Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (LN)

Prologue: The Clowns Decision

The intelligence has not yet reached the Empire.

But it should be a happy thing for the subjects of the Empire.

The imperial soldiers, their kinsmen, who were supposed to attack the western countries through the Great Forest of Jura, became complete lambs to the slaughter.

No one thought that nearly a million Imperial Legions would be defeated.

Whoever it was, was convinced that this army would be able to fulfill the imperial ambitions of conquering the western states and establishing a unified state fully under the rule of Emperor Rudra.

The Great Forest of Jura used to be a ghost gate, now that Veldora was weakened, there was no longer anything to be feared.

It was supposed to be that way.

Under the rule of the great emperor, the attack of the strongest imperial legions of all time has finally begun at this moment

This was the view of the subjects in general, and no one ever thought of defeat or even of going through a bitter battle.

No one could have imagined that the Imperial Army would be crushed in the Great Forest of Jura without even touching the territories of the western countries.

In fact, the Imperial Army was really wiped out without doing anything.

The Jura Tempest Federation, whom they looked down on completely, had taught them what it meant to have someone outside of you and a sky outside of you.

It won't be long before the subjects of the Empire will know these facts.

***

A stronghold of the mixed imperial legions.

In the luxurious room allotted to the army Chief, some people had gathered quietly.

The room is headed by Yuuki, the owner of the room, followed by Kagali, Laplace, Tear, Footman and others in the middle of the clown company, and one of the "Big Three, Misha.

Vega had gone off to join the Warcraft Legion in combat and wasn't here this time.

Laplace and Misha debriefed first.

Yuuki couldn't help but smile bitterly after listening.

All sorts of preconceived notions were made before, but the results are still, shall we say, beyond expectations.

Too overwhelming, too much faster than one might think. The results of the battle of Rimuru and others were so great that Yuuki had to readjust his strategy again.

What was most startling, though, was the increased power of Demon Lord Rimuru.

"I didn't expectfor them to destroy such an army so easily. Although they were expected to win early on, it's horrifying to win with zero casualties.

"I can't believe that such a large army, even if it were to start a war with the three demon lords at the same time, it would be possible to fight all the way

"No, compared to the Ten Great Demon Lords, the Eight Star Demon Lords are not on the same level.

Guy alone, Ruminas and Dagruel have been battling for supremacy all along, right? The forces of Leon are familiar to you, even Milim, who previously had no subordinates, and now the original Demon King Carrion and Frey have become her subordinates. It's still the Light Rod Commander, just Ramiris and Dino, right?

Kagali voiced her opinion, but after listening to Yuuki's explanation, a look of comprehension returned.

Indeed, things were different compared to when Kagali was a demon lord.

There is no need for discussion about Guy.

Milim, on the other hand, was now the ruler of the vast territory south of the Great Forest of Jura.

Ruminas and Dagruel, even after fighting with the angels, their power has not been reduced, and has always been a very large power, Leon is kind of exception even if not mentioned, those new demon lords when Kagali was still a demon lord are simply not worth mentioning.

Whether or not a slightly more subordinate Demon Lord survives is a matter of luck, as is the case with Kagali, the original curse lord" Kazaream.

It was because of this that they had to rack their brains to establish collaborative relationships with other monsters, and they had to resort to various means in order to survive.

The "Blood Lord" Roy Valentine is only a shadow martial artist, and the god Ruminas is the demon lord, but even Ruminas is not able to win against Dagruel in the power struggle. They're not the same class as scum like me, what an envy of those with power. Carrion and Frey are so smart, if only I could live smarter. That way, nothing that would make everyone sad would happen, and there would be no loss of Clayman

In retrospect, the compulsory collection of many monsters as henchmen was of little use, and even if the number was too large, the legion would be of little use in the face of strongmen who exceeded a certain level of strength.

Clayman's failure is proof enough of that.

What they really should be doing, Kagali thought, is adding companions who are able to push the envelope.

No, these are all hindsight now. For us, who have been betrayed, it's impossible to trust anyone. If I hadn't met Yuuki, I'm afraid I would still be resenting the world even now.

Now that it was over, Kagali felt no need to think about it and just buried the regret in her heart.

The conversation was still going on, not taking into account these things that were on Kagali's mind.

"After all, it's been hard work, Laplace.

"Yeah, that's right. This one's bad too."

Laplace nodded with a very weary look on his face.

"Ahahaha, the battle lasted ten days?

"Yes, that big sister named Treyni has become so strong that it's exaggerated. Don't be cruel to her. The one who doesn't pay attention to our family is the one who will be killed. And it's not good for our family that the battlefield is in the forest, so we're working really hard.

Laplace let out a huff.

The suspicious appearance was of his own making, but this time there seemed to be something to think about.

Yuuki soothed him for a moment and continued.

"Anyway, did you finally get them to believe you?"

"You can't resist being tied up like this, and I'm being watched by Rimuru the demon lords subordinates, so I don't think you can believe it.

However, Laplace deserves credit for successfully negotiating and bringing back information.

"I can't believe you're still free.

"I thought we were supposed to have a relationship with Guy Crimson, so instead of trusting the boss, we're taking advantage of the situation.

Had the hostile position been singled out, the captured Laplace would not have been released, except that in that case, Laplace would not have gone as deep into the bargaining.

Laplace grumbled in response.

Yuuki also felt a little more relieved for the time being, but he couldn't relax just yet.

"I felt the same way Lord Laplace did, this time it was really exhausting. It was my task to stir up the head of the Calgurio Army and delay the war for as long as it lasted, and I understood that it was my task, but halfway through I did offer to withdraw. When my offer was rejected, I even thought of running away even if I killed that man

Misha said bitterly.

But then again, by the time she suggested it, it was too late.

The reason why Misha was able to escape was because of Yuuki's co-fighting relationship with Rimuru, if not for that, she would have died at the hands of Diablo long ago.

"Lucky for you, Rimuru is the kind of person who keeps his word.

"That Slime called Rimuru is an anomaly. From what I remember, there should be a strong man in the Mecha Legion who can match the demon lord.

Yes."

"Yes, there is. But before Demon Lord Rimuru could show his hand, he was killed by his men.

Even the terrifying demon male had become a subordinate of Rimuru, and Misha had an unbearable look on her face. Things were too unrealistic for Misha, so it was perfunctory to talk about them.

Unfettered by anyone, this supreme being of the demon race actually followed the instructions of a demon lord .

"I was struck by the fact that the "single-digit" duo was killed as easily as a mouse, and frankly, it was stupid to challenge that monster.

The sum of it all is hard for anyone to believe.

To change this heavy atmosphere, Yuuki tried to change the subject.

"The identities of Bonnie and Jiu surprised me, I didn't expect to be tricked by Damrada like this, and I'm just as upset about it.

Those are the heartfelt words of Yuuki.

Damrada is a traitoran event that comes as a shock to Yuuki and the others.

Damrada, who had been trusted by Yuuki's heart for so many years, was a big subordinate who had penetrated deep into the heart of Yuuki's camp.

The level of trust is high enough for Yuuki to entrust him with the important task of secretly associating with the "Big Three" imperial landing site, and such a figure is a traitor, making it necessary to rethink the strategy all along.

While Masayuki, who had been treated as a pariah by Yuuki, had sent two powerful men to follow him, the incident also proved that Damrada had more vision than Yuuki.

Damrada presumably used his higher vision than Yuuki's to influence the actions of Yuuki and others, and upon sensing this, Yuuki's self-esteem really became tattered.

"Yeah, in retrospect, Clayman's rampage seems to have had Damrada involved.

A puzzled Kagali said.

In response, Yuuki nodded in agreement.

"There's no denying that our plans have failed one by one, and it's strange to think of it now. However, I don't think Damrada gets anything out of it, our power has become so large in large part because of Damrada's assistance, and if you want to take away our power, it would be better not to give it to us from the beginning.

"There are doubts here, but Damrada seems drunk on Yuuki-sama and doesn't seem to be acting and feels loyal. It was also with his help that we completed the various projects.

"As a colleague, my opinion is that honestly. Damrada is serious about working for the organization, has a good track record and should be really loyal to the boss in my opinion. However, it is also true that the man has a ruthless and cold side, and being in charge of the "money" side shows his rationalistic thinking. So the betrayal of the boss for some reason should be a no"

There was no way to say it wasn't possiblethats what Misha said. Yuuki replied to her with a shake of his head.

"There is no doubt that Damrada has betrayed, but it is not clear whether he has done it from the heart or not.

No, it was actually a genuine betrayal, Yuuki muttered again and laughed bitterly.

"I also agree with boss. If it's all acting, it's hard to see the point of Damrada's actions.

Kagali came to the same conclusion as Yuuki, and then she began to state her opinion.

"Let me explain. According to Gedora-sensei's report, we learn of Damrada's betrayal, that the place where Gedora was killed was in Emperor Rudra's castle, and that standing in front of the teacher seems to be the man lurking in the shadows of the EmpireLieutenant Kondo.

"The emperor's castleso it is, Damrada's identity is enough to enter that place, isn't it?

Misha responded. Yuuki nodded at her, then added some more information.

"Yeah, and by the way, according to the information you got back, what Damrada's true identity is is also discussed as a result. There should be very few people who can order a single digit, except for the Emperor."

Yuuki's words dawned on the crowd.

"I see. That's right. Come to think of it, it's extremely obvious."

"Yes, Damrada is not betraying us, just following the Emperor's orders.

"It may not have been his intention, but it doesn't matter now.

Maybe it was the enemy of Yuuki and others from the beginning, maybe it wasn't. But the results of the status quo only show that Damrada is a traitor.

Then there are the people like Laplace who cannot accept such treachery.

"Indeed, boss should be right. But, Damrada might have fooled Clayman, can't we just cut him some slack?

"Yeah, yeah! Miss Bens (???) men will go over there and kill him!

"Oooh, oooh, oooh, oooh, the House of Everything has a reputation first and will not tolerate betrayers!"

The frivolous proposal purges Laplace.

Tear and Footman agreed.

However, Yuuki stopped the three of them.

"Wait, Damrada's true identity, being the superior of the Imperial Emperor's Order of Near Guard, is undoubtedly more dangerous than the average demon lord, is it still a question whether you few can win?

Even though it was a sneak attack, Damrada also solved Gedora-sensei with a single blow, so it can be seen that the strength is quite strong.

"That being said, but

"What's more, I think there's a message in Damrada's actions.

After a moment's thought, Yuuki uttered this sentence. Then, with a hypothetical in mind, one begins to state one's thoughts.

"Damrada is very careful, knows our information, and also knows the information about the Demon Lord Rimuru.

"What does that mean?"

"That is, Damrada may have sensed the resurrection of Gedora."

"But in that caseis it?"

Wouldn't that be the same as releasing Gedora?a possibility that had also occurred to Misha.

"The man who confronted Gedora at the end was a "weirdo who feeds on information", wasn't he? If we let Gedora live, it will fall into the hands of Lieutenant Kondo, and by that time, we will use every means possible to get information that Gedora knows.

"In that case, our purpose will all be known to each other, is that what you mean?

"Probably, but there's still something I don't understand, and by gagging Gedora, I've avoided giving away information about Rimuru. And as a result, the Empire has suffered great losses, and it is hard to imagine that Damrada has caused the Empire to suffer because of his love for us"

Yuuki smiled bitterly, unable to explain this.

Hearing this, Kagali began to speak her mind again.

"It shouldn't be wrong to say that Damrada is more loyal to Emperor Rudra than Lord Yuuki. But at the same time, he is treating us as companions, no, no, is thinking that we can be used, or wants us to take on some aspect of the task, and if so, what happens?

"Mm-hmm, go ahead.

"The defeat of the Imperial Army also follows the emperor's wishesthere may be such a possibility.

"How is that possible?

"That's not possible, is it?"

Misha and Laplace immediately objected, while Yuuki pondered with interest.

"This possibility is deduced on the basis of which purpose of Damrada?"

"Very briefly, a great deal of death is necessary for large rituals, just as the awakening of a demon lord requires a great number of "souls", so wouldn't Damrada and Emperor Rudra treat the Imperial Army as a sacrifice?

"It's possible. Go on."

"That being the case, there's nothing unbelievable about getting in the way of Kondo, who is determined to win. Again, this gives a slight indication of why Damrada let us go"

Gedora had intended to ascend to the Emperor, and Damrada came out to obstruct.

If the information in Gedora's possession falls into Kondo's hands

The Imperial Army's casualties might not have been so great, and more to the point, the combat action taken against Rimuru would surely have taken a different form.

How could Damrada not see the stakes and therefore see that his actions were deliberate?

So, what is the purpose?

"A litmus test?

"Well, yes.

Hearing Yuuki's reply, Kagali smiled with satisfaction.

"In order to give birth to the truly powerful, many sacrifices were made by acquiescence. And we, too, have been used as pawns in the birth of the strong, right?"

"Or it could be, trying to bribe us.

What?"

"Clayman, hes not going to listen to anyone other than me and Kagali, right?

Yeah."

Mm-hmm."

"Definitely."

"If he let Clayman storm off like that, he must have used some kind of hidden technique.

"Is it, say, brainwashing?

Yuuki nodded in response to Kagali's accusation.

"Even if it's not that powerful, I think it's still under the influence of 'thought inducement'. It's possible that some kind of prop was used like us, and there's also the possibility that there's a dominating power like Mariabells."

Hearing this inference, the entire crew's expressions turned rigid.

"It's a pain in the ass.

Misha's words were echoed by the crowd.

Looking around at his companions, Yuuki chuckled.

"But rest assured. This power is ineffective against me, from now on, I will touch each of you a little, is that okay?

All members indicated no problems.

At this point, mere denial would be tantamount to admitting to being in control, and it would be impossible to reject Yuuki's proposal even to prove his innocence.

"Looks like everyone hasn't been brainwashed. However, if you're not acting alone, I think you'll be fine.

"In that case, our house is in danger.

Laplace said this after standing up and spinning around. However, Yuuki and Kagali very tacitly dismissed what he said.

"No, no, no. You're okay.

"Yeah, well, you don't have to but this kind of heart.

Hearing this, Laplace sat down again as if he were making a fuss and started to whine.

"What? You should be more worried about our family, really.

Laplace's witty manner blew away the heavy air in the room.

After the laughter, the group began to switch thoughts.

He expressed his gratitude for this, and Yuuki said as if he was going to regain his momentum.

"All right, all right, all right, all right, all right.

"Yes, I'd like to question Damrada about how much of our plan has been compromised.

"Hey, hey, now's the time to say something like that? Our family's plan was already exposed, right?

"After all, Damrada knows all about the plan and it's no longer a matter of exposing or not exposing.

"Yes. Isn't it better to run away now?

"I can't do that either.

Now, Yuuki's faction has shifted its stronghold to the Empire.

Although there were still some lurking in the Western States, it was a very small number. It's simply not possible to fully place there, and new hideaways are not that easy to arrange.

Most importantly, there is simply too little preparation time for all the members at the bottom to escape.

"At least, it's impossible for me to run the "Big Three" on my own, partly because of Damrada's ability and the fact that people have relied on him in the past, and partly because I don't have a good idea of what his men are like.

The other giant, Vega, has no merit other than violence and simply can't be expected to do anything about the running of the organization.

That's why Misha said what she said.

"I know. The Big Three have to take their heads off. Damrada's men could all be banished, but the problem is that here in the Hybrid Legion, it would be a shame to give up all that powermainly to avoid losing all their strongholds.

Cutting flesh is a means to an end, but the loss this time is just too great.

If you can't find a place for 100,000 people in this world, then you have to give up your men. If this is done, those who stay will no doubt be purged.

In fact, based on speculation about Damrada's thoughts, it is estimated that he did not tell Yuuki's secret.

"While there could be several reasons for Damrada to seal Gedora's mouth, I think one of them would be to keep the information from being given to Kondo. Presumably, the emperor's near-guard is not ironclad either. Isn't the imperial coup we're planning, Damrada, hoping to succeed too?

"Although I don't understand his intentions, if Damrada wants to hide our secrets, then that's the only purpose.

Yuuki and Kagali follow each other's thoughts and keep speaking their minds.

The others could only look at them in confusion, and Laplace seemed unable to resist, interjecting loudly just to interrupt their conversation.

"No, no, no, no, no, wait a minute." Wait a minute. Letting Gedora go on purpose is just boss

speculation, right? In that case, isn't it highly likely that all of this is an illusion?

Everyone thought it was a solid opinion, but Yuuki replied confidently, "That's not possible."

"Listen to me, okay? Our plan for the coup was the result of a deal with the Demon Lord Guy, and Damrada knew about it. Rather than get in the way of our plans, it would be better to fool Guy by causing chaos within the Empire, wouldn't he think so?

"Hmm, with that kind of thinking, there should be

"This girl doesn't understand.

"Ho, ho, ho, ho.

Tear and Footman can't seem to keep up with the conversation anymore, and the duo is already playing with the rag.

"There is chaos in the empire. Will the emperor's inner circle allow this to happen?

Misha just summed up her thoughts, not being able to keep up with Yuuki and Kagali's perspective on things.

In a sense, her reaction was sort of normal.

After all, Yuuki and the others think in terms of being willing to make all kinds of sacrifices to get there, an idea that is absolutely intolerable to people who hold absolute rationality in their thinking.

What's more, Yuuki's idea of them being self-facilitating to the fullest, and even feeling full of contradictions in the perspective of others' thinking, was an extremely insane way of thinking that Misha couldn't understand.

It's an unreasonable demand to be understood.

"Misha, there's no need to think that complicated, what's important is who Damrada sees as the enemy and to look at it from that perspective. Damrada, from the beginning to the end, had never considered Yuuki-sama and Demon Lord Rimuru as enemies, and the enemy in his eyes had always been Guy Crimson. Once that is understood, it will be clear why they have acquiesced to our riots within the Imperial Capital.

"Kondo was different, he didn't just treat Guy as an enemy, anyone who was against the emperor would be treated as an enemy, looking at things from a completely different perspective than Damrada, that's how he served the emperor.

That's why the confrontation was possible, and Yuuki came to this conclusion. Kagali affirmed this.

"Well, now that Boss and Lord Kagali have said so, we believe so.

Without further thought, Laplace asserted his belief.

Tear and Footman keep pace with Laplace.

As for Misha, the central question is raised.

"Then, Yuuki-sama, what's your future policy? Since it has been decided that Damrada is the enemy, it is of course impossible to trust him, no matter how sincere he may be. So, abort the coup, admit the impossibility and choose to hide? Fortunately, now that 60% of the mixed legions have gone to fight in the Dwarf Kingdom's eastern city blockade, and with the remaining battle strength in the Imperial Capital, I will provide as much support as possible, so it shouldn't be difficult to take any city as long as it is a stronghold"

"And then unite the nations that are discontented with the empire and form a great coalition against it?"

"Uh-huh. Wouldn't this be the battle plan with the best chance of winning if you could save the most battle power?

"It's a nice place, oppressed by the imperial nobility, if you look for it, there will be a place like that, where we can fight the banner of the liberation army.

So?"

"Unfortunately, the proposal is rejected."

That was whyMisha was about to ask, but couldn't.

"If we want to survive, we have to choose a coup d'tat. Am I right, Damrada?

Without waiting for Misha to ask, Yuuki spoke first.

Before Misha could understand the meaning of the phrase, the clowns present were already in a pro forma state first. Then the tightly closed door was opened and a man walked in.

"That's right, boss.

It was Damrada who came.

Still in businessman's garb as usual, but giving the impression that he is no longer hidden and is entirely military.

The air in the room suddenly became tense, and Laplace, who was about to strike, was stopped by Damrada in a calm voice.

"Stop, this building is surrounded by my men.

Yuuki, who was observing the situation, saw this sight and sank his body into the couch with the strength to relax his shoulders.

"Do you have time to talk more? If you have one, you sit too.

"Boss, there's no time for that now"

"It's okay, it's okay. Just sit down, too."

Pacifying the disgruntled Laplace first, Yuuki looked at Damrada with a fearless smile on his face.

"So, what's your purpose?

"Because I feel like I've been misunderstood by the boss, I'm here to explain that I have something I can't say.

He said, changing to take a seat in the seat indicated by Yuuki, the change in attitude left Laplace and the others with nothing to do but feel irritated.

Then

Regardless of what the people around them thought, the Q&A between Yuuki and Damrada started first.

"A difficult thing to say, huh?

"Yes, I really hope the boss coup is successful.

"So, what about letting Gedora go?"

"Heh, heh, heh, heh. Are you sure you're all right? I just took a gamble on this one, but I thought that man was so careful, I thought hed survive.

"To avoid information falling into Kondo's hands?

Exactly."

"Didn't you swear allegiance to the Emperor?"

"I did take an oath.

You did, huh? What about now?

"No matter how many times I say it, you probably won't believe it, but I am loyal to the boss.

"How can this be believed?

Yeah."

The two were laughing and exchanging words.

"By blocking the information that Gedora had, the Mecha Legion was almost wiped out. Plus right now, the Monster Beast Legion was far from the Imperial Capital, and even if the news of the Mecha Legion's defeat came back, it would take quite a while for them to rush back. Right now, the defensive battle power within the Imperial Capital has been drastically reduced, don't you think, now is a great time to do it?

"Yes, I even think it's too good for us to be in this situation.

"That's right, it took years to create the conditions that existed

"Damrada, you"

"I, boss, live to defeat His Majesty Rudra. This is the only way to save His Majesty, and for that, the best thing to do is to let you take over the world. The idea has not changed, everything is ready, and the rest is your decision.

Huh.

Yuuki grunted in bemusement.

All went according to Damrada's plan, making Yuuki feel unhappy in his heart.

But the refusal is something to think about, and the situation, as Damrada says, could not be better arranged.

The problem is just that one has to believe that about Damrada.

I have a question.

"Be my guest.

"Why didn't you talk to me and let Clayman be the outcast?

Between Yuuki and the Moderate Clown Troupe, they swore to each other that they would never betray each other, and are the rare people in the world who can trust each other.

One of them, Clayman, was also an important companion for Yuuki.

Kagali, Laplace, Tear, and Footman, all turned pale at this questioning from Yuuki, their eyes focused on Damrada, giving the impression that lying was never allowed.

In the midst of this murderous atmosphere, Damrada still replied calmly.

"I had nothing to do with Clayman. I knew who the prisoner was, but I didn't think he would use such tactics.

The scene was greeted with a moment of silence, but Yuuki broke that silence again.

"He's talking about Tatsuya Kondo?

.

"You seem to know a lot about Kondo, and you have a lot of secrets.

To the Damrada, who had fallen into silence, Yuuki stated his claim. Damrada just listened to Yuuki with a bitter look on his face.

When Yuuki finished, Damrada replied softly.

Because it is forbidden, I cannot answer you all. About Kondo, I don't know how good he really is eitherI can't say anything else except that. Nonetheless, I hope you will believe that in order to save His Majesty Rudra.

The clowns' icy stares fell straight on Damrada.

Everyone had a look of disbelief on their faces.

The same goes for Yuuki.

It's just that things are not looking good for Yuuki.

Outside the building, there were not only Damrada's men, but there was also a sense that it was impossible to ignore; presumably, Damrada had also brought the superior strength of the near-guard knights with him.

It would be difficult to break through such an encircling net, even for people like Yuuki.

It's just that I alone may have a way, and it's probably going to be harder to keep the whole crew safe, so accepting his proposal would be one of the options

Yuuki counted in his heart.

Suddenly, Yuuki sensed Damrada's unflinchingly determined gaze.

That look, completely unchanged from when they first met.

Yuuki closed his eyes and began to think back.

From the moment they met, Damrada has been a bold and cheeky man, willing to take on any job as long as "money" is paid. However, they will spend a lot of money for their companions, and their actions are full of contradictions.

I am willing to make any sacrifice for the sake of those I believe inas Damrada once said.

Whose figure was reflected in the eyes of Damrada at that time?

It's not me. Yet, those eyes are a delight to behold

Afterwards, he also began to call Yuuki boss and took an oath of loyalty.

That said, there are still aspects of Damrada that one is afraid to trust.

Looking back now, perhaps feeling lonely, realizing that, Yuuki opened his eyes and looked at Damrada.

"There are lies in your words. You swore loyalty to Emperor Rudra long before you were loyal to me, and it hasn't changed since, has it?"

"Oh, I can't beat you, boss."

That statement stands for affirmation.

This instead became an opportunity for Yuuki to believe in Damrada.

"Well, instead of fighting you, let's make the coup work.

No one has expressed displeasure with Yuuki's decision.

"I can't help it, since Yuuki-sama has decided, we'll just obey.

"Yes, Damrada, if you betray me, my family will settle the score with you.

"Together, Laplace!

"Ho, ho, ho, ho, don't forget me.

The clowns made up their minds.

Because, they believe in Yuuki as boss.

They do have a bond between them that ties them together as companions.

Damrada is, likewise, included.

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