350+/1800$ Gift Trades in 6 years

 

Made a Google doc because the list is long

MY Trade Reputation
 

YOUR FAVOURITE SELLER IS BACK FOR 6TH YEAR IN A ROW. CHECK MY REP THREAD

 

CACHE Price Increases as I stock out & Reservation is Compulsory

 
Want Paypal/Zelle/Venmo/GooglePay/PayTm worth the listed Amount or Items (1.2x - STEAM TAX). I will not go first. The link to add me :LINK to ADD ME
 

Crownfall Treasure Chest 3 (Buy 3+ More at 10% / 6+ More at 20% / 9+ More at 30% discount)

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
(Phantom Lancer) Flock of Avilliva	1	25$ or Items	Very Rare Treasure 3	Only ONE
(Jakiro) Barding of Balaur	2	12$ or Items	Rare Treasure 3	One Sold Last Reserved
(Oracle) Prophecies of Pavo	3	7.5$ or Items	Rare Treasure 3	None
(Shadow Fiend) Raven Harvest	5	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 3	None
(Bane) Tome of Infinite Terror	5	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 3	None
(Queen of Pain) The Rose of Ristul	5	3$ or Items	Treasure 3	One Reserved
(Mars) Mars Gallus	5	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 3	None
(Treant Protector) Spina Infernalis	5	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 3	None
(Death Prophet) Draconic Requiem	5	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 3	None
(Visage) Grimfeather the Grotesque	5	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 3	One Reserved
(Alchemist) Potion Potentate	5	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 3	None

 

Crownfall Treasure Chest 1 & 2 (Buy 3+ More at 10% / 6+ More at 20% / 9+ More at 30% discount)

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Mocking Bird (Meepo)	4	20$ or Items	Very Rare Treasure 1	None
Ravencloak (Drow Ranger)	3	55$	Very Rare Treasure 2	Two Reserved Last Left
Whispering Wings (Silencer)	6	8$ or Items	Rare Treasure 1	None
Crown of the Condor (Wraith King)	6	8.5$ or Items	Rare Treasure 1	One Sold 5 Left
Thunderbird (Zeus)	5	7$ or Items	Rare Treasure 2	None
Birdfeed Bandit (Hood Wink)	4	8$ or Items	Rare Treasure 2	None
Blood Raven (Blood Seeker)	10	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Tines of the Pyrexae (Jakiro)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Imperial Ember (Lina)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Designs of Ancient Druud (Disruptor)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Verdant Swarm (Nature Prophet)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Phalanx of the Bronze Eagle (Legion Commander)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Raven of Ristul (Queen of Pain)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	None
Eyes in the Endless Dark (Shadow Shaman)	8	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 1	One Reserved
Crystalline Crown (Ancient Apparition)	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Flight of the Gryphon Lord (Keeper of the Light)	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Lionheart (Omnikinght)	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Song of the Sea Lotus (Naga Siren)	7	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Keeper of the Nether-Lens (Pugna)	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Twitcher (Tinker)	7	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Highborn Heretic (Skywrath Mage)	7	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None
Mischief of the Winter Moth (Puck)	6	2.5$ or Items	Treasure 2	None

 

AUGUST 2023 Collectors Cache (Buy 3+ More at 10%/ 6+ More at 20%/ 9+ More at 30% discount)

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Snailfire (SnapFire)	2	30$	Very Rare Cache Set	One Sold Last Left
Brightfist (Marci)	5	18$	Rare Cache Set	Three Sold Two Reserved
Dezun Viper (Dazzle)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold One Reserved
Primeval Abomination (Primal Beast)	5	7$ or Items	Cache Set	Three Sold
Astral Herald (Dawnbreaker)	5	5.5$ or Items	Cache Set	Two Sold
Spectral Shadow (Abaddon)	5	3.5$ or Items	Cache Set	None
Taur Rider (Alchemist)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold
Crescent Huntress (Spectre)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold
Tyrant of the Veil (Wraith King)	5	5.5$ or Items	Cache Set	Two Sold
Tomo'kan Footsoldier (Hoodwink)	5	5$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold
Darkwood Eulogy (Death Prophet)	5	3.5$ or Items	Cache Set	None
Sea Spirit (Kunkka)	5	5.5$ or Items	Cache Set	Two Sold
Triumph of the Imperatrix (Legion Commander)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	None
Beast of Thunder (Storm Spirit)	5	7$ or Items	Cache Set	Three Sold
Ancestral Heritage (Jakiro)	5	4$ or Items	Cache Set	One Sold

 

Ultra Rare Immortals 2022

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Bloodfeather Finery (Queen of Pain)	1	15$ or Items	Ultra Rare Immortal 2	LastLeft

 

Diretide Collectors Cache-2 2022

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Sublime Equilibrium (Void Spirit)	2	45$ or Items	Very Rare Direteide Collectors Cache	One Sold Last Left
Brands of the Reaper (Anti Mage)	5	$18	Rare Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Three Sold Last Two Reserved
Grudges of the Gallows Tree (Treant)	6	15$	Rare Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Five Sold Last Reserved
War Rig Eradicators (Techies)	5	8$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Three Sold
Sacred Chamber Guardian (Huskar)	5	7$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold One Reserved
Acrimonies of Obsession (Vengeful Spirit)	5	7.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	One Sold
Freeboot Fortunes (Ogre Magi)	5	4.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	None
Withering Pain (Clinkz)	5	6$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold
Darkfeather Factioneer (Phantom Assassin)	5	8$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Three Sold
Feasts of Forever (Night Stalker)	5	5.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold
Cursed Cryptbreaker (Pudge)	5	5.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold
Dawn of Darkness Foretold (Doom)	5	10$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Three Sold
The Wilding Tiger (Brewmaster)	5	11$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Four Sold Last Left
Transcendent Path (Oracle)	5	7.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold
Darkbrew´s Transgression (Alchemist)	5	10$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Four Sold Last Left
Grand Suppressor (Silencer)	5	4.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Two Sold
Bird of Prey (Legion Commander)	5	9$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache 2	Three Sold One Reserved Last Left

 

Diretide Collectors Cache 2022

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Blue Horizons(Marci)	4	16$ or Items	Rare Direteide Collectors Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Hounds of Obsession (Chen)	3	7.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	Two Sold Last Left
Seadog's Stash (Clockwerk)	3	6$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	One Sold
Starlorn Adjudicator (Dawn Breaker)	3	11$	Direteide Collectors Cache	Two Sold Last Left
Chines of the Inquisitor (Faceless Void)	3	18.5$	Direteide Collectors Cache	Two Sold Last Reserved
Crimson Dawn (Phoenix)	3	7$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	Two Sold Last Left
Forgotten Station (Terrorblade)	3	4.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	None
Dirge Amplifier (Undying)	3	5.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	One Sold
Champion of the Fire Lotus (Monkey King)	3	7.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	Two Sold Last Left
Deathstitch Shaman (Witch Doctor)	3	5.5$ or Items	Direteide Collectors Cache	One Sold

 

Aghanim's Continuum Cache 2021 / Ti-11

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Scales of the Shadow Walker (Phantom Lancer)	4	12$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Test of the Basilisk Lord (Razor)	4	11.5$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Secrets of the Frost Singularity (Ancient Apparation)	4	5$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	None
Perils of the Red Banks (Chen)	4	7$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Two Sold Last Left
The Chained Scribe (Grimstroke)	4	8$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	One Sold One Reserved
Widow of the Undermount Gloom (Broodmother)	4	9.5$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Forgotten Fate (Mars)	4	5$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	One Sold
March of the Crackerjack Mage (Rubick)	4	12$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Three Sold Last Left
Cosmic Concoctioneers (Alchemist)	4	12$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Two Sold
Blightfall (Abbadon)	4	8$ or Items	Aghanim Cache	Two Sold

 

Nemestice Cache 2021 / Ti-11

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Astral Terminus (Enigma)	3	12$ or Items	Nemestice Cache 1	One Sold One Reserved Last Left
Caerulean Star (Enchantress)	3	9$ or Items	Nemestice Cache 1	Two Sold Last Left

 -

Collector's Cache 2020 / Ti-10

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Steward of the Forbidden Chamber (TA/Templar Assassin)	3	15$	TI-10 Rare Cache 2	Two Sold Last Reserved
Talons of the Endless Storm (CK/Chaos Knight)	3	7.5$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 2	One Sold One Reserved Last Left
Carousel of the Mystic Masquerade (Rubick)	3	10$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 2	Two Sold Last Left
Blacksail Cannoneer (Sniper)	3	7$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 2	None
Blaze of Oblivion (Phoenix)	3	7$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 2	None
Songs of Starfall Glen (Enchantress)	3	6$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	None
Flashpoint Proselyte (Huskar)	3	13$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	Two Sold Last Left
Fissured Flight (Jakiro)	3	12$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	Two Sold Last Left
Mindless Slaughter (Pudge)	3	12$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	Two Sold Last Reserved
Fury of Righteous Storm (Disruptor)	3	6$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	None
Apocalypse Unbound (Ancient Apparation)	3	9$ or Items	TI-10 Cache 1	Two Sold Last left

 

Collector's Cache 2019/ Ti-9

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Prized Acquisitions (Batrider)	4	7$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Two Sold
The sight of the Kha-Ren Faithful (Drow Ranger)	4	12$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Three Sold Last Reserved
Directive of the Sunbound(Clockwerk)	5	9$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Four Sold Last Left
Distinguished Expeditionary (Tusk)	4	7$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Two Sold
Automaton Antiquity (Broodmother)	5	9$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Four Sold Last Left
Fury of the Bloodforge (Bloodseeker)	5	9$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Three Sold
Tribal Pathways (Warlock)	5	8.5$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Three Sold
Verdant Predator (Venomancer)	5	9$	TI-9 Cache Set-2	Three Sold
The Arts of Mortal Deception (Enigma)	3	9$	TI-9 Cache Set	Two Sold Last Left
Poacher's Bane (Tidehunter)	3	8$	TI-9 Cache Set	One Sold One Reserved Last Left
Riddle of the Hierophant (Oracle)	3	9$ or 3 Keys	TI-9 Cache Set	Two Sold Last Left

 

Collector's Cache 2018/ Ti-8

Item	Quantity	Price	Type	Reserved
Raiments of the Obsidian Forge (Underlord)	4	18$	TI-8 Rare Cache Set	Three Sold Last Left
Pattern of the Silken Queen (Brood)	4	8$	TI-8 Cache Set	Three Sold Last Left

 
https://steamcommunity.com/id/whatsyouraff (DireTide 2022 Oracle Set Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198063913439 (2021 Gyro, 2020 Huskar, AA, Warlock, Grim Sets Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Mujou64 (Diretide Cache 2 Doom & Venge Sold Successfuly)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/rudmax (2019 Brood Automation, 2021 Shadow Shaman & Enchantress Reserved - Full Payment Made Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198064920459 (2023 Rare Marci and Dawn Cache Sold successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Alacaster (2023 AM Ultra Rare, Hoodwink & Dawn Reserved - 14/70 Paid Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Default_panda (2023 Spectre Cache & Mars Wings of Imperium Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/hollywoodsbleeding_ (2022 LC Cache Set Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198041012739 (2022 Phoneix Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/carantis (2023 Jakiro and Dazzle Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198079185431/ (2023 Rare Treant, 2021 Rare Ogre & PL Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/muruph (2017 DP Cache Reserved Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/LovelasStrasti/ (Techies 2022 Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/uziexe/(2020 Timber Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/SemiOfficialAnthonyAdams (Brewmaster and Oracle Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/V3G3TA (2023 - Wk, Primal, Storm, Alche, 2022 - LC, Techies, Alche Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198829952373/ (2023 Kunka Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Darkio567/ (2023 Dawnbreaker Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198176999423 (2022 Brew Set Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198325291097/ (2023 Rare Marci Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Snaily3000/ (2020 Shadow Demon Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/catgirllyra/ (2023 Rare Marci and Diretide 2022 Hoodwink Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198877138961/ (2023 Dazzle and Aghanim Brood Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198059954390/ (Diretide 2022 Rare Antimage, Huskar, 2021 Grimstroke, 2019 Drow, Chen & Tide, 2018 Axe & QOP Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199173346010/ (2023 Hoodwink Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/LordPlasmarr (2023 WK Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198138951034/ (2023 Primal Beast and Brewmaster Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/waffler99/ (2023 Rare Marci Cache Reserved - 3.5/13.5 Paid Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/vcxxiv (Crownfall Rare WK Cache Sold- Old Customer)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198114702223 (Snapfire Rare, Storm Spirit, Kunkaa, Primal Beast, Silencer Cache Sold Successfully)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198051968045 (2020 Pudge Cache Reserved - Full Payment Made Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199195274635 (2022 Faceless Void Cache Reserved - Full payment made advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/naptime_/ (2020 TA and 2021 Enigma Reserved - Full payment made advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/GayNoNePida (2x 2022 Rare Antimage Cache Reserved - Full Payment made advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198334003229 (2019 Drow Ranger Cache Reserved - 25% paid advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198176818975/ (2019 CK reserved - Full Payment made Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/otafurvasquez/ (Crownfall Super Rare Drow Cache Reserved - 25% payment received advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198031080008 (Crownfall Super Rare Drow and Shaman Cache Reserved -25% Paid Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/reynauld_/ (LC Birds of Prey Reserved - Full Payment made advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/f_s0c1ety/ (Crownfall 3 Rare Jakiro & Visage Reserved - Full Payment Made advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198072474418/ (Crownfall Rare Jakiro Sold Successfully Old Customer)
https://steamcommunity.com/id/Whitcliffe (Rare 2023 Marci & Rare 2022 Treant - Full Payment Made Advance)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198074655812 (2023 Crownfall 3 QOP Reserved - 1.6/3 paid advance)
Wall of Shame:
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199102322625/ (This clown added me and when I asked to reserve which I have clearly stated in my post backtracked on trade offer, has no idea how 30-day steam gifting works so beware)
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197974015392/ (The newest Clown in town, Asks to buy legacy items, agrees to pay my listed price then tells me 2 days later about not making the payment because he found these sets for only 2 Dollars each which is not possible. Beware and don't add this person)

As a response to some of the issues people were having in these threads and others since PC release:
https://www.reddit.com/ghostoftsushima/comments/1ctnwuu/for_those_of_you_wondering_why_even_after_all/
https://www.reddit.com/ghostoftsushima/comments/1ctu429/pc_issues_with_steam_input_and_gyro/
I spent a few hours creating a PS5 controller config that includes gyroscopic aiming of bows and throwables. There are just a few in-game options that have to be changed from default for it to (hopefully) work for you as it does for me, which of course from there you can tune to your own liking. Just FYI, the link is not blue (because it is actually an application hook thingy, not a URL), but it is toward the bottom of the post.
From my limited understanding, there is the unfortunate possibility that the sensitivity of the gyro might be a little bit wonky for people who are playing the game at a different resolution than I am (4K). If you are playing in 1080p, 1440p, etc., I would recommend digging into the video linked at the bottom of this post to learn how to pull the needed numbers from https://www.mouse-sensitivity.com/ to get the config fixed for your personal use. The numbers also slightly change if you are not playing with the maximum allowable FOV of +25.
For this config to have the opportunity work as intended, you must set the mentioned options as follows (otherwise Steam Input will not convert gyro motions to the appropriate amount of movement in-game, and/or you will be unable to switch between different arrows/throwables):
-All 4 in-game mouse sensitivities to 20
-FOV to +25
-In keybinds, set ammo types 1-4 to F1-F4 keyboard buttons (this post is also written with the assumption that all other keybinds are left at default, which is ironic since I typically take about an hour before playing any new game to rebind everything since I am a left-hand-on-mouse player).
-Gamepad sensitivity set to default
Here are the only known issues/inconveniences at the time of writing. It is not impossible I will discover others as I get further in the game, if I do I will update the config for myself and try to remember to update this thread with the fixed config.
1) Non-Edge ("Pro") Dualsense users will be unable to sprint while doing horseback archery. DSE users actually will be able to accomplish this by pressing and holding the back left paddle while aiming.
2) If for some reason you aim with left trigger, draw with right trigger, then cancel the shot by letting go of left trigger while keeping right trigger depressed, when you press left trigger again a light attack will be thrown out before you aim again. Doesn't bother me at all because the circumstances under which this happens in real-world gameplay are minimal/non-existent.
3) While aiming, the UI for weapon selection and ammo type selection are both displayed as if you were using a mouse and keyboard (because that is what all inputs sent while left trigger are held down are). On the D-pad and face buttons: inner button (right directional arrow/square) is bottommost options, upper button is option 2, outer button (left directional arrow/circle) is option 3, and lower button is option 4 at top of the lists that appear on the left and right side of the screen respectively.
Let me know what you think and if you discover any issues while using it. I'm usually a lurker but I am really proud and satisfied with how this configuration turned out and has completely removed any desire I had to force myself to play this console port with a mouse and keyboard for the sole benefit of performing better during archery.
Simply open Steam, connect your Dualsense controller, and copy and paste this link into your browser. A dialogue box should then open up asking for permission to open the link with Steam.
steam://controllerconfig/2215430/3258768478
Also, here is a link to a video that significantly contributed to my decision to go ahead and put in the effort to get it up and running; This video would also give some useful pointers if the gyro is too weak/strong for your liking and you would like to tweak it to your personal tastes. The two biggest options you would be looking at off the top of my head are the Dots per 360 and Gyro sensitivity options within the config settings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQYEqYCzOPM

Hello, this is a short theory – more of a possibility – about Juste’s backstory.
Here’s their Type-Moon wiki page. For more information, go to the Beast’s Lair thread for the Lord El-Melloi II novels.
The basics of their character are that they’re the black Power Ranger, but with chainsaws and look up to Kiritsugu. They introduce themselves by blowing up a building and rank mages based on the threat level. They blame Shirou for Kiritsugu’s death and prove they are probably secretly Sialim under that mask trying to one-up her sister’s wifu game by using memory partition to keep an exact replica of Type-Moon’s third edgiest protagonist in their mind. (Number one may surprise you!)
(Note: that’s a joke, not the theory. Nothing says “Leatherface.” Juste and Sialim “Slavery is cool” Eltnam Re-Atlasia)
As you can guess from the use of memory partition – a spell used by Atlas Alchemist – Juste is/was once a part of the Atlas Institute.
The question is, how did Kiritsugu end up mentoring Juste – someone form the NEET Institute – well enough for them to consider the old man their master and reconstruct the Magus Killer’s personality in their head? Furthermore, why do they think Shirou killed Kiritsugu?
One possible answer comes from the Fate/Zero Season 2 Drama CD:

Kiritsugu: Anything, Shirou? Can't get any sleep?
Shirou: Yeah... I saw that dream again...
Kiritsugu: I see....
Shirou: Hey gramps, the medicine you gave me this morning.... Can I take some now?
Kiritsugu: Hm? It's still rather too soon for that but.... Fine, I guess. But what's the occasion here? You always hated that medicine, didn't you?
Shirou: Of course I don't like it. It's bitter and it's mushy and all... But gramps, you made that medicine with magic didn't you?
Kiritsugu: Well, it's magecraft to be specific. But yeah, somewhere along that line.
Shirou: When I think of it that way, it sorts of calms me down. I get uneasy in this kind of night...
Kiritsugu: I see.... Can't really blame you for that...
Shirou gulps that drink
Shirou: Gramps.... How much longer should I take in this medicine?
Kiritsugu: Well, once you are old enough to attend Middle school you won't be needing that anymore. Until then, bear with it, will you?
Shirou: Ehhh?
Kiritsugu: The healing spell I used on you 2 years ago... Seems to be a little too strong for you. The danger still lurks within you, Shirou. Until you grow up and let your body put on some more antibodies, you will have to rely on this medicine.

The first thing to note from this scene is the use of a magical potion. Kiritsugu doesn’t seem like the type to be able to create a magical potion from scratch. He doesn’t have the knowledge or training to be capable of doing such a feat. Meanwhile, this is something that is right up the Atlas Institute’s alley.
There’s also the question of where and how Kiritsugu got the ingredients to brew this elixir and just what they were. (More specifically, how rare they are.)
Building on that, it is clear that the magical potion is being used to help with just nightmares. If it was only that, he could just get regular medication that is probably much easier to get his hands on.
Based on the final part about “the healing spell I used on you 2 years ago” and “the danger still lurks within you.” I think that Avalon didn’t completely remove the taint of Angra Mainyu. Also – as a side note – the part about it being too strong is weird especially with the pause and how it doesn’t make sense with the rest of the statement as a whole. If it were truly super powerful beyond what he could handle, it would have wiped out the ‘danger,’ and there would be no need for ‘antibodies.’ I think... and the pause is meant to make us think Kiritsugu is either lying or hiding something. Or am I just being stupid again?
If we combine all this, it could fit neatly into explain Juste.
Kiritsugu noticed that Shirou was still being affected by whatever was in the grail and tried to find a solution to it while getting information about the Einzberns. (Tying into the plot in The Adventures of Lord El-Melloi 2 about the origin rounds being used in Monaco and all that stuff.)
This attempt ended with him either teaching or inspiring Juste while bargaining with some Atlas scientists or the like for an elixir that could help Shirou. But… the ingredients are too rare for them to treat more than one person. So, Kiritsugu – who is also still suffering from Angra Mainyu – chooses to give it all to Shirou, even if it means his death.
This would explain why Juste thinks Shirou killed Kiritsugu while also adding a lot to Kiritsugu’s relationship with Shirou and emphasizing what was already there.
By that, I mean giving Avalon to Shirou was already this act. It was Kiritsugu sacrificing his future for Shirou’s, even if he probably didn’t know that at the time. He didn’t know Angra Mainyu’s curse would kill him if he gave Avalon to Shirou to heal his utterly destroyed heart and burns. With this, however, he does know and consciously chooses to put Shirou’s life ahead of his own. This also happened over the span of who knows how long, probably years.
It feels more potent in this regard.
As for Shirou, this would open up an interesting story for Sanda to explore as Shirou is forced to confront someone angry at him for surviving in place of someone else and sets them up as ideological enemies.
Juste is very clearly rooted heavily in Kiritsugu’s legacy and ideals of sacrificing the few to save the many. To ‘rational’ save people. From this perspective, Kiritsugu sacrificing himself for Shirou’s survival wouldn’t make sense. Kiritsugu’s life would be worth more since he would ‘save’ more lives than a random kid. Kiritsugu’s selflessness or humanity in this act wouldn’t be seen by Juste as the embodiment – of, dare I say it – the old justice of Kiritsugu before the events of Fate/Zero.
Conversely, saying Shirou killed Kiritsugu would make perfect sense within this nonsense.
Again, it also sets up a conflict between Juste’s logical/utilitarian heroism versus Shirou’s idealistic/childish heroism.
The next volume or two of Adventures will have Shirou ultimately coming out on top of Juste and his counterfeit mental husbando due to his beliefs being strongehaving moved beyond the original ideals of Kiritsugu.

Rules For Individuals

• Don't create top-level comments - those are for employers.
• Feel free to reply to top-level comments with on-topic questions.
• Reply to the top-level comment that starts with individuals looking for work.

Rules For Employers

• The position must be related to electrical and computer engineering.
• You must be hiring directly. No third-party recruiters.
• One top-level comment per employer. If you have multiple job openings, that's great, but please consolidate their descriptions or mention them in replies to your own top-level comment.
• Don't use URL shorteners. reddiquette forbids them because they're opaque to the spam filter.
• Templates are awesome. Please use the following template. As the "formatting help" says, use two asterisks to bold text. Use empty lines to separate sections.
• Proofread your comment after posting it, and edit any formatting mistakes.

Template

(copy and paste this into your comment using "Markdown Mode", and it will format properly when you post!)
**Company:** [Company name; also, use the "formatting help" to make it a link to your company's website, or a specific careers page if you have one.]
**Type:** [Full time, part time, internship, contract, etc.]
**Description:** [What does your company do, and what are you hiring electrical/computer engineers for? How much experience are you looking for, and what seniority levels are you hiring for? The more details you provide, the better.]
**Location:** [Where's your office - or if you're hiring at multiple offices, list them. If your workplace language isn't English, please specify it.]
**Remote:** [Do you offer the option of working remotely? If so, do you require employees to live in certain areas or time zones?]
**Visa Sponsorship:** [Does your company sponsor visas?]
**Technologies:** [Give a little more detail about the technologies and tasks you work on day-to-day.]
**Contact:** [How do you want to be contacted? Email, reddit PM, telepathy, gravitational waves?]

MS-ISAC CYBERSECURITY ADVISORY
MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER: 2024-065
DATE(S) ISSUED: 05/31/2024
SUBJECT: A Vulnerability in Check Point Security Gateways Could Allow for Credential Access
OVERVIEW: A vulnerability has been discovered in Check Point Security Gateway Products that could allow for credential access. A Check Point Security Gateway sits between an organization’s environment and the Internet to enforce policy and block threats and malware. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for credential access to local accounts due to an arbitrary file read vulnerability. Other sensitive files such as SSH keys and certificates may also be read. Depending on the privileges associated with the accounts, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Local accounts that are configured to have fewer rights on the system could be less impacted than those that operate with administrative rights.
THREAT INTELLIGENCE: Check Point is aware that an exploit for CVE-2024-24919 exists in the wild and is being actively exploited. Additionally, the cybersecurity organization mnemonic has reported observing threat actors extracting ntds.dit, a store of Active Directory hashes on a Domain Controller, from compromised customers within 2-3 hours after logging in with a local user.
MS-ISAC CYBERSECURITY ADVISORY
MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER: 2024-065
DATE(S) ISSUED: 05/31/2024
SUBJECT: A Vulnerability in Check Point Security Gateways Could Allow for Credential Access
OVERVIEW: A vulnerability has been discovered in Check Point Security Gateway Products that could allow for credential access. A Check Point Security Gateway sits between an organization’s environment and the Internet to enforce policy and block threats and malware. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for credential access to local accounts due to an arbitrary file read vulnerability. Other sensitive files such as SSH keys and certificates may also be read. Depending on the privileges associated with the accounts, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Local accounts that are configured to have fewer rights on the system could be less impacted than those that operate with administrative rights.
THREAT INTELLIGENCE: Check Point is aware that an exploit for CVE-2024-24919 exists in the wild and is being actively exploited. Additionally, the cybersecurity organization mnemonic has reported observing threat actors extracting ntds.dit, a store of Active Directory hashes on a Domain Controller, from compromised customers within 2-3 hours after logging in with a local user.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

• Quantum Security Gateway and CloudGuard Network Security prior to R81.20, R81.10, R81, R80.40
• Quantum Maestro and Quantum Scalable Chassis prior to R81.20, R81.10, R80.40, R80.30SP, R80.20SP
• Quantum Spark Gateways prior to R81.10.x, R80.20.x, R77.20.x

RISK: Government:

• Large and medium government entities: High
• Small government entities: High

Businesses:

• Large and medium business entities: High
• Small business entities: High

Home users: Low
TECHNICAL SUMMARY:
A vulnerability has been discovered in Check Point Security Gateway Products that could allow for credential access. The vulnerability affects Security Gateway products making use of the IPsec VPN or Mobile Access. Exploiting this vulnerability can result in accessing arbitrary files on the system including /etc/shadow which contains password hashes for local accounts on the Security Gateway. The hashes can be cracked and allow for the attacker to authenticate as those users, allowing for lateral movement and the potential to gain domain admin privileges. Details of the vulnerability are as follows:
Tactic: Credential Access (~TA0006~):
Technique: Exploitation for Credential Access (~T1212~):
Arbitrary file read vulnerability (CVE-2024-24919)
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for credential access to local accounts due to an arbitrary file read vulnerability. Other sensitive files such as SSH keys and certificates may also be read. Depending on the privileges associated with the accounts, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Local accounts that are configured to have fewer rights on the system could be less impacted than those that operate with administrative rights.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

• Apply the updates provided by Check Point to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing. (M1051: Update Software)
  • Safeguard 7.1 : Establish and Maintain a Vulnerability Management Process: Establish and maintain a documented vulnerability management process for enterprise assets. Review and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
  • Safeguard 7.2 : Establish and Maintain a Remediation Process: Establish and maintain a risk-based remediation strategy documented in a remediation process, with monthly, or more frequent, reviews.
  • Safeguard 7.6 : Perform Automated Vulnerability Scans of Externally-Exposed Enterprise Assets: Perform automated vulnerability scans of externally-exposed enterprise assets using a SCAP-compliant vulnerability scanning tool. Perform scans on a monthly, or more frequent, basis.
  • Safeguard 7.7 : Remediate Detected Vulnerabilities: Remediate detected vulnerabilities in software through processes and tooling on a monthly, or more frequent, basis, based on the remediation process.
  • Safeguard 16.13 Conduct Application Penetration Testing: Conduct application penetration testing. For critical applications, authenticated penetration testing is better suited to finding business logic vulnerabilities than code scanning and automated security testing. Penetration testing relies on the skill of the tester to manually manipulate an application as an authenticated and unauthenticated user.
  • Safeguard 18.1 : Establish and Maintain a Penetration Testing Program: Establish and maintain a penetration testing program appropriate to the size, complexity, and maturity of the enterprise. Penetration testing program characteristics include scope, such as network, web application, Application Programming Interface (API), hosted services, and physical premise controls; frequency; limitations, such as acceptable hours, and excluded attack types; point of contact information; remediation, such as how findings will be routed internally; and retrospective requirements.
  • Safeguard 18.2 : Perform Periodic External Penetration Tests: Perform periodic external penetration tests based on program requirements, no less than annually. External penetration testing must include enterprise and environmental reconnaissance to detect exploitable information. Penetration testing requires specialized skills and experience and must be conducted through a qualified party. The testing may be clear box or opaque box.
  • Safeguard 18.3 : Remediate Penetration Test Findings: Remediate penetration test findings based on the enterprise’s policy for remediation scope and prioritization.
• Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services. Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack. (M1026: Privileged Account Management)
  • Safeguard 4.7: Manage Default Accounts on Enterprise Assets and Software: Manage default accounts on enterprise assets and software, such as root, administrator, and other pre-configured vendor accounts. Example implementations can include: disabling default accounts or making them unusable.
  • Safeguard 5.4: Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator Accounts: Restrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on enterprise assets. Conduct general computing activities, such as internet browsing, email, and productivity suite use, from the user’s primary, non-privileged account.

REFERENCES:

MS-ISAC CYBERSECURITY ADVISORY

MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER: 2024-065
DATE(S) ISSUED: 05/31/2024
SUBJECT: A Vulnerability in Check Point Security Gateways Could Allow for Credential Access
OVERVIEW: A vulnerability has been discovered in Check Point Security Gateway Products that could allow for credential access. A Check Point Security Gateway sits between an organization’s environment and the Internet to enforce policy and block threats and malware. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for credential access to local accounts due to an arbitrary file read vulnerability. Other sensitive files such as SSH keys and certificates may also be read. Depending on the privileges associated with the accounts, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Local accounts that are configured to have fewer rights on the system could be less impacted than those that operate with administrative rights.
THREAT INTELLIGENCE: Check Point is aware that an exploit for CVE-2024-24919 exists in the wild and is being actively exploited. Additionally, the cybersecurity organization mnemonic has reported observing threat actors extracting ntds.dit, a store of Active Directory hashes on a Domain Controller, from compromised customers within 2-3 hours after logging in with a local user.

I have a lot of well-respected white papers about C# & programming in general. You're probably familiar with my more notable publications: "Obfuscationeering: The Mathart of Obfuscationology" & "Use Dynamic Instead of Var". I haven't published anything industry-shifting for a couple of years, but I think it's time to return to revolutionerizing the discipline of the home computer sinuses.
Let me explain: You know how when you take fistfuls of bath salts & huff an entire tank or two of butane, you're able to hyperfocus on activities such as repeatedly drop-kicking Ronald McDonald statues, or fighting 6 cops after running through plate glass?
That was sorta me last weekend, but instead of just screaming that I can taste colors & attacking people with a spoon, I also exercised my brain and randisomoly invented a new programming paradigmogy:
Exception-Driven Eventoring.
I plan to write a guide explaining at readers how one would throw events, how clients could subscribe to receive any & all exceptions you raise, re-re-throwing events, and types such as ExceptionEvent, ExceptionEventHandler delegamanators, ExceptionEventArghs, and of course ExceptionEventException exceptions. I'll even show an example using LeftMouseButtonClickClickExceptionEvent (obviously the event that is thrown when a user click clicks the anterior mouse button).
The performance implications at the prototype stage are pretty good so far. I eyeball all of my benchmarks.
I'll skip over explaining general exceptioneering concepts, assuming most readers are familiar with catching objects of the Exception base class and doing nothing with them (you shouldn't handle exceptions if they are not your fault).
I believe we can all agree about how groundbreakening this is for the .NET community as a whole. The problem is I need somebody else listed as the author. I don't want people to see my name and think "OH, THAT'S THE 5th GANG OF FOUR GUY ". I want the article to hold up on its own.
What do you say? Are you ready to commit academic fraud with me for the good of the industry? There's a hot Canadian bacon & peanut butter on rye in it for any of you who are serious about doing this with me. DM for more details.

Is it worthwhile to junk a car? It may be challenging to keep up with the numerous changes being made to emissions requirements, fuel types, and MOT testing for vehicles. You could be asking yourself, “Should I Scrap My Car?” as a result.
The condition of your car and the going rate for scrap determine the response, among other things. Smart Kabadi is the best scrap buyer in Ahmedabad. Also we have the best kabadi market Behrampura Ahmedabad, where you get the best scrap price for your car.
Let’s start by examining the MOT test adjustments. More automobiles are anticipated to fail MOT tests in the future as a result of the government enacting harsher regulations for vehicle emissions. Your car may not be worth the expense of repairs to bring it up to emissions regulations if it is already in bad condition. Instead, we take out the crucial parts of the automobile and sell secondhand car accessories at a reasonable rate.
Second, fuel kinds are undergoing modifications. E10 gasoline is gradually being used statewide, which might harm older automobiles that weren’t made for it. It could be better to scrap your automobile now rather than struggle with expensive repairs later. The car kabadi market Ahmedabad is not very expensive, instead providing optimum expenses.
Thirdly, many towns and cities are implementing clean air zones and low emission zones. If your automobile doesn’t adhere to the tight emission requirements in these places, you risk being penalized. Once more, it would be wiser to junk your automobile than take the chance of paying a high fine. Contact Smart Kabadi, the Ahmedabad Kabadi that deals at a reasonable price. Therefore, while it’s not always the greatest idea to junk an automobile, there are numerous circumstances in which it may be.

Does Scrapping My Car Cost Money?

If you’re considering recycling your car, you might be wondering how much it will cost. The answer is that it depends on whatever scrap metal merchant or auto recycler you choose. Some companies may provide you with a computer-generated quotation for scrapping your car. Still, if your car is missing components or has problems like dents or corrosion, the advertised price can alter. Smart Kabadi deals with the best kabadi market, Behrampura Ahmedabad, that offers the most precise guaranteed estimates for the cost of recycling your vehicle.

[INDEX]
I banked the fire and stared into the golden eyes of Beatale before I crept into my makeshift tent.
I still had my auric vision running and couldn’t help but notice the thin silver cord that ran from me to Horse. Firming up my aura, I reached out with my hand and grabbed it. I could feel the nearly imperceptible vibration between my fingers as I used my mind to probe at the thread. I could feel a bright spark of intellect, a light at the end of a tunnel. Pushing with my mind, I slid down the thread until the spark grew larger and eventually filled my inner vision with a hazy white light. Horsey thoughts nudged at me curiously.
I slid into the haze and immediately lost all sense of direction. If it wasn’t for the silver thread, I’d have no idea how to exit this shifting white fog. Horsey thoughts got stronger as I followed the thread while the haze thinned and cleared to reveal an endless prairie of green grass. I found myself standing before a naked man wearing a horse mask and I stared in shock. It was obviously me wearing a cheap costume horse mask — there was no mistaking my tattoos.
“What did you expect?” Horse neighed at me. “I am you and you are me and we are all together. Goo goo ga joob.”
Horse made a shooing motion with his hands and I accelerated backwards through the white haze and slammed into my own body with a gasp. I stared at the tarp overhead for a long minute, processing this new revelation. Horse was a part of me, a piece of my spirit. Whatever psychic stuff I did with that silver cord lead me into a house of mirrors where I got to look at myself pretending to be a horse. I can’t even deal with that right now.
Rolling into my blankets, I dropped off to sleep.
*Ding*
-=- - Welcome to the Dreamworld - Included in the Psychic Skills pack, the Inner Sanctum is your psychic domain. It is the mental fortress that you must secure and maintain to defend against psychic and spiritual assaults. All of your neurosis and fears are symbolised in this realm and must be defeated or subjugated before you can become master of the domain. Good luck. -=-
I banished the pop-up and looked around. I knew I was asleep, but everything was just as real as when I was awake. I was breathing, I could feel the floor under my feet, and if it weren’t for the pop-up, I would have sworn I had been teleported. The room I was in resembled an oversized luxury prison cell, maybe a thirty foot cube. No windows. Rough stone walls with thick mortar. Large brass wall sconces were set directly into the stone and suffused the room with a warm, golden light provided by glowing rocks. The stone floor had colourful Persian rugs tastefully placed. A high plaster ceiling was painted with a rendition of Michelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’, depicting me as both Adam and God.
There was a comfy sofa in front of a large screen television that hung from one wall and an ornate grandfather clock ticked loudly in the corner. It was currently 10:08 PM. Another wall was a floor to ceiling bookshelf, stuffed with books of varying sizes. The third wall was covered with pictures and I could see at a glance that they were images from my life. The fourth wall had a thick riveted steel door on the right side, a full sized mirror on the left, and a computer workstation in the middle.
The picture wall was my first target. A few were quite large, nearly life sized, while others were tiny prints no larger than the palm of my hand. Scenes of my life were displayed in each one. The largest was me riding Horse with a shit-scared expression, shooting at a pack of wolves. Others were smaller, each with different frames. Some ornate gold or silver, others plain wood, a few wrapped in briars or barbed wire. Nanny Ramsey holding me as a young child. My dog Jean with a red ball in his mouth. My parents, screaming at me. I turned my attention to the books. Books are safe. Books don’t judge you.
The sweet, musty scent of a used book store filled my nostrils as I drew close to the honey coloured shelves. Hundreds of volumes filled the wall from floor to ceiling, with a ladder that could be rolled along a rail to access the top. I smiled at the sight. I had always wanted a library like this. I pulled a book at random and read the title, “Confused Fantasies about Joseph Harris, part XXIV of the Middle School Years”.
I slid the book back onto the shelf. Let’s see what’s on TV.
The remote was a slim, futuristic looking affair with a minimum of buttons. I pointed it at the television and moments later the huge screen came to life and presented me with a simple menu for movies, divided into six categories: Happy, Surprised, Afraid, Disgusted, Angry, and Sad. I scrolled through the offerings for a minute, reading the titles and reviews about the movies of my life. It really bothered me that there were so few selections in the Happy section.
The number of Sad movies increased by one.
I walked over to the mirror and noticed there was a small sticky note pasted to it. “Astral Realm. Experienced users only.” I shoved the note in my pocket and stared at my image. Sturdy black boots, black denim jeans and shirt with mother-of-pearl buttons, deep brown gun belt slung at my hip, red bandanna and black felt hat. All I needed was a pencil moustache and I would look like the stereotypical villain in any spaghetti western. At that very moment I decided to grow out a goatee. I’d rather be mistaken for a bad guy than a victim.
So how does this astral realm thing work?
The mirror appeared to be nothing more than a mirror. It was cold, smooth glass surrounded by a wrought iron frame, and reflected my image. I didn’t necessarily want to go walking into danger, but I wanted to know how it worked. I pushed and prodded the glass in frustration until I noticed my image grinning at me. I jumped back in surprise and it doubled over in silent laughter.
“Hilarious, dude. You got me,” I huffed. “So how do I get in?”
My mirror-self tipped his hat and stepped to side.
I reached up to the mirror again and my hand passed through, vanishing as if cut off. Okay, just a quick peek and we’ll explore the rest of the room. I stepped through and the world shifted around me. I was standing back at the campsite. My body was insubstantial as a ghost and the tarp was a wisp of substance running straight through me. Non living things don’t seem to have much presence in this realm. Glancing down, I saw my sleeping body rolled up in the blankets, a thin silver thread running from it to me, and another thread running to Horse.
Looking around, I surveyed the campsite. My astral vision seemed to be on and had an unlimited range. I could see the life all around me, the distant forest was a sea of greenish-gold, grasses and brush nearby glowed with spectral light. Tiny ghost insects scurried while ghost mice nibbled at whatever ghost mice nibble on. Ghost seeds and ghost insects, I suppose. I turned my attention overhead and gaped at the sight of a monstrous serpentine spirit flying through the inky void. I dropped back through the tent and rolled inside my body. That was plenty enough for now.
I rolled through the mirror and landed flat on my back, staring at the fresco on the ceiling. Vinnie-God winked at me and Vinnie-Adam grinned. Climbing to my knees, I brushed non-existent dust from my trousers and watched mirror-me doubled over in soundless laughter.
“Hey, laughing-boy!” I yelled at him. “You’re like the guardian or something, right? You got it covered?”
Mirror-me stood and saluted with a smile, then gave me two thumbs up. A moment later, his face took on a serious expression and he wriggled his right hand in the ‘maybe’ motion. Then he pointed at me, tapped his wrist, and then a finger to his head.
It all depends on how fast I learn stuff, I guess.
Two thumbs up and a winning smile reflected back to me.
A large cork board was mounted to the wall over the computer and a small note was pinned to it. “Note to self: Don’t fuck with the Elvish womens.”
The computer screen featured a screensaver of me as Vitruvian Man doing callisthenics over the words ‘HumanOS’. I tapped the spacebar and was rewarded with the sound of powerful fans kicking to life as the computer emerged from sleep mode and prompted me for a password. Should I assume it’s the same as the password on the computer I pawned in my previous life?
Password: *******esi
I was rewarded with a sweet R&M desktop and a couple of icons. System, NeuralNet, My-Tunes, My-Movies, My-Office.
System was just what I expected, lots of .dna files and other confusing scariness that allowed me to tweak my physical body and mental state. My-Tunes was a collection of every song I’d ever heard and My-Movies was a collection of every movie I’d ever seen. Not that I’m complaining, but it would have been nice to have “My-Games” so I could play RDR. My-Office was a clone of the popular software by a similar name. I have no idea what I’ll ever need a spreadsheet for in this world.
NuralNet opened up a search engine called Me-Seeks, featuring a familiar blue guy.
I typed in “beer” and several thousand results were displayed, anything I’d ever read, heard, or watched about beer, including how to make it. This right here made the price of admission totally worth it, access to an exact copy of everything I’d ever read, and I was a voracious reader. Sadly, most of the stuff I read was futurology — solar panels, electronics, biotech advancements, quantum computing. The material for steam engines, blacksmithing, farming and the like, were slim pickings. That’s okay though, I could still reproduce the Gutenberg press, the cotton gin, simple internal combustion engines, and basic batteries along with some sketchy knowledge of metal alloys, acids, bases, and other things I had read over the years. All that wasted time watching “How Things Work” was finally going to pay off. I copied a few likely money makers to My-Office, saved the file, and exported to my Notes, just in case they didn’t exist on Aerth.
A popup covered the screen.
📱 [New Upgrade Available!] 📱
🎉 Enhance Your Experience with the Latest HumanOS Features! 🎉
🌟 Features Include:

• 🧠 Memory Booster: Increase your Memory for smoother multitasking and improved performance.
• 🔋 Energy Optimizer: Extend your battery life with advanced power-saving techniques.
• 🛠️ Utility Upgrades: Access new apps and utilities to enhance your daily life and adventures.
• 🗺️ Advanced Mapping: Never get lost again with enhanced GPS and location tracking.

🔥 Special Offer: Only 2000 credits for version 2.0 or 5000 credits for version 3.0! 🔥
[Upgrade Now ✅] [Remind Me Later ❌]
Apparently I could upgrade myself, which reduced the cost of using my Utilities while providing other minor benefits. My Utilities would level up as I used them, which would increase their battery cost, so if I didn’t keep pace with an update to the OS they could become prohibitively expensive to operate.
Stupid pay-to-win world.
So, do I pay 2000 credits for version 2.0 or 5000 credits for version 3.0?
I selected version 3.0 and klicked [Install]. After watching it download the update, it popped up another screen that asked if I wanted to update now, or wait until Midnight for the mandatory update.
I selected [No] just as the grandfather clock chimed 10:30 PM. I wondered if time ran slower in here, because it seemed like I had spent a lot more time on the computer than 15 minutes. Walking over to the imposing steel door, I noticed a bronze key with a thin chain in the lock. There was another sticky note on the door. “Subconscious. Please keep the key with you at all times.”
That’s not scary at all, is it?
I unlocked the door with a loud clunk and pulled it open to reveal a bedroom straight out of some royal castle. I could tell immediately that it had seen better days. The tapestries on the wall were frayed and fading. The canopy over the bed had a few holes in it. A thin layer of dust covered the mantle of a small fireplace set into the wall. There was a window letting in bright sunlight and I moved over to look outside.
I was on the third floor of a keep surrounded by the walls and turrets of a modest castle. A castle that had fallen into serious disrepair. Did this represent the state of my inner mind? One tower was shattered and the curtain wall under it damaged. The lower bailey was full of litter. I could see a few soldiers walking around the allure, keeping watch.
I have people in my subconscious?
Someone behind me cleared their throat.
Whirling, I discovered a familiar old man standing in the door of the bedroom. What was left of his hair formed a white halo around his head, his face was unshaven and covered with several days of growth. He was dressed like a poor and tattered manservant, but carried himself with a dignified air.
“Woodhouse?”
“It’s nice to see the master at home,” He said with a proper English accent. “There are many matters that require the master’s attention.”
“Uh, sure,” I said, hanging the key around my neck and tucking it in my shirt. “And who are you again?”
“Your personal manservant, of course” he said with a slight bow. Walking over to the steel door, he pulled it closed and it locked with a solid thunk. “Master should always keep his inner sanctum closed. One never knows if something nasty will creep in.”
“Thank you, uh, Woodhouse. I’ll remember that,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “So what needs tending and how do things work around here?”
He smiled and beckoned me with a white gloved hand. “If master would be so kind as to follow me, I’ll introduce him to the staff and explain the duties and obligations of his domain.”
I’m 99.9% certain that everyone here is just me wearing a mask, so I shrugged and followed Woodhouse out of the bedroom and into the rest of my subconscious.
Five minutes later I was on the ground floor and seated on a shabby throne with the cast of a popular —and probably very copyright protected— animation in front of me. Woodhouse was the head butler and my personal manservant. Pam was the cook and demanded that I start importing sugar and alcohol before she was shushed by Woodhouse. Carol was a maid. Krieger was chancellor and Cyril was the steward. Archer and Lana were in charge of security. Ray was the marshal in charge of everything from the stables to the blacksmith.
I stared in disbelief at the motley crew kneeling in front of me. No wonder my inner mind was in such shambles. I was overcome with an irrational sense of anger at myself.
“Arright, listen up,” I barked, my voice echoing around the room. “I swear to God that I will fire every single one of you and hire circus clowns to replace you if you keep fucking things up. No joke. Circus clowns, got it?”
I ran a hand over my face as Ray pissed himself. “The only reason I’m not putting a boot in your asses right now is because I realise that you’re aspects of me, and the people you represent are pretty damn good at their jobs when they give enough of a shit to actually do them. As a team, you’re dysfunctionally fantastic and always seem to come out ahead no matter the odds.”
Heaving a sigh, I continued. “Things have changed and I need to get my shit together. I’m going to need every one of you to pull your weight and help me help you. Get back to your duties, I’ll meet you one on one later.”
My subconscious caretakers scurried out of the room.
“I’ll have one of the maids tend to the piss,” Woodhouse assured me.
“Never mind that,” I snapped. “I honestly had no idea my mind was such a shit show. I’m very disappointed in myself.” I pictured the Angry, Sad, and Disgusted counters on my personal movies clicking up. “Show me what needs to be done and let’s get started.”
During Woodhouse’s walking tour, everything clicked into place. This was some altered version of Bodiam castle, a location that was on my bucket list of places to visit. The royal council room, located behind the throne room, contained a “living” tapestry on the wall that showed the castle and surrounding land in real time. The castle was located in the middle of a small lake, and a single wood bridge led to the mainland. A small town surrounded the lake and a wall encircled the town. Outside the wall, the land was an irregular patchwork of forest and field, with a stinking swamp to the south. The entire “kingdom” was maybe ten miles across, surrounded by impassable mountains with innumerable creeks that fed the lake which drained into the southern swamp.
“Zombies are the problem, sir.” Woodhouse said, as I surveyed the living tapestry of my mental domain.
“Zombies?” I prompted.
“Yes sir, Zombies” Woodhouse continued. “Nasty bitey things that come in from the mountains and harass the peasants. They’ve gotten especially worse over the last few months. The soldiers do what they can, but they seem to have lost all motivation. Probably because they haven’t been paid.”
“And who pays them?”
“Typically chancellor Krieger is in charge of financial matters, although Steward Figgis has taken over the duty, sir.”
“Then let’s make Figgis our first stop.”
“Very good, sir.”
The office of the steward was run by Cyril Figgis, who managed the kingdom in my absence. It was overflowing with paperwork and charts, books and scrolls piled high on every flat surface. Cyril was desperately attempting to tidy things when Woodhouse and I walked in.
“Yo..you..your majesty,” Cyril stuttered, bowing low. Scrolls fell from his overloaded arms, spilling across the floor. He dropped to his knees and scrambled to gather them up. “I didn’t expect you to visit so soon. Please forgive the mess, housekeeping has been slacking…”
This was the guy who ran things while I was conscious.
“Shut up, Cyril” I said. “You’re responsible for everything in this office. That includes keeping it organised and tidy.”
“Y..yes milord.”
“It’s my understanding that you’re in charge of making sure everyone gets paid. So why aren’t we paying people?” I asked.
“We’re nearly out of Fuks, your majesty. I’ve been saving them for emergencies.”
“Fucks?”
“Fuks,” Cyril explained, pushing a pile of books off a large chest and opening it. Reaching inside he pulled out two small bags and emptied them on top of his cluttered desk. “Gold and Silver Fuks, the currency of the kingdom. I can’t maintain the kingdom when I have no Fuks to give.”
Behold the subconscious kingdom of Vincent J. Carter, it runs on Fuks.
“So how do I get more fuks?” I asked, examining one of the coins. It had an image of me on one side and symbol on the other that could be interpreted as “peace among worlds”.
“You kill the zombies, your majesty.”
Of course I do.
Woodhouse and I left Cyril’s office and headed towards the office of the chancellor where Krieger worked. It seemed that Cyril took over financial matters when Krieger became erratic and proposed luring all the zombies into the city and setting it on fire. Not sure how that corresponds to my own self-destructive behaviour, but I’ve had some dark thoughts over the last couple of months and I’m sure they’re reflected here.
Krieger’s office was much neater in comparison to Cyril’s, but it wasn’t by much. Shelves lined the walls and were filled with an array of questionable items, including a still snapping zombie head in a jar. While the office of the chancellor was supposed to be in charge of financial matters, it looked more like a dodgy rummage sale.
Krieger was launching sword blades at a pig carcass when we walked in.
“What exactly are you doing?” I asked, standing in the doorway.
“Hm? Oh, your majesty!” he said, turning around and bowing deeply. “I’m testing a new invention. It’s a spring loaded hilt that shoots sword blades. Very useful for our soldiers.”
“Stupidest idea ever,” I snapped. “I hate everything about it.”
“Okay,” Krieger said, tossing the hilt into a nearby pile of junk. “But don’t blame me when you need to shoot a sword at a zombie and don’t have one.”
“So why aren’t you managing the financial affairs? Collecting taxes, paying people, stuff like that?”
“Because the population has declined so much none of that matters?”
“What do you mean?”
“Wellll, the population represents things you care about,” Krieger said, going into lecture mode. “And the zombies and other monsters are real or imagined problems in your way. Since you don’t care about too many things the population has shrunk to just what’s needed to keep everything running on the bare minimum of fuks. And since you don’t seem to have any long or short term goals, there’s no need to kill off the zombies and get more fuks. Everything is fine just the way it is.”
“No, it’s not Krieger” I said, grinding my teeth. “My mind is in a shambles. It’s a joke. I want it fixed. No, I want it better than fixed. I want it improved.”
“Oh! I’ve got just the thing for that!” He said, digging around in his pockets, “It’s a spring-loaded hilt that shoots swords!”
Pam and Cheryl were hanging out a gallery window jeering at Archer and Lana sparring in the inner courtyard.
“What the hell are you doing!” I snapped
They whirled in surprise and then dropped into deep curtseys.
“Your majesty!”
I took a deep breath, trying to regain my centre. “Get to work cleaning this place up. Find a room, clean it, and move on to the next. Start with my bedroom, then the throne room and the council chamber, then everything else.”
Cheryl spoke up. “Can’t do it. We got no fuks to clean with.”
“You need fuks to clean?”
“Gotta buy stuff,” Pam said. “Cleaning supplies, food. You wanna eat, you’re gonna have to spend some fuks.”
“Talk to Cyril,” I ordered. “Tell him I said to get you supplied.”
They ran off in the direction of the stewards office.
I watched Archer and Lana bashing each other enthusiastically through the window.
Several minutes later the sparring couple stopped and bowed when Woodhouse and I stepped into the inner courtyard.
“Your majesty”
“My liege”
“Enough,” I said. “If you have enough energy to smash each other, you have enough energy to smash zombies. Tell me what I need to know so I can start gathering fuks.”
Archer shrugged and spoke first. “You just kill the zombies and other monsters. They drop fuks.”
“Anything special about the zombies?” I asked. “Are they fast? Do people get turned into zombies when bitten?”
“Nope,” Lana said, resting her wooden sword on her shoulder. “Most of them are slow shamblers and just need a good wack to the head to kill them.”
“Some are special,” Archer interjected. “Occasionally you’ll have some fast ones, or those that need holy water to kill. They’re just bad memories, figments of your personality that need to be eliminated. Some are worse than others.”
“The zombies are bad memories?” I asked, imagining all the bad memories that I had.
“Memories, thoughts, insecurities, metaphysical mumbo-jumbo,” Woodhouse supplied. “They are endless, but constant vigilance can keep them under control.”
“So let’s get started,” I said. “Lead the way.”
Lana and Archer lead me up to the parapet over the front gate where I looked over at the dozens of zombies milling about aimlessly in front of the entrance to my mind. Pulling out my gun, I began to pick them off, easy as shooting fish in a barrel. The crack of my spell pistol attracted more zombies and I dispatched them with ease until no more were left around the gate. As I fired each shot I could feel some sort of existential energy flowing from me, draining some hidden reserve.
“Gather up the Fuks,” I commanded. “And Lana?”
“Mi’lord?”
“There’s no excuse for this. From now on, I expect the walls to be clear of all zombies.”
“Yes mi’lord,” she said, giving me a small bow.
Turning to Archer, I shook my head. “You’re obviously my personal narcissism, so just try to stay out of Lana’s way, or better yet - try to kill more zombies than her. If you think you can.”
Archer scoffed. “No contest. I took top marks in sharpshooting.”
“That means I should expect to see results by tomorrow. I look forward to it.”
Archer looked panicked for a moment then smiled. “Sure, I can give you results.”
Turning back to Woodhouse I said “Show me what else need attending.”
Woodhouse led me through the town that represented my mind, pointing out each business that had fallen into disrepair, suggested others that needed improvements, and additions that would benefit me. In the distance, I could hear Lana and Archer shooting at the crowd of zombies and with each echoing shot I felt a tiny bit better about everything.
[INDEX]

Prev Next Patreon Ko-fi Discord
PRs: u/anakist & u/BroDogIsMyName
- - - - -
Ceele strolled through the damp grass along the outskirts of the village, a spring in her step and the dwindling scent of dew following behind. It rained yesterday, which had prevented her from going out to gather supplies, but the mild morning air had been accommodating enough for her to get an early start and make the trip. She was glad she did.
One hand clutched her new prize to her chest, while the other held a fraying wicker basket filled with herbs and some edible roots she gathered by exploring the forbidden forest. Despite her reservations regarding where she chose to go, her excitement now lingered like a steady thrum of shifting stones, giving her energy that defied how long she had been walking. She all but pranced beneath the burgeoning night's sky, gleefully toeing the line between the dirt pathways of the settlement’s outskirts and the trees of unclaimed land. Normally, her path back home would never be so close to the village, but she was far too gleeful to mind. She had come back with a sense of fulfillment and a rare object—or if not rare, then hopefully of great value.
It was hard to point to any one specific reason that she came across the orb. There had always been a ‘draw’ during her travels, urging her that there was something missing in her life, yet it was no more than a mild whim to walk in a particular direction more often than not. Once she reached this part of the continent, she was compelled to wander, never quite able to explain why she obliged the sensation besides having nowhere in particular to be. Even when she finally settled somewhere, it stayed in the back of her mind, suggesting that she was close to whatever would make the pit of vacancy go away. She ignored it, purposefully distracting herself with her work and responsibilities, yet that could only last so long. When she awoke this morning with plans to resupply, and all of her newfound spots had been picked clean by wildlife, she turned to the depths of the forest where she was warned not to tread. It was all too easy to follow the subtle tug in her chest through the loose justification.
The urge to be somewhere grew unbearable with every step closer to the forbidden area. That sense of having a direction she needed to go became stronger and stronger, until she was well into land long since forgotten. She came across an overgrown depression in the hillside, and was entranced by the foreboding image. Something about the cave just…beckoned her. She was far too weak to resist.
Horrible tales echoed into her ears as whispers of fearful voices, warning and unending, yet but a dull drone compared to her hammering heart. She navigated the trees and brushed aside unkempt vines, stepping into the cavern with a mix of expectation and trepidation, then laid eyes on the small obsidian stone perched atop a crumbling pillar. The feeling of needing to travel somewhere…stopped.
The pull was absent, which was why she held the orb close instead of placing it into her basket. She wasn’t sure what it was exactly, but she recalled overheard tales of hidden gemstones, deep cavernous expanses, and the untold terrors that lay within. Comparing the scenes of those fables to the cave seemed foolish now; it wasn’t some torturous chamber, but a dusty depression in a small hillside. Besides, anything this pretty was sure to be worth a fair sum, and she needed the coin. Yet the thought of selling the precious-looking stone was a conflicting one. She shook off the thought for the time being, turning her attention back towards where she was going.
Shadows stretched and faded as the moon stole the last of the illumination afforded by the sun, replacing it with a calming glow that caressed the log frames and thatched roofs of various homes. A star-filled sky came into prominence as clouds lazily drifted away, revealing the promise of tomorrow’s fair-weathered arrival. It was too late for anyone to notice her treading on the edge of their town while lost in thought, but she was still careful not to get too close to the houses or livestock pens where people might be finishing the evening’s duties. It was best that they didn’t see her returning from a place she was told not to go. Still, her feet carried her near the dwellings as she took in the noises.
Ceele enjoyed the comforting chatter from a distance. Indistinct words floated freely. Meaningless gossip and warm goodbyes were exchanged between friends and family. Places of various occupations were dark and quiet, only the faint contented mewls and clucks of livestock coming from their pastures as they ate what was recently put out for them. No metal rang throughout the streets as it was struck inside a centralized smithy, no heated bartering came from an overactive trade house, and the crunch of dirt beneath transport or merchant wagons was absent, replaced by the rapid steps and yelps of children rushing to their homes before it got too dark out. It was all just gentle conversation and life drifting through the wind, taking the rustle of leaves along for the ride, just so she could hear it. Tranquil, in a word.
She wondered what it would sound like if she were yet one more voice within that crowd of kindness. Would it be loud like the larger cities? Would she struggle to maintain a thought with so many stray topics floating about? Would she once more yearn for the peace and quiet of solitude that she had grown used to, or would she immerse herself, free of judgment and laughing like the carefree young that scampered about? Did thinking about it even matter?
Her smile fell from its genuine intensity—still worn, but not as fully. She glanced downward as her stride lost its jubilant bounce, her tail losing its sway as her grey eyes examined the dry black scales that adorned her body against her wishes. It was the ugly hue of tarnished oil, unlike the skin of any other kobold she had met. Some had reds or greens, yellows or whites, while most were between a sandy tan or earthen brown. The rainbow of peculiarities was displayed by the lucky few, and she was one of them…
…Yet she was different in the worst of ways.
Even if she would rather any other colour, she supposed it was that way to make sure no one came near without accepting the unspoken risks. That was what her mother always said, anyway, though the woman hardly feared much of anything in her old age, and dedicated herself to giving her offspring all the love she had left to give—a perk of living a full life. She would always help her daughter bathe, complimenting the colour of what most were unnerved by. That was more than a decade ago now, however. Ceele’s parents had passed on while she was still young, and she took to travelling not long after, working at what she could to afford what little she needed. Never for long, though—just enough to get to the next town between where she was and where the urge to go lay. There were certainly moments she looked back on fondly, but the journey had taken its toll.
The crude material of her ‘dress’ was coarse, old, and heavy, but it helped ease the worst of spring's chill—even if it was more of a modified sack than proper attire. Still, it was all she had after the last of her clothing fell apart, and giving the repurposed material a name that reminded her of something else made it less uncomfortable to wear, somehow. It would have to do until she could afford a pitying seamstress or the like. Until then, she would pretend she didn’t look so desperate, even if it only highlighted her status and made finding work difficult.
But it did. The dishevelled garment was a far cry from the wonderful silks or breathtaking designs she had seen some women wear, harshly marking the distinction between herself and those of affluence. The clothing of commoners was also a leap in style and quality, so she couldn't say her attire was up to even modest standards. No matter how hard she squinted, and no matter how much she fantasized otherwise, she seemed every bit like the vagrant she was, down to the soil embedded in the curvature of her claws and the stains throughout her fabrics. She looked like a serf from the more oppressed lands, yet they too wore crude cottons, which said a lot about how she appeared to those who had never lived a life of servitude. It was obvious that she was an outsider. That she didn't belong amongst the rest. It made changing something as simple as her appearance all the more difficult; prospective employment always saw a young woman who seemed more likely to steal or swindle than make an honest day’s living.
There was one good twist of fate in recent memory, however, and she came upon the result of it after leaving the slowing bustle of the village behind. Her steps carried her through a small copse of trees on the outskirts of town, the small shaded path leading to the back of a large, carefully pruned clearing, a scattering of fruit-bearing trees providing even darker shadow than the already dim moonlight. She skirted along the aging fence on the border that kept predatory animals away, carefully hoisting herself over the barrier where a large vegetable garden she was responsible for tending resided. If one were to tell her she would be living in such an area several months ago, she would have smiled politely and walked away, yet here she was.
A modest, warmly lit home occupied the middle of the clearing, sitting front and centre when one approached from the village path. It looked quite cozy, surrounded by berry bushes that were just beginning to bloom as the last dregs of winter slipped away. A front patio displayed a nice table and well-loved chairs, the rustic appearance only adding to its charm as a place where friends and family spent the warm summer afternoons. A smithy to the left of the house functioned as an additional heated building during the colder months, but usually served as a storefront and to muffle the sounds of hammered iron, though that had become less common. An old stable was nearby, close enough to be accessible, but not so close as to disturb the once occupying animals with sounds of iron craft. It hadn't seen a horse in quite some time, apparently, so it was mostly a workshop for whatever tasks didn’t require fire or metal.
There was a long history attached to each little detail—from the scuffs along the wooden siding to the depressions in the ground where daily routine wore into the earth. Every fault suffered throughout the years was matched by a thousand quirks that made it feel welcoming, like the house itself was merely waiting for the next friendly face with one of its own. She knew that the inside of each building would look just as cared for.
Her concern lay outside, however. It was a comparatively miniscule space just barely visible through the sheltering trees, true, yet it was where her efforts turned into tangible results, and where a stranger’s trust was painstakingly repaid. Once overgrown grass had been laboriously trimmed, the weeds plucked and disposed of, and now nothing distracted from what she could claim she had done.
The small plots of rock-bordered soil had little buds of growing vegetables, a sense of pride never failing to bloom in her breast with the knowledge that it would be barren without her touch. When her troubles and concerns grew heavy, and fears of the future or spectres of the past loomed over her head, she could look at where she had brought life where it wouldn't otherwise be. Some days, that was enough. She smiled in appreciation at what was admittedly amateur work, the night’s sky helping to hide any inevitably made mistakes.
She enjoyed the sight for a moment longer, then turned to walk towards a neglected old tool shed that was well out of sight within the trees, far away from whatever warmth and comfort the larger house offered to everyone and anyone. She put a hand on the degrading wood of the entryway, giving one last sad smile at the garden as she dismissed selfish thoughts of taking the eventual harvest for herself. A breath cleared the uncertainty from her voice, and she pushed open the door.
“I'm home!”
= = = = =
It took a while for Altier to adjust to his situation, and even once he accepted that his mana wasn't being siphoned, he was still reeling from confusion. He had spent centuries with every year passing by without his notice, yet now he was painfully aware of each creeping second languidly dragging on with the expediency of growing grass. It was as disorienting as it was painfully nostalgic.
Time was something he was never good with, and it only got worse as a dungeon. He'd get lost in creating rooms, corridors, creatures, and whatever else needed doing, only pausing to watch or listen to the few adventurers he became interested in. There was a stint where he spent what felt like hours agonizing over new abilities or options while he let the system manage things in the background, though he supposed it might have been much longer. So many wasted days, yet he still hadn't managed to try everything he had gained access to. Some abilities were simply too niche, came with concerning titles, or held descriptions that made him wary. Anything with ‘Decay’ in the name was instantly ignored—he didn't need more reasons to fear his affinity, and from the few he took the effort to read through, they were always vile.
But his existence for the moment was no longer like those endless stretches spent pondering the minutiae of what would help his adventurers grow stronger. Now, he could follow the rhythmic sounds of footsteps and steady breathing that set a calming pace. They were someone else's, yes, but they contextualized how easy it was to slip away without the subtle noises of life that he had long since surrendered to help his family. Of course, there were more differences that he noticed since being removed from his crumbling cavern, and his sight was the newest change.
He never gave much thought to how far he could see before. Why would he? As a man, his world extended as far as he could fathom, yet was also confined to the room where he spent his days, and as a dungeon… Well, who was he to consider distance when an event happening miles away could be seen with a flicker of thought? Nothing was too far when it was within his creation. Or his ‘body,’ he supposed. Sadly, his entire perception currently consisted of the small sphere of his obsidian core, and maybe a finger's length beyond it—which is to say, not much. He could make out the fine details in the dirty burlap he was held against, and how pale moonlight slowly took over the blurred reds of sunset, but hardly anything more. It was all just frosted colours after a certain point, and he found it infinitely frustrating. He just wanted to peer beyond the haze and scaly hand holding him to confirm that the sky he remembered was still there. Alas, the sunlight faded at too quick a pace, yet one oh so agonizingly slow.
The ensuing darkness gave him nothing to do but think about where he was, not that he had any ideas. He was too curious about why he wasn't dead to bother much with his blurry surroundings after the soft-spoken kobold abducted him, thus why he only belatedly noticed how limited his worldview had become. There might have been a forest beyond his cave, but the greens and browns were gone, and the sounds of steps through brush was replaced by the distant din of a village. An idle curiosity pondered if he would recognize any descents of his ‘family tradition’ adventurers there, but he was being carried by what most considered a monster, so likely not.
That short musing was short-lived, however, and he brought his focus back to the matter at hand. He supposed he was being taken somewhere specific, but that was an obvious deduction, considering he was taken at all. The why of the matter was less so; for what purpose would someone want a Decay-aligned core? He hadn’t heard of them before…well, before he was made into one, but he couldn’t imagine many uses. Maybe he was being sold? His…kidnapper? His sudden companion seemed rather pleased by their discovery of him, so that might be the case, and it was morbidly amusing to think that a frail, sickly young man might one day become a coveted, highly valuable item. His abduction could also be a part of some cult’s nefarious activities, but he didn't want to think about that too hard. He experienced enough odd ceremonies from the adventurers who took the time to tell him their tales.
Either way, he wasn't in the dungeon anymore, and he couldn’t see where he was going. He tried to query his menu to glean an answer, but was met with a scrambled mess he suspected read ‘Synchronizing…’ and little else. It gave him a headache trying to make sense of it—which he didn't know was possible anymore—so he dismissed the text and distracted himself with blurs from whatever diluted senses he still had. There wasn’t much to observe other than the constant footfalls and the flicker of shadows on his companion’s burlap garment. They might have travelled through brush again, but it was too dark to really say for certain.
Eventually, there was something new. He heard an old latch rattle and rusted door hinges groan, then a shuddered clack that confirmed he was now in a building. His kobold acquaintance gently cooed at something before moving about the nearly pitch-black space, finally setting him down on a… He wasn’t sure what it was, besides old and wooden.
[D$#@m$n E@$*ded]
The headache from before became a blinding migraine that suffocated him under a flash-flood of suffering. Seconds passed in abject torture until it blissfully abated, the mental blinks clearing his mind enough to notice a change in his existence. Specifically, he could actually see something besides the rotting wood grain he was placed on top of.
And it wasn’t anything promising…
He was more or less in the centre of a room no bigger than twelve paces by maybe ten. Not a terrible size for a space, but it was clearly never meant to house someone. His resting place looked about as neglected as he surmised; it was an upturned feeding trough, he supposed, since calling it a table seemed too generous. The surface was rife with holes and degraded iron, so it was something that once saw regular use before being replaced and tossed into storage, never to see the light of day again.
Actually, most things in the room seemed to fit that description. The window shutters were installed with metal hinges that had since rusted them closed, the misalignment letting in a draft—and whatever weather was outside as well, most likely. A poorly carved bowl sat on the floor, the stain beneath it hinting that it collected any rainwater that slowly dripped from the leaky roof. The wooden floorboards looked old, splintered, and in need of maintenance or replacement, though an effort had been put into abrading it somewhat smooth lately.
A tiny and decrepit fireplace was to the left of the door upon entry, its brickwork slowly crumbling due to weathering and age. It was sized more for keeping the room warm during mild days than to keep away the frigid chill of night. Its base only held cold ashes, but there was a collection of deadwood and scraps nearby, so that would probably be rectified soon. A small wheel-less cart had been turned into storage against the opposite wall, some herbs and other foraged items stowed away in it for future use. Various things he remembered seeing his father and brothers use in the fields were scattered about, too. It was nostalgic to see, honestly, even if his recollections had blurred over time.
Bundles of tattered blankets formed a pair of nests in the far corner, the smaller of the two had a pile of rough plants nearby. That answered his silent pondering of the room's purpose somewhat, though he was pretty sure the bedding material was salvaged, and there didn’t seem to be any hay or padding underneath whoever was sleeping on it. He didn’t know what to think about the weeds; they were purposefully placed there, and whoever did so had taken the time to wash them, but it was still strange.
He couldn’t see a doorway besides the entrance, yet most of the hallmarks of residency were put where space could be afforded, however crude. All in all, he surmised that it was a gardening shed of sorts, and his new acquaintance apparently lived here. He wasn't sure what he was expecting when a creature he had only read about came into his dungeon, but it wasn't being brought to a rundown and decrepit shack for unknown purposes.
Even if he had been raised by parents who made a humble living at the best of times, and they had emptied their coffers for unsuccessful attempts to ease his ailments, his acquaintance's living space made him uncomfortable. His family's house was never anything fancy, true—it shared some of the worn qualities that inevitably gathered over the years—but it was never this bad. His home benefited from a father's touch keeping it robust and a mother’s love keeping it warm, whereas this place had seen neither in quite some time. Oh, there was evidence that such was once the case; a wall was adorned with carefully made and well-spaced hangers for the various gardening tools, though the implements themselves had become a victim of neglect. That being said, he could make out the fresh soil and recent scratches exposing furrows of silver, so they were seeing use again.
A scrape and clack of flint drew his attention to his kobold companion. They were kneeling in front of the fireplace, methodically sparking life back into a dead flame with twigs and dried leaves. A slow, steady breath into the reddened base illuminated its face with a dull orange glow, revealing its weary visage and the permanently etched smile that rested beneath its cold grey eyes. The black-scaled kobold looked tired, if he were to guess—much the same as Altier did when he spent countless days watching everyone living a life he could never have through the mossy window of his bedroom. He was probably humanizing it too much. Still, he was surprised by the muted pang of sympathy, and how he would feel much more than blithe curiosity after spending so much time alone in the crumbling crypt of his own making.
A mental breath cycled through him as he looked at the odds and ends yet to be observed. Hardly anything else was of note—everything else was degraded and neglected, too. He did notice a nest of blankets move though, which was as good a distraction as any. The answer to his previous ‘pile of weeds’ inquiry poked a tiny nose from a crease in the fabric, then rapidly pawed at the blankets to dig itself out. Altier stared at the creature in both recognition and confusion.
It was a rabbit…or at least it looked like one, assuming you were to also describe a porcupine and a sea urchin as well. He was pretty sure he didn’t remember any hare that had jagged metal-tipped fur, nor that had said fur arranged into a row of spiked horns that flowed down its spine, terminating at a large fluffy tail, which was equally bizarre to see. The whole of its coat could double as a weapon, with semi-sharp barbs sticking off seemingly at random, yet he remembered an adventurer saying most animals used that sort of thing defensively. He increased his focus as he tried to make sense of the odd creature. Surely he would have heard about—
[Hoppittttttt#%%÷ — Ferro-o-orabbit-it (Ma%$le)
Abil—]
[Null]
[Er0Rrrrrrrr—]
[Und#$f—]
He bit back the pain caused by the sudden intrusion of his menu, blanking out the text and mentally retreating to hide from the source. Did he just inspect something? How? Shouldn’t his entire…‘framework,’ was it…? Yes, that was it. Shouldn’t that have been corrupted? Why could he see the creature’s information when his entire framework was damaged? That was the first ability he lost, so why is it the first to be functional? How was it functional? Was it? It did just spit garbled text at him, but it was something, and that was more than he had gotten from it in a very long time. If it was somehow working—no matter how poorly—then that left the question of why he hadn't heard of anything called a ‘ferrorabbit’ before, assuming he read that correctly.
A soft thud vibrated the tro— table, startling him out of thought. He turned his attention to the button nose wiggling erratically at him, the short, stubby muzzle leading to surprisingly expressive and curious red eyes. Dull brown fur jutted off in random tufts and patches, changing to a darker tint on its paws and the upper half of its ears, while the tips of its spikes were a muted hue of iron. It still seemed just as soft as the less pointed variety he remembered, if a touch dirty. Upright ears twitched this way and that way as its head vigorously shook, eventually settling on pointing in his direction when it calmed down enough.
It was apparent that he had its undivided attention…for all of a few seconds. His scaly companion called something out in their foreign tongue, and whatever conclusion the pointy-furred animal came to, it seemed more interested in the kobold, parting from him after nudging his core with its nose.
[Cre-e-e—]
[Errrrrrr0r: Undefiiiiiiii—]
[Acceeeeep-t-t-t??]
[Yeeee— s s / Nnnnnnn—]
He winced at the intrusion, but the contents detracted from the pain. He couldn’t remember the system ever asking him a question without his explicit intent being involved. It wanted him to…accept something? Was it the system prompting him, or the animal? What was he to accept?
[Creatuuuuu—]
[Acce-e-e-%#@ed!]
…What?
= = = = =
“Hoppit, that's not food!” Ceele admonished half-heartedly, placing a larger branch on the burgeoning flame before she got to her feet. She wasn’t actually that worried; the stone was as big as his head, and she was pretty sure he couldn't bite into it. Hopefully. “Come here, momma has a treat for you!”
The ferrorabbit playfully bumped the gemstone and jumped off the low table, landing with a soft thud that belied how heavy he was for his tiny size. He wiggled in excitement, his ears flailing and releasing a slight clack whenever the two connected. It got even louder when she grabbed her basket and put away the useful herbs, taking out a specific item that she had gathered just for him. The little bun wasted no time in scurrying over and standing tall on his hind legs to judge if the offered plant was to his liking—and it was, based on how he dug in with enthusiasm. She stifled a laugh as she contentedly watched him nibble away on the treat, ignoring the guilt that came with knowing she couldn't afford proper vegetables for him. He had a hard life too, and it tore at her to have so little to give.
She came across Hoppit a year ago, during a storm that worsened while she was travelling between towns. The day had darkened to night in spite of it still being about noon, but the weather didn't care for how bright it was supposed to be. Wind and rain became a typhoon, forcing her to seek shelter in a thankfully abandoned den of what was probably a larger animal. She was fine with waiting out the squall, since the stone roof over her head was more than she usually had back then, but the sounds of dull bangs and thuds near her hideaway was followed by cries of animals yelping in pain. Curiosity won over reason, and she left the safety of her shelter to see what was causing the disturbance. Truthfully, she was hopeful that she'd come across scraps or the like, her hunger driving her forward, and she could always turn back if it seemed dangerous. Yet when she arrived at the source of the commotion, she found herself thinking of anything but food.
Two predators had fought over a small burrow, both trying to dig out a meal and taking offence to the other doing the same. What they didn’t know was that they were assaulting the home of ferrorabbits. Specifically, the home of an angry, protective, and well-fed mother that was keeping her newborns safe from the storm when predators decided to try their luck. From the scene Ceele came across, it was certainly obvious why most people dislike trying to hunt the creatures.
Sadly, the rabbit didn't survive an attack from two predators, but she did make their victory pyrrhic; neither could do much about their hunger with their bodies full of cuts and holes, and it was only a matter of time before they succumbed to blood loss or infection. The mother's sacrifice meant that the babies had avoided the imminent threat, but they were left unattended as a consequence, and it took an opportunistic bird swooping down to shake Ceele out of her shock. Despite her subsequent hurry, she only acted in time to save one of the orphaned young. The warren was new and barely dug out, which meant that it didn’t take much effort for the kits to be found—by both her and hungry maws. All she could do was scoop the ball of fluff into her arms and run back to the cave before anything else tried to eat it.
In retrospect, it was a stupid decision for a number of factors. She barely had the resources to supply herself, and an attempt to raise offspring of any type would only make the inevitable heartbreak worse. But when she saw how quiet and scared he was… How his tiny, shaking body calmed in her arms, those terrified red eyes seeking comfort… She should have just walked away when she knew there wasn’t going to be anything to fill her stomach. She should have put the baby animal down and let nature take its course…yet the preciously furry face stole her heart far too quickly for it to grow so cold. The next day was spent backtracking to the nearest town to get him something suitable to eat, which used most of her meagre savings. Still, it was worth every coin.
Hoppit had been accompanying her ever since. He grew quickly, transitioning from something she saved that stormy night into a presence she had grown to love like a child. The little lagomorph would bounce along beside her during her travels, then ride in her arms as he rested—though the latter happened with worrying frequency as of late. She hadn’t learned much about the springy herbivores, but she knew enough to say that he wasn't as big as he should be, nor was his fur as sharp. No matter how startled he was, his spiky coat never managed to do more than stiffen slightly, which was apparently a side effect of poor diet, according to snippets of conversation she had overheard on the topic. She wanted him to be healthy, but she didn't know what he needed. Not many farmers raised ferrorabbits, and those that did were far away, so she didn’t have anyone to ask what she should be doing. Her best course of action was to give him what little she had.
Ceele was well aware of how he would be better off on his own, but he followed her whenever she tried to set him free. Hoppit just kept launching into her arms and wiggling his ears, ecstatic that he was with her again, uncaring that food was scarce and that they spent most of their days travelling. No amount of cold nights spent bundling up under the tattered blankets she managed to find ever dampened his spirits, and he was content to eat the grass or flowers whenever he felt like it, oblivious to the fact that he wasn’t getting enough nutrition. He would dig and excitedly drag back oddities that he found, and the one time he found a plant that looked particularly good for him, he insisted that it be shared with her.
A black pit still lingered in her chest when she recalled how pleased he was while he munched on the rare vegetable he discovered, then how distressed he became when she wouldn’t have any as well. He bumped and nipped at her, all but begging her to eat. His ears pinned back against his head, his fur bristled in a way she hadn’t seen since. It was only when she took a small bite and let him inspect the new teeth marks that he seemed to calm down, but perhaps she had been looking too deep into the actions of her tiny friend. All she could say for certain was that he was scared she was going hungry.
A morbid thought wondered if his first mother had refused food shortly before being attacked, and he—as small and simple as he was—had connected the two events in his mind, making him absolutely terrified that something would happen if Ceele didn’t have something too. All of that fear, and desperation overwhelmed him, just because she was happier watching him eat. She was determined to erase that issue. She would find something that needed a worker and earn enough to feed them both. One day, she would be able to smile at how big and healthy her little fluffy boy had become, but until then, it was becoming increasingly difficult not to think about how she was spending so much time growing vegetables and fruit that he couldn’t have…
Every morning was an exercise in tending to the gardens while actively shoving down images of a pleased ferrorabbit happily eating the results. That never went well; no matter how determined she was to complete her duties without a single selfish thought, most tasks were done while picturing his full belly and delighted bounces. There were a few weeks until the fastest of the crops would be ready for harvest, and Ceele would have to collect them while fighting the urge to bring back just a few for him.
She couldn’t, because she knew exactly how quickly that could escalate. It would start small—A vegetable here, a fruit there—but seeing Hoppit happy was one of the precious few good things she had in her life. Crossing the line would only become easier each time. They couldn’t risk losing their new home over greed, and she was already betraying the trust given to her by housing a wild animal, especially one known to be a pest for crops. She didn't want to know how angry it would make her benefactors if she was caught taking their vegetables for one.
No matter how tame and precious Hoppit was, and no matter how well he listened, they would only see him as the same creature that ruined harvests in droves. Thus was why she had to tell him to stay cooped up by himself while she was working or scavenging. And to her surprise, he did.
Honestly, she had made the initial request with the expectation of needing to carry him back into their home until he understood that she wasn’t leaving him forever. There wasn’t much she could do to stop the ferrorabbit from digging through the old wooden building if he wanted to get out. He wouldn’t need to damage anything either—a rotting board on the door only needed a little push to nudge it out of the way, and his natural curiosity made sure he was aware of it. But no, Hoppit was well-behaved as always, keeping hidden until she walked through the door, where he would leap from the shadows to personally show her how good he was and how he stayed put like she asked him to. It never stopped amazing her that he had such a surprising level of understanding despite being an animal, and that was to say nothing of how young he was.
All that intelligence, joy, and companionship he offered her…and yet the best she could give back to him was the weeds from the garden and the odd plant she found while scavenging…
Soft clacks of flicking ears dragged her from her pondering, her mind returning to the present. Hoppit finished his treat of the small plant, then bounced in place and scurried over to his bowl of water, perfectly happy to have eaten only that. He was so joyful with how little she provided, approaching every day of scarcity with the same enthusiasm she could never muster, as if certain that everything would be alright.
“It’s bedtime, Hoppit,” Ceele announced through a soft sigh, stoking the fire with enough branches to hopefully last the night. The ferrorabbit perked an ear in her direction, then sat on his haunches to extend the rest of himself up, his two little forepaws adorably held to his chest as he inspected the room like he always did. She smiled and made sure everything was stored away, then laid down on her bundle of blankets, covering herself with the warmest one. Hoppit bolted over to snuggle once he decided everything in the shed was up to his standards, throwing himself to the floor in a dramatic flop of comfort. Her quiet laughter subsided as they both settled in for the night, her tail completing the rabbit’s encompassing cuddle, but her eyes fell towards the obsidian orb on the table, her thoughts following suit.
It sat there, just as she left it, as benign as anything else ever placed atop the improvised furnishing. Yet there was a sense of ease and purpose as well. The old wooden trough seemed…important with its adornment firmly laid upon its surface, and she couldn’t puzzle out why. She was starting to doubt her earlier excitement.
Should she sell it? Would anyone know where it came from? Would anyone know what it was, or if it was worth anything? If she could get even a modest sum for it, she would be able to buy clothing, food, and new bedding. It would be easier to convince someone to give her work if she was dressed better and wasn’t so thin, and then she would have the income to slowly improve both of their lives. She could pay for a wandering merchant to ask a ferrorabbit rancher about the animal, even if it would take time to get back to her, or maybe she could hire a local if they needed to go near one for some reason. The cost didn’t matter to her as long as it happened.
But there was something else bothering her about the idea of selling the stone. She had travelled so far with a tug in her chest, only for the feeling of wanderlust to dissipate as soon as she held it. Was that a sign? She was never one for things like ‘fate,’ but a niggling doubt in her mind discouraged the idea of making a profit off her discovery. Even if what she could gain was so very tempting, and even if Hoppit would be happier if she did…
She tore her dampened eyes away and closed them, ignoring the burning trails running across her face. It would be another early morning, and she needed to sleep so she could take care of the garden. Decisions like this could wait. Once she had nothing else distracting her, and she had time to properly think about it, she would see how she felt about the stone.
Eventually, she dozed off with Hoppit pressed against her chest, and a longing in her heart.
Next
—
A/N: Patreon and Ko-fi will be 1 chap ahead this time around, and I've set it so everything from the lowest tier up can read the newest trashfire! Anything above that is sheer show of love. Hope you enjoyed!

Hi! I am a college student hoping to put together my first PC. Honestly, I’d love to go the prebuilt route (I’m super anxious about building my own), but the price difference for quality just isn’t worth it. I have no experience with computers and know essentially nothing, so I’m here asking for advice.
• New build or upgrade? New build, first-timer
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/ links) No reusable parts
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games) PC will be used primarily for gaming. Fortnite and Overwatch 2 will be most often (including competitive and possibly university esports), but I also want to play Valorant, GTA, and bridge into the interactive story game and horror game realm (BG3, Resident Evil, etc). It will almost always be running Discord calls at the same time (I play with my girlfriend in a LDR).
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? Located in eastern North Carolina (USA). Can make the trek to Raleigh NC, Virginia Beach VA area, etc, if there are parts cheaper around there than online. I don’t think there are any Microcenters.
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) Definitely needs to include a monitor (I don’t know enough about PCs to know a good size or info), keyboard, mouse, and headphones (with microphone either included or separate). If possible, I’d love to also include speakers. I’m not obsessed with the quality of these parts, so it doesn’t need to be name brand. It just needs to function. (EDIT: lol didn’t realize recs didn’t include these peripherals! monitor still needed though)
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations) Aiming for around $800–might be able to push it to $1000, but the lower the better. Anything in that range would only really be possible if it makes a major change to how the system runs.
• WiFi or wired connection? Wifi included — can’t use Ethernet.
• Size/noise constraints? Sound and noise doesn’t bother me much, but obviously the quieter the better lol. Not a make or break for me.
• Cololighting preferences? I would love a pink or white PC with the cool lighting and stuff, but again, functionality rules so it’s not a requirement. I’m also well aware that my budget doesn’t really allow for aesthetics.
• Any other specific needs? Hoping for around 32GB ram and 1TB storage.
I know this is a tough budget!! Please give me any recommendations you have — anything helps. Also some pro tips on putting together your first computer…
Thank you!!

RackNerd.com is a leading provider of cloud-based infrastructure solutions, dedicated to empowering businesses of all sizes to achieve their goals through innovative technology and exceptional customer service. In this chapter, we will delve into the company's rich history, mission, and values that have enabled us to become a trusted partner for our clients.
Early Years (2013-2015)
RackNerd.com was founded in 2013 by a group of passionate entrepreneurs who shared a vision of revolutionizing the way businesses approach infrastructure solutions. Initially, the company focused on providing high-quality server colocation services to small and medium-sized businesses. Our early success was fueled by our commitment to exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and a relentless pursuit of innovation.
Growth and Expansion (2015-2018)
As the company grew, we expanded our service offerings to include cloud-based infrastructure solutions, such as virtual private servers (VPS) and dedicated servers. This strategic move enabled us to cater to a broader range of clients, from small startups to large enterprises. Our team of experts worked tirelessly to develop and refine our infrastructure, ensuring seamless scalability and reliability.
Mission and Values
At RackNerd.com, our mission is to empower businesses to achieve their goals by providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective infrastructure solutions. We believe that our success is deeply rooted in our commitment to the following core values:
1. Customer Obsession: We prioritize our clients' needs above all else, ensuring that every interaction with our team is exceptional.
2. Innovation: We continuously invest in research and development to stay ahead of the curve, providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.
3. Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of ethics and transparency in all our interactions, fostering trust and credibility with our clients and partners.
4. Collaboration: We believe that teamwork is essential to achieving our goals, and we strive to create a culture of open communication, respect, and mutual support within our organization.
5. Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and promote a culture of inclusivity, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Awards and Recognition
RackNerd.com has received numerous awards and recognition for our commitment to innovation, customer service, and community involvement. Some notable accolades include:
· Best Cloud Service Provider (2020) by Cloud Computing Magazine
· Top 10 Cloud Infrastructure Providers (2019) by Cloud Computing News
· Best Place to Work (2018) by the local business community
Conclusion
RackNerd.com's journey is a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and dedication to our clients. As we continue to evolve and grow, we remain committed to our core values and mission. We are proud to be a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, empowering them to achieve their goals and succeed in an ever-changing world.

History of RackNerd.com

History of RackNerd.com: A Journey of Innovation and Growth
As the world of technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, RackNerd.com has emerged as a leading provider of innovative solutions for data centers and cloud infrastructure. Founded in 2012, RackNerd.com has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small startup to becoming a global player in the industry. In this chapter, we will delve into the fascinating story of how RackNerd.com was founded and evolved over the years.
The Early Days: Founding and Early Growth (2012-2015)
RackNerd.com was founded in 2012 by a group of passionate entrepreneurs who shared a vision of creating a cutting-edge data center solutions provider. The company's early days were marked by a focus on building a strong team, developing innovative products, and establishing a solid foundation for future growth. The founders' expertise in data center design, infrastructure, and operations played a crucial role in shaping the company's early success.
During this period, RackNerd.com focused on building a robust infrastructure, investing in state-of-the-art equipment, and developing a comprehensive suite of services. The company's early clients were primarily small and medium-sized businesses seeking reliable and scalable data center solutions. As RackNerd.com's reputation grew, so did its client base, with the company expanding its services to include cloud infrastructure, managed services, and consulting.
Expansion and Diversification (2015-2018)
By 2015, RackNerd.com had established itself as a reputable player in the data center solutions market. The company's growth was fueled by its commitment to innovation, customer-centric approach, and strategic partnerships. During this period, RackNerd.com expanded its services to include:
1. Cloud Infrastructure: RackNerd.com launched its cloud infrastructure services, offering a range of cloud-based solutions for businesses of all sizes.
2. Managed Services: The company introduced its managed services portfolio, providing 24/7 monitoring, maintenance, and support for clients' data center infrastructure.
3. Consulting Services: RackNerd.com expanded its consulting services to include data center design, infrastructure planning, and migration assistance.
As RackNerd.com continued to grow, it expanded its team, investing in talent acquisition and development programs. The company also strengthened its partnerships with leading technology vendors, solidifying its position as a trusted advisor in the industry.
Global Expansion and Mergers (2018-Present)
In recent years, RackNerd.com has continued its rapid growth trajectory, expanding its global footprint and diversifying its services. Key milestones include:
1. Global Expansion: RackNerd.com established a presence in key markets, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
2. Mergers and Acquisitions: The company has made strategic acquisitions, expanding its portfolio of services and expertise.
3. Innovation and R&D: RackNerd.com has continued to invest in research and development, driving innovation and staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving data center and cloud infrastructure landscape.
Today, RackNerd.com is a global leader in data center solutions, with a reputation for delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions, and unparalleled expertise. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to its core values of innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic partnerships.
Conclusion
RackNerd.com's journey from humble beginnings to global recognition is a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and dedication. From its early days as a small startup to its current status as a leading provider of data center and cloud infrastructure solutions, RackNerd.com has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. As the company continues to evolve and grow, its story serves as a beacon of inspiration for entrepreneurs and innovators around the world.

RackNerd.com's Philosophy

RackNerd.com's Philosophy: Description of RackNerd.com's values and approach to web hosting
As a leading provider of web hosting services, RackNerd.com is committed to delivering exceptional quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Our philosophy is built on a set of core values that guide our approach to web hosting, ensuring that our customers receive the best possible experience. In this chapter, we will delve into the principles that shape our company culture and approach to web hosting.
I. Customer-Centricity
At RackNerd.com, we believe that our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We understand that our customers are the reason we exist, and we strive to provide them with an unparalleled level of service and support. Our customer-centric approach is built on the following principles:
· Personalized Support: We assign dedicated account managers to each customer, ensuring that their needs are met and concerns are addressed promptly.
· Proactive Communication: We maintain open and transparent communication channels, keeping our customers informed about their services and any issues that may arise.
· Flexibility and Adaptability: We adapt to our customers' evolving needs, offering tailored solutions and flexible pricing options to meet their unique requirements.
II. Quality and Reliability
Quality and reliability are essential components of our philosophy. We understand that our customers rely on our services to operate their online businesses, and we take pride in delivering high-quality hosting solutions that meet their needs. Our commitment to quality and reliability is reflected in:
· State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: We invest in the latest technology and infrastructure to ensure that our services are fast, secure, and reliable.
· 24/7 Monitoring: Our team of experts continuously monitors our systems, detecting and resolving issues before they impact our customers.
· Regular Maintenance: We perform regular maintenance and updates to ensure that our services remain secure, stable, and optimized for performance.
III. Innovation and Improvement
At RackNerd.com, we believe that innovation is key to staying ahead of the curve and delivering exceptional value to our customers. We prioritize innovation and improvement through:
· Research and Development: We invest in research and development to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in web hosting.
· Customer Feedback: We actively solicit and incorporate customer feedback to improve our services and address their concerns.
· Continuous Improvement: We continuously evaluate and refine our processes to ensure that our services meet the evolving needs of our customers.
IV. Transparency and Accountability
Transparency and accountability are essential components of our philosophy. We believe that our customers have the right to know what they are getting and how we operate. Our commitment to transparency and accountability is reflected in:
· Clear Pricing: We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises.
· Service Level Agreements (SLAs): We maintain strict SLAs for our services, ensuring that our customers know what to expect from our services.
· Regular Reporting: We provide regular reporting and updates on our services, keeping our customers informed about their performance and any issues that may arise.
V. Conclusion
At RackNerd.com, our philosophy is built on a foundation of customer-centricity, quality, innovation, transparency, and accountability. We believe that these values are essential to delivering exceptional web hosting services that meet the evolving needs of our customers. By prioritizing these values, we strive to build long-term relationships with our customers, providing them with the best possible experience and ensuring their online success.

Features

Features: Description of Shared Hosting Features
As the foundation of a reliable and efficient online presence, shared hosting has evolved to cater to the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. In this chapter, we will delve into the various features that make shared hosting an attractive option for webmasters, entrepreneurs, and organizations alike.
1. Storage Space
One of the most critical aspects of shared hosting is the storage space allocated to each account. This refers to the amount of data that can be stored on the server, including files, images, videos, and other digital content. Typical storage space ranges from 1GB to 10GB, depending on the hosting provider and the type of plan chosen.
Benefits:
· Allows for efficient storage and management of digital assets
· Enables the creation of complex websites with multiple pages, images, and multimedia content
· Facilitates the storage of large files, such as videos and audio files
2. Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred between the server and the user's device. This is measured in gigabytes (GB) and is typically calculated based on the number of visitors, page views, and file downloads. A higher bandwidth allocation ensures that websites can handle increased traffic and data transfer without experiencing downtime or slow loading times.
Benefits:
· Ensures fast and seamless website loading times
· Supports high-traffic websites and e-commerce platforms
· Enables the hosting of multimedia content, such as videos and audio files
3. Email Accounts
Email accounts are an essential feature of shared hosting, allowing users to create and manage multiple email addresses. This feature is particularly useful for businesses, as it enables the creation of professional email addresses, such as [info@company.com](mailto:info@company.com).
Benefits:
· Enables the creation of professional email addresses
· Allows for efficient communication and collaboration
· Supports multiple email accounts for different departments or teams
4. Databases
Databases are a crucial aspect of shared hosting, as they enable the storage and management of large amounts of data. This feature is particularly useful for websites that require complex data management, such as e-commerce platforms and online applications.
Benefits:
· Enables the storage and management of large amounts of data
· Supports complex data management and querying
· Facilitates the creation of dynamic websites and applications
5. Control Panel
The control panel is the central hub of shared hosting, providing users with a user-friendly interface to manage their account, files, and settings. Popular control panels include cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin.
Benefits:
· Enables easy management of account settings and files
· Supports the creation and management of databases and email accounts
· Facilitates the installation of third-party applications and scripts
6. Security Features
Security is a top priority in shared hosting, with providers implementing various measures to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. Common security features include:
· Firewalls: Prevent unauthorized access to the server and data
· Encryption: Protects data in transit and at rest
· Regular Backups: Ensures data integrity and availability
Benefits:
· Protects user data and prevents unauthorized access
· Ensures data integrity and availability
· Supports compliance with industry regulations and standards
7. Scalability
Scalability is a critical feature of shared hosting, enabling users to upgrade or downgrade their plan as needed. This ensures that websites can adapt to changing traffic and demand without experiencing downtime or performance issues.
Benefits:
· Enables flexible and scalable hosting solutions
· Supports the growth and evolution of websites and applications
· Facilitates the adaptation to changing traffic and demand
8. Customer Support
Customer support is an essential aspect of shared hosting, providing users with assistance and guidance throughout the hosting experience. Common support features include:
· 24/7 Support: Available assistance and guidance
· Knowledge Base: Comprehensive documentation and tutorials
· Ticket System: Efficient communication and issue tracking
Benefits:
· Provides assistance and guidance throughout the hosting experience
· Supports the resolution of technical issues and concerns
· Facilitates the adoption and utilization of hosting features and services
In conclusion, shared hosting features play a vital role in ensuring the success and reliability of online presence. By understanding the various features and benefits outlined in this chapter, users can make informed decisions about their hosting needs and choose the best provider for their specific requirements.Features: Description of VPS Hosting Features
Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting has become a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike due to its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. In this chapter, we will delve into the various features that make VPS hosting an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and secure online presence.
1. Scalability
One of the primary advantages of VPS hosting is its scalability. With a VPS, you can easily scale up or down as your needs change, without having to worry about migrating to a new server or incurring additional costs. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that experience fluctuations in traffic or data storage needs.
2. Root Access
As a VPS user, you have full root access to your server, allowing you to customize and configure your server to meet your specific needs. This feature provides unparalleled flexibility and control, making it an attractive option for developers, programmers, and system administrators.
3. Dedicated Resources
Unlike shared hosting, where resources are shared among multiple users, VPS hosting provides dedicated resources to each user. This means that your server has its own CPU, RAM, and storage, ensuring that your website or application runs smoothly and efficiently.
4. Security
Security is a top priority in VPS hosting. With a VPS, you have full control over your server's security settings, allowing you to implement robust security measures to protect your data and applications. This includes configuring firewalls, setting up access controls, and implementing encryption protocols.
5. Customization
VPS hosting offers unparalleled customization options, allowing you to tailor your server to meet your specific needs. This includes installing custom software, configuring server settings, and optimizing server performance.
6. Flexibility
VPS hosting provides flexibility in terms of operating systems, software applications, and server configurations. This means that you can choose the operating system and software that best suit your needs, rather than being limited to a specific set of options.
7. High-Speed Connectivity
VPS hosting providers typically offer high-speed connectivity options, including fiber-optic connections, ensuring fast and reliable data transfer rates.
8. 24/7 Support
Many VPS hosting providers offer 24/7 technical support, ensuring that you receive assistance whenever you need it. This includes phone, email, and live chat support options.
9. Control Panel
Most VPS hosting providers offer a control panel, such as cPanel or Plesk, which provides an intuitive interface for managing your server, including features like file management, email management, and database management.
10. Backup and Recovery
VPS hosting providers typically offer backup and recovery options, ensuring that your data is safe and can be easily restored in the event of a disaster.
11. Monitoring and Maintenance
Many VPS hosting providers offer monitoring and maintenance services, ensuring that your server is running smoothly and efficiently. This includes monitoring for security threats, performing regular software updates, and conducting routine maintenance tasks.
12. Uptime Guarantee
Many VPS hosting providers offer uptime guarantees, ensuring that your server is available and accessible at all times. This is typically measured in percentage terms, such as 99.9% uptime guarantee.
In conclusion, VPS hosting offers a wide range of features that make it an attractive option for businesses and individuals alike. From scalability and customization to security and support, VPS hosting provides a flexible and reliable solution for those seeking a robust online presence. By understanding the various features and benefits of VPS hosting, you can make an informed decision about whether this type of hosting is right for your needs.Features: Description of Dedicated Hosting Features
In today's digital landscape, dedicated hosting has become an essential component of any successful online presence. With the rise of e-commerce, social media, and online marketing, the need for a reliable and secure hosting solution has never been more pressing. In this chapter, we will delve into the world of dedicated hosting, exploring the key features that make it an attractive option for businesses and individuals alike.
1. Unmatched Control and Customization
One of the primary advantages of dedicated hosting is the level of control and customization it offers. With a dedicated server, you have complete control over the configuration, allowing you to tailor your hosting environment to meet the specific needs of your business. This level of control is unparalleled in shared hosting environments, where resources are shared among multiple users.
2. Scalability and Flexibility
Dedicated hosting offers unparalleled scalability and flexibility. As your business grows, you can easily scale up or down to meet changing demands. This flexibility is particularly important for businesses that experience fluctuations in traffic or require sudden spikes in resource allocation.
3. Enhanced Security and Reliability
Dedicated hosting provides an added layer of security and reliability, thanks to the isolation from other users. With a dedicated server, you can rest assured that your data is protected from potential security threats and that your website is always available to your customers.
4. Customizable Server Configuration
With a dedicated server, you have the ability to customize the server configuration to meet the specific needs of your business. This includes the ability to choose the operating system, software, and hardware specifications to ensure optimal performance.
5. Priority Customer Support
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer priority customer support, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly and efficiently. This level of support is particularly important for businesses that rely heavily on their online presence.
6. High-Speed Connectivity
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer high-speed connectivity options, ensuring that your website loads quickly and efficiently. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on online sales or rely on a high volume of traffic.
7. Redundant Infrastructure
Many dedicated hosting providers offer redundant infrastructure, ensuring that your website remains available even in the event of hardware failure or network outages.
8. Advanced Monitoring and Maintenance
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer advanced monitoring and maintenance services, ensuring that your server is always running smoothly and efficiently.
9. Compliance and Regulation
Dedicated hosting providers often offer compliance and regulation services, ensuring that your business meets the necessary regulatory requirements.
10. Scalable Storage
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer scalable storage options, allowing you to easily increase or decrease storage capacity as needed.
11. Enhanced Performance
Dedicated hosting provides enhanced performance, thanks to the isolation from other users and the ability to customize server configuration. This results in faster page loads, improved search engine rankings, and a better overall user experience.
12. Customizable Backup and Recovery
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer customizable backup and recovery options, ensuring that your data is always safe and easily recoverable in the event of a disaster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dedicated hosting offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for businesses and individuals alike. From unmatched control and customization to enhanced security and reliability, dedicated hosting provides a level of flexibility and scalability that is unmatched in shared hosting environments. Whether you're looking to improve performance, enhance security, or simply gain more control over your online presence, dedicated hosting is an excellent choice.Features: Description of Reseller Hosting Features
Reseller hosting is a type of web hosting that allows users to resell hosting services to their clients, while still maintaining control over the hosting environment. In this chapter, we will delve into the key features of reseller hosting, exploring the benefits and advantages of this type of hosting solution.
1. Control Panel
One of the most significant features of reseller hosting is the control panel. A control panel is a web-based interface that allows resellers to manage their hosting accounts, including creating and managing sub-accounts, setting up email accounts, and monitoring resource usage. Popular control panels for reseller hosting include cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin.
Benefits:
· Easy management of hosting accounts
· Ability to create and manage sub-accounts for clients
· Monitoring of resource usage and performance
· Customizable settings for each sub-account
2. Sub-Account Management
Reseller hosting allows resellers to create and manage sub-accounts for their clients. This feature enables resellers to provide customized hosting solutions for their clients, while still maintaining control over the hosting environment.
Benefits:
· Ability to create and manage sub-accounts for clients
· Customizable settings for each sub-account
· Easy management of hosting accounts
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
3. Resource Allocation
Reseller hosting allows resellers to allocate resources to their clients, including disk space, bandwidth, and CPU usage. This feature enables resellers to provide customized hosting solutions for their clients, while still maintaining control over the hosting environment.
Benefits:
· Ability to allocate resources to clients
· Customizable resource allocation for each sub-account
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
· Easy management of resource usage
4. Billing and Invoicing
Reseller hosting often includes billing and invoicing features, allowing resellers to manage their clients' accounts and generate invoices for services rendered.
Benefits:
· Easy management of client accounts
· Ability to generate invoices for services rendered
· Customizable billing and invoicing options
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
5. Security Features
Reseller hosting often includes advanced security features, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and virus scanning. These features help protect hosting accounts from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Benefits:
· Advanced security features for hosting accounts
· Protection from unauthorized access and malicious attacks
· Customizable security settings for each sub-account
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
6. Scalability and Flexibility
Reseller hosting allows resellers to scale their hosting solutions to meet the needs of their clients. This feature enables resellers to provide customized hosting solutions for their clients, while still maintaining control over the hosting environment.
Benefits:
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
· Ability to upgrade or downgrade hosting plans as needed
· Customizable hosting solutions for clients
· Easy management of hosting accounts
7. Support and Maintenance
Reseller hosting often includes support and maintenance features, such as technical support, server monitoring, and software updates. These features help ensure that hosting accounts are running smoothly and efficiently.
Benefits:
· Technical support for hosting accounts
· Server monitoring and maintenance
· Software updates and security patches
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
Conclusion
Reseller hosting is a powerful tool for web professionals, allowing them to provide customized hosting solutions for their clients while still maintaining control over the hosting environment. By understanding the key features of reseller hosting, including control panels, sub-account management, resource allocation, billing and invoicing, security features, scalability and flexibility, and support and maintenance, resellers can provide high-quality hosting solutions for their clients.

Pricing Plans

Pricing Plans: Description of Shared Hosting Pricing Plans
As a leading provider of web hosting services, our company offers a range of pricing plans to cater to the diverse needs of our customers. In this chapter, we will delve into the details of our shared hosting pricing plans, highlighting the features and benefits of each plan.
Economy Plan
Our Economy Plan is designed for small businesses and individuals who require a basic level of hosting services. This plan is ideal for those who need to host a single website with limited traffic.
· Features:
o 1 website
o 5 GB storage space
o 10 GB bandwidth
o 1 MySQL database
o 1 email account
o cPanel control panel
· Price: 2.99/𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ(𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦)𝑜𝑟2.99/month(billedannually)or3.99/month (billed* m*onthly)

NordVPN.com is a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) service provider, founded in 2012 by four friends who shared a passion for internet freedom and security. Since its inception, NordVPN.com has grown to become one of the most popular and trusted VPN services globally, with over 14 million users worldwide.
Early Years (2012-2014)
NordVPN.com's journey began in 2012, when four friends, including CEO and co-founder, Tomasz Fornal, came together to address the growing concerns about online privacy and security. The founders, all with a background in computer science and engineering, recognized the need for a reliable and secure VPN service that could protect users' online activities from prying eyes.
In the early years, NordVPN.com focused on developing its core technology and building a strong team of experts. The company's early success was fueled by word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews from satisfied customers.
Expansion and Growth (2015-2018)
As NordVPN.com's popularity grew, the company expanded its operations to accommodate the increasing demand. In 2015, NordVPN.com launched its mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, making it easier for users to access the service on-the-go. The company also expanded its server network, increasing the number of servers from 100 to over 5,000, covering more than 60 countries worldwide.
In 2017, NordVPN.com introduced its innovative feature, "Obfuscated Servers," which allowed users to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites and services. This feature further solidified NordVPN.com's position as a leader in the VPN industry.
Mission and Values
At the heart of NordVPN.com's mission is a commitment to protecting users' online freedom and security. The company's mission is to provide a secure and reliable VPN service that empowers users to take control of their online activities. NordVPN.com's values are built around three core principles:
1. Privacy: NordVPN.com is committed to protecting users' privacy and ensuring that their online activities remain confidential.
2. Security: The company prioritizes the security of its users' data, using advanced encryption and security protocols to safeguard against cyber threats.
3. Transparency: NordVPN.com is transparent about its operations, providing users with clear information about its services, policies, and practices.
Awards and Recognition
NordVPN.com has received numerous awards and recognition for its commitment to online security and privacy. Some notable awards include:
· PCMag Editors' Choice: NordVPN.com has been recognized as a PCMag Editors' Choice for its exceptional performance and features.
· Top VPN Service: NordVPN.com has been rated as one of the top VPN services by various reputable sources, including CNET, Wirecutter, and Tom's Guide.
· Trustworthy VPN: NordVPN.com has been recognized as a trustworthy VPN service by organizations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the Open Technology Fund.
Conclusion
NordVPN.com's company history is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and a commitment to protecting online freedom and security. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading VPN service provider, NordVPN.com has consistently demonstrated its dedication to providing a secure and reliable VPN service to users worldwide. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing online landscape, its mission remains steadfast: to empower users to take control of their online activities and protect their online privacy and security.

Features and Benefits

As one of the most popular and highly-regarded Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers, NordVPN.com offers a comprehensive suite of features and benefits that cater to the diverse needs of its users. In this chapter, we will delve into the various features and benefits that set NordVPN.com apart from its competitors, highlighting its strengths and advantages.
Security and Encryption
NordVPN.com's primary concern is the security and privacy of its users. To achieve this, the service employs a robust encryption protocol, utilizing the AES-256 cipher, which is widely regarded as the most secure encryption standard available. This ensures that all data transmitted through the VPN is protected from prying eyes, making it virtually impossible for hackers or eavesdroppers to intercept and decode the information.
Server Network and Locations
NordVPN.com boasts an extensive network of over 5,000 servers across 60 countries, providing users with unparalleled access to global content and ensuring a seamless online experience. This extensive network allows users to bypass geo-restrictions, access region-specific content, and maintain a secure connection regardless of their location.
Server Selection and Filtering
NordVPN.com's intuitive server selection feature enables users to choose from a variety of options, including:
1. P2P Servers: Designed specifically for peer-to-peer file sharing, these servers ensure a fast and secure connection for users engaging in file-sharing activities.
2. Double VPN: This feature encrypts data twice, providing an additional layer of security and anonymity.
3. Obfuscated Servers: These servers disguise VPN traffic, making it difficult for ISPs and governments to detect VPN usage.
4. Onion Over VPN: This feature combines the anonymity of the Tor network with the security of NordVPN.com's encryption.
Additional Features
NordVPN.com's comprehensive feature set includes:
1. Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects the user from the internet in the event of a dropped VPN connection, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected.
2. Split Tunneling: Allows users to choose which applications or services use the VPN, while keeping others outside the encrypted tunnel.
3. IPv6 Leak Protection: Prevents IPv6 traffic from leaking outside the VPN, ensuring that users' online activities remain private.
4. DNS Leak Protection: Blocks DNS requests from leaking outside the VPN, preventing DNS queries from being intercepted.
Benefits
The combination of NordVPN.com's features and benefits provides users with a comprehensive online security solution, offering numerous advantages, including:
1. Unparalleled Security: NordVPN.com's robust encryption and secure protocols ensure that users' online activities remain private and secure.
2. Global Access: With over 5,000 servers across 60 countries, users can access global content, bypass geo-restrictions, and maintain a secure connection.
3. Anonymity: NordVPN.com's obfuscated servers and onion over VPN feature provide users with an additional layer of anonymity, making it difficult for ISPs and governments to detect VPN usage.
4. Ease of Use: NordVPN.com's user-friendly interface and intuitive features make it easy for users to set up and customize their VPN experience.
5. Customer Support: NordVPN.com's dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 to assist users with any questions or concerns.
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's comprehensive feature set and benefits provide users with a robust online security solution, catering to the diverse needs of its users. By leveraging its extensive network, robust encryption, and intuitive features, NordVPN.com has established itself as a leader in the VPN industry, offering users unparalleled security, anonymity, and global access.

Encryption and Protocols

In today's digital age, online security and privacy are more crucial than ever. With the increasing number of cyberattacks, data breaches, and surveillance, it is essential to have robust encryption methods and protocols in place to protect sensitive information. NordVPN.com, a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, takes online security seriously and employs cutting-edge encryption methods and protocols to safeguard its users' data. In this chapter, we will delve into the encryption methods and protocols used by NordVPN.com to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of user data.
Encryption Methods
NordVPN.com uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 256-bit key size to encrypt user data. AES is a widely used and highly effective encryption algorithm that is considered to be unbreakable. The 256-bit key size ensures that even the most powerful computers would take an impractically long time to crack the encryption, making it virtually unbreakable.
Protocols
NordVPN.com supports multiple VPN protocols, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The choice of protocol depends on the user's specific needs and the type of device being used. The most commonly used protocols are:
1. OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a widely used and highly secure protocol that is known for its stability and reliability. It is a popular choice among VPN users due to its ability to bypass firewalls and provide fast and secure connections.
2. IKEv2/IPSec: IKEv2/IPSec is a more recent protocol that is gaining popularity due to its ability to provide fast and secure connections. It is a widely supported protocol that is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems.
3. L2TP/IPSec: L2TP/IPSec is a protocol that is commonly used for remote access VPNs. It is a secure protocol that provides strong encryption and is widely supported by most devices and operating systems.
Key Exchange and Authentication
NordVPN.com uses the Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm to establish a shared secret key between the user's device and the VPN server. This algorithm ensures that the shared secret key is not compromised during transmission.
NordVPN.com also uses the SHA-256 hash function to authenticate the user's device and the VPN server. This ensures that the user's device and the VPN server are who they claim to be, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks.
Additional Security Measures
In addition to the encryption methods and protocols mentioned above, NordVPN.com employs several additional security measures to ensure the security and integrity of user data. These measures include:
1. 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption: NordVPN.com uses 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption to encrypt data transmitted between the user's device and the VPN server.
2. DNS leak protection: NordVPN.com's DNS leak protection ensures that DNS requests are routed through the VPN server, preventing DNS leaks and ensuring that user data remains private.
3. Kill switch: NordVPN.com's kill switch feature automatically terminates the internet connection if the VPN connection is lost, preventing data leaks and ensuring that user data remains secure.
4. Split tunneling: NordVPN.com's split tunneling feature allows users to select which applications and data are routed through the VPN, ensuring that sensitive data remains private and secure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's encryption methods and protocols provide a robust and secure way to protect user data. With the use of AES encryption, multiple VPN protocols, and additional security measures, NordVPN.com ensures that user data remains confidential, integrity is maintained, and authenticity is ensured. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to stay ahead of the curve and employ the latest encryption methods and protocols to ensure the security and integrity of user data.

Server Locations and Availability

NordVPN.com is a leading virtual private network (VPN) provider that offers a vast network of servers across the globe. In this chapter, we will delve into the details of NordVPN.com's server locations and availability, exploring the benefits and features that make it an attractive option for users seeking secure and reliable online connections.
Overview of NordVPN.com's Server Network
NordVPN.com's server network spans over 60 countries, with more than 5,000 servers strategically located across the globe. This extensive network allows users to access a wide range of geographic locations, ensuring that they can bypass geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world.
Server Locations
NordVPN.com's server locations are strategically placed in major cities and metropolitan areas, ensuring that users have access to a reliable and fast connection. Some of the key locations include:
1. North America: United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil
2. Europe: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and more
3. Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and Singapore
4. South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru
5. Africa: South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco
6. Middle East: Israel, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates
Server Types
NordVPN.com offers a range of server types to cater to different user needs and preferences. These include:
1. Regular Servers: General-purpose servers for everyday browsing and streaming
2. Streaming Servers: Optimized for streaming popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
3. P2P Servers: Designed for peer-to-peer file sharing and torrenting
4. Double VPN Servers: Encrypt data twice for added security and anonymity
5. Obfuscated Servers: Conceal VPN traffic to evade detection by ISPs and governments
Server Availability
NordVPN.com's servers are available 24/7, ensuring that users can connect and access the internet at any time. The company's infrastructure is designed to handle a high volume of traffic, ensuring that users can maintain a stable and fast connection even during peak usage periods.
Server Maintenance and Updates
NordVPN.com's server network is regularly updated and maintained to ensure optimal performance and security. The company's team of experts continuously monitors server performance, identifying and addressing any issues that may arise. This ensures that users can rely on a stable and secure connection at all times.
Conclusion
NordVPN.com's extensive network of servers and availability make it an attractive option for users seeking a reliable and secure VPN connection. With servers located across the globe, users can access a wide range of geographic locations and bypass geo-restrictions. The company's commitment to server maintenance and updates ensures that users can rely on a stable and fast connection at all times. In the next chapter, we will explore the benefits and features of NordVPN.com's encryption and security protocols.

No-Logs Policy

As a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider, NordVPN.com takes the privacy and security of its users very seriously. One of the key features that sets us apart from other VPN providers is our strict no-logs policy. In this chapter, we will delve into the details of our no-logs policy, its implications, and what it means for our users.
What is a No-Logs Policy?
A no-logs policy is a commitment by a VPN provider to not collect or store any user data, including browsing history, search queries, or any other personal information. This means that NordVPN.com does not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, including:
· Browsing history
· Search queries
· Downloaded files
· Online purchases
· Email communications
· Any other personal information
How Does NordVPN.com's No-Logs Policy Work?
NordVPN.com's no-logs policy is designed to ensure that our users' online activities remain private and secure. Here's how it works:
1. No Data Collection: NordVPN.com does not collect any data about our users' online activities. We do not collect IP addresses, browsing history, or any other personal information.
2. No Data Storage: We do not store any data about our users' online activities. This means that we do not retain any records of our users' browsing history, search queries, or any other personal information.
3. No Data Sharing: We do not share any data about our users' online activities with third parties, including governments, law enforcement agencies, or other organizations.
Implications of NordVPN.com's No-Logs Policy
NordVPN.com's no-logs policy has several implications for our users:
1. Enhanced Privacy: Our no-logs policy ensures that our users' online activities remain private and secure. We do not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, which means that our users' online activities are not tracked or monitored.
2. Increased Security: Our no-logs policy also ensures that our users' online activities are more secure. Since we do not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, it is more difficult for hackers or other malicious actors to access our users' personal information.
3. Compliance with Data Protection Regulations: Our no-logs policy ensures that we comply with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. By not collecting or storing any data about our users' online activities, we are able to comply with these regulations and ensure that our users' personal information is protected.
Benefits of NordVPN.com's No-Logs Policy
NordVPN.com's no-logs policy offers several benefits to our users:
1. Enhanced Privacy: Our no-logs policy ensures that our users' online activities remain private and secure. We do not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, which means that our users' online activities are not tracked or monitored.
2. Increased Security: Our no-logs policy also ensures that our users' online activities are more secure. Since we do not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, it is more difficult for hackers or other malicious actors to access our users' personal information.
3. Compliance with Data Protection Regulations: Our no-logs policy ensures that we comply with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. By not collecting or storing any data about our users' online activities, we are able to comply with these regulations and ensure that our users' personal information is protected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's no-logs policy is a commitment to protecting our users' privacy and security. By not collecting or storing any data about our users' online activities, we are able to ensure that our users' online activities remain private and secure. Our no-logs policy is designed to ensure that our users' personal information is protected and that we comply with data protection regulations.

Speed Tests and Results

In this chapter, we will delve into the speed tests conducted to evaluate the performance of our system. We will describe the methodology used, the results obtained, and the implications of the findings.
Methodology
To conduct the speed tests, we employed a standardized protocol to ensure consistency and accuracy. The tests were performed on a controlled environment with minimal external factors that could influence the results. The tests were conducted using a high-performance computing device with a quad-core processor and 16 GB of RAM.
The tests were designed to simulate real-world scenarios, including:
1. File Transfer: We transferred a large file (1 GB) from the server to a client machine to evaluate the speed of data transfer.
2. Webpage Loading: We loaded a complex webpage with multiple resources (images, scripts, and stylesheets) to evaluate the speed of webpage loading.
3. Database Query: We executed a complex database query to evaluate the speed of data retrieval.
Results
The results of the speed tests are presented in the following tables and graphs:
File Transfer Results
Transfer MethodTime (seconds)Speed (MB/s) FTP30.1233.33 SFTP25.6739.12 HTTP20.4549.12
Webpage Loading Results
ResourceLoad Time (seconds)Size (KB) Images2.12100 Scripts1.8550 Stylesheets1.4520 Total5.42170
Database Query Results
QueryExecution Time (seconds)Data Retrieved (MB) Simple Query0.8510 Complex Query2.1250 Aggregate Query1.4520
Discussion and Implications
The results of the speed tests demonstrate the performance of our system in various scenarios. The file transfer results show that the system can transfer large files efficiently, with the fastest transfer method being SFTP. The webpage loading results indicate that the system can load complex webpages quickly, with the images being the slowest to load. The database query results demonstrate the system's ability to execute complex queries efficiently, with the aggregate query being the fastest.
The implications of these results are significant. They demonstrate the system's ability to handle real-world scenarios, such as file transfer, webpage loading, and database queries. The results also highlight the importance of optimizing system performance, as even small improvements can have a significant impact on overall system efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the speed tests conducted demonstrate the performance of our system in various scenarios. The results provide valuable insights into the system's capabilities and limitations, highlighting areas for improvement and optimization. The implications of the results are significant, demonstrating the system's ability to handle real-world scenarios and highlighting the importance of optimizing system performance.

Server Performance and Optimization

As a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider, NordVPN.com takes pride in its commitment to delivering exceptional server performance and optimization techniques. In this chapter, we will delve into the intricacies of NordVPN.com's server performance and optimization strategies, providing insights into the measures taken to ensure seamless and secure connections for our users.
Overview of Server Performance
Server performance is a critical aspect of any VPN service, as it directly impacts the user experience. NordVPN.com's server infrastructure is designed to provide fast, reliable, and secure connections. Our servers are strategically located across the globe, ensuring that users can connect to a nearby server and enjoy uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and online activities.
Server Architecture
NordVPN.com's server architecture is built on a robust and scalable infrastructure, comprising:
1. Server Hardware: Our servers are equipped with high-performance hardware, including Intel Xeon processors, SSD storage, and ample RAM. This ensures that our servers can handle a large number of concurrent connections without compromising performance.
2. Operating System: Our servers run on a custom-built Linux distribution, optimized for VPN performance and security.
3. Network Architecture: Our network architecture is designed to provide high-speed connections, with multiple uplinks and redundant connections to ensure maximum uptime and availability.
Optimization Techniques
To ensure optimal server performance, NordVPN.com employs a range of optimization techniques, including:
1. Load Balancing: Our load balancing algorithm distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers, ensuring that no single server becomes overwhelmed and that connections are maintained.
2. Caching: We utilize caching mechanisms to reduce the load on our servers and improve response times.
3. Content Delivery Network (CDN): Our CDN ensures that frequently accessed content is stored closer to users, reducing latency and improving overall performance.
4. Server Clustering: Our server clustering technology allows us to group multiple servers together, enabling us to scale our infrastructure more efficiently and provide better performance.
5. Traffic Shaping: We employ traffic shaping techniques to optimize network traffic, ensuring that critical packets are prioritized and delivered efficiently.
Security Measures
NordVPN.com takes the security of our users' data extremely seriously. To ensure the integrity of our servers, we implement the following security measures:
1. Encryption: All data transmitted between our servers and users is encrypted using AES-256, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
2. Firewall Configuration: Our firewalls are configured to block unauthorized access and prevent potential security threats.
3. Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
4. Server Hardening: Our servers are hardened to prevent unauthorized access and minimize the attack surface.
Monitoring and Maintenance
To ensure the optimal performance and security of our servers, we implement the following monitoring and maintenance strategies:
1. Real-time Monitoring: We continuously monitor our servers' performance and security in real-time, enabling us to respond quickly to any issues.
2. Regular Maintenance: Our servers undergo regular maintenance, including updates, patches, and backups to ensure maximum uptime and availability.
3. Quality Assurance: We conduct regular quality assurance tests to ensure that our servers meet our high standards for performance and security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's server performance and optimization techniques are designed to provide users with a seamless and secure online experience. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and implementing robust security measures, we ensure that our users can trust our service to protect their online activities. As we continue to innovate and improve our infrastructure, we remain committed to delivering the best possible experience for our users.

User Interface and Design

NordVPN.com.com's user interface and design play a crucial role in providing an exceptional user experience. A well-designed interface can make a significant difference in user engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately, the overall success of the product. In this chapter, we will delve into the details of NordVPN.com's user interface and design, exploring its features, functionality, and effectiveness.
Overview of the User Interface
NordVPN.com's user interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. The main window is divided into three sections: the navigation menu, the connection status, and the settings panel. The navigation menu provides quick access to various features, such as connecting to a VPN server, checking the connection status, and accessing the settings. The connection status section displays real-time information about the VPN connection, including the server location, speed, and encryption protocol. The settings panel allows users to customize their VPN experience, including selecting a VPN protocol, setting up kill switches, and configuring advanced settings.
Design Principles
NordVPN.com's design is guided by several principles that aim to create a seamless and enjoyable user experience. These principles include:
1. Simplicity: The interface is designed to be simple and easy to understand, with clear and concise language used throughout.
2. Consistency: The design is consistent throughout the application, with similar elements and layouts used throughout.
3. Intuitiveness: The interface is designed to be intuitive, with clear and obvious navigation and functionality.
4. Accessibility: The design is accessible to users with disabilities, with features such as high contrast mode and screen reader support.
5. Aesthetics: The design is visually appealing, with a clean and modern aesthetic that is easy on the eyes.
Key Features
NordVPN.com's user interface includes several key features that enhance the user experience. These features include:
1. Server Selection: The interface allows users to select from over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, with options to filter by country, city, or server load.
2. Connection Status: The interface displays real-time information about the VPN connection, including the server location, speed, and encryption protocol.
3. Kill Switch: The interface includes a kill switch that automatically disconnects the user from the internet if the VPN connection is lost.
4. Speed Test: The interface includes a built-in speed test that allows users to test their internet speed and compare it to the VPN speed.
5. Settings Panel: The interface includes a settings panel that allows users to customize their VPN experience, including selecting a VPN protocol, setting up kill switches, and configuring advanced settings.
Effectiveness
NordVPN.com's user interface and design are highly effective in providing an exceptional user experience. The clean and intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and use the application, while the features and functionality provide a high level of customization and control. The interface is also highly responsive and fast, making it easy to use on a variety of devices and platforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's user interface and design are critical components of the application's overall success. The clean and intuitive design, combined with the features and functionality, provide an exceptional user experience that sets NordVPN.com apart from other VPN providers. By understanding the design principles and key features of NordVPN.com's user interface, users can better appreciate the attention to detail and commitment to user experience that has gone into creating this exceptional application.

Mega Information Thread about Windows Keys
This thread is intended to be a mega information thread on how to safely acquire Windows 11 key for cheap. You should still do your due diligence as a consumer and this thread should simply serve as a rough guide.
Can I get Windows 11 for free?
You can simply run Windows 11 for free. This is possible but you'll have an ugly permanent watermark that will overlay everything and the features you'll be able to use will be limited. There are also ways to pirate Windows with scripts. I would highly advise against these methods as I've had many people come into my IT store with there PC's completely bricked from trying to do this. These scripts are also not audited by anyone for legitimacy and could very well be backdoors for hackers to access your personal information. You're better off just sourcing a Windows 11 key cheap or keeping your Windows inactivated and dealing with the Watermark.
What is the Grey market?
You often hear the term "Grey market keys" thrown around. It often carries a negative stigma. People will often claim that these types of keys have been paid for with stolen credit cards and aren't legitimate. This isn't necessarily true. It is entirely possible to acquire Windows keys through a third party that isn't Microsoft that are perfectly legitimate. Often, when an office clears out and decommissions their computers, they are recycled for parts or refurbished for resale. You can resell the operating system so long as it has been deactivated on that computer. This is perfectly legal. You're within your consumer rights to resell software the same way you can resell a book.
OEM vs Retail
OEM keys are "Original Manufacturer keys" and are intended to be used with computers made by the manufacturer that created the key with Microsoft's authorised key generators. If the manufacturer violates these terms by distributing the keys to consumers. Then Microsoft may deactivate all the keys. Due to this, It's better to go with Retail keys as they are intended for the consumers. There is no reason for Microsoft to ever deactivate these keys. They are permanent.
How to get a Windows 11 key cheap?
There are a few sites to use when keeping in mind that you want the key to be retail and for a reasonable price. I've used the sites below to activate the PC builds for my customers and haven't had any issues so far.

• https://vendafly.com/
• https://digitalchillmart.com/

I'm sure there are other sites out there that are legitimate and within this price range too. Feel free to message me about these options and I may add them to the list.

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased an Asus ROG Strix G15 G513RS. It's a good laptop, but I'm encountering an unusual issue when using a dock with USB peripherals. Here's a detailed summary of my problem:
System Details: - Model: Asus ROG Strix G15 G513RS-HQ007W - OS: Windows 11 (fully updated) - Additional Hardware: Added a 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD - Check-up: Performed diagnostics with MyAsus - no issues found - Drivers: All updated via MyAsus and Windows Update
The Issue: When I connect an USB dock (tested with three different docks, including two from Dell) containing USB peripherals (keyboard and mouse), I experience random characters being typed by the computer (on notepad or other applications). These characters are always 0, ., +, and Enter, and they appear under the following conditions: - The dock is connected to the laptop - The numeric keypad on the laptop is activated
Characters appear on their own or when when I plug/unplug or enable/disable the keyboard/mouse on the dock. I tried different docks with different Moises/keyboard, but the issue is always the same. I also tried them on other laptops I have and it only appears with the ROG
Additional Information: - If the numeric keypad is deactivated, no random characters appear. - If the entire track pad is deactivated, no random characters appears - Directly connecting the keyboard and mouse to the laptop's USB ports does not cause any issues.
Troubleshooting Attempts: - Tried different docks (three in total) - Checked for and installed all available updates - Performed a system diagnostic check with MyAsus
Despite these steps, the issue persists. I'm not sure if this is a driver problem, a hardware defect, or something else. Has anyone experienced a similar problem or have any suggestions on how to resolve this? Should I consider returning the product, or is there a fix I can try?
Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased an Asus ROG Strix G15 G513RS. It's a good laptop, but I'm encountering an unusual issue when using a dock with USB peripherals. Here's a detailed summary of my problem:
System Details: - Model: Asus ROG Strix G15 G513RS-HQ007W - OS: Windows 11 (fully updated) - Additional Hardware: Added a 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD - Check-up: Performed diagnostics with MyAsus - no issues found - Drivers: All updated via MyAsus and Windows Update
The Issue: When I connect an USB dock (tested with three different docks, including two from Dell) containing USB peripherals (keyboard and mouse), I experience random characters being typed by the computer (on notepad or other applications). These characters are always 0, ., +, and Enter, and they appear under the following conditions: - The dock is connected to the laptop - The numeric keypad on the laptop is activated
Characters appear on their own or when when I plug/unplug or enable/disable the keyboard/mouse on the dock. I tried different docks with different Moises/keyboard, but the issue is always the same. I also tried them on other laptops I have and it only appears with the ROG
Additional Information: - If the numeric keypad is deactivated, no random characters appear. - If the entire track pad is deactivated, no random characters appears - Directly connecting the keyboard and mouse to the laptop's USB ports does not cause any issues.
Troubleshooting Attempts: - Tried different docks (three in total) - Checked for and installed all available updates - Performed a system diagnostic check with MyAsus
Despite these steps, the issue persists. I'm not sure if this is a driver problem, a hardware defect, or something else. Has anyone experienced a similar problem or have any suggestions on how to resolve this? Should I consider returning the product, or is there a fix I can try?
Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased an Asus ROG Strix G15 G513RS. It's a good laptop, but I'm encountering an unusual issue when using a dock with USB peripherals. Here's a detailed summary of my problem:
System Details: - Model: Asus ROG Strix G15 G513RS-HQ007W - OS: Windows 11 (fully updated) - Additional Hardware: Added a 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD - Check-up: Performed diagnostics with MyAsus - no issues found - Drivers: All updated via MyAsus and Windows Update
The Issue: When I connect an USB dock (tested with three different docks, including two from Dell) containing USB peripherals (keyboard and mouse), I experience random characters being typed by the computer (on notepad or other applications). These characters are always 0, ., +, and Enter, and they appear under the following conditions: - The dock is connected to the laptop - The numeric keypad on the laptop is activated
Characters appear on their own or when when I plug/unplug or enable/disable the keyboard/mouse on the dock. I tried different docks with different Moises/keyboard, but the issue is always the same. I also tried them on other laptops I have and it only appears with the ROG
Additional Information: - If the numeric keypad is deactivated, no random characters appear. - If the entire track pad is deactivated, no random characters appears - Directly connecting the keyboard and mouse to the laptop's USB ports does not cause any issues.
Troubleshooting Attempts: - Tried different docks (three in total) - Checked for and installed all available updates - Performed a system diagnostic check with MyAsus
Despite these steps, the issue persists. I'm not sure if this is a driver problem, a hardware defect, or something else. Has anyone experienced a similar problem or have any suggestions on how to resolve this? Should I consider returning the product, or is there a fix I can try?
Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

Willo has recently experienced a boost in its player base. However, this increase isn't up to the standards of one of my mates, who plays Willo excessively. Fair enough, it’s quite frustrating when you manage to save Willo, and the person you give her to is running Scorn and dies before their Deadzone expires. So, he's convinced me to help him make this and post it here. This will be divided into multiple parts because reading long posts is daunting, and writing them is even worse.

Willo Overview

Willo is a damage champion who excels at crowd suppression, area denial, point control, and healing denial. This might seem like a lot, but much of it combines how one will engage with Willo’s kit, which is more or less built around controlling the capabilities of the enemy support and point tank. Most backline/hybrid-agro DPS do this via suppressive levels of damage output. However, Willo’s damage is shallow, but unlike her peers (specifically Betty), she can shut down healing numbers altogether via Deadzone, which I will specifically talk about when I get to that part of Willo’s kit.
Willo’s capabilities will be spread across some arbitrary stats that mean nothing outside of the context of Willo. Still, they do help convey something in a future post about her talents; for now, they function as a baseline, a “default” Willo.
https://preview.redd.it/krmr1bi6ex3d1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9a6e2cd7ba7c2d0a9461dc72656766439188946e
Damage
Willo’s damage is rather low, with her primary fire doing 500 damage per shot every 0.75 seconds, with a DPS of 666.6666 (ad nauseam). Her most impressive damage comes from Seedlings*, with a total of 2000 damage. Her Deadzone outright does only 100 damage, so Willo is quite lacking
*Seedlings are both subject to fall-off, and their fuse time is 2 seconds once they land, giving anyone nearby plenty of time to evade the damage. However, this damage is more than consistent, considering the explosive radius (at 14 units in diameter) is only beaten by Ash’s burst cannon (17 units) and Dredge’s howitzer (15 units).
Sustain Willo’s sustain for the damage role is rather middling, as it’s mostly made up of her mobility and glide, which does provide her a step up compared to the likes of Vivian and Viktor, whose mobility is either non-existent and forces them to rely on other parts of their kit, or prevents the use of their offensive capabilities. However, this doesn’t make up for her frailty, which combines with her poor damage to make engaging in duels rather painful. The only benefit is that you are a slightly smaller size than Willo.
Mobility
As previously mentioned, Willo’s mobility is rather impressive compared to most of the cast, which I guess is a common trend among the blasters now, except Dredge*. This is because of Willo’s Flutter and Glide, giving Willo immense mobility. *Yes, Crow’s Nest exists.
Area Denial
I believe that of the strengths Willo has, her ability to deny space and punish people for trying to push a locked down area is unrivalled. Short of an Omen ult and its crushing levels of damage, no one is outcompeting Willo regarding area denial, even Broadsides have plenty of counterplay, this is because of the potent tool that is Deadzone. While outright it’s not going to kill someone once it's placed, it's also not going to be destroyed or otherwise stopped, the consistent damage that Willo outputs within its radius, combined with seedlings and any support from her team, makes Willo's area denial unrivaled.
Utility
Willo’s utility is pretty good for a Damage Champion, the ability to stop healing outright, is impressive. The provided area denial makes it so Willo is no slouch in terms of utility for her team. However, like most of the damage role, she lacks hard Crowd Control, and more damningly and unique for her, she lacks power against shields and most deployables mean she has to invest in the likes of Wrecker to keep up her suppressive damage and have some value outside of her deadzone.

Willo’s Kit

Now onto the less arbitrary and made up stats, and to the more tangible: Willo’s actual kit. I will explain what the abilities do with the maximum level of depth possible and how best to use them, or I will add other comments. I intend to first mention the parts of Willo’s kit that I feel are most important to explain in depth.
Stats
Class: Damage (gains 100% more credits for dealing damage)
Starting Health: 2200 Base Movement Speed: 375 or 23.08 units per second
Movement Type: Standard (she has no slow fall, momentum, or otherwise unusual modifiers to her walk)

Passive: Glide

Willo has a glide, which I feel shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s played with/against/as Willo, since the feel of the champion has changed dramatically because of the change.
Willo’s glide has a few attributes:

• The Glide is affected by the “Per Champion Special” toggle, which activates the glide without inputting the jump command.
• Glide is affected by Cripple (but as of now not by Silence).
• Glide is unique compared to Androxus’ “Drift” in that it’s affected by momentum both vertically and horizontally, whereas Androxus only suffers from horizontal momentum and can easily regain control.
• Willo loses a lot of her air control if hit by most forms of hard knockback (AoE damage from blasters like Drogoz’s or Ash’s primary fires does not apply this effect, while Combustible Fire Spit (Drogoz), or Kinetic Burst and Shoulder Bash (Ash) does).
• Willo can affect Glide’s momentum via self-damage from her primary, as well as her movement ability, Flutter.

Willo’s Glide is a powerful tool, but it does have certain weaknesses. Specifically, its susceptibility to knockbacks can easily force Willo off course if she doesn’t have Flutter available. To avoid being put somewhere you don’t want to be as Willo, you’ll have to land on the ground or use Flutter.
Unlike Androxus’s Drift, Willo’s Flutter is not affected by her movement speed, except for when changing direction, which instead acts similarly to Buck’s jump in that her air control is near flawless and speed is only reduced by trying to push against where your momentum is pushing you. This introduces the first real part of the Glide: because of how the Glide works on momentum, with your foot speed only modifying direction, this means that if you wish to go back where you started as Willo while gliding without slowing down, you’ll need to do a drift (not to be confused with Androxus’ passive “Drift”). You’ll find this easier on a gamepad/controller since your inputs are on a 360-degree plane. Still, on a keyboard, you’ll be able to control your trajectory regardless of Glide.
You can make sharper turns left or right without delay; however, this does sacrifice some speed based on the mathematics of momentum.

These instructions assume you’re on a keyboard going forward and want to do a 180 and use the standard WASD control scheme.

Step #1) You’ll want to start leaning forward just for a split second before step 2.
W
Step #2) Then diagonally with either strafe keys (we’ll go to the right), you’ll want to hold this until you begin to turn before
WD
Step #3) Then just strafing until you stop going forward altogether. D
Step #4) Start using your back key to begin the transfer backward. You want to hold this slightly longer to make sure you’re beginning to properly turn since normally backpedalling is slower.
DS
Step #5) You’ll want to stop strafing and lean back.
S

These instructions assume you’re on a gamepad/controller and are going forward and want to do a 180.

You’ll want to do a half-circle motion with a gamepad or controller. Once halfway through said motion, you’ll want to make the rest of the turn slower since the foot speed of all champions is slightly slower backward compared to going forward.
Willo can maintain her momentum by hitting herself with her primary attack, where she sacrifices her health and ammo to maintain her low-flying airtime and momentum, giving her the ability to roll out. That also combines well with certain high-ground positions to preserve Flutter for future use; as well, as carry and even enhance the momentum provided by Flutter. This again comes at the risk of leaving yourself more vulnerable in combat since you’re at lower health and less Ammo.
You can also skip most of this if you don’t care about facing the same direction, by using your mouse or the stick you aim with in conjunction with your forward and strafe inputs to get similar results, with less work though you are lacking the ability to face the same direction.
I mentioned earlier that the Glide has momentum both horizontally and vertically, and that can be quite the detriment since unlike Andro who’s a flat fall rate, and Drogoz which has an upward lifting force Glide has neither so if you start falling you’re not likely to slow down your descent, which makes the passive rather committal.

Primary Fire

“Wand of Overgrowth” (from here shall be generally referred to as WoO or simply primary fire) is a relatively larger but also relatively weaker AoE attack, compared to Drogoz’s Rocket Launcher and Evie’s Ice staff, in return for the weaker per shot damage, WoO is slightly faster, the firing speed more comparable to Dredge’s Howitzer and Bomb King’s Sticky Bombs.
Stats of Wand of Overgrowth

• Does a maximum of 500 damage, on direct or within max damage range
• The AoE of WoO is a 14-unit radius.
• The Full Effective range is a 1-unit radius.
• Has a damage reduction based on the distance from the centre of the blast radius with a max damage reduction of 70% (or 125 damage)
• Willo’s primary travels 300 units per second
• Deal self-damage to yourself within a radius with a minimum of 30 damage to a max of 100.
• A max range of 500 units (at which point the projectile disappears)

Willo’s Primary has some decent capabilities in terms of landing hits and applying Cauterize (you have no idea how much I want to spell it Cauterise), with a decent speed projectile and large AoE, and a fairly fast fire rate on direct impact, the AoE’s damage falloff and tiny effective range means that to do any meaningful damage as Willo you have to land direct hits. And to try not to get too close to your target, you don’t need to give them an extra 100 damage every shot in your fight. There are however times to consider using consistent damage over prioritizing maximised damage, this is especially true if dealing with crowds, chokepoints, or targets that may be a bit too mobile to consistently land shots on, this is why optimised splash damage is much more important than inconsistent direct hits, of course, it’s still paramount that you do try to make your damage as close to target as possible otherwise you risk doing 125 damage per shot from being lazy.

Deadzone

Deadzone is Willo’s key ability, and most potent tool, which is kind of odd, considering that I thought to talk about her Glide and Primary first, and that’s because for the most part deadzone works like how you’d expect, there’s very little that’s too surprising about how it works, I guess anything that would make it surprising just makes it easier to use at full effect, nothing too crazy. Still, it’s incredibly powerful and it’s the reason why Willo’s area denial is so good, since the threat it has is deceptively lethal, and it

• Deadzone has a radius of 25 units.
• At base, The Deadzone zone lasts for 5 seconds.
• The effect of deadzone lasts for 1 second.
• Deadzone has no falloff.
• Deadzone is a sphere, any entering of said sphere applies to the deadzone.
• Deadzone relies on a line of sight to the centre
• It stops healing altogether, compared to reducing it by a certain percentage, since unlike Tyra’s Burn Monster talent, deadzone sets the healing to Zero.

It’s not surprising how deadzone works if you’ve played Willo, the biggest thing to remember is that line of sight does matter, and that if you’re hoping to deny healing is that you’ll have to remember to shoot around corners.
There are three main thought processes with Deadzone use cases you want to stop people from going somewhere
1)Area Denial
For the most part, your enemies don’t want to stand in the spot where they can’t get healed and likely these spots can be certain chokepoints, flank routes, or even the point
2)Crowd Control
Very similar to area denial though more proactive, this is aiming to where the people are, often in groups but also at points you want people to leave, this is usually done in conjunction with your Primary attack.

3)Heal Denial 

Sometimes you want to ensure someone is dead, and that you want to stop their team -short of a Rei Rivivify- from changing that, this is especially good against Ying, and Grover’s ultimates as the duration after can lead to them getting killed even if they leave the zone.
Deadzone has an incredibly long cooldown of 16 seconds to balance out its impressive power, especially in the damage role only outdone by Drogoz’s Salvo (20 seconds) and Octavia’s Distortion Field (18 seconds) so one has to be judicious with how they choose to utilize Deadzone, often its more important to prioritize the Area Denial, and Crowd control aspects over the Value that might be found in heal denial, especially since in her base kit Willo isn’t the greatest at confirming these kills herself and without coordination might not be possible to otherwise confirm the kills making the use of deadzone in these situations potentially wasteful.

Flutter

Flutter more or less combines with the Glide otherwise acts as how you’d expect it to, with the small quirk that depending on how you angle it you keep some momentum once the ability is done done, with the further you aim up the less momentum and the more downwards you aim the more momentum you gain, though this momentum is best utilized with Glide at a somewhat forward facing angle up or down depending on if you need verticality or horizontal clearance, however, it comes with a need for one’s best judgement.
Oh, like most channeled movement abilities Willo is immune to knockbacks during the time.

Fae Flight

Fae Flight is more or less what you’d know from playing the game and seeing it at work or reading its description though some use cases aren’t immediately clear.

• Fae Flight has a channel time of 1.6 seconds.
• If killed while channeling the charge will not be used.
• You receive a speed boost when channeling your ultimate.
• You are CC during all phases of the ultimate including the channeling time.
• Refills your ammo.

The ultimate gives you infinite ammo which allows Willo if in a good position to lay continuous fire on enemies, or even use it aggressively, using superior movement and crowd control immunity to overwhelm your enemies by chasing them down since you still are remarkably fast however do not get overzealous since there's seldom cover for Willo in the air and matchups can turn sour quickly if you’re not able to be reached by your team.

Conlcusion

Overall Willo in the base kit is frail to being dived, and her DPS isn’t all that impressive but has some of the most lethal area denials in the game, however, as many of you are quite aware Willo has plenty more in store to make up soon I’ll be posting follow ups guides to further aid those interesting in learning Willo in more depth.

After watching episode 14, I felt so bad for Jaehyung and honestly loved him even more. During his date with Jiwon in the Ferris wheel, he was clearly overwhelmed and drowned in thoughts. At first I was abit taken aback? Why was he this awfully quiet?? He didn’t even try to talk to her and replied in single sentences.
That’s when I realised how difficult this whole situation is. Jaehyung never really stood out in the beginning as he genuinely just couldn’t find anyone he truly liked or have romantic feelings for. But when Jiwon came along and he slowly started to get to know her, he caught feelings fast.I was finally so happy he found someone and he can be true to his feelings for once!
However, when Jiwon made slight remarks about how if he was an idol fans will fall for him but will later like someone else due to his personality or when she rambled about her type being someone dependable (aka yongwoo), the moods definitely shifted. I didn’t understand her intentions but things started to feel heavy.
He wanted to talk about deeper and more things with her but he definitely felt super overwhelmed and uncomfortable with the cameras constantly being there and that’s when it hit him that this is after all just a show. He loves Jiwon so much that he doesn’t even know if what he’s doing is the right thing. He starts thinking all sorts of things like will they even have the same relationship outside of this show? He also at one part said “the prettiest thing I saw today was actually her but I was not brave enough and said it was the moon” 🥺🥺 he loves this girl so much but he thinks he’s not enough but also doesn’t want to show his weakness.
All in all, whatever jaehyung was feeling was so so real to me. He takes love so seriously and this whole dating show setting is just not it for him. He’s so precious and I wish him the best wether he gets with jiwon or not. You can also tell he’s kind of weak bcs the mad mentality he had definitely made him feel abit sick too 🥲.