RISE OF THE HOLY DEMONIC GOD

[2nd May]

The day was clear as a few days had passed since Rey's order was booked, and the date to receive it was today.

He had been training diligently every day, making improvements in other abilities. The major issue was that his Darkness ability wasn't progressing anymore for some reason, and no one knew anything about it to help him.

He tried repeatedly, but there was no result, and his ability manifestation and control over it remained at the same level for two days.

He became so frustrated that he stopped training in it and focused on other abilities like his Umbral Telekinesis, Dark Matter Manipulation, and finally Abyssal Blood Manipulation.

His ability to control them was now much more refined than before due to the mutation, and his skill control had increased because of his curse.

His Telekinesis weight limit grew upto 10 kg, allowing him to control more items in quantity. In terms of quality, he could exceed the limit slightly above ten kg, but it still imposed restraints on his mind.

His Matter Manipulation was also different; previously, he controlled normal matter, now he controlled both dark matter and normal matter. He found that his way of controlling them was quite different than before. He could now manipulate own armor slightly, like removing his arm armor matter or circulating it around other parts of his body during training, which would help him later in battle.

His Abyssal Blood Manipulation was the only one entirely different from the others. Instead of being easy, it became several times harder due to the new ability added to Victor's ability list.

The ability, <Monarch's Blood>, which even Victor or Aiden couldn't comprehend much and seemed not to exist.

"Do guys really not know about this ability?" Rey asked them after seeing them discuss it.

"Yes, we don't, as even though the name is quite obvious to be out, such a thing isn't heard or seen in anyone in the whole supercluster belt. Both terms, Monarch and Blood, are quite easy to find anywhere, but finding those things combined is not possible to achieve," Victor said as he was trying very hard to remember something had back then, which was changed into this ability.

"So, I think Monarch is a rank, and my blood is of that level, right?" Rey asked, as even he knows about the Monarch and Emperor type of thing mentioned before.

"No, not like that. Even though you're half correct, the thing is that the Monarch is a being high above most, as they are somewhat equal to candidates like you, but they aren't that stronger in comparison to the growth which candidates attain later on. Even the ways and methods by which they form aren't from blood. The sources by which they become Monarch are Core, Soul, Physique, and some other stuff. But even the Blood Monarchs aren't formed by Blood. Even the blood of Monarchs isn't qualified to be called Monarch Blood to be verified as an ability. And yours is quite different to begin with," Aiden explained as he told him to cut his skin again to pour out blood.

Rey did so without any complaint, as he was used to it now. A small cut was formed by his dagger, but nothing came out, which wasn't a normal action.

He squeezed his finger, and a tiny bit of what didn't look like blood at all poured out. The blood color was quite different than usual, as the color it held was the purest darkest red blood, which was almost black in color.

Victor didn't say anything as he controlled it and lifted it in the air.

But even he, who was the holder of the ability, the one who used this ability for thousands of years of time, wasn't able to control it as usual, as the blood was showing resistance to being manipulated by him.

Like some monarch who doesn't deem anyone worthy enough to control him.

But Rey's control was different, as the blood originated from his body in where the resistance was not founded or negligible to begin with.

He was able to control it, but his skill in controlling the blood element was very low.

The situation was such that the blood couldn't be controlled by anyone, and the one who could control it was a novice. 

So, it was quite useless at the moment, except that no one else could control his blood other than him, which made him safe in some way.

After checking everything, Rey walked out of his house, locking the door behind him.

He was now going to receive his order, which was about to arrive in a few minutes, as he moved to the location where it was supposed to reach.

After following the map directions for a few minutes, he reached the place where the order was supposed to arrive.

He found that the area was sparsely populated, with only a few people around.

He walked up to the area and used his Stealth ability to hide himself.

"{Shadowmeld}" He used his ability, reducing his presence to nothingness, like becoming invisible.

Time was passing, and even the expected delivery time had not yet arrived.

"When is the delivery company going to arrive? It's already 10 minutes past the mentioned. Are they really going to be late again like before?" Rey said while still in stealth.

"Don't worry and be patient. They won't run away, as the punishment for that is death, according to the guidelines." Aiden explained to him. Rey nodded, and only after fifteen minutes did a big truck appear from afar.

Rey looked at it and saw a delivery logo imprinted on it, just like the one on the delivery guy's shirt who had delivered his previous items.

He waited as the truck arrived and stopped, and two people emerged from the front seats.

They looked around but did not find anyone. They wore the same company logo t-shirts that Rey had seen earlier, confirming they were indeed from the company.

"Where is the person who was supposed to take the order? Is he not here yet, even though we are late?" one asked the other, who was closing the door while looking around.

"I don't know, maybe he is somewhere nearby or also late like us. Let's wait, and if he doesn't come, we'll leave after ten minutes," he said, and the other guy nodded and began to wait.

After a few minutes, they grew impatient as the order receiver had not approached them. Just as they were about to leave, footsteps echoed in the street, drawing their attention.

They saw a person walking towards them, wearing a coat that covered him to the knees and a mask on his face.

He quietly approached them and stopped in front of them.

"Sir, are you the one who was supposed to receive the order? Please provide the name and code for security purposes," one of them said.

"Yes, I am the one who ordered. My name is Dragon Knight 0x0, and the code is 34256730. Hurry up and give me my order," Rey said, still in his disguise.

"Okay, but first let me verify it," he said, as both tried hard not to laugh after hearing his name.

One of them took out his phone and entered the code. After inputting the eight-digit code, the information became available to see. He found the name correct, but his landed on the items purchased, his face turned pale with fear. All ten were weapons, and not just any weapons; one was even Stage 2 grade item.

"Y-yes sir, please come, we will show you the items. Please come behind with me," he said with respect and fear while handing over the phone to his partner.

His partner was confused by his reaction as he also checked what this guy ordered. After seeing the items, he realized that the guy they thought was some random person was quite dangerous to mess with as who even ordered ten weapons like this.

He followed them back as the first guy who was with Rey opened the sliding shutter, revealing a few neatly arranged boxes and packages in front of them. Rey, along other two, climbed into the truck and began opening the boxes one by one for inspection.

The first box, which was small and rectangular, was on top.

He opened his first parcel and found it to be the set of daggers he had bought, five Nightfangs. The design and capabilities of the daggers were just like in the photo and mentioned in the tab.

He nodded as he put it aside and then opened the other small box beside it.

He opened it and found the pistol he had bought from the site, Ironbrand. It looked quite good and imposing to use in front of an enemy, and both delivery guys were shocked to see such things thinking that such type of gun is sold in the company as they didn't even see it in their whole five years of work.

Rey nodded and put aside the pistol with the two sets of ammo that came with it.

After that, the next thing that came into his view was a big cuboidal box. He thought it might be his bow, but when he opened it, he found white foam pieces hiding the item inside the box.

Rey began searching for the hidden weapon and grasped a surface covered with cotton cloth. He pulled it out and discovered it was his sword, wrapped in cloth strips. As Rey unwound the cloth, he revealed the cold, double-edged blade with a slight curve at the tip, known as Ravager Claw. He nodded and moved the sword around to feel its weight, confirming its authenticity. Satisfied, he placed it with the others for easy access.

Next, he turned to a box of similar size but slightly different dimensions. He opened it to find his katana, Silent Fang, with its sharp blade exposed. The weapon was crafted with high-quality materials, evident from its intricate design, which suggested it was made mostly from beast parts. Rey slid his finger along the sharp edge, cutting his skin, but his new ability prevented any bleeding. He nodded and placed the katana with the others.

Rey then approached the next item, covered in a thick, plain cloth, indicating it was a long spear. He instantly recognized it as his Ironfang, standing seven feet tall and leaning against the wall. He quickly unwrapped the cloth, admiring the fine craftsmanship using the horn of a Steelhorn Stalker. Although he wanted to test it immediately, the confined space made it impractical. He nodded, checked the spear, and set it aside.

His attention was then drawn to a large package at the end of the truck, among other items.

He rushed forward toward the item and eagerly tore apart the clothing and packaging around it.

In front of him was the massive blade of the Greatsword from the ripped area, Howlcleaver, the only Stage 2 Beast weapon he had acquired for a substantial fifteen thousand Dracins.

He tried to lift it with one hand, but it didn't budge. Rey then tried with both hands, and it moved and even lifted, but it took all his strength.

He was sure he couldn't use this weapon at his current stage, a weak Level 1 being.

He needed to reach at least Level twenty or thirty to use it professionally in battles to gain an advantage.

He examined the sword's body and noticed the blade's sharp end was somewhat dull, indicating its usage over time.

However, the power it held was still immense and exploitable.

He then looked at the other items, quickly opened them, and placed them in front of him.

The seventh item was the gauntlets, also known as gloves, Stormweave, which he had acquired in a small package.

In hand, they appeared as plain gloves, but their strength was quite high compared to normal ones.

The eighth item was the shield, Jackal Guard, made by a High Stage 1 beast. The quantity and quality of shields were quite scarce compared to weapons.

Ranked ninth was the Bow, ShadowBranch, which he took for its potential shadow or darkness-related attachment. Its body and string were quite strong and durable, capable of holding the tension he could create while using it.

The last item was his hammer, Tremor Maul, a Peak Stage 1 beast weapon that was so massive and heavy that when Rey tried to lift it, it didn't budge even with both hands. The delivery men mentioned that it took four to five people to load it into the truck.

Rey nodded and smirked as he looked at the items one more time. He stretched out his hand with a ring, created with Zero's help to fake the trick.

He used his inventory, and all ten weapons were sucked into it, shocking the two men standing behind him as they saw the items disappear.

They realized that the order owner was not an ordinary person, thinking Rey used a Spatial ring, a storage item used by High Royal and Duke-level families, which only a few families have access to.

The truck lifted a few centimeters, showing the high weight of the weapons, which even pressed down the heavy-load-resistant truck.

All three came down to the ground, and the delivery men saw Rey moving away and disappearing in front of them, leaving them shocked and thinking it was a dream.

As the truck left, Rey walked away after checking that no one was following him with the order he had just received in his inventory. He rushed toward his house, canceling several messages popping up in front of him to avoid distractions, which could be dangerous.

He used his skill, shadow meld, to stealthily move away, ensuring no one could follow him to his house.

His clothes had also changed during that time, and after some more running, he reached his home. He still had plenty of time to check his status since Emmy was not home yet.

He closed his room door behind him and opened the system panel to see the differences. Before he could do that, Aiden and the others arrived.

"So, what's going on right now? Why are there so many notifications? Did something happen to my status again?" Rey asked, noticing Aiden's smirk before he responded.

"Listen, don't look at the status right now. First, check your weapon status before moving ahead," Aiden suggested. Rey, confused by his method, nodded and opened the Inventory to check all item statuses.

"Ravager Claw"

TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Straight Sword
DURABILITY: 200/200
ATTACK POWER: 15 – 22

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A straight sword crafted from the claw of a High-Grade Stage 1 Ravager Beast. At 3.5 feet in length, its slightly curved blade holds traces of the beast's lingering ferocity, making it a reliable weapon in combat. The natural resilience of the material grants it above-average durability, allowing it to withstand repeated use without dulling too quickly.

With a weight of 4.3 kg, it provides a solid balance between speed and power, making it suitable for both swift strikes and steady blows.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Feral Edge] – Inflicts 5% extra damage to unarmored targets.
➤ [Residual Instinct] – Slightly increases attack speed by 3% when fighting weaker beast-type enemies.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Unrefinable – Cannot be enhanced or reforged.
✦ Weak Armor Penetration – Less effective against high-tier armor or magical defenses.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Ironfang Spear"
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: Spear
DURABILITY: 250/250
ATTACK POWER: 18 – 26

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A 7-foot-long spear crafted from the sharpened horn of a Peak Stage 1 Steelhorn Stalker. The natural resilience of the beast's horn grants it exceptional piercing power, allowing it to drive through tough hides and reinforced armor with ease. Its balanced weight makes it versatile for both precision thrusts and heavy sweeps, while the durability of its material ensures long-lasting effectiveness in battle.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Armor Piercer] – Deals 10% bonus damage

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Weighty Strikes – Slightly slower attack speed compared to lighter spears.
✦ No Elemental Affinity – Lacks natural enchantment potential.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Jackal Guard"
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Shield
DURABILITY: 190/190
DEFENSE RATING: 12 – 18

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A compact, one-handed shield crafted from the reinforced bone and hardened hide of a High Stage 1 Duskridge Jackal. Designed for agile defense, its lightweight build allows for swift maneuvering, while its durable structure offers reliable protection against direct strikes. The shield's slightly curved design enhances its ability to deflect incoming attacks, and the beast's natural properties provide enhanced resistance to piercing and slashing damage.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Instinctive Guard] – Slightly improves reaction speed when blocking surprise attacks.
➤ [Reinforced Hide] – Reduces incoming piercing and slashing damage by 8%.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Limited Impact Absorption – Less effective against blunt force attacks.
✦ Small Surface Area – Requires precise positioning for maximum protection.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Shadowbranch Bow"
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common
TYPE: Bow
DURABILITY: 165/165
DRAW WEIGHT: 17 Kg
RANGE: 50 – 80 meters

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A finely crafted bow formed from the reinforced tendons and flexible bone of a Mid Stage 1 Dusksprint. The resilient horns of the beast provide natural durability and flexibility, ensuring a steady draw and powerful release. Strung with the beast's own sinew, the bowstring possesses high tensile strength, enhancing the force behind each shot.

Designed for precision and speed, the Shadowbranch Bow allows arrows to be loosed with minimal vibration and maximum stability, making it an excellent weapon for hunters and skilled marksmen.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Steady Aim] – Slightly reduces hand tremors when drawing the bow.
➤ [Dusksprint's Swiftness] – Increases arrow speed by 5%, improving range and penetration.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Limited Power Scaling – Cannot effectively fire heavier arrows.
✦ Durability Erosion – Loses tension over time without proper maintenance.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Howlcleaver"
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon+
TYPE: Greatsword
DURABILITY: 248/280
ATTACK POWER: 195 - 230
RECOMMENDED STRENGTH: E-

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A massive yet refined weapon, the Howlcleaver Greatsword was forged from the fanged bones and reinforced hide of a Mid Stage 2 Thunderhowl Beast, a predator feared for its raw power and lightning-fast strikes. Weighing 72 kg, the sheer heft of the blade demands immense strength but rewards its wielder with bone-crushing force.

The blade retains traces of the beast's lingering energy, allowing for high-impact slashes that can rupture armor and stagger foes. Despite being previously wielded, the sword remains in exceptional condition, bearing only minor signs of wear. Its slightly curved edge enables swift but devastating attacks, making it a rare blend of lethal power and surprising agility.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Residual Thunderhowl] – Occasionally releases a faint shockwave upon impact, slightly amplifying damage.
➤ [Momentum Cleave] – Gains increased swing speed after consecutive attacks.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Worn Grip – Requires maintenance to prevent reduced handling efficiency.
✦ High Strength Requirement – Ineffective in the hands of those lacking sufficient physical power.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Stormweave Gauntlets"

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A pair of lightweight, reinforced gauntlets, the Stormweave Gauntlets combine hardened steel plating with the resilient beast-thread cloth of a Low Stage 1 creature. The result is a flexible yet sturdy piece of armor, offering moderate protection while ensuring unhindered hand movements.

Despite their low weight, the gauntlets are surprisingly durable, capable of absorbing shock from repeated blows. Ideal for fighters who prioritize speed, they allow for quick strikes and precise maneuvers without compromising defensive integrity.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Weave Resilience] – Reduces minor impact damage to the hands, improving grip strength.
➤ [Swift Guard] – Increases reaction speed when blocking light attacks.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Low Defensive Coverage – Less effective against heavy strikes or bladed attacks.
✦ Thread Weakness – Prolonged exposure to extreme heat or moisture may degrade its durability.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Ironbrand Pistol"
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Firearm (Single-Handed)
DURABILITY: 160/160
ATTACK POWER: 24 - 32 (Varies by Ammunition)
FIRE RATE: Moderate

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A finely crafted single-handed firearm, the Ironbrand Pistol is forged from reinforced alloys and tempered steel, ensuring longevity and stability even under intense use. Designed with precision and adaptability in mind, it handles energy-infused rounds without warping while maintaining high firing accuracy.

Its balanced weight makes it an ideal sidearm for swordsmen, duelists, and close-range fighters, allowing for seamless transitions between melee and ranged combat. Built for endurance and efficiency, the Ironbrand Pistol is a trusted weapon for those who demand reliable firepower without sacrificing mobility.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Steady Grip] – Reduces recoil slightly, improving shot stability.
➤ [Quick Draw] – Faster weapon switching speed when paired with a melee weapon.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Ammunition Dependent – Requires compatible rounds; performance varies based on bullet type.
✦ Limited Customization – Basic model lacks advanced modification slots.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Tremor Maul"
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: War Hammer (Two-Handed)
DURABILITY: 190/190
ATTACK POWER: 62 - 78
RECOMMENDED STRENGTH: E

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A colossal two-handed war hammer forged from the reinforced bones and dense hide of a Peak Stage 1 Ironback Brute. Weighing a crushing 80 kilograms, the Tremor Maul is a weapon only the strongest can wield effectively. Its massive head delivers earth-shattering blows, capable of pulverizing armor, collapsing structures, and sending tremors through the ground upon impact.

The reinforced handle, wrapped in thick leather, provides a firm grip, ensuring the wielder can control its devastating swings. A weapon built purely for brute force; the Tremor Maul is a battlefield behemoth that dominates through sheer destructive power.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Seismic Impact] – Heavy strikes generate minor shockwaves, staggering nearby enemies.
➤ [Momentum Strike] – Consecutive swings increase damage slightly with each hit.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Extreme Weight – Requires immense strength, inefficient for weak or untrained users.
✦ Slow Attack Speed – Powerful but requires time to recover between swings.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Silent Fang"
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common
TYPE: Katana (Double-Handed)
DURABILITY: 90/90
ATTACK POWER: 15 - 22

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A sleek and deadly katana forged from the refined bones and fangs of a Duskscale Panther, a Mid Stage 1 beast renowned for its agility and razor-sharp claws. Weighing only 1.5 kilograms, the Silent Fang is exceptionally lightweight yet incredibly durable, allowing for swift and precise strikes. Its razor-honed edge cuts through flesh and bone with minimal resistance, making it a lethal weapon for those who favor speed over brute strength.

The hilt is wrapped in dark leather, providing a firm and comfortable grip that enables seamless, fluid movements. Designed for assassins, duelists, and those who live by the blade, the Silent Fang is a weapon of deadly efficiency.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Phantom Edge] – Increases attack speed slightly when striking consecutively.
➤ [Silent Step] – Lightens footsteps while wielded, reducing noise when moving.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Lightweight Design – Lower raw power compared to heavier weapons.
✦ Requires Precision – Most effective in the hands of a skilled user.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Nightfang"
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common-
TYPE: Dagger (One-Handed)
DURABILITY: 65/65
ATTACK POWER: 10 - 15

───◈ Item Description ◈───

The Nightfang Dagger is crafted from the fangs and reinforced bone of a Low Rank Stage 1 Shadowfang Scorpion, a beast known for its agility and hardened exoskeleton. Weighing only 800 grams, the blade has a sleek, almost organic curve, with a faint dark tint that hints at its origins. Its sharp edge and durable structure make it a reliable weapon for swift, precise strikes. The lightweight design ensures ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for those who favor speed and efficiency in combat.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Shadow Veil] – Reduces weapon gleam in low light, making it harder to spot.
➤ [Swift Execution] – Slightly increases critical strike damage on unaware enemies.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Short Reach – Ineffective in direct combat against longer weapons.
✦ Lightweight Build – Not suited for heavy blocking or brute force clashes.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

The items appeared quite good in Rey's eyes, but Aiden show even a hint of satisfaction, having far more impressive things in his life than Rey could ever imagine.

"So now what, can I check the notification or not?" Rey asked. Aiden nodded and went to sit on the bed, waiting to see Rey's next expression as he reviewed them.

"Yes, you can do this right now. Just don't show me expression you're going to give after that," Aiden said, lowering his voice at the last words.

───◈ System Notification ◈───

[System has detected an anomaly within one of the host's abilities.]
[Ability <Dark Arsenal> is shedding its constraints, revealing its true form after fulfilling a hidden condition.]

───◈ Hidden Completion Requirement ◈───
✦ Possession of a complete arsenal, encompassing all weapon types.

[The dormant essence within <Dark Arsenal> is awakening.][Its limitations are dissolving, unveiling its full potential.]

───◈ Mutation Process Initiated ◈───
[Analyzing evolutionary changes…]
[Reconstructing ability framework…]
[Refining energy flow…]

───◈ Mutation Complete! ◈───
[Congratulations! Your ability <Dark Arsenal> has undergone a complete transformation.][Generating updated ability details…]

Would you like to review the evolved ability?▶ [Yes] / [No]

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Rey chooses Yes as the system started to show the evolved ability in front of him.

<Dark Arsenal> {Stage 1} (Mutated Ability)

───◈ Ability Effects ◈───

➤ Shadow Arsenal: The Host can store an unlimited number of weapons within Dark Arsenal and summon them instantly from the shadows at will.
➤ Corrupted Growth: Darkness-infused weapons, or those created via Item Genesis or Dark Matter Manipulation, gain 2.5 times the proficiency growth rate.
➤ Weapon Rank Enhancement: Stored weapons within Dark Arsenal are automatically upgraded by one sub-rank, up to the highest rarity currently stored.
➤ Arsenal Synchronization – Attack Power Buff: For every weapon stored in Dark Arsenal, the Host gains a +5% attack power increase, up to a maximum of +50%.
➤ Abyssal Arsenal Synchronization: Weapons stored in Dark Arsenal gradually adapt to the Host's combat style.• Wielding an Arsenal weapon reduces stamina consumption by 15%.• Increases attack speed slightly for stored weapons.

───◈ Arsenal Mastery ◈───

Sword: E- ↑ (3%) | Dagger/Knives: E- ↑ (8%) | Spear: F+ ↑ (4%) | Shield: F ↑ (24%) | 
Bow: F- (0%) | Greatsword: F+ ↑ (87%) | Hand-to-Hand: E- ↑ (0%) | Gun: F- (0%) | 
Hammer: F ↑ (13%) | Katana: F- (0%)

───◈◈◈◈◈───

What lay before Rey was too overwhelming to focus on and be happy, as this type of thing happened to him every time there was a large number of notifications.

"It looks like I am really suffering from an abundance of luck", Rey said, enjoying every second after the notification and spinning around in joy.

"Yes, yes, it's your ninth time telling us this, so stop it," Victor said, growing bored of him dance in joy.

"Rey, stop this nonsense. Tomorrow evening will be very difficult to pass normally like every day. We are going to trespass into the Training center tomorrow evening after it closes," Aiden told him, causing Rey's foot to stop in its tracks, filled with a mix of fear and anticipation.

"Let's start the second raid of your life, Rey. May wealth follow you home with the success of our mission," Victor said with grin as he went back to rest, leaving behind Rey, who began to train his abilities and skills, which may or may not help him tomorrow as even a single increase in power can help him later on.

-<To be Continued>-