Chapter 817
Original Intention
Chapter 817 Original Intention (8K)
"My turn—"
Akama Zero placed his right hand on top of the deck, only to find that he couldn't draw any cards.
"Oh... so you can't draw cards when you go first?"
Akama Zero paused slightly, then gently tapped his forehead with his right hand, deep in thought.
"I see."
He is reading the general's memories.
Meanwhile, he also looked into the distance, seemingly trying to discern other situations.
"That monster in the swimming pool..."
He muttered something under his breath.
Not far away, the "Red Horse Zero King" had completed its fusion, but the result of the fusion surprised Amagi Hikaru, who was also observing.
what? What?
"This card on the field cannot be destroyed by card effects. As long as this card is in the Monster Zone, your opponent's monsters cannot attack except for Pendulum Monsters that do not have a Level."
“So weak.” Tiera said blankly from the side.
"Ha, although it imitates me, in the end, the wavelengths of the soul are not exactly the same."
Akama Zero-Oh did not draw any more cards, but instead looked at his hand.
“These ordinary soldiers seem to have undergone artificial experiments, suppressing their own will as much as possible, just to fulfill the ambitions of the Fusion Army.” Akama Zero looked at the cards in his hand and selected one. “Magic Card, Fusion Sage, add one Fusion card from the deck to your hand.”
A strange Fusion card flew out of Akama Zero's deck.
Hikaru Amagi only glanced at it and didn't pay any more attention to the card.
“That demon…that monster, Yuri, I discovered long ago that he is no longer human, so I knew he would use my research to eliminate enemies he found uninteresting.”
However, by using personality overlay technology, I can briefly be summoned into a person's body, and then use some powerful cards that are unavailable on the market to easily eliminate the "minor enemies."
"However, simply using personality overlay technology cannot completely simulate me."
"Even if there is no self and one sacrifices voluntarily, after the personality is covered, it will still be unable to simulate me because it lacks a key core. In the end, the monsters summoned will be very different from the cards I originally used, and may even lack power."
"You've become more talkative."
"This is how this body is."
Akama Zero-Oh didn't mind at all.
"However, it would be wishful thinking to think that you can defeat me and then seek revenge on Chronos with just this kind of body and this kind of deck."
?
Amagi Hikaru raised an eyebrow.
And what about Professor Chronos?
The next second, a light rain suddenly fell on the head of Akama Zero, and a faint blue light scattered from the void and landed on him.
Adam Factor!
That's about right.
He looked at the card in his hand, a ferocious grin spreading across his face.
"Therefore, those false selves, those soldiers who use personality overlays, and even this 'me' now, are not 'me'—"
"But, as long as I defeat enough enemies, as long as the Adam Factor reappears in me, then I can truly return!"
He looked at the cards in his hand that had been restored, and Hadi grinned maliciously: "Activate the magic card, Fusion!"
"The fusion conditions are: Elf Machine Army - Pendulum Overseer and Elf Monster!"
"Use a Fusion Parasite and a Spirit Monster from your hand to fuse!"
"O soldiers of mechanical devices inhabited by elves."
May my hands, now imbued with new power, cleanse themselves of sin and defilement, and become the foundation for the world's rebirth!
Let's go back!
Let's assemble!
Fusion Summon!
Level 12! Pendulum Fusion Monster!
The Great Elf Mechanical Army - Pendulum Commander!
Rumble!
In the light, the familiar mechanical angel descended once again before Hikaru Amagi, as bright as the sun!
Beside it, countless mechanical angels flew out from its body, transforming into a swarm of bees to guard it.
Great Elf Mechanized Army - Pendulum Commander, Level 12, Light Attribute, Mechanical Race, Attack Power 3500.
"Great Elf Machine Army - Pendulum Commander cannot be destroyed by card effects. As long as it exists in the Monster Zone, your opponent's monsters that are at or below this card's Level, except Pendulum Monsters, cannot attack, and their effects are negated!"
"what?"
"That's outrageous!"
After a brief disruption, the live streaming equipment prepared by Haima Company was reconnected, allowing viewers to receive the signal and watch the duels normally.
World-renowned fighters like Yugi, Kaiba, and Yusei are among the duelists that viewers are currently paying close attention to.
While Hikaru Amagi doesn't have the unparalleled influence in his respective dimension like Yugi, Kaiba, or Yusei, he happens to have a certain level of fame in almost every dimension, so his audience is actually quite large.
Therefore, they were slightly disappointed when they discovered that Hikaru Amagi's opponent, and the opponents of many others, were "the same person".
However, when they discovered that the "Pendulum Commander" summoned by this guy was much stronger than the Pendulum Commanders used by other Red Horse Zero Kings, they reacted differently!
"Isn't this just being a scoundrel?!"
"Why not just say all card effects are null and void!"
The Fusion Army already had a very bad reputation among ordinary people, and now that Akama Zero King has appeared in many people's live streams like a cockroach, polluting the vision of viewers and opponents with all sorts of cards, it makes people very dissatisfied.
But compared to those Red Horse Zero Kings, the one in front of Amagi Hikaru is clearly stronger!
It's more effective than other pendulum commanders!
"Heh, looks good." Akaba Zero clenched his fist. "God seems to be watching me—"
"So what?" Amagi Hikaru crossed his arms, completely unconcerned. "He was watching last time, so what does it matter?"
"You can only be verbally aggressive at times like this, Amagi Hikaru."
Akama Zero felt he was gradually getting into the swing of things.
Based on his observations and analysis, he gradually figured out the possibility of "swinging".
If his analysis is correct.
At this very moment, God is watching him.
If he wants to become his true self again, he must meet two conditions.
One is to defeat his "destined" enemy—probably Chronos, or perhaps Amagi Hikaru.
But whoever it is, he must defeat the enemies who have defeated him "in history" in order to allow his soul to sway anew.
The other one must "become the only one," which means eliminating all the other Akama Zero Kings.
The latter, he has complete confidence.
After all, he seems to be the only one who can perfectly recreate the "Great Elf Machine Army" at present.
Next, as long as he defeats Hikaru Amagi and overcomes fate, he can become the strongest Akaba Zero King, receive the power of GOD, and go anywhere in the world. Even if he doesn't become the real "Akaba Zero King", he can still restart the ARC project as the "second Akaba Zero King" and rule the entire dimension!
"Although I have already died once, I have not forgotten that you defeated this card back then."
“Although it once put you in danger, you used the properties of the cards to fuse them together—” Akaba Zero held up two cards, “This time, I won’t repeat the same mistake as last time.”
"Cover two cards, end the turn."
Amagi Hikaru raised an eyebrow.
"My turn, draw a card."
Hikaru Amagi glanced at the card that had been drawn.
"Activate the trap card at this very moment!"
"Perpetual Trap, Merge Forbidden Zones!"
"As long as this card is on the field, neither player can perform a Fusion Summon!"
Hikaru Amagi placed the card he had drawn onto the card in his left hand, then looked at the exposed card and couldn't help but chuckle.
"That's so despicable!?"
"He only integrates himself, but doesn't allow others to integrate!?"
"Oh no, what do we do now? We can't let it be destroyed by its effect. It has 3500 attack power and can even block all monster effects!?"
"That's outrageous..."
At this moment, a large number of viewers from the Hyperion Dimension also flooded into Amagi Hikaru's live stream. They all froze when they saw Akama Zero King activate the card.
What does it mean that monsters other than Pendulum Monsters cannot attack and their effects are nullified?
Doesn't this completely block their overfeeding?!
“King Chima Zero, you are still the same as before, without any change.”
"?"
"Ah, rather, this is better." Amagi Hikaru revealed a twisted smile that many people had never seen before, a smile that could be described as insane.
This startled many viewers who only knew Hikaru Amagi as a "sunny and cheerful big boy".
"You self-righteous fool, do you really think you're the same person you were back then?!"
"You're nothing but a fragment of a past soul. Even you couldn't beat me back then, so do you really think you can beat me now!"
"In your memory, those who helped you—the Earthbound God has been completely freed, the Goddess of Despair, Ella, has been sealed away by me and Yuma, the Three Phantom Demons are now in my hands, and even GOD, who has always protected you, is now nowhere to be found—"
What makes you think you can beat me?!
Amagi Hikaru grinned: "Besides, even if you were fully protected, do you really think you could beat me right now!?"
My integration is progressing every day, and my path of integration will never end.
Now, let me show you just how vast the gap is between you and me!
Many people from the merged dimension gaped in astonishment.
Some of them even couldn't help but rub their eyes.
Especially those familiar with Amagi Hikaru, who often interacted with or even lived with him, including those from the Duel Academy and Fengguang Company, who were connected across dimensions, stared at him in disbelief, wondering if they had heard him.
Who is this?!
Is this really Hikaru Amagi from their memories?!
How could he be so arrogant and violent?!
"I will set the DD Fierce Dog at scale 3 to the pendulum scale!"
"Pendulum scale!?" Akama Rei-o stared blankly as Amagi Hikaru set the card.
A blue pillar of light slowly rose, and a huge [3] appeared in the pillar. The ferocious red dog stared fiercely at the opposite side, as if it wanted to tear Akama Zero King to pieces.
"It's a Pendulum Monster..."
"Pendulum monsters are treated as special Spell Cards in the Pendulum Zone, and therefore are unaffected by the effects of your Pendulum Commander."
"Tsk... Damn it!!"
"Then, activate its Pendulum effect directly." Hikaru Amagi seemed completely unconcerned about Rei Akaba's reaction and spoke directly, "You can target 1 Fusion, Synchro, or Xyz Monster on your opponent's field. Negate that monster's effects until the end of the turn. After that, destroy this card in the Pendulum Zone."
Hikaru Amagi slowly raised one index finger and said, "Normally, because of the effect of your Pendulum Commander, such activation effects and self-destruct effects can be negated in your Extra Deck."
but.
DD Hound first negates your Pendulum Commander, then destroys it and sends it to the Extra Deck.
Therefore, you will not be able to prevent its effect from starting!
giggle-
Akama Zero's teeth made a grinding sound.
As the effect was activated, the DD Hound flew out of the beam of light and bit the huge machine. In just an instant, the giant mechanical angel lost its original color.
"How does it feel to be easily defeated by a card that your own son, Reiji Akaba, often uses?"
Red Horse Zero King did not say another word.
He hadn't expected that the Pendulum Commander, which Amagi Hikaru would have needed to deal with multiple times, would be so easily defeated by Amagi Hikaru.
Last time, Hikaru Amagi went to great lengths to fuse with it, but now it's been dealt with so easily...
but--
He looked at his own field.
It's ok.
Integration is still prohibited in certain areas.
and so……
Even Hikaru Amagi won't easily overcome his own limitations!
After all, they can't perform fusion summons, and they still have a monster with 3500 attack power, so they can hold on for now.
"Ah……"
Looking at Akama Zero's expression, Amagi couldn't help but shake his head: "You don't actually think you still have a chance, do you?"
"..."
Red Horse Zero King remained calm and did not answer.
"Then let me show you just how vast the gap is between you now and the endless [fusion] I'm pursuing!"
"Normal Summon, Rank 1, Magic Scientist!"
As Amagi Hikaru's voice faded, an old scholar, bald, with his hands in his pockets and sunglasses, wearing an old, gray research coat, appeared on his field with leisurely steps.
Magic Scientist, Level 1, Dark Attribute, Mage Race, Attack Power 300.
"A magical scientist?"
"Attack power is only 300."
How do I defeat Akaba Zero with this card?
Many people are confused.
Akama Zero looked at the monster with a frown, somewhat puzzled by Amagi Hikaru's actions.
Hikaru Amagi chuckled and raised his hand: "The effect of the Magic Scientist is: Pay 1000 Life Points to Special Summon 1 Level 6 or lower Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck. This Fusion Monster cannot attack directly and returns to the Extra Deck at the end of the turn."
"Because it's a direct Special Summon, it's not a Fusion Summon; therefore, your Fusion Forbidden Zone cannot prevent its effect!"
"Heh, so you've bypassed the fusion-forbidden zone with this little trick?" Akama Zero's expression turned slightly grim. "But, monsters below level 6... Hmph, how many of them can you actually use?"
"Then let me show you just how big the gap is between our integration!"
"That's perfect, I've been wanting to kill you again for a long time!"
"The effect of the Magic Scientist: Special Summon, Level 4, Swamp Mud Dragon King!"
A green dragon, glowing with fluorescence, flapped its wings and leaped onto Hikaru Amagi's field.
Amagi Hikaru, LP: 4000→3000.
"Let's try again. Pay 1000 Life Points, Special Summon, Tuner Fusion Monster, No Way Out!"
Amagi Hikaru, LP: 3000→2000.
"Adjustment and integration?"
"Use a level 2 Wuzhi and a level 4 Swamp Mud Dragon King to adjust the star level!" "What!?"
Red Horse Zero was taken aback.
A sudden shift to the same key!?
"Fusion Summoning is blocked, but Synchro Summoning isn't, Zero King Akaba—"
"The Synchro Summoning condition is 1 DARK Tuner and 1 non-Tuner monster."
"Show your true self again!"
"Synchron Summon, Level 6, Earthbound Earthbound Spirit!"
A giant monster covered in blue patterns slowly rose from the ground. It roared and then stared at the Red Horse Zero King.
Earthbound Earth-Painting Spirit, Level 6, Dark Attribute, Demon Race, Attack Power 2000.
"It's a Synchro Summon!?"
"Hikaru Amagi actually used a Fusion Monster for a Synchro Summon!?"
"There's something about synchronized training!?"
A group of spectators stared in disbelief at Amagi Hikaru's actions.
Didn't we agree on the ultimate fusion?
Why are even synchronous modulations appearing?
Those more familiar with Amagi Hikaru will know that Jibaku Kairi is a series of "homogeneous fusion".
"Effect of Earth Spirit. During your or your opponent's Main Phase, you can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls. Your opponent can choose 1 of the following effects to apply."
1. Destruction of monsters as targets.
2. Restores your own HP equal to the attack power of the targeted monster.
"...2."
If you choose option 1, the Pendulum Commander will be destroyed. At that point, Hikaru Amagi can simply summon some monsters and his HP will drop to zero.
Thank you!
Hikaru Amagi's smile lingered for a long time.
Amagi Hikaru, LP: 2000→5500.
"Then, continue!"
Hikaru Amagi flicked his left hand: "Activate the effect of the Magic Scientist!"
Pay 1000 Life Points to Special Summon 1 Level 6 or lower Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck!
"Ugh—" Akama Zero's face grew increasingly pale. He had come to understand how terrifying this monster was!
With just this one monster, Hikaru Amagi can Special Summon Fusion Monsters indefinitely, while he can only watch!
"Pay 1000 HP, Special Summon: Dragon Warrior".
An ancient-looking warrior, clad in dragon armor, slowly took his place, wielding a silver-white greatsword.
Dragon Warrior, Level 6, Earth Attribute, Warrior Race, Attack Power 2000.
"To Fusion Summon this monster, you must use the card written on its face to perform the Fusion. However, the effect of Magical Scientist is a Special Summon, not a Fusion Summon, so its Fusion conditions do not apply!"
"what--"
"By bypassing the summoning conditions, you can directly perform a Special Summon?"
"Good, cunning."
"But they're also very smart!"
Amagi Hikaru, LP: 5500→4500.
“With a Dragon Warrior on the field, you can pay 1000 health points to nullify a normal trap.” Amagi Hikaru looked at Akama Rei with a smile.
"...Even so, your monster's attack power is not comparable to my Pendulum Commander!"
"Ha... A monster that has no effect is nothing but a blank slate. Without the fusion of will and self, it is nothing but a false shell."
Hikaru Amagi raised his hand and snapped his fingers: "Activate the effect of the Magic Scientist again, pay 1000 HP, Special Summon: Twin Heaven Fist Armor!"
"What kind of monster is this!?"
With the roar of a lion, an oriental warrior with a single ponytail descended from the sky, punching the ground as he made a grand entrance!
Twin Heaven Fist Armor, Level 6, Light Attribute, Warrior Race, Attack Power 2100.
Amagi Hikaru, LP: 4500→3500.
"If Gaia is Special Summoned, you can target 1 Attack Position monster your opponent controls; destroy that monster. During the turn this effect is activated, this card cannot attack directly until the end of this turn."
Of course—because it was a monster specially summoned by a magical scientist, it cannot be attacked directly.
“…Ughhh—” King Akama’s forehead veins bulged, and he was extremely angry.
This card's effect range is limited to Special Summoned cards, therefore, it does not require Fusion to activate its effect!
Another fusion that bypasses [Fusion], another monster that uses the fusion effect even though it doesn't actually fuse!
"Ha!"
Driven by the impotent rage of King Zero, Kai leaped through countless mechanical angels and arrived before the largest mechanical angel, which had lost its color. He aimed at the center of the mechanical angel and punched it down hard.
With a loud bang, multiple cracks appeared in the center of the mechanical angel. Accompanied by a sound of collapse, the mechanical angel was gradually filled with cracks. In the end, it even shattered into countless pieces with a loud crash.
The shattered steel, like rain of blood, shattered the otherwise relatively good mood of the "reborn" Akama Zero.
His face was gloomy and full of hostility. Although he was filled with a thousand kinds of anger, he calmly suppressed his emotions and did not show them.
He knew that if he revealed his shock and anger at this moment, his weakness would be completely exploited, and he would have no way to turn the tide.
"Pretty!"
"As expected of Brother Guang!"
"Brother Guang, you're awesome!!!"
Seeing how easily and effortlessly Hikaru Amagi dealt with the seemingly "invincible" monster, the students of the Fusion Dimension Duel Academy erupted in a thunderous cheer.
What excited them even more was...
"Wow, I just checked out the other live streams, and everyone who encountered the Red Horse Zero King was completely overwhelmed by the Pendulum Commander. Moreover, those Pendulum Commanders were mostly ordinary Pendulum Commanders, not as powerful as this one!"
"As a result, while they were still fighting a bitter battle, Amagi Hikaru had already casually dealt with the Pendulum Commander!"
"That's incredible! No wonder he's the legendary strongest Fusion Master!"
If the live stream room is large enough and there are enough people in it, then there will be even more people "roaming around".
After several comparisons, some viewers noticed...
Amagi Hikaru was the one who was most relaxed when facing Akaba Zero, and also laughed the loudest.
Even compared to other live streaming rooms...
Hikaru Amagi seems to be the one who's not normal!
He laughed even more maniacally than Akama Zero, he fought even more arrogantly than Akama Zero, and he even had the leisure to mock Akama Zero!
"But what should we do after we've destroyed the Pendulum Commander?"
"You can't directly attack Hikaru Amagi's monsters anymore?"
"Oh! I see, no wonder we need Synchro Summoning. Synchro Summoned monsters can attack!"
Yes, yes!
Several people also realized what was happening.
Special Summon another Fusion Tuner Monster, then Synchro Summon Twin Heaven Fist to become a Synchro Monster as well, and then you can attack!
The same thoughts that they had were also on Chiba Zero's mind, and he happened to ask them, asking the questions that the audience cared about.
"You've taken care of my Pendulum Commander, that's good, but what are you going to do next?" King Akama asked coldly, his face stiff. "Your fusion monster can't attack right now!"
"Or are you trying to use a Tune to Synchro Summon again, and then win with a Synchro Monster?"
"what--"
Hikaru Amagi seemed amused upon hearing this.
He shook his head, covered his forehead, and laughed for a while.
After a moment, he finished laughing, straightened his clothes slightly, and then, as if not caring, silently raised his left hand.
Four cards were clearly clutched in his hand.
Are you stupid?
I still have four cards left!
Akama Zero-Oh's movements froze.
"Besides... there are plenty of ways to beat you." Amagi Hikaru crossed his arms, completely ignoring Akama Zero's struggles.
"If I wanted to reduce your health, I could just use the Black Flames—but you're not worthy!"
This was the first time Hikaru Amagi had said those words in front of so many people.
"I already know what you've been through."
He assembled a massive research team and conducted experiments with the God Cards, but ultimately, due to his own greed, he abandoned all of humanity in his dimension, even causing the death of his own daughter… A guy like you who abandons his original ideals and beliefs… Hmph.”
Hikaru Amagi glanced at the cue card: "However, I'm quite happy to see you again. After all, this way, I can send you, the guy who betrayed Serena's respect and love, to hell once again!"
"Activate the magic card!"
Amagi Hikaru pulled out a magic card from his hand: "Magic Card, Sudden Mutation!"
"Tribute 1 monster you control. Special Summon 1 Fusion Monster of the same Level from your Extra Deck!"
"Similarly, this is a fusion that is not a true fusion!"
"Damn it..."
"I release the Level 6 Twin Fist Armored A and Special Summon 1 Level 6 Fusion Monster from the Extra Deck."
"Wow, so that's how they kill you!?"
"So clever, Hikaru Amagi!"
"Another special summon that doesn't require fusion!"
"A Level 6 Fusion Monster, is it Earthbound Minion?"
"Perhaps it's the Black Flame Knight!"
"Yes, it could be the Black Flame Knight. This card is one of Amagi Hikaru's most frequently used cards!"
"Uh—what's this!?"
"Who is this?!"
Amidst countless discussions, a monster slowly appeared before Hikaru Amagi.
That was a...
A very, very ordinary monster.
A long-necked monster that is entirely dark blue and looks quite ordinary.
One...
Brachiosaurus!
Brachiosaurus, Level 6, Water type, Dinosaur race, Attack power 2200!
"Brachiosaurus... Brachiosaurus!?? Hikaru Amagi, are you humiliating me!?" Rei Akaba's dark head turned bright red.
Even the audience was shocked and started discussing it heatedly. The comments flew back and forth from right to left, and almost everyone was thinking about the deeper meaning behind Amagi Hikaru's appearance of this monster.
Was it a deliberate act of humiliation?
Or is it that there are no other Level 6 Fusion Monsters in the deck?
"humiliation?"
Hikaru Amagi's smile gradually calmed down; he wasn't angry, he just became quiet.
"This monster was the first Fusion Monster I ever used in this world. It's... no matter which deck I'm in, it's the Fusion Monster I always include in my deck." Besides him, many other people knew about this, such as Tierra and his friends, Rishid, Yugi Muto, and many others who had met him.
Akama Zero's pupils contracted.
He seemed to remember—
He seemed to have watched the video of new recruits entering the Fusion Department back then!
That was when Amagi Hikaru gradually gained fame and began to oppose the Fusion Army.
"Where is your original aspiration? Where is your integration? Where is your pendulum?"
"It's too late now, I don't care anymore."
Hikaru Amagi looked around and saw countless cameras floating beside him.
Through the camera, he seemed to be making eye contact with countless people.
He smiled, didn't say much, simply raised his hand, gave a thumbs up, and then said.
"I only believe in one sentence."
Fusion is the noblest form of summoning!
"Alright, battle phase!"
"Use the Earthbinding Ring to subdue the earth spirit and attack directly!"
"Damn it, activate a Trap Card, Mirror Power Holy..."
"Dragon Warrior's effect: Pays 1000 health points to nullify the effects of normal traps."
The battle continues!
The Earth-Painting Demon punched Red Horse Zero King in the face, sending him flying several meters away until he crashed into a wall, barely stopping. This clearly shows the dissatisfaction of the Earth-Bound Slaves with Red Horse Zero King.
Red Horse Zero King, LP: 4000→2000.
"Then, Brachiosaurus, attack directly!"
"Disappear, stain of fusion."
The Brachiosaurus raised its head and roared, "Woo-hoo!" Then, with its aged steps, it came rumblingly to the front of the Red Horse Zero King, and then stomped down, unleashing a deafening roar.
Red Horse Zero King, LP: 2000→0.
The victor is Amagi Hikaru!
Amagi Hikaru glanced around and saw the figure of Akama Zero King gradually disappear, his figure slowly leaving the body of the Fusion Army general.
Then, as if snapping out of his daze, the general struggled to get up, but the next second, the pendulum of death rang out!
thump—
thump—
With the perfect personality overlay and the injection of Adam Factor, his body could no longer withstand the power of the pendulum and was slowly disintegrating.
Similarly, those cards gradually began to disappear.
There are no free lunches in this world. If you suddenly become stronger and suddenly have cards that you didn't have before, you will definitely have to pay a price. If you win, it's fine; you can fight to improve your skills. But if you lose the first duel, then the price will be paid without stopping.
But what does this have to do with Hikaru Amagi?
He casually turned around and slowly walked away. Behind him, the passing of life and soul transformed into the most magnificent fireworks, illuminating his figure in a somber and mysterious light. He casually took out his identification card and noticed the words on it.
You have defeated a new opponent who did not have a proof card. You can go to the designated location to collect an extra one.
Sure enough, if someone is allowed to break in, there must be supplementary rules.
The hidden rules of the dueling tournament are quite comprehensive.
He put the card away, not in a hurry to go there.
He needs to find even more Fusion Army soldiers!
8K8K
(End of this chapter)