Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ximei's magic shield is shattered by Kairi's club, leading to a physical battle.
• Ximei uses Dispel Magic to break Kairi's magic shield.
• Ruby guides Ximei to land a punch on Kairi's face and a knee strike to his groin, winning the match.
• Haru challenges Ruby to a duel, with Haru promising not to use magic.

Character Developments

• Ximei gains confidence and skill in physical combat, learning to trust Ruby's guidance.
• Ruby demonstrates his strategic prowess and willingness to engage in physical combat when necessary.
• Kairi's defeat and injury highlight the vulnerability of Battle Mages in close combat.
• Haru's anger and desire for revenge reveal his protective nature towards his disciples.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability in combat, as demonstrated by Ximei's shift from magic to physical fighting.
• The strategic use of knowledge and guidance, as shown by Ruby's instructions to Ximei.
• The vulnerability of powerful individuals in certain situations, as seen with Kairi's defeat.

Character Interactions

• Ximei and Ruby: Teacher-student bond, trust, and mutual respect.
• Ximei and Kairi: Combatants, with Ximei gaining the upper hand due to Ruby's guidance.
• Haru and Ruby: Rivals, with Haru seeking revenge for his disciple's defeat.
• Mayona and Ruby: Unspoken connection, with Mayona influencing Ruby's decision to accept Haru's challenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby uses a flashbang to blind and defeat Haru, the Battle Mage teacher from Beiana Dou Shen Academy.
• Hart, Haru's younger brother, challenges Ruby, but Ruby uses pepper spray and an electric baton to defeat him.
• Chiyo, the petite Archmage, challenges Ruby to a match, with conditions that Ruby can only use his own power and not use any props.
• Ruby and Chiyo engage in an intense staff duel, with Ruby ultimately winning using a move called "Carp Leaping Over Dragon Gate."

Character Developments

• Ruby demonstrates his strategic thinking, using unconventional methods to defeat his opponents quickly and efficiently.
• Chiyo shows interest in Ruby's strength and agrees to a match, revealing her skill and restraint in using her power.
• Hart shows loyalty to his brother but underestimates Ruby's capabilities.

Significant Themes

• The use of unconventional methods and tools in combat.
• The importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in battles.
• The restraint and control of one's power.

Character Interactions

• Ruby and Mayona: Ruby teases Mayona, while Mayona scolds Ruby for his unconventional methods.
• Ruby and Chiyo: They engage in a duel, with Chiyo showing interest in Ruby's strength and Ruby wanting to know why Chiyo was with Aqua that morning.
• Ruby and Hart: Ruby defeats Hart using unconventional methods, showing Hart's underestimation of Ruby.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mayona demonstrates exceptional control over her Bottomless Swamp magic, creating steam and using vines to incapacitate several Battle Mages.
• Qianye uses Space Magic (Decoy Scarecrow) to escape Mayona's steam domain and attacks, but Mayona counters with her own Space Magic.
• Mayona attempts a close combat attack (Mayona Flying Kick) on Qianye, but it fails due to lack of strength, causing her to fall and leaving Qianye mostly unharmed.

Character Developments

• Mayona showcases her powerful magic control and versatility, using spells like Steam, Vine Entanglement, and Vine Treant effectively.
• Qianye reveals her ability to use advanced Space Magic (Decoy Scarecrow), demonstrating her strategic thinking and quick reflexes.
• Both characters display a level of calm and composure under pressure, with Mayona maintaining her confidence and Qianye showing little reaction to Mayona's attacks.

Significant Themes

• The power of versatility and adaptability in magic (Mayona's use of various spells and Qianye's use of different magic types).
• The importance of strategic thinking and quick reflexes in combat (Qianye's use of Decoy Scarecrow and Mayona's use of Space Magic to counterattack).
• The impact of physical strength on close combat effectiveness (Mayona's failed attack due to lack of power).

Character Interactions

• Mayona and Qianye's interaction highlights their respective strengths and leads to a display of mutual respect, with Qianye laughing heartily after Mayona's failed attack.
• The students in the stands react enthusiastically to Mayona's performance, elevating her status among her classmates.
• Shudor and Haru discuss Qianye's use of Decoy Scarecrow, further emphasizing her prowess.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chiyo joins Mayona and Ruby for breakfast, revealing she has a keen sense of smell for food.
• Mayona experiences muscle soreness from her battle with Chiyo, affecting her eating.
• Ruby and Mayona share a moment of affection, feeding each other.
• Chiyo flirts with Ruby, causing Mayona to become jealous and aggressive.
• Ruby discusses the mysterious object at the bottom of the lake with Chiyo.
• The school festival begins, with tourists entering the academy for the first time in a century.
• Students set up food stalls, promoting interaction between students and tourists.

Character Developments

• Mayona shows signs of jealousy and possessiveness over Ruby.
• Chiyo displays confidence and flirtatious behavior, contrasting with Mayona's jealousy.
• Ruby maintains his calm and disciplined demeanor, mediating between Mayona and Chiyo.

Significant Themes

• The theme of jealousy and possessiveness is explored through Mayona's behavior.
• The interaction between students and outsiders is highlighted, challenging preconceived notions about students at Rhine Magic Academy.
• The power of communication and shared experiences is demonstrated through the food stalls.

Character Interactions

• Mayona and Chiyo's rivalry and tension are evident, with Mayona becoming jealous of Chiyo's flirtatious behavior.
• Ruby acts as a mediator between Mayona and Chiyo, maintaining his composure despite their antics.
• Students and tourists interact, challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding between the two groups.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby plans to confess his feelings to Mayona during the school festival.
• They visit the school entrance, where Ximei is selling takoyaki.
• Ruby and Mayona enter a haunted house set up by their teacher, Baiyu.

Character Developments

• Ruby struggles with confessing his feelings to Mayona, showing growth in his emotional understanding.
• Mayona remains confident and fearless, further emphasizing her strong-willed nature.
• Ximei reveals his admiration for Ruby's cooking skills and his desire to learn.

Significant Themes

• Love and Confession: Ruby's internal struggle and eventual decision to confess his feelings to Mayona is a central theme.
• Courage and Fear: The haunted house serves as a backdrop to explore the characters' courage and lack of fear, contrasting with the typical reactions of ordinary people.

Character Interactions

• Ruby and Mayona's interaction shows their compatibility and mutual understanding, despite Ruby's internal turmoil.
• Ruby's interaction with Ximei reveals Ximei's admiration for Ruby and his desire to learn from him.
• The characters in the haunted house interact with Ruby and Mayona, but their attempts to scare the couple fail, highlighting the couple's fearlessness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby, Mayona, and Chiyo visit the haunted house. Chiyo helps Ruby by provoking Mayona to act scared and cling to Ruby.
• Ruby confesses his feelings to Mayona on the rooftop, but his words are drowned out by fireworks. He then kisses her to express his feelings.

Character Developments

• Ruby: Realizes his feelings for Mayona and decides to confess. He also appreciates Chiyo's help and considers her a good person.
• Mayona: Experiences new emotions and closeness with Ruby. She enjoys the school festival and the fireworks display.
• Chiyo: Shows her kind and intelligent side by helping Ruby. She plans to bring the school festival idea back to her own school.

Significant Themes

• Love and relationships: Ruby and Mayona's growing feelings for each other, and Ruby's struggle to express his feelings.
• Friendship and camaraderie: Chiyo's help in the haunted house and her support for Ruby's relationship with Mayona.
• Personal growth: Ruby's realization of his feelings and his decision to act on them.

Character Interactions

• Ruby and Mayona: Their relationship deepens as they spend time together at the school festival. Ruby confesses his feelings to Mayona, and they share their first kiss.
• Ruby and Chiyo: They become closer as Ruby appreciates Chiyo's help, and she considers him a potential Lover.
• Mayona and Chiyo: They interact briefly in the haunted house, with Chiyo provoking Mayona to act scared and cling to Ruby.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby kisses Mayona, causing her to be confused and unable to understand his intentions.
• Alicia, Mayona's staff, is furious about the kiss and attacks Ruby.
• Mayona decides to consider Ruby as her teacher, misunderstanding her feelings for him.
• Ruby agrees to Mayona's request, feeling disappointed about her misunderstanding.

Character Developments

• Mayona: Struggles to understand her feelings for Ruby, misinterprets them as those for a teacher.
• Ruby: Feels disappointed about Mayona's misunderstanding but decides to wait and try again.
• Alicia: Gets locked in a safe after causing a commotion, still determined to protect Mayona's chastity.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstood feelings and relationships.
• The complexity of human emotions and their expression.
• The impact of past experiences on present perceptions (Mayona's feelings for Ruby are influenced by her relationship with her teacher).

Character Interactions

• Mayona and Ruby: Their interaction is strained due to Mayona's misunderstanding of her feelings.
• Alicia and Ruby: Alicia attacks Ruby for kissing Mayona, leading to a humorous chase and lock-up.
• Dragon and Alicia: Dragon tries to reason with Alicia, revealing his understanding of human relationships and romance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mayona and Ruby continue exploring the school festival together, holding hands briefly.
• They encounter Chiyo, who joins them, much to Mayona's displeasure.
• Ruby, Mayona, and Chiyo attend a concert in Ruby's classroom, where a Mermaid is the main act.

Character Developments

• Mayona struggles with her feelings for Ruby, misunderstanding their relationship.
• Ruby shows kindness and understanding towards Chiyo, admiring her maturity.
• Chiyo remains independent and unbothered by her loneliness, maintaining her composure.
• Baiyu, the Necromancer teacher, is revealed to have left her familiar, Little White, in the haunted house.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings in Relationships: Mayona's confusion about her feelings for Ruby and her misunderstanding of their relationship dynamics.
• Independence vs. Companionship: Chiyo's contentment with her solitude versus Ruby and Mayona's growing bond.
• Consequences of Actions: Baiyu's reckless behavior with her familiar, Little White.

Character Interactions

• Mayona and Ruby's relationship continues to develop, with Mayona holding Ruby's hand to recall their kiss.
• Mayona's jealousy and displeasure at Chiyo's presence highlight her growing possessiveness over Ruby.
• Ruby's kindness towards Chiyo contrasts with Mayona's behavior, showing his maturity and understanding.
• Baiyu's interaction with Ruby reveals her fearlessness and evasiveness when caught in a precarious situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aqua, a Mermaid, performs a concert at Rhine Magic Academy, shocking the audience and students.
• Ruby, initially surprised, accompanies Aqua on the piano, captivating the audience.
• The concert ends with Ruby and Aqua's performance, leaving the audience wanting more.

Character Developments

• Aqua shows her singing talent and stage presence, but also her manipulative side in organizing the concert.
• Ruby demonstrates his musical prowess and concern for Aqua's well-being, despite being annoyed by her schemes.
• Ximei shows his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to help Aqua, despite the risks.

Significant Themes

• The power of music to captivate and unite people.
• The manipulation of public opinion and perception.
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Aqua and Ruby's dynamic: Aqua's admiration for Ruby and her schemes to get his attention, Ruby's exasperation but eventual support.
• Aqua and Ximei's partnership: Aqua's manipulation of Ximei for her goals, Ximei's willingness to help despite the risks.
• Ruby and Red Bean's bond: Ruby's concern for Red Bean's well-being, Red Bean's loyalty and willingness to help Aqua.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby accidentally pins Mayona down on the sofa, leading to a tense moment between them.
• Tinasha arrives unexpectedly, hugging Ruby and trying to hug Mayona, who dodges and freezes Tinasha with a spell.
• Ruby takes Tinasha to the private kitchen for breakfast, where she shares news about the Yu-Gi-Oh! card release.
• Tinasha asks about Ruby and Mayona's relationship, leading to an awkward revelation about an accidental kiss.

Character Developments

• Ruby: Shows restraint and respect for Mayona's feelings, despite the accidental kiss.
• Mayona: Struggles with her feelings for Ruby, denies the kiss wasn't willing.
• Tinasha: Expresses disappointment at the possibility of Ruby and Mayona being together without her.

Significant Themes

• Accidental kisses and their implications on relationships.
• Friendship and the dynamics between the trio (Ruby, Mayona, and Tinasha).
• The impact of unexpected news or events on characters' emotions.

Character Interactions

• Ruby and Mayona: Tense and awkward due to the kiss, with Mayona denying any willingness.
• Tinasha and Mayona: Tinasha tries to hug Mayona, who dodges and freezes her, showing tension between them.
• Ruby and Tinasha: Ruby is patient with Tinasha's enthusiastic behavior, while Tinasha shares news about the Yu-Gi-Oh! card release with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tinasha, the green-haired princess, visits the academy, causing a commotion.
• She insists on being fed by Mayona before forgiving her and Ruby.
• Chiyo, the red-haired princess, arrives, leading to a tense standoff with Tinasha over food.
• They learn each other's identities and discuss the recent restlessness in the Forest of Magic Beasts.
• Tinasha invites everyone to the Imperial Capital for a holiday after the upcoming battle.
• Tinasha leaves, entrusting Mayona to Ruby, and Chiyo gives Ruby a hair tie before departing.

Character Developments

• Tinasha: Shows her playful and childish side, but also her confidence and strategic thinking.
• Mayona: Struggles with jealousy over Chiyo's gift to Ruby but ultimately accepts it.
• Ruby: Shows affection towards Mayona and accepts Chiyo's gift, hinting at his growing connections.
• Chiyo: Displays her competitive nature and confidence in her strength, but also shows a more vulnerable side when leaving a gift for Ruby.

Significant Themes

• Competition and camaraderie among powerful women.
• The importance of trust and connection in relationships.
• The looming threat of the Forest of Magic Beasts and the upcoming battle.

Character Interactions

• Tinasha and Mayona: They have a playful, sisterly dynamic, with Tinasha teasing Mayona and entrusting her to Ruby.
• Tinasha and Chiyo: They have a tense standoff initially but acknowledge each other's strength and status as princesses.
• Ruby and Mayona: Ruby teases Mayona about her jealousy, strengthening their bond.
• Ruby and Chiyo: Chiyo leaves a gift for Ruby, hinting at a growing connection between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu-Gi-Oh! cards go on sale, causing global excitement and a pay-to-win phenomenon among nobles.
• The Empire's second Prince announces the addition of five Blue-Eyes White Dragon cards to commemorate the first Card Release Day.
• Rumors spread about five low-tier cards that can defeat the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, but they're dismissed as nonsense.

Character Developments

• Nobles are shown to be eager to spend their excess wealth on Yu-Gi-Oh! cards to stand out among players.
• Ruby confesses his feelings to Mayona, but she doesn't agree.
• Philoxis confesses her feelings to Ruby, but he falls asleep before hearing her.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of wealth and power (nobles spending excessively on cards).
• The allure of strength and power (the desire for Blue-Eyes White Dragon cards).
• The struggle to express and understand emotions (Philoxis' confession to Ruby).

Character Interactions

• Ruby and Philoxis' interaction shows their growing closeness, with Philoxis even using Recovery Magic on Ruby.
• Ruby's confession to Mayona hints at a potential love triangle with Philoxis.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Eve arrives at Ruby's house in a self-built car, the Frost Drill Car, causing destruction.
• Ruby is surprised by Eve's invention and her persistence in pursuing him.
• Eve expresses her determination to be with Ruby, despite his reluctance.

Character Developments

• Eve: Shows growth as an inventor, demonstrates persistence and determination in pursuing Ruby.
• Ruby: Struggles with Eve's feelings, tries to maintain a friendly but distant relationship.

Significant Themes

• Compatibility and shared interests in relationships.
• Pursuit of one's goals despite obstacles.
• The struggle between personal feelings and responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Eve and Ruby: Eve expresses her feelings for Ruby, while Ruby tries to maintain a friendly distance, leading to a tense but caring dynamic.
• Eve and the Frost Drill Car: Eve's invention showcases her skills and determination, but also highlights her impulsive and reckless side.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby can't sleep due to Eve's words and hears Aqua singing at the lake.
• Aqua leads Ruby and Dragon to a cave where a sealed weapon, possibly Gluttony, is held.
• Ruby and Dragon encounter a being claiming to be Gluttony, one of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Character Developments

• Ruby shows concern for Aqua and determination to help her.
• Dragon is hesitant but ultimately supports Ruby's decision to follow Aqua.
• The being claiming to be Gluttony reveals a melancholic side, hinting at a troubled past.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and loyalty (Ruby's concern for Aqua, Dragon's support for Ruby).
• Identity and deception (Gluttony's claim, Dragon's skepticism).
• The passage of time and change (Gluttony's mention of past events).

Character Interactions

• Ruby and Aqua: Ruby follows Aqua to rescue her, showing care and concern.
• Ruby and Dragon: They work together, with Dragon providing protection and advice.
• Dragon and Gluttony: They have a tense exchange, with Dragon demanding proof of Gluttony's identity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dragon meets Gluttony, a former Demon King, now imprisoned and having his magic power extracted.
• Gluttony reveals he was captured by humans and has been imprisoned for centuries.
• Dragon learns that Gluttony's imprisonment is maintained by magical chains that require a specific key to unlock.

Character Developments

• Dragon: Shows curiosity and amusement towards Gluttony's situation, but no immediate desire to help.
• Gluttony: Reveals his past and expresses a desire for Dragon's help, showing vulnerability and desperation.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Gluttony's immense power led to his imprisonment and suffering.
• Friendship and loyalty: Dragon's lack of immediate assistance to Gluttony raises questions about their past friendship.

Character Interactions

• Dragon and Gluttony: Their interaction is filled with banter and teasing, with Dragon showing little sympathy for Gluttony's situation.
• Dragon and Ruby: They continue their playful dynamic, with Ruby showing concern for Gluttony's situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Dragon reveals Gluttony's origin and power to Ruby and Alicia.
• Alicia's role as a turret, amplifying spell damage by 64%, is revealed.
• Alicia and Gluttony's combo skill, Infinite Firepower, is mentioned.
• Swart suggests taking students to observe the upcoming Monster Tide up close, and Principal Harvey agrees, allowing 20 students to participate, including Mayona.

Character Developments

• Ruby learns more about the Sinners and their roles.
• Alicia feels slighted by the Dragon's description of her as a turret but later feels proud of her amplifying ability.
• Swart shows initiative and strategic thinking in suggesting the student activity, aiming to outshine Ruby.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and roles of the Sinners.
• The value of real-world experience in learning, as highlighted by Swart's suggestion.
• The potential danger and scale of the Monster Tide.

Character Interactions

• The Dragon, Ruby, and Alicia have a conversation about the Sinners' roles and characteristics, leading to some banter between Alicia and the Dragon.
• Swart interacts with Principal Harvey, presenting his idea for the student activity and receiving approval.
• The Dragon, Ruby, and Alicia have a playful exchange about staffs, with the Dragon comparing Alicia to a powerful staff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruby and Mayona discuss her upcoming mission to Hedonmar, with Ruby expressing concern for her safety.
• Mayona receives a message from the Principal, ordering her to protect the students in her absence.
• Ruby, Mayona, and the students embark on a journey to Hedonmar, facing unexpected challenges like a broken teleportation array and harsh terrain.
• Mayona uses her Space Magic to leave the group, asking Ruby to take care of the students.
• Ruby's group encounters Tinasha, who has collapsed from heatstroke while traveling to Hedonmar in disguise.

Character Developments

• Ruby demonstrates his caring nature, worrying about Mayona's safety and later helping Tinasha.
• Mayona shows her responsibility as an Archmage, taking charge of the students' safety in the Principal's absence.
• Tinasha displays her reckless and stubborn side, disobeying her father to go to Hedonmar.

Significant Themes

• Safety and Responsibility: Characters express concern for each other's safety, showing their sense of responsibility.
• Adversity: The group faces unexpected challenges, testing their resilience and adaptability.
• Recklessness vs. Caution: Tinasha's impulsive actions contrast with Ruby and Mayona's more cautious approaches.

Character Interactions

• Ruby and Mayona share a tender moment, revealing Ruby's protective feelings towards her.
• Ruby and Tinasha reunite under unexpected circumstances, with Ruby expressing exasperation at her reckless behavior.
• Mayona and Ruby work together to protect the students, showcasing their teamwork and mutual trust.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Archmage girl, Mayona, leisurely floats in the sky, awaiting the Monster Tide.
• A massive tide of Magic Beasts, including high-level ones, approaches Heimdall.
• Mayona unleashes a powerful attack, decimating a significant portion of the Magic Beasts.
• A Shadow Phantom War Eagle, a level seven Magic Beast, attacks Mayona, disrupting her casting.
• The remaining Magic Beasts charge towards Heimdall's walls.
• In the Mage Guild headquarters, a gathering of powerful Mages discusses the Monster Tide. The Guild Master reveals that the Monster Tide is a game orchestrated by the Magic Beasts.

Character Developments

• Mayona demonstrates her immense power, causing the defending Mages to hope for her victory.
• The Saint of Magics present at the gathering realize their lack of involvement in defending against the Monster Tide.
• Harvey decides to leave the gathering to find his students, showing his concern for their safety.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between humans and Magic Beasts.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents.
• The responsibility of powerful individuals in protecting their communities.

Character Interactions

• Mayona's actions inspire hope and awe in the defending Mages.
• The Saint of Magics engage in a heated discussion about the Monster Tide and their role in it.
• Harvey's decision to leave the gathering shows his dedication to his students and his concern for their well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tinasha repeatedly asks Ruby about his relationship with Mayona during their journey to Heimdall.
• Ruby encounters a Space Worm, a rare Magic Beast capable of teleportation, and kills it, releasing other Magic Beasts.
• The group is attacked by the released Magic Beasts, including a General Mantis.

Character Developments

• Ruby: Shows his knowledge of rare Magic Beasts and his combat skills, using a small-caliber sniper rifle to kill the Space Worm.
• Tinasha: Demonstrates bravery and responsibility, deciding to stay and fight to protect the group and cover their retreat.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Tinasha feels it's her duty as a princess to protect her people, even in the face of danger.
• Knowledge and Experience: Ruby's vast knowledge of Magic Beasts and his combat skills prove invaluable in a crisis.

Character Interactions

• Ruby and Tinasha: Their dynamic shifts as Tinasha shows she's willing to fight alongside Ruby, and Ruby expresses concern for her safety.
• Ruby and Swart: Swart is surprised by Ruby's knowledge and actions, showing respect for Ruby's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Swart, Ruby, and Tinasha are ambushed by Thunderbird Beasts during a field trip.
• Ruby insists on staying behind to fight, while Swart and Bai Yu are to lead the students to safety.
• Ruby uses his sniper rifle to incapacitate the Thunderbird Beasts, drawing the attention of their leader.
• Ruby switches to close combat, using a shield axe created by Dragon, and eventually uses its special ability, "Blade of Glory," to defeat the remaining Thunderbird Beasts.

Character Developments

• Ruby demonstrates his bravery and determination to protect others, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Swart shows remorse for his negligence and accepts responsibility to ensure the students' safety.
• Bai Yu struggles with the decision to reveal her Necromancy powers to help Ruby, ultimately choosing not to.

Significant Themes

• Bravery and Sacrifice: Ruby's willingness to stay behind and fight, knowing he might not survive, showcases his bravery and selflessness.
• Responsibility: Swart accepts responsibility for his actions and prioritizes the students' safety.
• Identity and Honesty: Bai Yu grapples with revealing her true identity and powers to help Ruby.

Character Interactions

• Ruby and Tinasha's friendship is highlighted as Ruby prioritizes her safety.
• Ruby and Swart's interaction reveals Swart's remorse and Ruby's understanding and acceptance of it.
• Ruby and Bai Yu's interaction shows their mutual understanding and respect, with Bai Yu choosing not to reveal her identity to protect Ruby.