“Alone in the Dark,” the recent reboot of the iconic survival horror series, has unfortunately become a prime example of how game-breaking bugs can utterly ruin an otherwise promising game. Despite its potential to revive the franchise with modern graphics and mechanics, the experience is marred by a plethora of technical issues that make it nearly unplayable.
First and foremost, the game is plagued with frequent crashes that disrupt the gameplay. Whether you’re in the middle of an intense chase sequence or solving a critical puzzle, the game’s tendency to abruptly crash can be incredibly frustrating. This isn’t an occasional hiccup; it’s a persistent problem that many players have encountered, effectively halting their progress and diminishing their enjoyment.
In addition to crashes, “Alone in the Dark” suffers from severe glitches that can trap the player in unresolvable situations. Characters may become stuck in the environment, unable to move or interact with necessary objects. At times, essential items disappear or fail to spawn, making it impossible to advance the story. These bugs force players to restart from previous save points, often losing significant progress in the process.
Performance issues further compound the game’s troubles. Frame rate drops are frequent, particularly during action-heavy scenes or in areas with complex lighting effects. These slowdowns not only break immersion but can also make combat and exploration feel sluggish and unresponsive.
Moreover, the game’s AI is notoriously unreliable. Enemies frequently exhibit erratic behavior, either becoming inexplicably passive or getting stuck in loops, making encounters feel less threatening and more laughable. This inconsistency detracts from the horror elements, as the sense of danger is undermined by the predictable and often buggy enemy patterns.
The developers have yet to release patches addressing these widespread issues, leaving many players frustrated and disappointed. The game’s narrative and atmosphere show glimpses of the eerie charm that made the original series a classic, but these moments are overshadowed by the overwhelming technical flaws.
In its current state, “Alone in the Dark” is a cautionary tale about the importance of thorough testing and post-launch support. Until the developers address these game-breaking bugs, it’s hard to recommend this title, even to the most die-hard fans of the series. What could have been a successful revival is instead a stark reminder that technical stability is crucial for any game’s success.

Hello there! I've still not entirely recovered after finishing Rebirth, that ending was just whoa. I believe I've watched/read most of the theories out there regarding the game's finale and Aerith's fate, but none of them managed to explain everything sufficiently. I admit I'm in the "I hope Aerith lives" camp, but I understand the corner the developers wrote themselves into: Aerith fans and the japanese fanbase at large will riot if she dies for good, and purists will riot if one of the games' central themes (coping with loss, grieving) is broken. A textbook case of trying to have your cake and eat it too. Unless they find a way to do both?
Trying to get my mind off FF7, I replayed Zero Escape: Virtue's Last reward (seriously try it if you were more impressed than annoyed by FF7R's multiverse shenanigans, it's the real good stuff), and one of the puzzles caused a bit of a eureka moment to me. A secondary solution to a puzzle in one of the rooms is the sentence "SHE KNOWS EVERYTHING". It obviously hints at a character in the game and not FF7, but with the implications of the two games thus far in the remake continuity (plus AC), one character in Zero Escape bears a striking resemblance to Aerith: Akane Kurashiki (Big spoiler for the first game in ZE: 9 hours 9 persons 9 doors).
Both are capable of jumping between their selves in different timelines and have awareness of it. Akane is trying to prevent her own death by gathering information she needs to escape death via incineration, from other timelines and in the future. Would Aerith resign to her own fate even in command of such a power? Pre-chapter 13 it's heavily implied she wouldn't, why would discovering that she's basically omniscient change this?
Unless she has a plan cooking. She's being relentlessly hunted by someone who also has multiversal knowledge and could overpower and kill her any day of the week. She needs to throw Sephiroth off her trail somehow. If you played Persona 5, the situation might be familiar to you... (spoilers for Persona 5 follow)
In that game, the protagonist Joker and his fellow phantom thieves are being cornered by the detective Akechi, who at that point is a traitor amongst them. How do they get out of the situation? By failing an infiltration, Joker getting caught, the tricking Akechi into a cognitive version of the interrogation room he's being held in and letting him kill Joker there. Akechi is in the belief that he killed Joker in the real world.
This got me thinking: what if Aerith pulled a similar trick? Her situation is a bit more complicated, in that she knows Cloud is under Sephiroth's control, so she has to fool the party as well to fool Sephiroth. Her mournfulness in the Ch14 date could come from her impending doom - or the guilty conscience from what she has to put the party and especially Cloud through and that she may doom one of her alternate timeline selves to death.
As for the how, there are multiple possibilities, but the one I find most likely is that she swapped her consciousness with the comatose Aerith from Zack's world. As for when it happened, I believe it was at the moment when everyone was distracted by the smoke and mirrors - the moment Cloud deflected Sephiroth's blade. Whether this happened for real and created a timeline shift, one where Aerith lived and one where she was impaled, or just in Cloud's mind, it doesn't matter. It's the ultimate red herring. Cloud can have a revelation at some point in the 3rd game that she failed to save Aerith, he still won't know that the body Sephiroth stabbed didn't have Beagle!Aerith's soul in it, but Terrier!Aerith's comatose and possibly damaged soul. Such a last-second switch of a would-be-victim isn't the first time Square pulled this. It's what happened in Chrono trigger too! Remember what Marlene said about Terrier!Aerith to Zack? "When Aerith wakes up, she will be killed." Why does she wake up? Because she switched places with Beagle!Aerith!! Terrier!Aerith's body now contains Beagle!Aerith's soul, the one that prayed at the Forgotten Capital, the one that's whole, healthy and undamaged. Marlene was right, although the "multiple versions of Aerith" thing went over her head, understandably.
And if Cloud split the timeline again by deflecting Masamune, and can see both timelines? All the better. Where is the real black materia? Hidden in the void between worlds. Where Cloud's mind is right now. That may be why he finds the black materia in his pocket. That will draw Sephiroth's attention, lure him towards his OG plan of summoning Meteor, a threat Aerith can deal with once the party defeats Sephiroth at the northern crater.
As for who fights beside Cloud in Rebirth's final boss battle? I believe it's omni!Aerith, the one who gave premonitions of the future to her self in Remake, the one who visited Cloud in his dream in Remake chapter 14.
Why do I think this explanation could predict what happens in Part 3? Because this way, the writers can keep their cake until the very last minute, then eat it. The party and the player can go through coping with Aerith's "death", then have her return at the very last minute to appease those who yearn for her survival, at the climax of the game, when Sephiroth is weakened, on his last phase and Meteor needs to be stopped. This way, she can be kept out of the plot for the most part, and her presence, both story- and gameplaywise can be a postgame reward. Not to mention the mindblowing revelation of her complex plot at the end.
Anyway, that's just my theory, I needed to write it out of me. 2027(?) can't come soon enough.

Worked up the courage to post after reading a few good profile on this sub. Here goes.
Age: Male just turned 27 last month
Height: 5’10” 66 kg
Caste: I do not believe in castes and neither do I associate with one. That being said I belong to an Urdu speaking family and my forefathers migrated from Delhi at the time of partition
Faith: Sunni Muslim (My family do not believe in nazar, niyaz, milad or any other bidah for that matter)
City: Karachi born and bred, would prefer potential matches from Karachi as well so as to make meet-ups easier for the families
Relationship Status: Single, never married/engaged
Education: Bachelors in Engineering
Occupation/Employer: Senior Engineer at a global cloud provider
Family: We’re 4 siblings in total. I’m the 3rd one and 2 of the eldest are married. Father is retired from work and mother is/has always been a homemaker
Do you want kids? Yes but not immediately
Goals/future plans: Settle down, do well professionally, have enough in life and be thankful for it
Ideal timeline for marriage: 1 year but that’s not something rigid and more up to whatever ends up being mutually agreeable
About myself: I am an avid reader and have always had a curious mind so I grew up being the erudite in my family (my teen years were spent watching vsauce on youtube :P). Having a calm/laid back demeanour, I have a practical approach to life with just the right amount of wondejest sprinkled in. There’s not a defined set of hobbies I have at any given point but love for football and a deep appreciation art (of all forms) have always been a mainstay. I value depth of connection with people I interact, depth of narrative/plot with media/content I consume (Succession is the GOAT tv series IMHO) and try to instil the same characteristics in my creative work. My core values are centred around honesty, compassion and genuineness - I am a straight shooter and do not appreciate manipulative tendencies in a person.
Some interesting facts:

• I’ve won Dawn’s spelling bee competition at the district level
• I don’t use any social media except TwitteX and occasionally Reddit when a simple google search doesn’t work
• My personality type INTJ-A
• I am not overtly outgoing and prefer being indoors, needing alone time to recharge myself after being in a prolonged social setting (weddings/dawats etc). Having said that, I do like to travel (have visited Northern Pakistan and would like to visit again)

Views on /Expectations from marriage:
I would like someone whom I can share a holistic experience of life with. I am a sensitive individual with boundless empathy and I’d like to share that compassion with my partner. I wouldn't be more comfortable with someone than who is, first and foremost like a friend. There are some people who you have a quiet/unsaid understanding and that’s how I’d like to build our relationship to be with clear and up-front communication and healthy behaviour patterns.
I’d expect my partner to fulfil their faraiz and strive to be better. I am pretty open-minded about things and operate on high trust but my religious values are rooted within the bounds of our mazhab and the tenets of haya. That being said, no one is perfect and I’m all for doing a bit better today than the last day.
tldr; Everyone is their own person so all in all I’d like to strike a happy balance between being a best friend, knowing my partner by heart and being one out of two unfit pieces of puzzle occasionally wanting to devour each other and merging our souls :D
Deal Breakers/traits unacceptable to me: shallow personality, lack of empathy towards people/animals, intolerant of views/opinions different than yours, emotionally unavailable/immature, deceitful, disingenuous, disorganised, drinking/smoking
Requirements/Preferences: Education: At least 16 years of education
Age range: ~24 - ~27 years
Height: No preference
Religious school of thought: Sunni Muslim (NO nazr, niaz, milad, pimurid etc)
Views on wanting my partner to work: It’s up to them. Working is not a requirement but I would support them if they value their profession and want to pursue their careehigher studies
How soon would I like to involve the families: As soon as it’s mutually apparent that it’d be a good match
People are complex so there isn’t a collection of words or combination of sentences that can perfectly define a person. In the interest of time and dwindling attention spans I tried to keep it as concise as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if ^ catches your interest. Thank you for reading!

I spend a lot of time researching how our nervous system works and what may contribute to the development of Visual Snow and other symptoms. Remember that there is a lot of vital information that I do not know, and may greatly benefit our understanding of this condition. Visual snow is described as an "epileptic" firing in the visual system in the brain. (Tinnitus behaves very similarly but it is occurring in the auditory nerves) NMDA glutamate receptors, which are overexpressed after excitotoxic injury may well be the trigger of an increased spontaneous firing in the nerves. In turn, the brain would decode this increased firing as "visual snow" The idea is that remaining nerve endings have been damaged enough to overexpress NMDA Glutamate receptors, thus increasing their spontaneous firing.There are various factors that contribute to the development of this condition. Everybody first had an initial trigger, and this varies from person to person. Common causes include stress, trauma, recreational and prescription drugs, Lyme, mold, heavy metals, and other toxic exposures. But what they all result in is brain injury and neuronal damage. The severity varies from person to person. The consequences of such injury doesn't just cause break in communication between healthy neurons, but a cascade of events that can lead to further neuronal degeneration and cell death. That is where visual snow comes in. Think of a broken radio or a TV where it isn't able to receive and process incoming signals so the outcome is a lot of visual/auditory noise. Our brains behave in a similar manner when there is an interference with proper neuron function and communication.Another good example is a type of neuropathic pain called paresthesia where you experience tingling and pricking sensations in various parts of your body. When nerves are damaged, they can't communicate properly and that miscommunication causes symptoms such as pain, tingling or numbness.Medical researchers searching for new medications for visual snow often look to the connection between the nerve cells in the brain and the various agents that act as neurotransmitters, such as the central nervous system's primary excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Visual snow can be caused when damaged brain cells emit an excess of glutamate. Many treatments use ingredients that work as glutamate antagonists, or inhibitors. Communication between nerve cells in the brain is accomplished through the use of neurotransmitters. There are many compounds that act as neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, aspartate, epinephrine, norpinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals attach to nerve cells at specific receptors that allow for only one type of neurotransmitter to attach.Some of the neurotransmitters are excitatory; leading to increased electrical transmission between nerve cells. Others are inhibitory and reduce electrical activity. The most common excitatory neurotransmitters are glutamate and aspartate while the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter is GABA. It is necessary for excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters to be in balance for proper brain function to occur.Communication over synapses between neurons are controlled by glutamate. When brain cells are damaged, excessive glutamate is released. Glutamate is well known to have neurotoxic properties when excessively released or incompletely recycled. This is known as excitotoxicity and leads to neuronal death.Excess glutamate opens the sodium channel in the neuron and causes it to fire. Sodium continues to flow into the neuron causing it to continue firing. This continuous firing of the neuron results in a rapid buildup of free radicals and inflammatory compounds. These compounds attack the mitochondria, the energy producing elements in the core of the neuron cell. The mitochondria become depleted and the neuron withers and dies.Excitotoxicity has been involved in a number of acute and/or degenerative forms of neuropathology such as epilepsy, autism, ALS, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, migraines, restless leg syndrome, tourettes, pandas, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's, seizures, insomnia, hyperactivity, OCD, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders.(Doctors use two basic ways to correct this imbalance. The first is to activate GABA receptors that will inhibit the continuous firing caused by glutamate. The second way to correct the imbalance is use antogonists to glutamate and its receptor N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA). These are termed glutamate or NMDA antagonists. By binding with these receptors, the antagonist medication reduces glutamate-induced continuous firing of the neuron. This explains why some drugs like clonazepam and lamictal are able to help relieve symptoms in some patients. They help reduce excitatory action in the brain temporarily)Anxiety, depression, brain fog, depersonalization, visual disturbances (including visual snow, palinopsia, blue field entoptic phenomenon, photophobia, photopsia) headaches, tinnitus, are all common symptoms associated with increased excitatory activity in the brain. Excessive glutamate is the primary villain in visual snow.I strongly believe there are some genetic components that play a huge role in the development of Visual Snow and makes some individuals more susceptible to developing it. Normally, glutamate concentration is tightly controlled in the brain by various mechanisms at the synapse. There are at least 30 proteins that are membrane-bound receptor or transporter proteins at, or near, the glutamate synapse that control or modulate neuronal excitability. But in Visual Snow sufferers, my hypothesis is that we carry a faulty gene that results in dysregulation of the proteins that control and regulate glutamate excitability. They are unknown as more research will be needed.We live in a society where we are stressed emotionally, financially, physically and exposed to a range of toxins in our environment. Combining underlying genetic susceptibility with these other factors creates all the ingredients for a perfect storm.Stress + Infectious Agents (if any) + Toxins + Genetic Susceptibility = Health ConditionIncluded below is a list of things that can lead to excitotoxicity. The list includes trauma, drugs, environmental, chemicals and miscellaneous causes of brain cell damage. (Keep in mind everybody's bodies behave and react differently to various substances)-Severe Stress (Most people that are stressed out don’t realize that once the fight-or-flight response gets activated it can release things like cortisol and epinephrine into the body. Although these boost alertness, in major concentrations, the elevated levels of cortisol over an extended period of time can damage brain functioning and kill brain cells)-Free Radicals – Free radicals are highly-reactive forms of oxygen that can kill brain cells and cause brain damage. If the free radicals in your brain run rampant, your neurons will be damaged at a quicker rate than they can be repaired. This leads to brain cell death as well as cognitive decline if not corrected. (Common causes are unhealthy diet, lifestyle and toxic exposure)-Head Trauma (like concussion or contusion) MRI can detect damaged brain tissue BUT not damaged neurons. -Dehydration (severe)-Cerebal Hypoxia-Lyme disease-Narcolepsy-Sleep Apnea-Stroke-Drugs (recreational or prescription) -Amphetamine abuse-Methamphetamines-Antipsychotics-Benzodiazepine abuse-Cocaine-Esctasy -LSD-Cannabis-Tobacco-Inhalants-Nitrous Oxide-PCP-Steroids-Air Pollution-Carbon Monoxide-Heavy Metal Exposure (such as lead, copper and mercury)-Mold Exposure-Welding fumes-Formaldehyde-Solvents-Pesticides-Anesthesia-Aspartame-MSG (Monosodium Glutamate is found in most processed foods and is hidden under many various names)-Solvents-Chemotherapy-Radiation-Other toxic exposuresInside the Glutamate StormBy: Vivian Teichberg, and Luba Vikhanski"The amino acid glutamate is the major signaling chemical in nature. All invertebrates (worms, insects, and the like) use glutamate for conveying messages from nerve to muscle. In mammals, glutamate is mainly present in the central nervous system, brain, and spinal cord, where it plays the role of a neuronal messenger, or neurotransmitter. In fact, almost all brain cells use glutamate to exchange messages. Moreover, glutamate can serve as a source of energy for the brain cells when their regular energy supplier, glucose, is lacking. However, when its levels rise too high in the spaces between cells—known as extracellular spaces—glutamate turns its coat to become a toxin that kills neurons.As befits a potentially hazardous substance, glutamate is kept safely sealed within the brain cells. A healthy neuron releases glutamate only when it needs to convey a message, then immediately sucks the messenger back inside. Glutamate concentration inside the cells is 10,000 times greater than outside them. If we follow the dam analogy, that would be equivalent to holding 10,000 cubic feet of glutamate behind the dam and letting only a trickle of one cubic foot flow freely outside. A clever pumping mechanism makes sure this trickle never gets out of hand: When a neuron senses the presence of too much glutamate in the vicinity—the extracellular space—it switches on special pumps on its membrane and siphons the maverick glutamate back in.This protective pumping process works beautifully as long as glutamate levels stay within the normal range. But the levels can rise sharply if a damaged cell spills out its glutamate. In such a case, the pumps on the cellular membranes can no longer cope with the situation, and glutamate reveals its destructive powers. It doesn’t kill the neuron directly. Rather, it overly excites the cell, causing it to open its pores excessively and let in large quantities of substances that are normally allowed to enter only in limited amounts.One of these substances is sodium, which leads to cell swelling because its entry is accompanied by an inrush of water, needed to dilute the surplus sodium. The swelling squeezes the neighboring blood vessels, preventing normal blood flow and interrupting the supply of oxygen and glucose, which ultimately leads to cell death. Cell swelling, however, is reversible; the cells will shrink back once glutamate is removed from brain fluids. More dangerous than sodium is calcium, which is harmless under normal conditions but not when it rushes inside through excessively opened pores. An overload of calcium destroys the neuron’s vital structures and eventually kills it.Regardless of what killed it, the dead cell spills out its glutamate, all the vast quantities of it that were supposed to be held back by the dam. The spill overly excites more cells, and these die in turn, spilling yet more glutamate. The destructive process repeats itself over and over, engulfing brain areas until the protective pumping mechanism finally manages to stop the spread of glutamate."Recent research has confirmed that hypermetabolism has been primarily found in the right lingual gyrus and left cerebellar anterior lobe of the brain in individuals suffering from visual snow. The definition of hypermetabolism is described as "the physiological state of increased rate of metabolic activity and is characterized by an abnormal increase in metabolic rate." Hypermetabolism typically occurs after significant injury to the body. It serves as one of the body's strongest defence against illness and injury. This means that the brain is trying to compensate for the injured areas in the brain by increasing metabolism to meet it's high energy demands. It is trying to function to the best of it's ability under the circumstances. Normally the body can heal itself and regenerate under the right circumstances. But it is extremely difficult for the central nervous system - which includes the spinal cord and brain to be able to do so, due to it's inhibitory environment which prevents new neurons from forming. That is where stem cells come in. Stem cells are an exciting new discovery, because they can become literally any cell in the body including neurons. This is an amazing scientific breakthrough and has the potential to treat a whole host of conditions. Scientists are currently doing research and conducting trials.Excitotoxicity can trigger your "fight or flight" response, as this is the body's primary response to illness, injury or infection. If the brain and the body remain in the sympathetic fight or flight state for too long and too often, it is degenerative; it breaks us down. If this cycle continues, then eventually the system burns out. It is this cycle that results in autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The results are disastrous, digestion is shut down, metabolism, immune function and the detoxification system is impaired, blood pressure and heart rate are increased, circulation is impaired, sleep is disrupted, memory and cognitive function may be impaired, neurotransmitters are drained, our sense of smell, taste and sound are amplified, high levels of norepinephrine are released in the brain and the adrenal glands release a variety of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.I believe in order to find a treatment or cure for VS and it's accompanying symptoms, we need to address the underlying cause, reduce the excess excitatory activity in the brain, repair the damaged neurons, regain proper communication between neurons, rebalance the autonomic nervous system and prevent further cellular damage. We also need to figure out what genes, if any come into play. There is still a lot we don't know about the brain because it is such an remarkably complex organ.FAQsWon't lowering the levels of glutamate solve the problem? Well, not necessarily. That is just one piece of the puzzle. You have to remember that Visual Snow is a multifactorial and complex condition in which it stems from a number of different causes and influences. Based on my knowledge and the information I have gathered, I can conclude that the overstimulation of glutamate plays a huge role in VS and some other symptoms we experience. But there is still so much we don't know. That's why more research will be needed.Why is my condition worsening over time?That is a very good question. It is because the physiology, biology and chemistry of your brain and nervous system has been altered and has become dysfunctional since the initial trigger set off a domino of effects that leads to further degradation in the body. This puts a huge strain on your body and is constantly activating your stress response system. This will wreak havoc on your entire body. The stress response system was designed to deal with brief emergencies that threaten survival. It isn't supposed to last very long because the body cannot sustain itself for very long in this state. When you remain in "fight or flight" sympathetic state for too long, it becomes degenerative and breaks our bodies down. This affects every system in the body. When you are constantly under stress, the stress response system never turns off resulting in an ongoing destructive cycle. Stress can also exacerbate all your symptoms and makes you susceptible to developing other chronic health conditions. How is the gut related to VS?Having increased intestinal permeability is very common in this modern world because we are constantly being bombarded by toxins and stress. Our bodies weren't designed to handle such a huge burden. So we end up getting sick and become susceptible to kinds of diseases. Common causes include:-Poor diet (from excessive consumption of foods such as grains, legumes, sugars, alcohol)-Chronic stress-Toxin overload-Gut dysbiosis (It means you have a lack of beneficial bacteria in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are overpowered and outnumbered by pathogens such as pathogenic bacteria, yeast, viruses, parasites)-Overuse of antibiotics When you have increased intestinal permeability, the epithelium on the villi of the small intestine becomes inflamed and irritated, which allows metabolic, microbial and environmental toxins and undigested food particles to flood into the blood stream. This event compromises the liver, the lymphatic system, and the immune response including the endocrine system. It is often the primary cause of the following common conditions: asthma, food allergies, chronic sinusitis, eczema, urticaria, migraine, irritable bowel, fungal disorders, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory joint disorders including rheumatoid arthritis are just a few of the diseases that can originate from having poor gut health.This sets the stage for chronic systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired detoxification, gastrointestinal dysfunction and immune system dysregulation.Some toxins have the ability to damage and destroy neurons, myelin sheaths, synapses and even DNA. An overload of toxins that the immune system is not able to get rid of disrupts normal brain function. This eventually initiates an autoimmune response where the immune system attacks the brain and nerve cells as it tries it’s best to eliminate the toxins.The mitochondria are the energy producing section of your cells. When they are damaged by the toxic overload in the brain cells and are not able to produce energy to fuel the cell, the cell dies.In order to stop this vicious cycle, the underlying biological mechanisms of VS needs to be understood. That is the first step that needs to be taken. Any other stressors also needs to be addressed in order to reduce the overall stress load.It is important to know that VS is just a symptom of underlying physiological stress in the brain. Symptoms are your body's way of communicating with you, letting you know something is wrong in the body.I've come across some research indicating that microglial activation and elevated nitric oxide is involved in some neurological conditions. Basically the microglial cells are our brain's immune cells and when something triggers an inflammatory response, they activate and release harmful neurotoxic compounds (such as nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines) which results in neuronal injury/death. Microglial activation can also result in a loss of synaptic connections in different regions of the brain. It's basically an autoimmune response in the brain. The neuroinflammatory process appears to be an ongoing and chronic cycle of central nervous system dysfunction. This can deplete glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is the body’s most important antioxidant which is capable of preventing oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals. This only further exaggerates the problem, which only leads to a cascade of increased inflammation.Nitric oxide plays a vital role in this process. Elevated nitric oxide levels reduces and impair natural killer cells which leads to a vulnerable immune system that is susceptible to a variety of systemic infections. -Phobe Zhang

First of all this only my opinion so if there are some of u guys disagree with me, we can discuss more about it :). Sorry if my sentence hard to understand, im a little bit lack of english.
I've tried some of PES Series and personally the longest i've ever played was PES 2017, as u can see they have a a lot community that still produce patch for pes 2017 maybe until now and still continue for several next year i guess, transition from PES 2017 to PES 2019 really makes me struggle, i would say in PES 2019 everything become a little bit "complex" like u have to execute everything correctly, properly and maybe perfect, i mean like if u want to pass or shoot u have to pay attention to ur body position because it can affect ur quality of pass or shoot, even when i execute some tricks like double touch is not that effective as in PES 2017, dribble become a little bit tricky because the control are more variative which is good and i like it, one of my fav move is body shield and step on skill trick.
i must admit its hard for me to suit my self in PES 2019 until now i still trying to find an effective ways to play PES 2019, altho it some of fitures are really improve the game becomes more realistic. But still i feel like PES 2019 is lack of patch from their community, i've tried to find patch for PES 2019 but only SmokePatch that suit me well, not like PES 2017 its quite easy to find patch. Beside i prefer PES 2019 than PES 2021 because the control is already change, i already get used to press R2 for step on skill and in PES 2021 they already switch it to R3 analog and its kinda hard to be execute, so i personally prefer PES 2019 more but sadly its hard for u to find the patch for PES 2019.

Introduction
Perfume production is a blend of artistry and chemistry that results in captivating scents we cherish. In this guide, we'll delve into the fascinating world of perfume manufacturing, exploring the journey from raw materials to the final bottled fragrance.

• The Science Behind Perfume Making

Understanding the chemical composition of perfumes is essential. It involves blending aromatic compounds, solvents, and fixatives to create unique and long-lasting scents. The intricate chemistry ensures that each perfume has its distinct notes and longevity.

• Aromatic Compounds

Aromatic compounds are the heart of any perfume. They contribute to the fragrance's character, with categories like floral, citrus, woody, and oriental notes. These compounds are derived from natural sources like flowers, fruits, and spices, or synthetically created to mimic natural scents.

• Solvents and Fixatives

Solvents are essential for dissolving aromatic compounds, ensuring they can be evenly dispersed. Fixatives help in stabilizing the fragrance, enhancing its longevity on the skin. Common solvents include ethanol and water, while fixatives like musk and ambergris add depth and staying power to perfumes.

• The Perfume Manufacturing Process

Creating a perfume involves a meticulous process that balances creativity and precision. Let's explore the steps involved in bringing a fragrance to life.
Step 1: Gathering Ingredients
The first step in perfume making is gathering high-quality ingredients. This includes aromatic compounds, solvents, fixatives, and any additional elements like colorants or preservatives.
Step 2: Blending
Blending is where the magic happens. Perfumers carefully combine different aromatic compounds, adjusting ratios to achieve the desired scent profile. This step requires expertise and a keen sense of olfactory artistry.
Step 3: Aging and Maturation
After blending, the perfume mixture is left to age and mature. This allows the various components to harmonize, resulting in a more balanced and refined fragrance.
Step 4: Filtration and Clarification
Once matured, the perfume undergoes filtration to remove any impurities or sediment. Clarification ensures a clear and pristine final product, ready for bottling.

• Quality Control in Perfume Manufacturing

Maintaining quality standards is paramount in perfume production. Rigorous testing and evaluation ensure that each batch meets the brand's standards for scent, longevity, and overall customer satisfaction.
Sensory Evaluation
Trained perfumers conduct sensory evaluations, assessing the fragrance's aroma, projection, and longevity on different skin types.
Chemical Analysis
Advanced analytical techniques are employed to analyze the chemical composition of perfumes, ensuring consistency and quality across batches.
Regulatory Compliance
Perfume manufacturers adhere to strict regulatory guidelines regarding ingredient safety, labeling accuracy, and environmental sustainability.

Perfume FAQs

• Q: What are the primary ingredients in perfumes?

A: Perfumes typically contain aromatic compounds, solvents like ethanol, fixatives for longevity, and sometimes colorants or preservatives.

• Q: How long does it take to create a new perfume?

A: The creation process varies but can take anywhere from several months to years, depending on complexity and desired outcomes.

• Q: Can perfumes be made without synthetic ingredients?

A: Yes, natural perfumes use only ingredients derived from botanical or animal sources, omitting synthetic compounds.

• Q: What is the difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum?

A: The main difference lies in concentration; Eau de Parfum has a higher concentration of aromatic compounds compared to Eau de Toilette, resulting in a longer-lasting scent.

• Q: Are perfumes tested on animals?

A: Ethical perfume brands refrain from animal testing, opting for cruelty-free and sustainable testing methods.

• Q: How should I store perfumes to maintain their quality?

A: Perfumes should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and fluctuations in temperature, preserving their fragrance integrity.

Conclusion
Delving into the art and science of perfume making reveals a captivating world of creativity and precision. From aromatic compounds to quality control measures, each step contributes to crafting exquisite fragrances that captivate our senses.

(I used chat gpt to give a summary for what happened because what I originally wrote was way too long)
The narrator is a junior at a university, living a complex and strained relationship with three friends: "Lila," "Alya," and "Marinette" (pseudonyms). Initially, the narrator became close to Alya, their freshman roommate, and through her, became part of a friend group including Marinette. Despite being introverted, the narrator made efforts to bond but found the social demands exhausting.
Conflict arose when the narrator needed alone time away from Marinette, leading to misunderstandings and accusations of calling Marinette "clingy." This worsened when Marinette ignored the narrator's health concerns related to anemia, particularly refusing to turn off the air conditioning despite the narrator's frequent illnesses.
Eventually, the narrator decided to move dorms and replace themselves with Alya, leading to another conflict when Marinette pressured an early move-out, causing significant distress to the narrator. Meanwhile, tensions with Alya surfaced over unpaid debts and disagreements on priorities, particularly Alya's tendency to prioritize boys over friends. Alya's neglect of her dog and subsequent misrepresentation of the narrator's intentions further strained their relationship.
Lila had previously supported the narrator during a tough period, but a recent incident involving Lila, another friend, and a misunderstanding about sleeping with someone caused a fallout. Marinette and Lila's private conversations revealed hurtful comments about the narrator, particularly on the narrator's birthday.
Feeling isolated, the narrator questions their place in the group, recognizing through therapy that Marinette holds an unresolved grudge and Alya's self-centeredness. They grapple with the desire for solitude versus the need for social connection, compounded by being the only queer person in the group whose concerns and interests often go ignored. The narrator seeks guidance on how to proceed with these friendships.

Wade's visor beeped to life as his alarm system went off, the murder drone's clock showing the time, "8:00 AM", changing to his green-yellow eyes as he woke up. Tina's visor activated as well, the drone girl's own alarm activating she awakened from slumber with Wade.
Stifling a yawn, Wade looked to Tina as he rubbed her back, easing her as she rose upright. "Good morning, sweetie."
"Morning, Wade." Tina replied quietly as she looked to Wade, the two drones smiling warmly as they took in each other's presence. Noticing they were both almost completely bare of clothing, the two drones blushed as Wade began to move off the bed.
"Well, I should get something on." The former worker drone stated as they touched down on the floor, Tina grabbing her green shirt from the counter as she tried to get dressed as well.
"So should I." Tina said back as she put the shirt on, memories of their recent night together still fluent in her mind as she slowly walked over to the kitchen.
The last hours of the past night had been calm for the most part, Wade and his friends detailing their tragic capture, the loss of his brother Ron, the rescue of the drones, and finally, Tina and Wade's miraculous escape from the factory before returning to the base. After the chatter in the bar, the group split off to go their separate ways for the time being, Jasmine going with Wade and Tina to help them into her place before leaving them to watch it while she went to get some food for the next day. During their quiet stay in the apartment, Wade and Tina made small talk over what to do in the future before having what humans would call a... very pleasant night together.
And now, with the new day approaching, the drone couple had to get ready for whatever came ahead. Walking over to his clothes on one of the vacant chairs in the living room, Wade picked up his shirt, slapping it on him before glancing to Tina, who merely wore her copper brown pants and green shirt from yesterday. Smiling at his girlfriend, Wade spoke to her as he turned back around to continue redressing himself. "Seems Jasmine went out somewhere this morning. I don't see her anywhere."
Tina listened to Wade as she inspected the counter, noticing a small sticky note lying on it as she took hold of it. Tina could tell it was left by Jasmine, given the handwriting. The note said, "Morning you two! Went to get some food I forgot to pick up, I should be back shortly after you wake up. - Jasmine"
The pilot drone smiled as she read her sister's note, then turning to the living room to speak to Wade. "She went to get some breakfast, we should expect her to come back any minute now." Opening the fridge, Tina grabbed two cool cans of oil, one for herself and another for Wade. Setting the cans down on the counter, Tina closed the fridge before taking hold of the cans again, taking them with her to the living room where a fully dressed Wade now resided at.
As Tina took a seat next to Wade on the couch, the disassembly drone examined his built-in smartcomm, trying to add all the still active contacts he remembered off the top of his circuits as he spoke to Tina. "It's gonna be hard, being my own person without Ron." Chuckling, Wade smirked at Tina, finding himself unsure at his own words. "Or maybe I'm just overreacting."
Tina chortled at Wade's inconfidence as she tried to bring him some, handing him one of the oil beverages as she spoke. "I think you'll do fine, honey. I've run into some disrespectful humans in my life too."
Wade nodded in understanding as he took a sip of the oil, the sound of the front door opening catching the drones' attention as Jasmine walked in. Carrying a paper bag full of food items, the human pilot spoke aloud. "Morning, you two! Just had to finish an errand I screwed up last night."
"Oh, it's not a problem for us, Jass." Wade replied as he took a sip of his oil, Tina looking over to the kitchen wall as she listened to her sister.
"How was your night? You lovers passed out on me when I came in, so I just rested on the couch." The lover drones gave looks of apologetic concern as Jasmine walked back into the living room, the woman noticing Wade and Tina's faces as she continued speaking. "It's nothing, though. I slept well."
"I hope so, we didn't mean to take up the whole bed." Tina responded as she gave a blush of embarrassment, Wade nodding in agreement as Jasmine replied back.
"I did, really. Besides, you two deserved the bed after all you put up with yesterday. Gotta have some place to blow some steam."
Wade and Tina smiled at Jasmine's comment, then blushed as Wade questioned about her phrasing. "Wait, you mean that as a euphemism or...?"
A knock at the door shut up the discussion, Wade standing up as he offered to handle the visitors. "I'll get the door." Tina nodded as he walked over to the apartment entrance, checking the small peephole before opening the door. Looking down, he saw two beings: a human and drone soldier whom he assumed were from the Coalition given their specific body gear.
While he took notice of the militia duo, the drone soldier spoke up to him. "Good morning, we're looking for a..." He lifted up what appeared to be an ID card, Wade glancing at the object as he heard the drone continue his question. "...Wade Carter? We heard he resided here since last night." Looking to Wade again, the drone stopped himself upon finishing his sentence, then picking himself up as he spoke further. "Come to think of it, you look like him."
Wade smiled warmly as he spoke to the two guests. "That's right. You need something?"
"Eh, more like the other way around, actually." The drone soldier replied as he handed Wade the ID, the former worker drone taking it in his hands as he glanced over it. The ID showed him from when he was still a worker drone, but was thankfully untarnished from the factory as Wade held it tightly. Before he could speak, the human soldier handed him a pouch carrying what Wade presumed were a few more of his personal belongings. The drone soldier spoke once more as Wade took the pouch. "We found these while scavenging the storage bays at the factory, we've been heading around delivering them back to those they belong to."
Wade smiled brightly before finally speaking in a grateful tone. "Thanks, Sirs. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."
The two soldiers nodded as the human one replied. "Just doing our job, Mr. Carter. Have a pleasant morning." With that, the troopers departed the apartment complex, leaving Wade to himself as he shut the door.
Heading back inside, Tina and Jasmine looked to Wade as the former spoke to him. "Who was that?"
"Just some boys from the Coalition, and just like Nathan said, they finally found my ID!" Wade answered before showing the card off, Tina grinned happily as she saw it, Jasmine giving a simple smile as he spoke further. "Feels good to have it back, I think that was what was keeping me down a little yesterday."
"Well, at least you won't have to worry about that anymore." Tina replied as Wade put the card in his pocket, taking his seat again before setting the pouch at his legs. Taking notice of the pouch, Tina asked, "What's in that? Battery candy?"
Wade shook his head as he began pulling out the items inside the bag, speaking to Tina as he examined them. "Oh, no, looks like some more of my belongings." Once he was done, Wade put the pouch on the couch's cup holder, on the space behind the drink holders themselves. The items were other various cards and papers with various personal information of Wades written on them, along with Wade's wallet. Wade found it almost comical that the items were all separated from each other, rather than being inside the wallet after getting cleared out.
Tina seemed to agree with Wade's thoughts as he began reinserting the cards into his wallet. "Well, that's silly. They just put everything in that little pouch instead of putting it all back in that thing."
Wade chuckled as he put his ID into the frontal window pocket of the wallet. "Yeah, guess they had to clear every little part of it before sending it off." As he finished restocking his wallet, Wade glanced to the pouch before continuing. "Besides, that IS a nice pouch."
"It sure is." Tina replied before taking another sip of her oil can, Wade putting his wallet away as she spoke again. "On another subject, however, you think we should go see if Nathan's around? Him and Kurtis could come by and have some small talk."
Wade nodded as he started to speak, but stopped as Jasmine spoke first. "Actually, I ran into F earlier while at the market. I heard from her that Nathan was going to be joining her for a date later this afternoon." Glancing to Wade, she finished with, "So he might be already busy for the moment."
Taking his own oil can, Wade shrugged his arm as he replied. "Eh, no problem with that. Don't wanna kill a growing relationship, now do we?"
Tina chuckled lightly as she agreed with her boyfriend. "Indeed, if it were us, they'd probably do the same fo-"
The chatter stopped as another knock sounded at the door, Wade moving to get up again as he glanced to the ladies in confusion. "Another visitor?"
"You think it could be F?" Tina made a wild guess as Wade approached the door, glancing out the peephole in slight surprise before opening the door.
Wade felt as if their talk about the Ceres couple had been a form of summoning as he saw F and Nathan standing at the door, bearing strangely serious expressions as they were greeted by the former worker drone. "F! Nathan! Funny timing, we were just talking about you. Come on in, have a seat."
As the two walked past Wade, F pat him on the shoulder as she spoke to him. "As much as I'd like to visit Wade, I'm afraid we're not gonna be here long, nor are you and the Fowleys."
Wade raised an eyebrow at her reply as he followed Nathan and F, the two simply standing in front of Tina and Jasmine as Wade returned to the living room. "Oh?"
"We're leaving? Should we get dressed and pack our things ASAP?" Tina asked with mild concern as F replied to her.
"Yep, you're on the ball with getting ready, but we're... not exactly leaving." The disassembly drone's words brought a confused face from Tina as Nathan clarified his crush.
"We got a call from J, just as we were heading to one of the diners here." The two drones paused for a moment, glancing to each other as they almost spewed out about their date, but shook it off as Nathan continued with little hesitation. "She told us that Tessa had intercepted some kind of transmission, one that might help us clear up this situation with the company faster than we initially thought."
F gave an affirming nod on Nathan's explanation before adding to it. "Her and J are playing host to a meeting held by the general stationed here, and she wants us to attend." Glancing over Wade and the Fowley sisters, she finished the explanation with, "They especially want you two to come as well, given what you both went through."
Wade and Tina gave blushes of embarrassment at the news, honored by the invitation but also a little uncomfortable with their elevated status as they glanced to each other. After taking a moment to process what they heard, Wade broke the silence. "Well, I did make that promise at the factory, and to J and Tessa earlier... and I intend on acting on said promise." Looking to Tina, his girlfriend gave an agreeing nod as she stood up with him.
"Glad to hear it. We don't have to be in that much of a rush, though, the meeting doesn't start until 10." F stated, Wade and Tina both glancing at the clock to check the time before looking back to their murder drone friend with nods of acknowledgement.
Standing up from her chair, Jasmine stretched as she announced her goals to the room. "Well, in that case, I should hit the shower."
"Right, I'll get myself fixed up too." Tina replied as she looked to Wade, the two sharing warm smiles before heading to the kitchen. Noticing the still unstored items on the counter, Tina spoke aloud. "Jasmine? You mind if Wade and I help store the groceries in the cabinets here?"
"Sure, thanks!" Jasmine answered in a grateful tone as she went off to the bathroom in the back of the apartment, Tina glancing to Wade as she began to take some food out of the bag.
"I'll get the refrigerated stuff." Wade stated simply as he took some items out of the bag, Tina putting her chosen food stuffs into one of the cabinets as they worked to unload the fresh consumables from Jasmine's errand.

Flooring is a foundational element that sets the tone for your entire home. When it comes to choosing the perfect material, aesthetics and functionality are undoubtedly top priorities. But in today's eco-conscious world, sustainability is also a key factor to consider. This blog delves into the battle between wood flooring tiles and regular wood, exploring their environmental impact and helping you make an informed decision for your sustainable dream home.
The Allure of Real Wood: Beauty with a Price Tag
There's no denying the timeless elegance and warmth that real wood flooring brings to a space. Solid hardwood floors boast a natural beauty unmatched by man-made materials. The rich textures, unique grain patterns, and earthy tones create a sense of sophistication and can significantly elevate the value of your property.
However, the allure of real wood comes with a hidden cost to the environment. Here's a closer look at the sustainability concerns surrounding regular wood flooring:

• Deforestation: Traditional hardwood flooring relies on the harvesting of trees, a process that contributes to deforestation. While responsible forestry practices exist, illegal logging remains a significant issue, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
• Transportation: Depending on the source of the wood, transportation can emit substantial carbon emissions, further impacting the environment.
• Chemical Treatments: Some wood finishes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can pollute indoor air quality.

The Rise of Wood Flooring Tiles: A Sustainable Alternative?
Wood flooring tiles have emerged as a compelling alternative to regular wood, offering a realistic wood aesthetic with several sustainability advantages:

• Reduced Demand for Hardwood: By opting for tiles, you're contributing to a lower demand for real wood, thereby potentially reducing pressure on forests.
• Versatility of Materials: Wood-look tiles can be crafted from various sustainable materials like recycled ceramic, porcelain, or even cork. These options offer a lower environmental impact compared to virgin wood.
• Durability and Longevity: Wood flooring tiles are incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, moisture damage, and fading. This translates to a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated environmental costs.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike real wood that requires regular sanding, refinishing, and special cleaning products, wood flooring tiles are low-maintenance. They often just require simple sweeping and mopping, minimizing the use of harsh chemicals.

Beyond Sustainability: Comparing Functionality
While sustainability is a crucial factor, it's equally important to evaluate the practical aspects of each flooring option. Here's a breakdown of how wood flooring tiles and regular wood fare in different areas:

• Water Resistance: Regular wood is susceptible to water damage, making it a less suitable choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. Wood flooring tiles, on the other hand, excel in moisture-prone areas due to their inherent water resistance.
• Scratch Resistance: Wood flooring tiles boast impressive scratch resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas with pets or children. Regular wood, especially softer varieties, can show scratches more easily.
• Comfort and Warmth: Real wood offers a naturally warm and comfortable feel underfoot. While some wood-look tiles can be cool to the touch, advancements in technology have led to the development of heated tile options that provide a similar level of comfort.
• Installation: Regular wood flooring installation can be a complex and time-consuming process. Wood flooring tiles, particularly those with click-lock mechanisms, offer a user-friendly DIY option for some homeowners.

Making the Sustainable Choice: It's Not Black and White
Ultimately, the best choice between wood flooring tiles and regular wood depends on your specific needs and priorities. Here are some additional factors to consider:

• Your Budget: Regular wood flooring can range significantly in price depending on the species and quality. While some high-end wood-look tiles can be quite expensive, they often offer long-term cost savings due to lower maintenance requirements.
• The Look You Desire: If achieving a truly rustic or antique aesthetic is essential, reclaimed wood could be a sustainable option for regular wood flooring. However, wood flooring tiles can replicate various wood looks with remarkable accuracy.
• Your Lifestyle: If you have pets or live in a high-traffic household, wood flooring tiles offer superior durability and scratch resistance.

The Final Word: Striking a Balance
Both wood flooring tiles and regular wood have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to sustainability. Evaluating your priorities and lifestyle can help you make an informed decision. However, the trend towards using recycled materials and the increasing durability of wood flooring tiles make them a compelling choice for the environmentally conscious homeowner. Remember, a sustainable choice doesn't have to compromise on style or functionality. With careful consideration, you can achieve a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly floor for your home.
Additional Tips for a Sustainable Flooring Choice
Here are some additional tips to help you make the most sustainable flooring decision for your home:

• Consider Local Wood Sources: If you're set on regular wood flooring, look for options sourced from sustainably managed forests close to your location. This minimizes transportation emissions and supports local businesses.
• Embrace Reclaimed Wood: Reclaimed wood flooring is a fantastic sustainable option. It gives new life to salvaged wood, reducing demand for new trees.
• Look for Certifications: Look for wood flooring products with certifications like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications ensure responsible forestry practices.
• Choose Low-VOC Adhesives: When installing regular wood floors or any type of flooring that requires adhesives, opt for low-VOC options to minimize indoor air pollution.
• Invest in Quality Underlayment: A high-quality underlayment can extend the lifespan of any floor, reducing the need for replacements. Choose underlayments made from recycled materials for added sustainability points.
• Maintain Your Floors Properly: Proper maintenance will extend the lifespan of any floor, reducing the need for replacements. This includes regular cleaning, using appropriate cleaning products, and refinishing real wood flooring when necessary.
• Explore Alternative Sustainable Options: Consider other sustainable flooring options like bamboo, cork, or linoleum. These materials offer beautiful aesthetics and a lower environmental impact compared to traditional wood flooring.

Beyond Flooring: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
Remember, flooring is just one piece of the sustainable home puzzle. Here are some additional ways to create a more eco-friendly living space:

• Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances: Look for appliances with high Energy Star ratings to reduce your overall energy consumption.
• Embrace Natural Light: Maximize natural daylight in your home to minimize reliance on artificial lighting.
• Conserve Water: Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances to reduce water usage.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Implement a sustainable waste management plan in your home to minimize your environmental footprint.

By making informed choices and adopting sustainable practices in your home, you can create a beautiful and comfortable living space that minimizes your impact on the planet. Let's all strive to be responsible stewards of the environment, one sustainable floor at a time.

Hi guys,
I've been on /benzorecovery for a while and sometimes actively participate. I've been several times on benzos, primarily Alprazolam, or Librium to manage withdrawals.
I'm a proper addict but I got introduced to benzos by my psychiatrist Dr. Mengele (not his real name).
My latest and worst was in September 2018. It is hard to put into words the kind of hell I experienced but it was multifaceted and not purely withdrawal based. The withdrawal itself was bad enough, I had what I can only describe as a second consciousness for 7 months, but then there was the whole social aspect of it all e.g. friends, family, doctors, fellow rehab patients (3 of whom died by their own hands within weeks of finishing rehab), a year in a halfway house, and the whole shebang. Just briefly writing about it brings a visceral feeling to my whole body, an echo of an article I read about a girl who, as they put it, "died shrieking" after using some benzo RCs.
The first years I was just piecing myself together, I started a company and then covid hit. Now that the dust has settled I'm starting to grasp the extent of it all.
I've been participating on benzorecovery and trying to lend a hand to those who need it. I would say the invalidation I experienced was a significant so I try my best to validate the experiences of those who are still going through the worst of it, and give solid advice. But lately I've been questioning my motives and asking myself whether I keep going back there to relive my trauma. Or because no one else seems to get it?
I had plenty of traumas and compounding issues prior to and after the benzos, going back to the millennium and forward to today, but I'm fairly certain that I've got BIND and an alphabet soup of potential diagnoses like ADHD, CPTSD, BP2 etc... a complex.
My life today has some semblance of normalcy, I've been benzo-free for 5.5 years, and I'm currently in the eye of the storm, dreading the next challenge life might throw at me.
I'm working with a Phd level trauma focused therapist and doing homework on my trauma history and for the next session I'm supposed to write 3 pages about "the event" but even the prelude to getting the benzos exceeds that.
Context matters and beneath my stoic exterior I am just screaming for someone to acknowledge that I went through hell and I went through it alone, but at the end of the day I know they will never understand the way you can.
I think I just experienced the whole emotional spectrum writing that.
I hope (not really for your sake) my post resonates with some of you and would love to hear about it.

Well, it finally happened. I lost my cool and had a meltdown in front of my friends. It was the worst one I’ve had in a very long time.
I feel so confused. There’s so many contradicting emotions swirling in my head… trying to identify all of them in this maelstrom will surely give me vertigo. It’s so complex that I almost can’t grasp it. It’s very bad, but it’s also good.
They verbatim told me that they had never seen me like that, and unfortunately they saw a side of me that I never wanted them to see. I try really hard to keep that hidden, but it got the best of me.
They are aware and understanding of my issues — it’s not something I’m ashamed of, but I wish that it was a dilemma that could be avoided entirely. I would prefer it if I didn’t inconvenience others with how my brain works. I try really hard to fit in, and but sometimes the mask drops and I can’t catch it falling from my face.
Today was a reminder that no matter how hard I try sometimes, that I am different from other people.
I’m mad at myself for losing my cool.
I’m mad at myself for not being able to respond to emotional cues.
I’m mad at myself for being unable to maintain my composure as well as other people.
I’m mad at myself for being unable to adapt as well as ofhers.
It makes me feel like I’m a child — It reminds me that unfortunately that is how some people will always see me.
I don’t know about anyone else, but when I start to feel overwhelmed, it’s feels like I’m having the control of my brain being overridden. It becomes so much harder for me to speak and form coherent sentences. I feel like I’m trapped and my mouth and brain just fail to communicate.
I hate this because it can make difficult conversations difficult, and it’s not something that I want to look like in avoiding.
My friend asked our other friend for some advice on a really sensitive topic, and I just choked on my own words and struggled to respond. I wish so badly that I could empathize as effortlessly as he does, but my brain just struggles to do so, and I hate it. It’s one of my biggest flaws, and it makes me so frustrated.
It became too much for me and I just broke. I wanted to be there for them so bad, but I just couldn’t. Instead, they both had to be there for me. I don’t want it to be about me…
I had a panic attack that had me rocking on the floor and covering my ears for a really long time. I was so overwhelmed and trying so hard to breathe that I didn’t even notice my friend brought my a glass of water and the other dimmed the lights. I’m so lucky that we were in private. They both just told me to breathe and reassured me for the entire time.
I’m immensely thankful that they are accommodating and aware enough of my issues to not alienate me, but fuck me I really wish I could reciprocate their acute sense of empathy and function like a neurotypical. It would make everything so much easier and I wouldn’t feel like I’m walking on eggshells or throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks.
I don’t really know where I’m going with this, it’s just a lot…. It takes so much energy to constantly keep up, and it feels so deflating to have the version of yourself you’ve painstakingly sculpted crumble because of one wrong tap of the chisel. I’m so lucky to have people who understand me, but I just wish they didn’t have to understand me, and that I could understand them better. Ugh.

224th issue of Vrid Newsletter is here.
Imagine a mathematician so brilliant that he cracked codes for the National Security Agency (NSA), revolutionised the world of academia, and then went on to become one of the most successful hedge fund managers in history.
Meet Jim Simons, a man whose life reads like a blend of a thrilling spy novel, an academic genius tale, and a financial success story.
Jim Simons is not your typical Wall Street titan. He started his career solving mathematical puzzles and teaching at prestigious universities. But it was his unexpected leap into the world of finance that truly set him apart.
Simons founded Renaissance Technologies, a hedge fund that uses complex mathematical models and algorithms to beat the market consistently. Under his leadership, Renaissance’s flagship Medallion Fund achieved returns so spectacular that they became legendary, averaging annual gains of over 62% from 1988 to 2021.
What makes Jim Simons' story so fascinating is not just his financial success, but the unconventional path he took to get there and the principles he followed along the way.
Unfortunately, he passed away on 10th May 2024.
So, join us as we delve into the extraordinary life of the late Jim Simons and uncover the invaluable lessons he has to offer. Whether you're an aspiring investor or a curious learner, the insights from Simons' life can guide you towards a path of success and fulfilment.

Lesson #1: Embrace the Power of Knowledge and Curiosity

Simons wasn't born with a silver spoon. In fact, his dad, a salesman, instilled in him the importance of "salesmanship," which in simpler terms means being able to explain complex things clearly. This focus on knowledge became Simons' superpower.
He aced math, dove deep into code-breaking during the Vietnam War, and eventually became a world-renowned mathematician.
Knowledge is king! Whether it's understanding basic personal finance concepts like compound interest or researching different investment options, the more you know, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions with your money.
Start small. Pick a personal finance topic that interests you and spend 15 minutes a day learning about it. There are a plethora of free online resources, books, and even podcasts in various languages to help you get started!

Lesson #2: Develop a System

Jim Simons didn’t achieve legendary status by relying on gut feelings or market whims. Instead, he developed a sophisticated, data-driven system that guided his investment decisions. This system was built on rigorous mathematical models and algorithms, allowing his hedge fund to predict and exploit market inefficiencies with remarkable accuracy.
You should develop a personal finance system that works for you. This could involve creating a budget, setting up automatic transfers for savings and investments, and diversifying your portfolio based on your risk tolerance and goals.
There's no one-size-fits-all system. Research different budgeting methods and investment strategies. Use online tools or consult a financial advisor to create a plan that automates your finances and takes the guesswork out of managing your money.
Our app Vrid can help you track your expenses, investments, and savings. The app can provide you with a clear picture of your financial health and help you make informed decisions. For instance, tracking your spending habits can reveal areas where you can cut costs and save more.

Lesson #3: Hire Smart, Delegate, and Get Out of the Way!

Simons wasn't the one writing the complex algorithms at Renaissance. He assembled a team of brainiacs – physicists, mathematicians, computer scientists – and built a system that used complex algorithms to identify patterns in the market.
He empowered them, gave them the freedom to experiment, and most importantly, trusted their judgement. This focus on building a strong team was a key ingredient in his success.
Now, when it comes to your personal finance journey, you don't have to be a one-man army. If you're overwhelmed with managing your investments, consider seeking professional advice from a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).
Research and interview different RIAs before choosing one. Ensure they are qualified, understand your risk tolerance, and have a clear fee structure. Read here to check out the steps to find the best RIA for you.
Read more about the other 5 crucial lessons from Jim Simons in our blog - https://blog.vrid.in/2024/05/21/8-crucial-lessons-from-jim-simons-that-can-change-your-life-and-personal-finance/
Download our app and take control of your finances - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.vrid

In case anyone else with an upper beginner to intermediate reading level is struggling to find good Russian books they can actually read, I just wanted to give my recommendation for this one. It's by Ilf & Petrov, who are probably most famous for Двенадцать Стульев, but it's non-fiction so much easier for a learner - it's basically a travelogue, describing their journey across 1930s America.
If you're more towards the beginner level, like me, you'll probably have to look up a lot of words, but not so many that it stops being enjoyable. The sentence structure is mostly not too complex (if you understand all the words you'll almost always understand the sentence, which has not been the case for some of the novels I've tried so far!) And the authors are describing their daily life in America so you'll learn loads of useful vocabulary for things like furniture, food, buildings etc. There's also an English translation called Little Golden America if you want to read them side by side, although as I haven't read it I don't know whether the translation is good or not.
It's very funny in parts, and the humour comes across even if you can't understand the language perfectly. It's also just quite charming to listen to people from the 1930s marvelling at exotic things like cafeterias with tomato juice :) I'm only about 50 pages in but I'm really enjoying it so far.
If anyone has any other recommendations for books at a similar reading level I'd love to hear them!

Hindi, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, is rich in history and linguistic intricacies. Its grammar is systematic and follows a well-defined structure, making it accessible for both native speakers and learners. This article explores the core components of Hindi grammar, including its script, phonetics, morphology, and syntax.

The Hindi Script: Devanagari

Hindi is written in the Devanagari script, which consists of 11 vowels and 33 consonants. Each character in Devanagari has a specific phonetic value, and the script is written from left to right. The vowels can be written independently or as diacritics attached to consonants, modifying their sound.
For example:

• अ (a) is a standalone vowel.
• क (ka) combines the consonant क (k) with the inherent vowel अ (a).

Phonetics: Vowels and Consonants

Vowels (स्वर): Hindi vowels are divided into short and long forms. Short vowels include अ (a), इ (i), and उ (u), while long vowels include आ (aa), ई (ii), and ऊ (uu).
Consonants (व्यंजन): Hindi consonants are classified based on their place and manner of articulation. These include:

• Plosives: क (ka), ख (kha), ग (ga), घ (gha)
• Nasals: म (ma), न (na), ण (ṇa)
• Fricatives: स (sa), श (sha), ष (ṣa), ह (ha)
• Approximants: ल (la), र (ra), व (va), य (ya)

Morphology: Word Formation

Nouns (संज्ञा): Nouns in Hindi are gendered (masculine or feminine) and can be singular or plural. For instance:

• लड़का (laṛkā) – boy (masculine, singular)
• लड़की (laṛkī) – girl (feminine, singular)
• लड़के (laṛke) – boys (masculine, plural)
• लड़कियाँ (laṛkiyā̃) – girls (feminine, plural)

Pronouns (सर्वनाम): Pronouns also reflect gender, number, and formality.

• मैं (maĩ) – I
• तुम (tum) – you (informal)
• आप (āp) – you (formal)
• वह (vah) – he/she/it

Verbs (क्रिया): Verbs conjugate based on tense (past, present, future), aspect (simple, continuous, perfect), and mood (indicative, imperative, subjunctive). For example:

• खाना (khānā) – to eat
• मैं खाता हूँ (maĩ khātā hū̃) – I eat (present, masculine)
• मैं खा रही हूँ (maĩ khā rahī hū̃) – I am eating (present continuous, feminine)
• मैंने खाया (maine khāyā) – I ate (past, masculine)

Syntax: Sentence Structure

Hindi typically follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order:

• मैं सेब खाता हूँ (maĩ seb khātā hū̃) – I eat apples.

However, variations can occur for emphasis:

• सेब मैं खाता हूँ (seb maĩ khātā hū̃) – Apples, I eat.

Postpositions: Unlike English, which uses prepositions, Hindi uses postpositions that follow the noun:

• मैं स्कूल जा रहा हूँ (maĩ skūl jā rahā hū̃) – I am going to school.

Tenses and Aspects

Present Tense:

• Simple: मैं लिखता हूँ (maĩ likhtā hū̃) – I write.
• Continuous: मैं लिख रहा हूँ (maĩ likh rahā hū̃) – I am writing.
• Perfect: मैंने लिखा है (maine likhā hai) – I have written.

Past Tense:

• Simple: मैंने लिखा (maine likhā) – I wrote.
• Continuous: मैं लिख रहा था (maĩ likh rahā thā) – I was writing.
• Perfect: मैंने लिखा था (maine likhā thā) – I had written.

Future Tense:

• Simple: मैं लिखूँगा (maĩ likhū̃gā) – I will write.
• Continuous: मैं लिख रहा होऊँगा (maĩ likh rahā hū̃gā) – I will be writing.
• Perfect: मैंने लिखा होगा (maine likhā hogā) – I will have written.

Hindi grammar, with its structured approach and clear rules, offers a rich field of study for linguists and language learners alike. Understanding its fundamentals, from the Devanagari script to complex verb conjugations, is essential for mastering the language. With practice and immersion, one can appreciate the beauty and depth of Hindi, unlocking new cultural and communicative possibilities.
Know More: https://mycoaching.in/hindi-grammar

Synopsis:
An engineer in another world—blending science and magic to achieve greatness in a world where skills and levels reign supreme.
—
Ethan was just a plain old engineer, but everything changed when he was reborn into a world of skills, levels, and magic. With his advanced knowledge far ahead of the time period he finds himself in, this new reincarnated life will be much different than his last, especially because he can construct, deconstruct, and reconstruct runes—something no one else can do.
But with royal politics, looming tax collectors, a mountain of debt, dungeon incursions, cults, and hostile fantasy races mixing together into a cocktail of bullshit that threatens to bury his dreams; Ethan must bridge the gap between steel and sorcery to grow stronger. — Runecrafting is slow burn. — What to Expect: - Weak to very strong progression - Hardcore wish fulfillment - A balance of action, kingdom building, and runecrafting. - MC will trigger an industrial revolution, revolutionize magic, modernize agriculture, communication, commerce, textile production, education, transportation, sanitation, weapons manufacturing, leisure & entertainment, and medicine.
Next >

Chapter 01

-1-
Ethan’s fists pounded the punching bag, sending a rapid series of jabs that landed with resounding thumps, each strike punctuated by ragged breaths. Sweat dripped from his brow, stinging his eyes, but he refused to stop, refused to surrender to the burning in his muscles or the rawness of his knuckles. He remained focused on punching.
Around him, the rest of the boxing team rested, even the coach looked like he needed a breather. But Ethan couldn’t afford to slow down—not with the first round of eliminations looming.
More, Ethan thought, his muscles burning as he threw another combination of jabs and cross punches. More, more, more.
Boxing had never been his choice; it was a path forced upon him by a father with unfulfilled dreams. Yet somewhere along the way, the thrill of the fight had ignited a fire within Ethan—a primal need to test the boundaries of his endurance, to feel alive in a way no textbook could provide.
But now his father lay dying in a hospital bed, and Ethan was exhausted. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. His muscles burned and his knuckles were raw. But he couldn’t stop.
“Oy, mate, you should take a break.”
Jacob’s voice cut through Ethan’s reverie, and he turned to face his friend, chest heaving. “I can keep going. I’m fine.”
Jacob shook his head, concern etched across his features. “You’re going to end up hurting yourself. Listen, I know you’re worried about the eliminations and your dad, but you’ve got this. You’ll be fine. You’ve trained so hard. Harder than any of us, mate.” Jacob placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up.”
“It’s not enough,” Ethan stepped away from the punching bag. “Not yet.”
“What do you mean? You’ve improved a ton since you first started, and you’ve gotten to this level faster than anyone else. There’s no way you’re getting cut from the team.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Nothing,” Ethan said, sighing as he ran a hand through his sweat-soaked hair.
“Listen, man,” Jacob said, giving him a sympathetic smile. “I get that you’re nervous. It’s normal, okay? But I’ve seen you out there. You’re good. Really good. If anything, the rest of us are the ones who should be worried—”
Before Jacob could continue, Ethan’s phone rang, the sound loud in the otherwise silent gym.
Looking at his phone made him frown and excuse himself. The caller ID was a familiar one. With his phone pressed against his ears, he walked down the corridor, leaving the other members of the boxing team behind.
“Hello?” Ethan said into the phone.
Then, his world tilted on his axis.
-2-
Ethan hated funerals.
It was a strange thing to say, and yet, there he was, thinking that exact same thing as he stood at the side, watching as a small crowd gathered around. The smell of freshly turned earth was thick in the air, along with a heavy dose of sorrow and grief. Or maybe that was his imagination; after all, most were likely putting on a show. A wake that lasted all of ten minutes. A quick eulogy. The final plop of dirt onto the polished wood coffin. Then they were gone. Just like that, they were gone.
His father’s funeral was over just like that.
Ethan waited a while longer after all the mourners had dispersed, then finally turned to look at his mother. His mother sat slumped in the front pew of the church; her gaze fixed on the ground. He sat beside his mother silently. She looked older today, like all the fight and life had just seeped from her body. They didn’t speak a word for the longest while, but finally, his mother broke the silence.
“Do you blame me?”
“No,” he said automatically.
You do, a small voice said in the back of his head. Because maybe, if they hadn’t sent him away, he could’ve pursued his dreams...
“Thank you,” his mother said, the relief in her eyes far too apparent. She wrapped her arms around herself. Her hands trembled. She swallowed audibly before she continued. “I was such a stupid little girl when we married. I had no choice but to leave for Dubai because...”
“You don’t need to explain anything.” Ethan looked down at his knuckles. “I understand.”
“He always blamed himself,” she said suddenly, and Ethan frowned. “For not just letting you into civil engineering. For pressuring you into, well, violence.”
Ethan smiled wryly, staring up at the empty rafters overhead.
Such violence, Ethan, a voice whispered into his ears. Focus on your studies, not on hurting people. You’ll have a bright future, I’m sure of it.
Ethan sighed as he felt the memory rise unbidden in his mind. It wasn’t the first time his mother had spoken to him like that, and it wouldn’t be the last.
You can’t always rely on your fists, she would say. Sometimes, words are all you need. They can change lives, even save lives. They can be the difference between a happy life and a miserable one. Remember that.
Yeah, well, she failed to see it wasn’t hurting people he was after, but pushing himself beyond his limits. To prove to himself that he could. To feel the limits of his body, and surpass them.
To feel alive.
“Your father wanted the best for you,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Ethan gave his mother a sad smile. He talked with his mother a little bit after, but eventually, he excused himself.
She hugged him before he left. A tight, almost desperate squeeze that seemed to drag out for longer than it really did. Ethan wasn’t entirely sure how to respond and wasn’t able to think of anything better than giving her a couple of awkward pats on the back.
Then, when somewhere nice, he lit a cigarette. Stupid, useless, and unhealthy, but he had to do something to let off steam or his entire body was going to burst apart like a firecracker.
When it was nearly time for the cigarette to burn itself out, he suddenly got engulfed in bright light. He didn’t think, nor could he; it was just way too fast.
The last thought he had was something along the lines of ‘the fuck?’ before he crashed face-first into space-time itself.
-3-
Ethan slammed his head against the plush velvet pillow, groaning. Post-reincarnation—transmigration?—headaches were a real pain, especially when you woke up in the body of a drunken wastrel named Theodore Lockheart, the most indebted, despised, fucked up noble in the entire bordertowns—lands that were on the border of the world of the living; lands that were under the constant threat of the dead.
He was tired, irritable, and he had a headache so annoying it was almost as if his skull was split open. Not to mention, his nose was throbbing in pain from what he could only guess had been a one-sided beatdown.
Had the Baron gotten beaten to a pulp somehow?
It was possible, after all, Ethan did remember snippets of Theodore’s recent memories—nothing more than that, though. Theodore tended to suit up as a rich merchant. And he’d likely gone to the bar after losing his fortune earlier in the night, and then had likely fucked a wench or two, vented on the poor women, gotten punched and kicked out.
Groaning, Ethan peeled himself out of bed and forced himself to move. He had things he wanted to do today, like sit somewhere nice and contemplate the meaning of existence—or smoke cigarettes. But sadly, he had none, and he despised alcohol.
Strange, Theodore—no, Ethan, thought. Why do I so easily believe in all this? And why am I so easily accepting that I’m this bastard now?
Though the question was there, Ethan found that it didn’t bring up any emotions. It was like an empty sentence in his thoughts, with nothing behind it.
Ding! System Initiating…
Consciousness transferred...
Subject: Ethan
Social integration protocols activated.
Linguistic database uploaded. Communication in all known languages will be facilitated.
Confirmation: Subject has all their memories upon induction. Check.
Disclaimer: This is not a dream simulation. This is a permanent transfer. Subject has been induced to fully believe this reality, but nothing else inside the subject has been altered.
Confirmation: Memories and core identity remain unaltered.
Warning: The subject will perceive everything as real.
Directive: Enjoy the New World. Second chance protocols initiated.
The System has awoken within you. [Nur] is a world unimaginable power awaits. You, Ethan, have the chance to become extraordinary.
A [Quest] approaches!
Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill: [Magic Sensitivity]!
Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill: [Magic Perception]!
Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill: [Myriad Tongue]!
Ding! Please brace for loss of consciousness!
“What in the god-fucking-damned hell—?” Ethan muttered, then fell unconscious. When Ethan woke up again, a screen flashed in front of him.
Please select your preferred Class...
The screen, Ethan found, didn’t elicit any reaction out of him. It wasn’t shocking, nor unbelievable, it was just as if it was a universal truth he’d come to believe since childhood. Like a phone’s existence, or the internet, perhaps. The fact that he thought that way made him sigh. He just hoped anything else inside him hadn’t been changed.
Ethan looked through the page that appeared in front of him.
[Warrior (Common)]
Function: Frontline combatant
Prerequisite: None
Description: A Common-Ranked Class. Grants basic proficiency with all melee weapon types (sword, spear, ax, etc.)
Specialization Paths: Available after further training and/or meeting certain requirements: [Barbarian], [Knight], [Paladin], [Cavalryman], [Mercenary] (and more)
[Archer (Common)]
Function: Ranged Damage Dealer
Prerequisite: None
Description: Basic proficiency with bows and arrows.
Specialization Paths:
Adjacent: Unlockable after further training: [Thief], [Assassin] (and more)
Advanced: Upon reaching specific requirements: [Spirit Archer], [Magic Archer] (and more)
[Mage (Common)]
Function: Ranged Magic User
Prerequisite: None
Description: Basic application of magical abilities.
Specialization Paths: Unlockable after further study: [Warlock], [Alchemist], [Summoner] (and more)
[Healer (Common)]
Function: Support - Restoration and Enhancement
Prerequisite: A [Faith].
Description: Devoted healer, blessed with divine magic, requires [Faith] in a deity. A healer’s heart heals the spirit of ailing beings, providing great spiritual buffs. Can heal wounds and ailments of allies. Can enhance allied attributes and resistances.
Specialization Paths: Unlockable after advanced training (may vary by race or deity): [Temple Priest], [Battle Medic], [Nature Mender] (and more)
After looking through the available Classes, it didn’t take long for Ethan to immediately dismiss both the [Healer] and [Warrior]. [Healer] would be too weak unless he got to its Specialization Paths—not to mention he’d need to have faith in some god, which he did not—and [Warrior] meant he’d need to be close range all the time. Ethan didn’t like risk, thus that idea went to waste as fast as a blade through butter. That left him with two options, and a more or less clear idea of which choice to make.
[Archer] was dismissed for the sole reason that it didn’t appeal to him much, although he was indeed curious as to why it had [Thief] and [Assassin] as its Adjacent Specialization Paths. Regardless, there was only one choice left: Mage—something he’d have chosen anyway given that the system had given him [Magic Sensitivity] and [Magic Perception], although he’d yet to test those skills out. They seemed passive anyway.
Ethan selected his chosen Class.
Congratulations! You are now an [Unranked Mage].
You are capable of casting minor, beginner-level magics.
You can use magical implements and perform incantations with limited versatility.
Congratulations! You have gained skill: [Basic Magic Script]!
Congratulations! You have gained skill: [Elemental Spells]!
Due to your [Magic Perception] and [Magic Sensitivity], the effectiveness of magical spells and skills are now increased by 10%!
“That’s it?” Ethan blinked. “I would’ve expected, I don’t know, for my entire body to feel on fire, or something.”
Not that he ever had that happen in his life. Fiction really put false expectations into his mind.
Theodore Lockheart
[Race: Human]⨽[Rank: G]⨽[Level: 0]
[Class: Mage]⨽[Rank: Unranked]⨽[Level: 0]
[Skills]: Basic Magic Script (Lvl. 1), Elemental Spells (Lvl. 1), Magic Sensitivity (Lvl. 1), Magic Perception (Lvl. 1), Myriad Tongue (Lvl. 1)
[Titles: None]
Ethan sifted through the skills to better understand what he could do now.
Basic Magic Script – Level 1
Type: Passive
Effect: This skill allows you to understand and write basic magical notation of the world. Connection Effect: [Basic Magic Script] has established a Connection with one of your existing skills [Magic Perception], essentially giving you the ability to not only comprehend simple spells but also create the runes required to cast them. However, complex and advanced theories will likely be beyond your grasp at this level.
Elemental Spells – Level 1
Type: Active
Effect: You can cast basic elemental spells. At this level, your spells are limited in power and complexity.
Magic Sensitivity – Level 1
Type: Passive
Effect: You possess a heightened awareness of magical energies in your immediate surroundings. You can feel faint tingles or experience subtle temperature changes when magic is being used nearby. This ability helps you identify areas with magical activity or sense the presence of magic. However, pinpointing the exact source or nature of the magic might be difficult at this level.
Magic Perception – Level 1
Type: Passive
Effect: You can see the underlying runes whenever a spell is cast in front of you. However, deciphering complex spells to view their runes will likely be blurry or misleading at this level***. Connection Effect:*** [Magic Perception] has established a Connection with one of your existing skills, [Basic Magic Script], essentially giving you the ability to not only comprehend simple spells but also create the runes required to cast them. However, complex and advanced theories will likely be beyond your grasp at this level.
Myriad Tongue – Level 1
Type: Passive
Effect: You can understand and speak all the languages of this world. This skill allows you to communicate with most of the species you encounter. Complex conversations will likely require further development of this skill. Connection Effect: [Myriad Tongue] has established a Connection with [Basic Magic Script], essentially giving you an inherent understanding of the runic language of magic.
Holy... So, this world’s really like a game, huh? There are no stats, though. Why? Ethan rubbed his chin. The skills were nice. Ethan was excited to test his skills out when someone knocked once on the door and entered. “My lord,” said the man Ethan quickly recognized as one of his advisors, Cedric, “I’ve received notice that the duke’s men have begun their journey from the Capital.” He bowed. “They’re coming to collect tax.”
Saying so, Cedric left Ethan to ponder.
Tax? What?
In this world of swords and spells, tax consisted of the rarest of monster parts and materials. Priceless Relics were found in the Deadlands just out the border—lands that were full of dangers of the highest caliber, along with endless rewards. And because these materials and items were all of a higher value, not paying tax could easily put a small town like this into debt, unless the town managed to somehow attract a wealthy and profitable industry or find themselves a noble willing to spend his coin to help their people.
Such a noble couldn’t be Theo, clearly. After all, he was just a run-of-the-mill spoiled brat from a prominent aristocratic family—the typical wastrel born lucky into money and power without ever needing to work a single day in his entire life.
Regardless, the tax was Ethan’s issue now, and he wasn’t ready to deal with it given that Theo already had quite a debt in the first place.
Ethan’s eyes deadened.
Next >
Patreon Discord

So I just got my final feedback before the EE is due, and it isn't good. I have a few weeks before the whole thing is due and I want to make sure I can get it to the best I can. I'm doing a literature EE and wanted to see if anyone could answer these questions.

• When stuck with writing/mind blank, what's a good method to start writing again?
  
• With doing a literature EE, what counts as literary features or themes that I can discuss?
  
• What are some good secondary sources I can use?
  
• Does the typical TEEL sentence structure work with the EE, or will I need to apply something more complex?
  

Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm worried I won't be able to get it done in time so any help would be great. Thanks!

Great series. After reading all the hate and things people didn't like in this reddit about it for years I had some trepidation, but I'm super glad I over came it.
My takes (mixture of hot and vanilla): - Season 1 best season. - Season 2 was great. - Season 3 I felt the plot slow down for a second, but I caught back up, great season. - Season 4 was also great, and I loved Kavira as a villain, she was very intimidating! I will say her fiancee was annoyingly lacky-ish, like dude, try to be less of a villains #2 guy, lightning guy for Amon wasn't that way. - "Remembrances" pales in comparison to "Ember Island." Facts.
If I was the director (coming from someone who has no idea what they're talking about about):

• Varrick went from eccentric billionaire who influences through the media and propaganda, to Tony Stark in the later seasons. Kinda would've liked him to stay as the movers, charisma, and money guy and kept Asami as the tech lady.
  
• That said, if he's gonna be the tech guy, Varrick joining Kavira and just wholesale committing to being her weapons guy and being on her side of things I feel would've been a cooler story. He has complex political opinions, he was orchestrating a lot of political maneuvers in Season 2, why not 4?
  
• If Varrick isn't the tech guy, have Asami's dad get released from prison and help them earlier. He was saying cool dude. That would be my replacement for Varrick.
  
• Kavira was a straightforward villain, but like, we only see one of her camps and it's not really a camp. I think it'd have been cool to get a Band of Brothers camp liberation moment, maybe that's where the heroes discover her Mech-Suit plans. Idk. Rn it's just implied she has camps and such, but that could just be bad press.
  
• If Zaheer had maybe two more good sentences on his philosophy I would have liked it more, because it didn't feel totally fleshed out. Like literally if he said, "Chaos is the natural order of things. [Think of it, a world without kings or presidents, where one's only responsibility was to his family and the spirits around them. The world has gotten too big Korra, we've forgotten why we were given bending to begin with. As a gift to keep us safe in a Chaotic world, let us return to that natural balance.]" I would respect him more than just like, encouraging looting?
  
• Likewise, Unalaq, this dude is like, somehow willing to merge with the Avatar version of SATAN and still thinks he can be the good guy? Crazy. I would totally have accepted him stripping the Avatar of her power, then freeing Vaatu and having them duel eternally like they did in ancient times. No Avatar, just balance. That seems like a better goal to me for him.
  
• Bolin is my least favorite character besides Prince/King Wu. Bolin was totally cool in Season 1, got stupider as the show went on, somehow joined a dictator near the end because... Reasons? Idk.
  

What do y'all think? I'm willing to read ALL the comments now because I have no fear of spoilers for the first time in forever!
Edit: I just wanna say, the story flowed so well between seasons. It really felt like actions had consequences and that there was a totally new status quo both in the character arcs and the world itself every time a season ended. Great job on the writers.