Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu leaves Shen Mu's stronghold with two Robber friends, carrying ironware, and they disappear into the Wheat Field.
• Shen Mu's stronghold is well-defended, with clear divisions of labor among the guards.
• Shen Mu opens a Bronze Chest and obtains a Light Ballista, which he installs on the second floor of the main house.
• The next morning, the Gray Fog and darkness dissipate with the sunrise, revealing the city's former glory.
• A neighbor from the fifth floor visits Shen Mu.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu shows strategic thinking by installing the Light Ballista for defense.
• Shen Mu's predecessor's memories reveal his apprehension about the upcoming Black Tide event.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and defense against threats (Undead Monsters, Black Tide).
• The contrast between the city's past glory and present danger.
• The importance of preparation and strategic thinking.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with the Swadian Footman, who informs him about a visitor.
• Shen Mu's predecessor's memories hint at a potential interaction with the neighbor from the fifth floor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Na, a Level 1 Druid, and Polo, a Halfling Elder, encounter Human Race soldiers and militia on the seventh floor, indicating a Lord's presence.
• Liu Na and Polo meet Shen Mu, the Lord, and request an alliance to provide Spiritual Realm food in exchange for access to unpolluted nature in his territory.

Character Developments

• Liu Na: Shows social anxiety and hesitation when interacting with Shen Mu.
• Polo: Demonstrates understanding of the Spiritual Realm's politics and economy, acting as a spokesperson for Liu Na.
• Shen Mu: Initially surprised by Liu Na's identity, he remains guarded about his territory's resources.

Significant Themes

• The value of Spiritual Realm food and its impact on Spiritual Realm Creatures.
• The importance of unpolluted nature for Druids.
• The strategic value of information and secrets in the Spiritual Realm.

Character Interactions

• Liu Na and Polo: They work together, with Polo acting as a spokesperson due to Liu Na's social anxiety.
• Liu Na and Shen Mu: Liu Na is hesitant and socially anxious when speaking to Shen Mu, while he is initially surprised but maintains a guarded attitude.
• Shen Mu and Polo: Shen Mu is suspicious of Polo's knowledge about his territory, while Polo tries to reassure him of their good intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu accepts a temporary mission to form an alliance with the Halfling Elder Polo and the Druid Liu Na.
• Shen Mu agrees to provide unpolluted soil to help Liu Na level up her Druid abilities in exchange for dried mushrooms and earthworms.
• Shen Mu receives a 'Low-Tier Ring of Supply' as a mission reward, which can replenish consumed arrows for troops.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu shows diplomacy and strategic thinking by forming an alliance for mutual benefit.
• Elder Polo and Liu Na express gratitude and excitement for Shen Mu's help.

Significant Themes

• Alliance and cooperation for mutual benefit.
• Resource exchange and trade.
• Preparation for upcoming challenges.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu, Elder Polo, and Liu Na form an alliance, with Shen Mu providing resources and Liu Na offering dried mushrooms and earthworms in exchange.
• Shen Mu shows caution in his alliance, hinting that trust needs to be built before deeper cooperation.
• Elder Polo and Liu Na express their excitement and gratitude for Shen Mu's help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu decides to have Swadian Recruits kill Undead Monsters near the Stronghold Main House to avoid triggering special reactions from the Necromantic Rules.
• As night falls, the smell of sulfur and other pungent odors intensify, signaling the arrival of Abyssal Demons.
• The Demons breach the security door of Room 7040, revealing a horde of Imps and a larger demon, followed by Hellhounds.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates caution and strategic thinking, prioritizing the safety of his troops.
• The Swadian Footmen display discipline, courage, and eagerness to fight, responding to Shen Mu's serious demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The unknown and its terror: The impending battle against unknown Demon Troops heightens the tension and fear.
• Preparation and resolve: Shen Mu and his troops prepare meticulously for the battle, displaying determination and courage in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and the Swadian Footmen: Shen Mu's serious demeanor inspires the Footmen, who respond with unity and resolve.
• The Demon Troops: The Imps and the larger demon, followed by Hellhounds, interact in their attack, revealing their hierarchy and coordination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A battle ensues in the Corridor of the Stronghold Main House.
• Shen Mu leads 25 Swadian Footmen to form a Pike Square, blocking the Corridor.
• Imps, led by a powerful demon, charge towards the Pike Square.
• Swadian Footmen and Mercenary Crossbowmen fight back, causing heavy Imp casualties.
• A Lake Rats Recruit uses a Ballista to inflict significant damage on the Imps.
• A powerful demon breaks through the Imp ranks and charges towards the Swadian Footmen.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates strategic thinking and leadership by forming the Pike Square and coordinating the defense.
• Swadian Footmen show discipline and determination in holding their formation despite the chaotic attack.
• Mercenary Crossbowmen and the Lake Rats Recruit display skill and effectiveness in ranged combat.
• The powerful demon reveals its strength and fearlessness in battle.

Significant Themes

• The importance of formation and discipline in battle.
• The effectiveness of combined arms (spearmen, archers, and artillery) in combat.
• The fear and chaos that can be instilled in enemies by inflicting heavy casualties.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu leads and coordinates his troops, demonstrating confidence and control.
• Swadian Footmen and Mercenary Crossbowmen work together, supporting each other's positions.
• Imps and the powerful demon interact, with the demon pushing through the Imps to engage the enemy directly.
• The Lake Rats Recruit and the Ballista play a crucial role in turning the tide of the battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A horned demon's roar echoes through the apartment building, causing fear among the inhabitants.
• Liu Na and the halflings sense the chaotic and evil force of the Abyss.
• Liu Na, guided by Halfling Elder Polo, attempts to connect with the Will of Nature.
• Liu Na's glimmering mushrooms activate, releasing spores that grow into new mushrooms, manifesting the aura of nature.
• Liu Na successfully advances to Level 2 as a Druid.

Character Developments

• Liu Na: Overcomes her fear, connects with the Will of Nature, and advances to Level 2 as a Druid.
• Halfling Elder Polo: Guides Liu Na, shows concern for her growth, and reveals his tribe's sacred Heart of Oak seed.

Significant Themes

• Fear and courage in the face of danger.
• The power of nature and its connection to Druids.
• The importance of guidance and mentorship (Elder Polo's role in Liu Na's advancement).

Character Interactions

• Liu Na and Halfling Elder Polo: Elder Polo comforts and guides Liu Na, helping her connect with the Will of Nature and advance.
• Liu Na and her halfling companions: They support and protect Liu Na, hiding among the plants with her.
• Liu Na and the horned demon: Liu Na senses the demon's chaotic and evil force, which motivates her to connect with the Will of Nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A massive Horned Demon, nearly two meters tall and weighing over 500 pounds, attacks the Swadian Stronghold.
• Swadian Footmen and Mercenary Sentinels defend the stronghold using spears, crossbows, and a ballista.
• The ballista, operated by Lake Rats Recruits, deals significant damage to the Horned Demon, eventually killing it.

Character Developments

• Swadian Footmen display courage and unity in the face of the demon's threat.
• Shen Mu, initially tense, becomes more relaxed as the battle progresses, showing confidence in the stronghold's defenses.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and teamwork among the Swadian Footmen.
• The importance of weaponry and strategy in combat, as demonstrated by the ballista's effectiveness against the Horned Demon.

Character Interactions

• The Swadian Footmen work together, forming a Pike Square to defend against the Horned Demon's charge.
• Mercenary Sentinels and Lake Rats Recruits coordinate to reload and operate the ballista, providing crucial support to the footmen.
• Shen Mu observes the battle from the Stronghold Main House, showing confidence in the stronghold's defenses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu's forces defeat a group of invading demons, including a Horned Demon, Hellhounds, and Imps, using a combination of ballista attacks, pike squares, and melee combat.
• The demons, despite their brutal nature, exhibit fear and panic when their commander is killed, leading to disorganization and chaos.
• Shen Mu's forces pursue and massacre the retreating demons, killing hundreds of Imps in a chase lasting less than a hundred meters.
• Shen Mu decides to explore the Spiritual Realm Scene in Room 7040 during the day, after his forces have rested.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates strategic prowess and calm leadership, directing his forces effectively and seizing the opportunity to counterattack when the demons are disorganized.
• The Swadian Footmen and Lake Rats Recruits show bravery and enthusiasm in combat, particularly when pursuing and killing the retreating demons.

Significant Themes

• The demons, despite their fearsome appearance, are vulnerable to fear and disorganization, highlighting the importance of strategy and morale in battle.
• The Mount & Blade Soldiers' tolerance for harsh conditions and the stench of battle is emphasized, contrasting with Shen Mu's initial discomfort.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with his forces primarily through commands and orders, demonstrating his role as a leader.
• The Swadian Footmen and Lake Rats Recruits interact through camaraderie and shared enthusiasm in battle, as well as through their shared tolerance for harsh conditions.
• The demons interact through their shared fear and disorganization, leading to their eventual defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu successfully defends a Swadian stronghold, earning him rewards and increased reputation.
• He gains 30 Swadian Footmen, 50 Swadian Refugees, 25 Robbers, 1 mu of Wheat Field, and 2000 Denars due to his legendary reputation.
• A group of Swadian soldiers, refugees, and robbers, including 5 military provisions trailers, arrive at Shen Mu's stronghold.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu's reputation in the Kingdom of Swadia and the Robber circle increases, leading to more followers and resources.
• The newly arrived Swadian soldiers, refugees, and robbers are eager to pledge allegiance to Shen Mu.

Significant Themes

• Reputation and its rewards: Shen Mu's legendary reputation in the Kingdom of Swadia and the Robber circle brings him significant benefits.
• Unity and belonging: The newly arrived Swadians feel a sense of unity and belonging when they see Shen Mu's Swadian guards.

Character Interactions

• The newly arrived Swadians interact with Shen Mu's guards, expressing their desire to pledge allegiance to Shen Mu.
• Shen Mu's guards, recognizing the newcomers as fellow Swadians, invite them to meet Shen Mu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu's stronghold gains 105 new members, increasing his total to 150.
• The new members are welcomed and provided with a meal and rest in the Wheat Field room.
• Shen Mu uses a Battlefield Replenishment Magic to restock basic weapons for his troops.
• Shen Mu faces a choice to upgrade his troops, with different options for Lake Rats and Swadian Footmen.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu shows kindness and respect towards the new members, earning their loyalty.
• Shen Mu demonstrates strategic thinking in considering troop upgrades based on the current environment.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty: The new members express gratitude and loyalty to Shen Mu for accepting them.
• Strategic Thinking: Shen Mu considers the environment and the strengths of different troop upgrades before making a decision.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with the new members, showing respect and kindness.
• The new members express their gratitude and loyalty to Shen Mu.
• Shen Mu communicates with the system to consider troop upgrades.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Diesel Company, once prosperous, now wields power in Balihe Street due to its employees obtaining Spiritual Realm Marks and the allegiance of an Orc tribe.
• The company uses a Magic Crystal Ball to detect magic fluctuations, which activates when a magic fluctuation is detected on the east side of Balihe Street.
• Zhang Bo, the Deputy Director of the Quality Inspection Department, learns of the fluctuation and shares the information with Zhang Caidong, his friend from the same hometown.

Character Developments

• Zhang Bo: A Level 2 Divination Mage who serves as the Deputy Director of the Quality Inspection Department. He is honest and simple but shows hesitation in following rules when pressured by his friend.
• Zhang Caidong: A Level 3 Warrior and the Deputy Captain of the twelfth squad in the Transportation Department. He is ambitious, disregards rules, and is willing to use underhanded methods to gain advantage.

Significant Themes

• Power and corruption: The Diesel Company's use of violence and oppression to maintain control, and their disregard for rules and regulations.
• Loyalty and friendship: Zhang Bo's loyalty to his friend Zhang Caidong, even when it goes against his duties.
• Information control: The power held by Zhang Bo due to his control over the Magic Crystal Ball and the information it provides.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Bo and Zhang Caidong: Despite their friendship, Zhang Bo is hesitant to help Zhang Caidong, knowing that sharing information could lead to trouble. Zhang Caidong, however, is persistent and manipulative in his pursuit of advantage.
• Zhang Bo and the Imp: Zhang Bo shows appreciation for the Imp's service, indicating a level of respect for his subordinates.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu decides to upgrade his 25 Swadian Footmen into an Infantry Combat Team and a Heavy Cavalry unit.
• The soldiers prepare for battle, with Swadian Heavy Cavalry dismounting to remove their horses' armor.
• Shen Mu sleeps in and wakes up to find the soldiers ready. He inspects the Swadian Heavy Cavalry and is satisfied with their appearance.
• Shen Mu opens the Silver Tier Treasure Chest and obtains the 'Lake Rats Training Camp' building.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu shows strategic thinking in upgrading his troops and displays satisfaction in their preparation.
• The soldiers demonstrate discipline and respect towards Shen Mu.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and readiness for battle.
• The importance of strategic planning and resource management (upgrading troops, preparing horses' armor).

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with his soldiers, showing approval and satisfaction with their work.
• The soldiers greet Shen Mu respectfully, acknowledging his leadership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu discovers he can't unfurl one mu of Wheat Field due to insufficient space and a Spiritual Realm Scene (Demon Stronghold) blocking the area.
• A mission is issued by the Mount & Blade System: "Recover Lost Ground," requiring Shen Mu to clear the Demon Stronghold and gain control of the Space-Time Core to receive 30 minutes of Map Editor (Magic Ball) Operation Authority.
• Shen Mu plans to use this mission to gain experience for his troops and construct buildings using the Magic Ball authority.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and determination in dealing with the Demon Stronghold and planning troop deployment.
• The Swadian Footmen, Mercenary Sentinels, and other troops show potential for growth and experience gain.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming obstacles and limitations (e.g., insufficient space, Demon Stronghold).
• Gaining experience and growth for troops.
• Utilizing resources and opportunities (e.g., Magic Ball authority, Military Rations).

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with his troops, deploying them strategically for the mission.
• The troops, though not directly interacting with Shen Mu, show unity and readiness to follow his commands.
• The Lake Rats Veteran Thugs and Swadian Footmen interact in their respective roles, guarding the elevator room and leading the charge, respectively.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Shen Mu's forces easily defeat the remaining demon troops in the castle hall.
• Shen Mu uses a 'Low-level Battlefield Supply Technique' to resupply the mercenary sentinels with crossbow bolts.
• The battle continues as remaining demons are hunted down by peasants and robbers.
• Shen Mu explores the castle, discovering a spiral staircase leading to the second floor.
• On the second floor, Shen Mu finds a white crystal with dark red lines, a Spiritual Realm Scene Core or 'Spiritual Realm Mark'.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates strategic planning and calm leadership during the battle.
• Peasants and robbers gain confidence and experience in combat.
• Shen Mu shows curiosity and determination in exploring the castle and discovering the Spiritual Realm Mark.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different races and classes within the Spiritual Realm.
• The importance of experience and leveling up for lower-class characters.
• The allure and significance of the Spiritual Realm Mark.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with the Swadian Footmen and Light Footmen, showing trust in their abilities.
• Peasants and robbers work together to hunt down remaining demons, showing camaraderie and eagerness to prove themselves.
• Shen Mu's curiosity and determination are supported by the Swadian Footmen, who ensure his safety before he explores the second floor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu absorbs a Spiritual Realm Mark, gaining a legacy from the Spiritual Realm.
• The Spiritual Realm Scene collapses, and the castle turns back into an ordinary room.
• Shen Mu returns to the Stronghold Main House, learning that Liu Na and Polo visited.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates his strategic thinking and calmness under pressure.
• The Swadian Footmen display loyalty and bravery in protecting Shen Mu.
• Liu Na shows concern for Shen Mu's well-being, indicating a potential alliance.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Spiritual Realm Mark and its legacies.
• The fragility of Spiritual Realm Scenes and their connection to Blue Star.
• The importance of alliances and collaboration in survival.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with the Swadian Footmen, showing understanding and acceptance of their actions.
• Shen Mu's interaction with Liu Na and Polo is brief but acknowledges their concern.
• The Lake Rats Veteran Thugs show loyalty and adherence to their duties in guarding the elevator room.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu activates the "Magic Ball (Map Editor)" system tool, allowing him to modify the apartment building according to his will for 30 minutes.
• He uses this authority to transform the seventh floor of the apartment into a stronghold, complete with a castle main tower and various constructible buildings like storage rooms, granaries, and a wheat field.
• Shen Mu decides to remove the elevator room, utility rooms, and central corridors to optimize the layout, and expands the stronghold to cover the entire seven-story apartment.
• He plans to use the first to fourth floors as leveling spots and persuade his neighbors to leave.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates his strategic thinking and planning abilities by efficiently transforming the apartment into a stronghold using the Magic Ball Map Editor.
• He shows adaptability and resourcefulness in dealing with the unexpected disappearance of red light spots and the absence of his guards.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and resourcefulness: Shen Mu quickly adapts to the new system tool and uses it to his advantage, demonstrating his ability to think on his feet.
• Expansion and optimization: Shen Mu's plans to expand the stronghold and optimize its layout reflect his strategic thinking and desire for growth.

Character Interactions

• Although not explicitly shown in this chapter, Shen Mu's interactions with his guards (Swadian Footmen, Light Footmen, and Heavy Cavalry) are implied, as he gives them orders and expects them to be at their posts.
• The dialogue box notifications from the Mount & Blade System serve as an interactive element, providing information and feedback to Shen Mu and the reader.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Geng Jun, a high-ranking official of the Diesel Company, is killed by Momit, a Gnoll he had been guarding against.
• Gnolls and Wild Goblins, led by Zhang Caidong, invade the apartment building, killing Geng Jun and searching for Spiritual Realm Marks.
• The invaders reach the fifth floor, targeting a Druid woman and other Halflings and Humans.
• An earthquake occurs, and a Human Race voice challenges the invaders outside the stairwell.

Character Developments

• Geng Jun: Dies at the hands of Momit, revealing the Gnolls' dissatisfaction with his leadership.
• Momit: Betrays Geng Jun, showing the Gnolls' inherent worship of violence and strength.
• Zhang Caidong: Shows arrogance and ruthlessness, leading the Gnolls and Wild Goblins, and targeting the Spiritual Realm Marks.
• Sun Family Brothers: Display impatience and greed, eager for crystal core fragments and the Druid woman.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and Loyalty: Momit's betrayal of Geng Jun highlights the theme of loyalty and its limits, as well as the consequences of betrayal.
• Power and Strength: The Gnolls' worship of violence and strength is a central theme, influencing their actions and alliances.
• Greed and Ambition: Zhang Caidong and the Sun Family Brothers exhibit greed for Spiritual Realm Marks and power, driving their actions.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Caidong and the Sun Family Brothers: They form an uneasy alliance, with Zhang Caidong needing their Wild Goblins for strength and the Sun Family Brothers seeking crystal core fragments and the Druid woman.
• Geng Jun and Momit: Their relationship is one of betrayal, with Momit ultimately killing Geng Jun.
• The Invaders and the Residents: The invaders show no mercy to the apartment building's residents, killing them without hesitation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lake Rats Veteran Thugs and Swadian soldiers encounter Gnolls and Wild Goblins on the sixth floor.
• The Halflings identify the creatures as bandits who killed their people.
• The Human forces form a Pike Square, and the Lake Rats Veteran Thugs use Harpoons to thin out the enemy ranks.
• The Gnolls and Wild Goblins, despite their initial ferocity, are significantly weakened and hesitate in their advance.

Character Developments

• The Lake Rats Veteran Thugs display their skill and courage in battle.
• The Swadian soldiers show discipline and unity in forming a Pike Square.
• The Halflings, though initially frightened, find their courage and identify the enemy.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and organization in battle (Human forces vs. disorganized Gnolls and Wild Goblins).
• The fear and respect instilled by Lord Shen Mu in his followers.

Character Interactions

• The Lake Rats Veteran Thugs and Swadian soldiers work together to defend against the enemy.
• The Halflings interact with the Human forces, providing information about the enemy.
• The Gnolls and Wild Goblins underestimate their opponents, leading to their hesitation and eventual defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Swadian Footmen and Light Footmen, led by the player, form a Pike Square, a battle formation similar to the Macedonian Phalanx, and advance steadily against the Gnolls and Wild Goblins.
• The Pike Square formation proves devastatingly effective, with the enemy unable to withstand the continuous spear thrusts.
• Zhang Caidong and the Sun Family Brothers, who had pushed open the stairwell door, are shocked to find elite human soldiers instead of the expected militia.
• Zhang Caidong realizes that the player has obtained a Lord Inheritance, causing the Sun Family Brothers to feel greed and jealousy.
• The enemy forces retreat in disarray, suffering heavy losses.

Character Developments

• The player's forces demonstrate exceptional organization and training, proving to be formidable opponents.
• Zhang Caidong shows strategic thinking and the ability to adapt, trying to turn the situation to his advantage by reporting the player's territory to the Diesel Company.
• The Sun Family Brothers display a ruthless and greedy nature, blaming Zhang Caidong for their losses and initially considering turning against him.

Significant Themes

• The importance of training and organization in warfare.
• The value and power of a Lord Inheritance in the Spiritual Realm.
• The ruthless and competitive nature of the Diesel Company and its members.

Character Interactions

• The player's forces work together effectively, demonstrating strong teamwork and discipline.
• Zhang Caidong and the Sun Family Brothers initially cooperate but later show signs of turning against each other due to their losses and greed.
• The enemy forces, both Gnolls and Wild Goblins, show poor discipline and organization, struggling against the player's forces.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu returns to find his soldiers have won a battle and the castle has been modified using the Magic Ball.
• He receives a 'Silver Tier Treasure Chest' and a list of soldiers and civilians who can be upgraded.
• Liu Na and her 12 Halfling followers arrive at the castle, having witnessed its construction.
• Shen Mu offers them a job cultivating wheat fields in exchange for food, protection, and fulfillment of reasonable requests.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu: Realizes the need for more Denar to upgrade his soldiers. Decides to entrust the wheat fields to Liu Na and the Halflings.
• Liu Na: Still socially anxious, bewildered by recent events.
• Halfling Elder Polo: Recognizes the quality of the castle and the soldiers, decides to pledge allegiance to Shen Mu for protection.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Shen Mu's growing strength and influence are evident in his new castle and soldiers. Liu Na and the Halflings recognize his power and accept his offer out of fear and awe.
• Resource management: Shen Mu faces the challenge of upgrading his soldiers, which requires a significant amount of Denar, highlighting the importance of resources in his new life.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Liu Na: Their interaction is brief but shows Shen Mu's authority and Liu Na's anxiety.
• Shen Mu and Halfling Elder Polo: Polo shows respect and understanding of Shen Mu's power, accepting his offer without question.
• Liu Na and Halfling Elder Polo: Polo takes charge, guiding Liu Na and the other Halflings, showing a fatherly concern for their well-being.