MORE THAN FISTS
MORE THAN FISTS
A Short Drama Novel by Your Assistant
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Chapter 1: The Weakest Boy in Town
Ethan Cole was known as "the weakest boy in all of Southside Chicago, 1981." He was skinny, pale from staying indoors too much, and his eyes were always fixed on the ground. He lived in a rundown trailer on the edge of a scrapyard, alone since his mother passed away six months ago.
Every morning, Ethan worked at a gas station, changing tires and cleaning windshields. He made minimum wage—barely enough for a loaf of bread and some eggs. And almost every day, he was bullied.
"Hey, scarecrow! Fill up my tank, and don't scratch the paint!" yelled Brad, a rich kid whose father owned three car dealerships.
Ethan obeyed. But as soon as he finished, Brad and his two friends pushed him behind the station. A punch to the stomach. A kick to the ribs. A slap across the face. Ethan collapsed onto the oily concrete.
"Tomorrow, bring twenty bucks. Or else."
Ethan closed his eyes, swallowed the blood in his mouth, and limped home.
That night, he looked at an old poster on his wall—Rocky Balboa standing on the museum steps, arms raised.
"I want to learn how to fight," Ethan whispered to the empty room.
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Chapter 2: A Dream with Empty Pockets
Ethan searched for boxing gyms. But every decent gym required membership fees—hundreds of dollars. He almost gave up, until an old mechanic told him about "The Iron Jaw Gym"—a small, forgotten place behind a laundromat.
He found it. The gym was a converted garage. One torn heavy bag. A ring with broken ropes. A single fan that rattled like a dying engine. The coach, Mr. Kowalski, was a former boxer who lost his last fight so badly he never recovered.
"You sure, kid? We ain't got nothing. We lose every local tournament. Even the pigeons avoid this place."
"I don't care, sir. I just want to learn."
Kowalski sighed. "Fine. No fee. But you show up at 5 AM. And you don't quit."
For the first time in months, Ethan smiled.
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Chapter 3: Training Hell and New Bullies
Training was brutal. Running five miles before sunrise. Push-ups until his arms gave out. Crunches until his stomach cramped. Hitting the heavy bag until his knuckles bled.
But the real problem wasn't the training. The gym was also used by a group of rich kids from the north side. They were led by Vince Harrington, son of a real estate tycoon. Vince didn't want to learn boxing—he wanted to show off.
"Look who crawled in. The gas station rat wants to be a fighter? What're you gonna hit me with, Cole? Your hollow bones?" Vince laughed, and his friends joined in.
Ethan tried to ignore them. But every day, they hid his water bottle, stole his hand wraps, and during sparring, Vince hit way too hard on purpose.
One afternoon, Vince landed a clean hook to Ethan's temple. Ethan collapsed, unconscious. He woke up hours later, alone on the dirty gym floor, dried blood on his lip.
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Chapter 4: The Humiliating Banishment
Coach Kowalski knew what was happening, but he was too afraid to confront Vince. Vince's father had connections. One phone call could shut down the gym forever.
So Vince took matters into his own hands.
"This kid stole my watch," Vince announced one day, holding up his bare wrist. "I saw him take it from my locker."
Two of Vince's friends pretended to search Ethan's bag. "Here it is!" they shouted, pulling out an old watch they'd planted earlier.
"Thief," Vince spat. "You don't belong here."
They dragged Ethan outside. Vince punched him. Then another. Then another. Ethan couldn't fight back. He was too weak, too hungry, too broken.
When they finished, Vince threw a handful of loose change at Ethan's face.
"Buy yourself a meal. And if I ever see you near this gym again, I'll put you in the hospital."
Ethan lay in the gutter. Rain started falling. His ribs were cracked. His left eye was swollen shut. Blood mixed with rainwater as it ran down the curb.
He had no one. His mother was gone. His father was a drunk who'd disappeared years ago.
Ethan closed his eyes. "God... if you let me live... give me one chance. Just one."
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Chapter 5: The Miracle System
Just as his vision began to fade, a strange voice echoed inside his head. Cold. Clear. Like a computer from a sci-fi movie.
DING!
[Limitless Boxing System Activated]
Host detected in critical condition. Initiating emergency recovery...
Ethan felt warmth spreading from his chest. His cuts began to close. His ribs stopped hurting. He could breathe again.
He sat up, gasping.
Welcome, Ethan Cole.
Daily Quest System Unlocked.
Current effect: 1 day of training = 1 year of experience.
Would you like to start your first training session?
Ethan stared at the glowing letters floating in his vision. Then he clenched his fist.
"Yes."
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Chapter 6: One Day, One Year
Ethan ran home that night, despite his healed-but-weak body. The next morning at 4 AM, he began.
He found an abandoned warehouse near the trainyards. He hung a heavy bag made of cement-filled canvas. He drew a jump rope circle on the floor.
Day 1 training started. Time dilation active. 1 day = 1 year.
He ran. He punched. He did sit-ups until his abs screamed. He shadowboxed until his reflection blurred.
For 24 hours straight, he trained like a man possessed.
DING! Training complete. 1 year of experience gained.
Skills acquired:
· Jab speed: Intermediate
· Footwork: Intermediate
· Stamina: High
Ethan collapsed on the dirty floor, exhausted but grinning. He could feel it. His body was different. Lighter. Faster.
He looked at his hands. "I'm just getting started."
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Chapter 7: The Weakest Gym in Town
Ethan didn't return to Iron Jaw Gym. Instead, he found another gym—a truly pathetic one called "Sunrise Boxing Club." It was run by an old, kind woman named Maggie, whose late husband had been a fighter. The gym had three members: a fat kid who couldn't run a lap, an old man who just wanted to hit things, and a teenager with asthma.
"We're not much," Maggie said, wiping down the ring. "But we don't turn people away."
"Perfect," Ethan said.
He joined that day. No one laughed at him because this gym was too weak to bully anyone. But Ethan didn't care. He had the system.
Every night, he went to the warehouse and trained. Every day, he sparred with the fat kid and the asthmatic teen, slowly getting better.
DING! Day 2 complete. Another year of experience.
DING! Day 3 complete. Another year.
DING! Day 7 complete. Seven years of training.
After one week, Ethan had the experience of a seven-year veteran.
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Chapter 8: The First Fight
A small local tournament was announced. Maggie didn't want to enter—her gym always lost in the first round.
"I'll fight," Ethan said.
"Kid, you've only been here a week."
"Trust me."
Ethan stepped into the ring. His opponent was a cocky fighter from a wealthy gym, wearing shiny new gear. The crowd laughed at Ethan's ragged shorts and duct-taped shoes.
The bell rang.
Ethan moved like water. His jab was lightning. His footwork was flawless. In thirty seconds, the opponent was on the canvas, staring at the lights.
The crowd went silent. Then Maggie started clapping. Then the fat kid. Then the asthmatic teen.
Ethan raised his hand, not in victory, but in promise.
"This is just the beginning."
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Chapter 9: Rising from the Bottom
Sunrise Boxing Club started attracting attention. First, a few locals came to watch. Then a reporter from the small neighborhood paper wrote an article: "The Miracle of Sunrise: One Fighter, One Week, One Knockout."
People started donating equipment. A new heavy bag. Real jump ropes. Even a used speed bag.
Maggie cried when she saw the donations. "Jack (her late husband) would've been so proud."
Ethan kept training. Day 10: 10 years of experience. Day 15: 15 years.
His body transformed. Lean muscles. Steel bones. Eyes that burned with focus.
But he never forgot who hurt him.
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Chapter 10: Crossing Paths with the Past
A regional championship was announced. The top gyms from all over Chicago would compete. And Iron Jaw Gym—now sponsored by Vince Harrington's father—was the favorite.
Vince was on the poster. Smiling. Arrogant. Holding a championship belt he hadn't earned.
Ethan stared at the poster in a diner window. His hands trembled—not from fear, but from anger he'd buried for weeks.
"I'm coming for you, Vince."
He signed up that afternoon. Sunrise Boxing Club was officially entered.
Maggie was nervous. "That gym is full of rich kids with private coaches."
"I know," Ethan said. "That's the point."
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Chapter 11: The Tournament Begins
The tournament was held at a big auditorium. Hundreds of spectators. Cameras from local TV stations.
Round one: Ethan vs. a fighter from a north side gym. The fight lasted forty-five seconds. One knockout.
Round two: Ethan vs. a state champion. One minute. Knockout.
The crowd started murmuring. "Who is this kid?"
By the semifinals, Ethan had become the dark horse. The announcer said his name with respect. "Ethan Cole... from Sunrise Boxing Club!"
In the semifinals, he faced a brutal slugger. The fight went two rounds. Ethan was hit for the first time in months—a glancing blow to the cheek. It only made him smile.
He ended it with a perfect uppercut.
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Chapter 12: The Final Before the Final
The championship match was set: Ethan Cole vs. Vince Harrington.
But the night before, Vince's goons found Ethan at the warehouse. Four of them. Brass knuckles. Chains.
"So you thought you could embarrass me?" Vince said from the shadows. "Break his hands."
They attacked. Ethan fought back—but four against one, even with his skills, was brutal. He took hits. He bled. But he didn't fall.
Police sirens scared them off. Ethan leaned against the wall, breathing hard. His right hand was swollen. His ribs ached.
But he was alive.
DING! Emergency boost activated. Wound recovery accelerated.
He looked at the championship poster on the wall. "Tomorrow, Vince. Tomorrow."
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Chapter 13: The Championship Bell
The auditorium was packed. Vince entered with flashy music and a silk robe. The crowd cheered for the rich kid.
Ethan walked out in his old, faded shorts. No music. No robe. Just scars and determination.
The announcer introduced them. Vince smirked. "You're still trash, Cole."
Ethan said nothing.
DING! Final match. All skills maxed. 30 days of training = 30 years of experience.
The bell rang.
Vince charged, throwing wild punches. Ethan slipped every one. Jab. Cross. Hook to the body. Vince staggered.
The crowd gasped.
Vince tried again. Ethan dodged, countered, and landed a clean uppercut that lifted Vince off his feet.
Vince crashed to the canvas. His eyes were empty. He didn't get up.
The referee counted. "One... two... three... four... five... six... seven... eight... nine... TEN!"
The auditorium erupted.
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Chapter 14: Redemption
Ethan didn't celebrate. He walked over to Vince, who was still on the ground, dazed.
"Remember the gutter you threw me into?" Ethan whispered. "Remember the change you threw at my face?"
Vince's eyes widened with fear.
Ethan extended his hand. "Get up."
Vince stared at the hand. Then at Ethan's face. Slowly, he took it.
Ethan pulled him up and whispered, "I didn't do this for revenge. I did this because you made me realize I had to become strong. So thank you."
Vince said nothing. He just limped away, defeated not just in body, but in spirit.
Ethan turned to the crowd. Maggie was crying. The fat kid was cheering. The asthmatic teen was hugging everyone.
Ethan raised his hand—not in arrogance, but in gratitude.
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Chapter 15: More Than Fists
Six months later, Sunrise Boxing Club had become the most respected gym in Southside Chicago. Maggie finally had a proper building. New fighters came from all over the city to train.
Ethan became a coach, not a champion. He taught kids who were poor, weak, and bullied.
"Remember," he told them, looking at their tired faces. "Strength isn't about how hard you hit. It's about how many times you get up."
One kid raised his hand. "Is it true you were bullied?"
Ethan smiled. "Yeah. And now I'm here."
He looked at the old poster on the new gym wall—Rocky Balboa. Then he looked at his hands, which had been broken and healed and made strong.
DING! System message:
Congratulations, Ethan Cole.
You have become more than a fighter.
You have become a legend.
[Limitless Boxing System signing off. Final gift: Unlimited willpower.]
Ethan laughed quietly. Then he put on his gloves and stepped into the ring with the new kids.
"Alright, everyone. Let's begin."
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Chapters 16 – 30: The Road to Legend
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Chapter 16: After the Victory
Ethan's victory over Vince Harrington spread like wildfire through Southside Chicago. His name was in the local papers, mentioned on the radio, even talked about in small churches. But Ethan didn't change.
He still woke up at 4 AM. He still ran 6 miles. He still trained in the old warehouse near the train tracks, even though now the warehouse was cleaner and had a used ring donated by Maggie.
But the system gave him a warning.
DING! Warning: The "1 day = 1 year" effect will gradually decrease after 60 days of use. Host is advised to achieve full independence before the system enters sleep mode.
Ethan nodded. "I understand. But as long as the system is active, I'll use it as best I can."
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Chapter 17: The First Regional Tournament
A promoter from the neighboring city, Hammond, contacted Maggie. "We want Ethan Cole to fight in the regional tournament. His opponent is the three-time defending champion, 'Iron' Mickey Dolan."
Maggie hesitated. "Dolan is a monster. He's 6'3", 220 pounds. Ethan is only 150 pounds."
Ethan, listening from behind the door, walked into the room. "I accept."
Maggie stared at him for a long time. "Are you sure, kid?"
"All my life, I've run from danger. Now it's time for me to run toward it."
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Chapter 18: Iron Mickey Dolan
Mickey Dolan was the opposite of Vince. Vince was sneaky and full of dirty tricks. Dolan was brutal and direct. Every punch he threw could break bones.
Dolan was known all over the Midwest. He'd never lost in 25 fights. Every victory was by KO in the first or second round.
The media called the fight: "The Miracle vs. The Monster."
Everyone underestimated Ethan. The local bookies had odds of 50 to 1 for a Dolan victory.
Ethan just smiled.
DING! Day 31 of training. 31 years of fighting experience. Enemy detected: Destroyer type. Suggestion: Use footwork and speed.
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Chapter 19: The Night Before the Storm
Ethan didn't sleep that night. Not because he was nervous, but because he was sitting on the roof of his warehouse, thinking, accompanied by the cold Chicago night wind.
He remembered his mother. She died because they had no money for treatment. She always said, "Ethan, one day you'll become someone great."
He remembered his dilapidated trailer. Remembered having to choose between eating or buying bandages for his bleeding hands.
"I won't lose, Mom. Not because I hate Mickey Dolan. But because I love the life I never used to have."
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Chapter 20: Fighting the Monster
At the Hammond Civic Center, thousands of spectators filled the venue. Dolan entered with a fake iron chain around his neck, accompanied by two assistants who looked like hired thugs.
Ethan entered in his ratty jacket, hands wrapped in old bandages.
The bell rang.
Dolan attacked like a raging bull. Ethan dodged. Dolan's punch hit the back of the ring—the wood cracked.
"Watch out, little boy!" Dolan yelled.
Ethan didn't answer. He just focused. One punch from Dolan flew past; Ethan ducked, then shot a left jab straight into Dolan's face. Blood came from Dolan's nose.
The crowd gasped. Dolan got angry. He attacked more wildly.
But Ethan had already read everything. Dolan's footwork was slow. Dolan's elbows were too open.
In the second round, Ethan hammered Dolan with a combination of jab, cross, hook, and uppercut. Dolan fell. His right arm broke as he tried to break his fall.
Dolan couldn't get up. The referee stopped the fight.
Ethan won by KO in round 2.
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Chapter 21: The Slick Promoter
After Dolan's defeat, many big promoters came calling. The most persistent was a man named Silas Crane. He wore an expensive suit, had a thin mustache, and eyes that never blinked.
"I'll make you a national star, Ethan. Tens of thousands of dollars per fight. You'll be rich, famous, own fancy cars."
But the system warned Ethan.
DING! Warning: Silas Crane detected with a dishonest pattern. 80% of the boxers he manages suffer permanent injuries because they're forced to fight too often.
Ethan politely refused the offer. Silas smiled, but his eyes turned cold.
"Bad decision, kid."
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Chapter 22: The Ambush
A week later, Ethan was ambushed in an alley near his training warehouse. Five masked men. They carried iron pipes and clubs.
"You should have taken Crane's offer, you jerk."
They attacked. Ethan fought back—the system gave him above-average speed and reflexes. But five opponents with weapons were still dangerous.
An iron pipe hit his back. A club struck his left knee. Ethan fell, but didn't pass out. He grabbed one attacker's leg and pulled him to the ground.
Police sirens were heard in the distance. The attackers ran. Ethan lay there with a swollen knee, his back covered in bruises.
DING! Injury detected. Recovery time with system: 2 hours. Without system: 3 weeks. Host is advised to rest.
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Chapter 23: Silas Crane's Revenge
It turned out the attack was ordered by Silas Crane. A private investigator hired by Maggie managed to record Silas's conversation with his men.
"Cripple him, but don't kill him. I can't make money from a dead boxer."
The recording was sent to every major Chicago newspaper. The scandal exploded. Silas Crane was arrested, his face on TV with handcuffs.
Ethan was interviewed at the hospital. His body was still covered in bandages.
"Were you scared, Ethan?" asked the reporter.
"I'm used to being beaten. But this time, I have people protecting me. Maggie, my friends at Sunrise, and the young boxers who see me as a role model."
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Chapter 24: Back Stronger
After three weeks of recovery (only 2 hours with the system, but Ethan kept it a secret), Ethan returned to training.
But the system had news.
DING! Warning: Remaining time for "1 day = 1 year" effect is only 30 days. After that, the system will enter permanent sleep mode.
Ethan didn't panic. "Thirty days? That's thirty years of experience. Enough."
But he had another mission. He wanted to raise Sunrise Boxing Club's name to the national level.
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Chapter 25: The National Tournament
Ethan registered for the national boxing championship held at Madison Square Garden, New York. This was the biggest stage of his life.
Boxers from all over America came. Regional champions. Minor stars. All wanted to be the best.
Maggie cried as she boarded the bus to New York. "I never thought I'd go here. My husband used to only dream of this."
Ethan squeezed Maggie's hand. "Dreams have no limits, Maggie. Only people who stop dreaming."
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Chapter 26: Obstacles in New York
In New York, everything was different. Expensive hotels. Tougher opponents. Even the air felt more aggressive.
Ethan had to face three fights in five days.
Day 1: vs. A Puerto Rican boxer with a 40-0 record. Ethan won by unanimous decision.
Day 3: vs. A former Olympic boxer from Russia. Ethan won by TKO in round 4.
Day 5 Final: vs. "The Brooklyn Ghost" — an unknown boxer who had never been hit.
The Ghost's real name was Malik Jones. His movements were like a ghost's. No one had touched him in 20 fights.
Ethan realized one thing: Malik didn't have a system. But Malik had incredible natural reflexes, likely from training since childhood.
DING! Analysis: Opponent has no system. But has a rare-level natural talent. Suggestion for host: Use speed and constant pressure. Don't give him space.
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Chapter 27: Fighting the Ghost
The bell rang for the final. Madison Square Garden was packed.
Malik danced around the ring, almost unpredictable. Ethan threw a jab—it missed. A cross—it missed. A hook—it hit nothing but air.
Malik smiled. "You're fast, but not fast enough."
Round 1 ended without a single landed punch from Ethan. The crowd began to whisper.
But Ethan didn't panic. In his corner, he closed his eyes.
DING! Tactical suggestion: Opponent has a pattern of dodging left 70% of the time. Target body shots on the right side.
Round 2. Ethan changed strategy. He didn't chase Malik's head, but his body. Jab to the body. Cross to the body. Hook to the body.
Malik was surprised. He wasn't used to being attacked in the body. His movements began to slow.
In round 3, Ethan saw an opening. Malik dodged left—Ethan was ready. A right uppercut shot straight to Malik's jaw.
Malik fell like a felled tree. The crowd went silent, then erupted hysterically.
Ethan won by KO in round 3. National champion.
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Chapter 28: Return to Southside
Ethan returned to Chicago with a golden belt and a winner's check for $50,000. He didn't buy a fancy car or a big house.
He renovated Sunrise Boxing Club. New ring. New equipment. Air conditioning. A decent bathroom.
He also created scholarships for poor kids who wanted to learn boxing.
"Anyone can come here. Don't have money? No problem. The important thing is having heart."
Within a month, Sunrise had 50 new members. Most were kids who had been underestimated just like him.
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Chapter 29: Farewell to the System
One night, after everyone had gone home, Ethan sat alone in the ring. The warehouse ceiling that once leaked had been replaced with a new roof.
DING! Final warning: The "1 day = 1 year" effect will end in 1 hour. The system will enter permanent sleep mode. Host now has a level equal to 40 years of experience as a professional boxer.
Thank you for using the Limitless Boxing System. You are the best host we've ever had.
Ethan smiled. "No, system. Thank you. You saved my life."
DING... Goodbye, Ethan Cole. Become a legend.
The blue screen in his eyes vanished. The system died.
But Ethan didn't feel like he'd lost anything. Everything he needed was already inside him. Speed. Power. Experience. And most importantly: a heart that never gave up.
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Chapter 30: More Than Fists
Five years later. 1987.
Ethan Cole no longer fought in the ring. He was now a full-time coach at Sunrise Boxing Club. Maggie had retired, but still came every day to make coffee and tell stories about her husband.
On the gym wall, there was a black-and-white photo of Ethan holding the national belt. Next to it, photos of the young boxers he'd trained.
One of his students, a young girl named Rosa, had just won the Chicago junior championship. She came to Ethan with teary eyes.
"Coach, I won! I never thought I'd make it this far!"
Ethan knelt to be level with Rosa. "Do you know why you won?"
"Because I trained hard?"
"That's true. But more than that, you won because you never stopped believing, even when everyone doubted you."
Rosa cried and hugged Ethan.
Ethan looked out the window. The streets of Southside were still the same—grimy, tough, sometimes cruel. But inside this small gym, something had changed.
Hope.
A new boy walked in. He was skinny. His eyes were full of hurt. His clothes were torn in several places.
"Is this the boxing gym?" he asked hesitantly.
Ethan smiled. Just like himself back then.
"This is the place. My name's Ethan. What's yours?"
"I'm... Danny."
"Welcome to Sunrise, Danny. Here, we don't teach people how to punch. We teach them how to get back up."
Danny gave a small smile. It was the first smile he'd probably given in months.
Ethan put his hand on Danny's shoulder and led him into the ring.
"Let's begin."
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THE END
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