsugu decided that luck didn’t favor him today , so he changed his attitude and became serious.

“There was a report yesterday from Second Lieutenant Kurachi of the Army.”

“Kurachi-san? That girl who is working for the Army’s Chief of Staff, isn’t she?”

“Yes, that’s right. She’s a newcomer who entered the service only last year, but the superiors seem to highly value her.”

Second Lieutenant Kurachi that they both talked about is a female officer who Kuroba planted in the Self-Defense Forces through the National Defense Academy. Such a sudden appointment to the headquarters can be called an exceptional case, but if you take into account her background ? since childhood she received an elite training as an intelligence agent in the Kuroba family and even in the Yotsuba Main House ? it wasn’t strange.

“So, what did she say?”

“Major General Saeki came to visit Chief of Staff Ootomo. She insisted that military forces should be stationed on Miyakijima.”

“I see.. Her Excellency Saeki seems to want this island.”

At Maya’s conjecture, Mitsugu nodded with a smile.

“She probably wants to confiscate all of our facilities on Miyakijima under the pretext of stationing a defense garrison there.”

Mitsugu’s smile was rather a smirk ? a mockery of Saeki.

“Using the reasoning that the existence of military forces except for the regular army isn’t allowed. It wasn’t pleasant when civilians stole all the achievements from them ?[the military] ?? which was obviously the real motive.”

“Mitsugu-san, don’t say that. ?Not allowing the existence of regular forces that don’t follow civilian control? is the correct stance that the military should take , at least in public.”

There was a devilish smile shown on Maya’s face after rebuking Mitsugu.

“?However, civilians also have the right to self-defense.” ? Added Maya and gracefully lifted the tea cup to her mouth.

“So, what should I do?” ? Inquired Mitsugu in a serious tone after removing a faint smile, to which Maya widened her eyes slightly.

“Ara, how unusual. For Mitsugu-san to show such motivation in a matter involving Tatsuya-san?”

Mitsugu slightly frowned at Maya’s reaction that indicated a real surprise rather than her usual teasing.

“The Stellar Furnace business no longer belongs only to him. It’s a major project that will bring huge profits to the Yotsuba family if it succeeds. Any interference should be eliminated, and in this business, there is no place for personal feelings.”

“That’s right. The opponent is the Self-Defense Forces. Now isn’t the time for internal discord. Good thing you understand that, Mitsugu-san.”

There was still a slight grin upon Maya’s lips, but her eyes lit up with intense light to ensure that her statement was loud and clear.

As if trying to escape from Maya’s gaze, Mitsugu bowed his head in comprehension while still sitting.

“So, what’s the progress in the aforementioned case?” ? Maya asked Mitsugu, who was looking down with his eyes.

“All of the necessary evidence has been collected. It’s ?possible to start at any time”

Raising his head, Mitsugu answered Maya’s question with a confident expression on his face.

“Well then, let’s see when His Excellency Soga will have time next week. Hayama-san, please inquire about His Excellency’s schedule.”

The aforementioned ?His Excellency Soga? was the General Commander of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, General Soga.

“Certainly. I will attend to it immediately.” ? Replied Hayama, who was waiting diagonally behind Maya, after which he left the room through the back door.

The morning of July 28 th , 3:30 AM.

“Good morning, Lina-sama.”

“Eeek! W-what?”

Sleeping in the bedroom of her apartment on the 7 th ?floor, Lina screamed in surprise and nearly fell out of bed when she abruptly tried to jump up, still in a drowsy state.

?

Having regained her balance on the edge of the bed and rubbed her sleepy eyes, Lina saw Minami standing next to her in a white apron over a black dress with short sleeves.

“..Minami. This, it seems, is my apartment.” ? Appealed Lina in a reproaching voice.

“I know.”

However, Minami kept her calm attitude.

“So, why are you in my bedroom?”

This time, there was irritation in Lina’s voice. At this point, she noticed that her hands were firmly squeezing a small alarm clock. Looking at the dial of the digital clock, Lina opened her eyes wide.

“Besides, it’s only half past three!”

“Yes. It’s the time per your instruction.”

“Instruction?”

Lina frowned doubtfully. After about three seconds of thinking to herself , she exclaimed suddenly: “Ah!”

“ You told me: ??I may not be able to get up for the alarm clock, I’m entrusting my room key to you ?so please come to my room at 3:30 AM, and if I’m still sleeping, please wake me up?.”

“Ah, that’s right! It was exactly like that..”

With her cheeks reddening out of embarrassment, Lina admitted Minami’s claim.

Lina really had asked Minami to do so ?during yesterday’s dinner with Miyuki and the others, but she did it for insurance.

Missions of the Stars often require them to sortie before dawn or in the ‘dead of night’. At those times, she never needed someone else’s help to get up. During the ‘Vampire Incident’ last winter, Lina’s assistant, Warrant Officer Sylvia, called her ‘sleepyhead’, but the only time when she really indulged in sleeping late was on days when she didn’t have a scheduled mission.

She was confident that she could get up on her own today. So, she had completely forgotten that she had asked Minami to wake her up.

“..Thanks for waking me up. I’ll be ready soon.”

“Can I help you with anything?”

“Thanks, I’ll be okay. Instead, can you convey to Tatsuya my apologies for being a little late?”

“Understood.”

After a polite bow, Minami left the bedroom.

Lina put the alarm clock on the bedside table, slapped herself on the cheeks with both hands to help wake herself, and jumped up from the bed vigorously.

4:15 AM.

Lina, wearing a Thrust Suit (which was a copy), arrived at the underground port 15 minutes later than the scheduled time. She found not only Tatsuya, but Miyuki and Minami waiting there too.

Minami was still in the same maid outfit that she was wearing when she woke Lina, and Miyuki was wearing a light summer dress.

“..Miyuki, did you come here specially to see me off?”

Lina hadn’t said any words of gratitude to Minami or even any words of apology to Tatsuya because her attention was completely focused on Miyuki. Her one-piece dress was made of chiffon material and mid-calf length, but the upper half was indescribably vibrant with a camisole décolleté and exposed shoulders, which was extremely seductive and captivating.

This morning, Miyuki created sexual attraction surpassing the level of a young lady.. No, the expression ‘created’ would be even too modestly said. She filled the entire space of this underground building with her charm and allure, which was equally dangerous for young girls as it was for adult men.

“Ara, it’s not like that, Lina.”

Seeing that Miyuki showed slight surprise and gave a negative answer, Lina mentally nodded, making another assumption.

(After all, it’s surely to bid Tatsuya farewell.)

Lina didn’t even notice that her inner voice had a sulking tone.

“I didn’t come to see you off, but to accompany you.”

“Eeh!?”

The misunderstanding that she had before just amplified Lina’s surprise.

“Miyuki, will you also ride in the Aerocar?”

“The Aerocar’s flight system and stealth system are two functions that are independent of each other. If Miyuki takes on the stealth system, it will make the concealment more perfect and will allow me to focus on flying.”

Given the emotions behind Lina’s question, Tatsuya’s answer was off the mark. However, if he answered correctly, it would have made things awkward for Lina because of her misinterpretation of Miyuki’s intentions. So Tatsuya must have deliberately changed the subject.

“Then, let’s go?”

Regardless of his intentions, he managed to make sure that there was no unnecessary trouble before setting off.

Being seen off by Minami, the Aerocar with Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Lina on board plunged into the surface water of the sea . In the sea before dawn, there was literally absolute darkness to the point where ?they couldn’t see an inch ahead of them . Tatsuya didn’t even put the lights on when he sped off backwards into that darkness .

The propulsion force of the Aerocar is achieved by using ?gravity-controlled magic even in the water. The direction of the earth’s gravity on the vehicle body has been modified to pull in the desired direction. Since, when flying through the air, the Aerocar enters an almost free-fall state, the passengers on the inside of the Aerocar don’t feel the effects of gravity, much like inside of an artificial satellite. However, when moving under water, there is water resistance that can no longer be ignored, so people in the Aerocar will inevitably feel gravity ?pulling them in the direction they’re traveling.

So, Tatsuya drove the Aerocar backwards because he thought that it would be more comfortable for Miyuki and Lina. After all, it would be better to receive the weight, occurring toward the traveling direction, into the seat’s backrest rather than the seat belts.

While doing that, the physical load would certainly be less. For example, while moving forward, they would be feeling 1 G [G-Force], like in a car that keeps decelerating. And now, moving backward, they haven’t even leaned completely on the seat’s backrests. This moving reverse-forward made it so that the passengers didn’t have to lean against the seat belt and only felt a light weight on their backs.

After less than 10 minutes, Lina completely lost her spatial orientation. Inside the Aerocar, inertia neutralization magic was being used, while outside the windows, there was nothing but complete darkness. She didn’t even know which direction they were moving.

She was in a disorientated state and didn’t know whether she was sitting inside this dimly lit car or ‘floating’. Were they moving forward or backward? Sitting alone in the back seat, Lina was overwhelmed by anxiety that was gradually getting stronger.

“Hey, Tatsuya. Don’t you want to turn on the lights?”

As a result, Lina couldn’t stand the psychological pressure and turned to Tatsuya who was sitting ?in the driver’s seat.

“It would be better to not turn them on. They’re not very useful in the sea and will only increase the risk of being discovered.”

“But don’t we risk bumping into an underwater mountain or a whale?”

“There aren’t any underwater mountains or cliffs that we could bump into in this area at this depth. Besides, I can ‘see’ the entire surroundings outside even without the lights.”

“?What? That’s not fair.”

Lina suddenly complained childishly.

From the front passenger seat, Miyuki smiled broadly and turned to Lina.

“Lina, are you scared by any chance?”

“I’m not s-scared!”

Although Miyuki asked without any teasing, Lina instantly blushed and retorted without a pause:

“?I was just a little worried without knowing the situation outside .”

Lina immediately lowered the tone of her voice as she thought that her behavior was like admitting that Miyuki’s words were true. She couldn’t keep an ideal ‘poker face’, so she said the last phrase with slight embarrassment on her face.

“Is it perhaps like that feeling when you don’t know where the enemy may be lurking?”

“Yes, exactly like that.”

“Lina, you’re a Major in the American army after all. Personally, such a susceptibility is incomprehensible to me.” ? Muttered Miyuki in a tone that was unclear whether she was serious or kidding. After which, she turned to Tatsuya.

“Onii-sama. In some way I understand Lina’s feelings. Maybe it’s time that we rise to the sky?”

“All right. It’s a little earlier than planned, but I’m going to begin the ascent to the surface.” ? Tatsuya agreed nonchalantly.

“You said ?a little earlier than planned? but.. will it be okay to surface without moving a sufficient distance away from Miyakijima?”

The only one that was worried about Miyuki’s request was Lina.

“We are almost near the Japanese Trench. It’s more than enough to conceal our departure point .”

“Near the Japanese Trench? ..But it’s only been about thirty minutes!?” ? Lina raised her voice in surprise after Tatsuya told her their current position. ? “How fast does this vehicle go?”

“Max speed is four hundred kilometers per hour.”

“Four hundred kilometers per hour.. That’s more than two hundred knots in the water!?”

Lina’s shout roared inside the airtight Aerocar.

Miyuki frowned, while Tatsuya remained calm and didn’t even raise an eyebrow.

“There is nothing special to be so exaggeratedly surprised about. Even supercavitating torpedoes of the last century reached speeds of two hundred knots. To reduce air resistance in flight, this Aerocar creates an air cocoon around itself in the same way as the Mobile Suit of the JSDF or your Thrust Suit. Underwater, this airy cocoon has the same effect as supercavitation.”

“..Is that so?”

“There’s no point in denying reality .”

Although she didn’t seem to be completely convinced, Lina didn’t ask any more questions or refute him.

The Aerocar emerged on the ocean surface with the body’s front ?bumper lifting up. This happened because even while moving under water in reverse, the Aerocar turned around while maintaining the direction of movement. As a result, the Aerocar was now moving forward, after it began to increase its angle of inclination . But neither Lina nor Miyuki felt any change when all this happened . They noticed this slope of more than 45 degrees only when they broke the surface of the ocean.

Here, in the ocean 200 kilometers east of Miyakijima, the sun had just risen on the horizon . Only after seeing the water’s surface that sparkled in the morning sun, did the girls realize the car’s position.

The car sharply ?flew into the sky , in which there was still a little night color.. When viewed from the outside, it just looked like a sharp rise at an angle of 60 degrees, but Miyuki and Lina, who were looking from the inside, experienced a genuine feeling of falling down.

“Miyuki, please take over the stealth control.”

“Y-yes.”

Amazed by the scenery, Miyuki hastened to respond to Tatsuya’s instructions. Tatsuya instructed Miyuki to control the magic of camouflaging the electromagnetic waves. It was a kind of magical screen that emitted infrared light waves (with a wavelength corresponding to the outside air temperature) [8] ?and monochromatic visible light, while not reflecting any other electromagnetic waves. Freed from maintaining that camouflage magic, Tatsuya could completely concentrate on the flying magic.

The Aerocar accelerated to 1000 km/h in the blink of an eye.

The rendezvous point with the nuclear submarine aircraft carrier ‘Virginia’ was 1,000 kilometers east of Japan and 200 meters deep. The ‘Virginia’ had been waiting at the indicated point since last night.

However, it was impossible to determine by ordinary means whether they were really waiting at the promised place.

The series of actions of the ‘Virginia’, including the help with the attack on the Midway Prison as well as the Pearl and Hermes base, weren’t based on formal orders. The only ones who knew their current location were limited to a handful of people from the Pacific Fleet Command. In such a situation, it was impossible to communicate either by radio or even by light signals, which could be intercepted.

However, this was only for ‘normal’ [communication] means. Tatsuya’s ‘eyes’ had already discovered the position of the nuclear submarine aircraft carrier while it was still 100 kilometers away from him.

“Lina, we’ve arrived.” ? Tatsuya said while turning to Lina after he stopped the Aerocar right over the ‘Virginia’, 10 meters above the surface. ? “You know how to get in, right?”

Submarines usually don’t expect crews to get on and off when they’re submerged. However, submarines equipped with nuclear reactors, which were officially banned, had entrances that could be used underwater to increase their stealth capabilities .

“It’s okay. I haven’t been on the ‘Virginia’, but I’ve been on another vessel of the same type.”

Tatsuya nodded after Lina’s reply and opened the back seat door.

“Tatsuya, thanks for everything. I’ll make contact when everything is sorted out.”

After waving her hand slightly, Lina dove into the ocean 10 meters below them.

The passive sonar of the nuclear submarine aircraft carrier ‘Virginia’ caught the sound of Lina plunging into the ocean.

“With an accuracy of almost a minute. It seems that the Japanese really are quite punctual.”

After receiving reports from the sonar operator , the ship’s captain, Colonel Michael Curtis muttered in an unclear tone, which made it difficult to determine whether he was impressed or astonished.

“Personnel in charge, prepare for embarkation of an honorable guest on board. We haven’t used an underwater hatch for a long time, so don’t screw up with something like flooding a section.”

During the replies: “Aye, aye sir”, that followed one after another, a middle-aged officer in his prime entered the Combat Information Center (CIC). That officer walked straight to the captain’s chair.

“Captain.”

“Major Canopus. It seems that a girl who identified herself as Major Sirius will arrive soon. She just needs to dive straight down, so she shouldn’t get lost .” ? The ship’s captain Curtis told Canopus, anticipating his question.

The very reason that Canopus appeared was none other than Lina.

“I see.”

Canopus confirmed this with his reply.

“In that case, I would also like to go meet her.”

After which, he voiced out what business brought him to the CIC.

“Very well. Permission granted.”

If Lina and Canopus join forces and go on a rampage, they can easily sink even this giant nuclear submarine aircraft carrier. Canopus can also become a hostage to Lina, or vice versa.

Considering the ship’s safety, they shouldn’t be allowed to meet each other so easily, but Curtis wasn’t even thinking of that possibility and permitted Canopus’ request with ease.

Canopus ? Benjamin Loews was a grandson of Michael Curtis’ aunt. For high society, such a blood relationship wasn’t considered all that distant. In addition, this work was commissioned by senator Wyatt Curtis ? a rather influential person from their family. In such circumstances, there was no reason to doubt Canopus.

“Thank you, captain.”

Canopus saluted to Curtis, who saluted back without leaving his chair.

After they dropped Lina off, Tatsuya and Miyuki had been left alone in a confined space inside the Aerocar on the way home.

Despite the fact that it was like a date in the sky where no one could disturb them, Miyuki looked gloomy.

“What’s the matter, Miyuki?”

Miyuki seemed to want to talk about something, but it was difficult for her to start the conversation. Guessing this, Tatsuya spoke first.

“Is there anything you want to ask? It’s just you and me here. You don’t have to worry about others listening.”

After Tatsuya inquired once more, Miyuki hesitantly opened her mouth. Even in a situation where there was no worry of being overheard by a third-party, Miyuki was hesitant whether she should talk about the anxiety that she kept to herself.

“May I ask about Minami-chan?”

“Yes.”

Tatsuya responded in a tone as if he had expected Minami to be the topic of conversation.

“Onii-sama, you aren’t using ‘Gatekeeper’ on Minami.. are you?”

‘Gatekeeper’ is a technique for neutralizing magical abilities by monitoring the ‘gate’ (the passage through which Magic Sequences are projected from the magician’s mind onto targeted phenomena) and destroying Magic Sequences immediately after detecting their passage ?through that gate .

“No, I’m not. It’s meaningless to use Gatekeeper for Minami’s condition.”

As mentioned above, ‘Gatekeeper’ is a magic that destroys the constructed Magic Sequences during the process of their invocation. It doesn’t limit activity of the Magic Calculation Area ?(MCA) , which constructs Magic Sequences. There is no effective way to prevent overheating of the MCA, which threatens Minami’s mind and body.

“Why’d you ask that?”

“Because..”

Miyuki’s eyes showed a flash of indecision.

“Is it because you can’t feel any magic power from Minami?”

Tatsuya said the answer in place of Miyuki, who was hesitant to say it.

Miyuki turned to Tatsuya and opened her eyes wide.

“So it’s not merely my imagination?”

“It’s not an imagination. Minami’s ability to use magic is completely sealed. Her perception seems to be functioning to some extent, but.. that’s also probably very l-->>

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