Calm Before The Storm
In the labyrinthine depths of Requp, where the echoes of footsteps reverberated through dimly lit tunnels, life unfolded in the quietude of the underground city. Adam, a stonemason with weathered hands, meticulously chiseled away at the rocky walls that enclosed their subterranean haven. The cool, damp air wrapped around the residents as they navigated the interconnected tunnels, their existence shielded from the turmoil that plagued the surface.
Within the enclaves of the underground city, where the glow of lanterns cast gentle shadows on the cavernous walls, rumors murmured like soft whispers. Conversations carried tales of mystical beings — a fallen angel or a Kitsune — shared among the residents. The legitimate Catholics, staunch in their faith, fervently asserted the presence of celestial entities, their prayers reverberating through the stone chambers as they gathered in corners, seeking divine solace.
Adam, grounded in the tangible world of stone, overheard these conversations as he diligently worked on shaping the rocky walls. The legitimate Catholics spoke of prophecies and divine interventions, interpreting the murmurs of the underground city as signs of providence. However, as the stonemason listened to their fervent proclamations, a skeptical furrow creased his brow.
One day, as Adam overheard a particularly animated discussion among the legitimate Catholics, the topic shifted to the rumored presence of a Kitsune. The believers spoke of the mystical creature with hushed reverence, describing its alleged encounters in the dark corners of Requp. Unable to contain his skepticism, Adam interjected, “Are you guys nuts? Fallen angels, Kitsunes? This is the underground, not some fantastical realm. We need to focus on the real challenges we face.”
The legitimate Catholics exchanged knowing glances, their unwavering faith undeterred by Adam’s skepticism. In response, they gently urged him to consider the possibility that the divine could manifest in unexpected ways, even within the confines of the underground city.
As Adam continued his work, the conversations of celestial beings and divine presence persisted, creating a subtle undercurrent of tension within Requp. The calm before the storm, hidden in the shadows of the underground, suggested a looming disruption that transcended the tangible realities of their subterranean existence.
1 Day Later
As Adam cautiously approached the enclave where the police and guards were engaged in their urgent discussion, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding in the air. The hushed tones and the guarded glances exchanged among the guards hinted at a situation far more complex than the stonemason could have anticipated.
Curiosity overcoming him, Adam hesitated for a moment before speaking, “What’s happening? Why the secrecy?”
The guards, caught off guard by his presence, exchanged uneasy glances. After a brief pause, one of them decided to divulge a fraction of the truth, “Adam, we’re dealing with an unexpected situation. The virus is spreading faster than we initially thought, and we’re working on containment strategies. We can’t afford to cause panic among the residents.”
Adam’s brow furrowed in concern as he attempted to process the partial information. The guards, however, weren’t forthcoming with the full extent of the situation. They had made a collective decision to keep the details under wraps, fearing the repercussions of widespread panic.
Noticing Adam’s confusion, the guard continued, “We’re handling it, but the less people know right now, the better. We don’t want to incite fear before we have a solid plan in place.”
With that, the guards resumed their discussion, leaving Adam standing there with a growing sense of unease. The calm before the storm had taken a more ominous turn, and the stonemason couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the situation than he was being told.
In the aftermath of the cryptic encounter with the guards, Adam sought solace in the familiarity of his work. As the days unfolded in the underground city of Requp, the routine of stone shaping and crafting custom countertops became a comforting anchor amid the rising uncertainty.
June brought with it the echoes of bustling activity, and Adam found himself immersed in the rhythmic dance of chisel and stone. The residents of Requp, unaware of the growing complexities veiled in secrecy, continued to go about their daily lives, seeking a semblance of normalcy.
Pillars, the esteemed purveyors of custom-made countertops, had placed their trust in Adam’s craftsmanship. As their go-to man, he was accustomed to the steady flow of orders for unique and intricate designs. The echoes of measured strikes against the stone resonated in the cavernous spaces, a testament to Adam’s skill and dedication.
Amid the stone dust and the hum of work, the surface-level calm persisted. The residents eagerly anticipated the completion of their custom countertops, unaware of the undercurrents threatening to disrupt the stability of Requp.
As Adam meticulously crafted each piece, his mind occasionally wandered back to the cryptic conversation with the guards. The nagging sense of unease lingered, prompting occasional glances over his shoulder as if expecting the shadows to reveal the secrets they concealed.
The stone workshop became a refuge, a sanctuary where Adam could momentarily escape the complexities and uncertainties of the world outside. The rhythmic tap of his chisel against the stone echoed his attempt to maintain normalcy, even as an invisible storm brewed beneath the surface.
Despite the undercurrents of tension, the residents continued to place their trust in Pillars, and by extension, in Adam’s craftsmanship. The demand for custom countertops persisted, providing a semblance of stability in a world threatened by the unknown.
The rhythmic tapping of chisel against stone continued in the Pillars workshop, but the familiar scent of dust and freshly carved stone was interrupted by a foul odor—a stench of decay that hung in the air like a sinister presence. Adam paused, his nose wrinkling in disgust as the repulsive smell invaded the sanctity of his workspace.
His boss, noticing Adam’s discomfort, approached with a raised eyebrow. “Adam, did you forget to take out the trash or something?” he asked, an air of casual inquiry in his voice.
The stonemason, still trying to shake off the nauseating scent, replied, “No, the trash is empty. This smell is something else, something rotten. Have you noticed it too?”
His boss, momentarily perplexed, took a deep sniff and wrinkled his nose. “Yeah, that’s strange. I haven’t smelled anything like this before. Let’s check around; maybe something’s gone bad nearby.”
Together, they followed the unpleasant odor, navigating the workshop and peering into corners where remnants of stone and tools were stored. The stench seemed to grow stronger, leading them deeper into the labyrinthine passages of the underground city.
As they approached a particular section, the scent became overpowering. Adam felt a surge of nausea, and his boss’s expression shifted from curiosity to concern. The source of the repulsive odor became apparent—a bed zone, a pocket where the virus had mutated, causing accelerated decay.
Adam’s eyes widened in realization, and a chill ran down his spine. The undercurrents of tension he had sensed, the guards’ secretive conversations, and now the unmistakable odor—it all coalesced into a grim reality. The virus was not just growing; it was mutating, creating zones of accelerated decay that posed an even greater threat.
His boss, sharing in Adam’s concern, muttered, “We need to report this. The residents have a right to know what’s happening.”
The stench of decay hung in the air, a tangible manifestation of the storm brewing beneath the surface. As they ventured to alert the authorities, Adam couldn’t shake the feeling that the calm before the storm had finally given way to a more palpable, ominous reality—a reality that demanded acknowledgment and action in the face of an escalating crisis within the confines of Requp.
The once orderly workshop descended into chaos as the repulsive stench of decay intensified, signaling the outbreak of a mutated virus within Requp. Panic rippled through the residents, their routine shattered by the nightmarish reality that unfolded before them.
Amid the clamor, Adam’s eyes widened as he witnessed a grotesque spectacle—the emergence of a giant, blue, and repulsive brute. Its massive frame loomed over the chaos, carrying a Pillars countertop as if it were a grotesque weapon. With each swing, the brute struck unsuspecting residents, their bodies dissolving into the virus-infected haze, further accelerating the growth of the contagion.
People screamed and scattered, desperate to escape the onslaught of the mutated brute. Adam’s heart raced as he took in the nightmarish scene unfolding before him. The once familiar surroundings had transformed into a battleground where survival hung in the balance.
In the midst of the pandemonium, the guards, alerted to the escalating threat, whistled and sprang into action. They formed a barrier, attempting to contain the brute and prevent the spread of the virus. The discordant echoes of whistles pierced through the chaos, a desperate call for reinforcement in the face of an unprecedented and terrifying adversary.
Adam, his instincts kicking in, sought refuge in the shadows, his mind racing to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. The brute, a monstrous carrier of the virus, became a symbol of the evolving threat that had eluded their understanding. The once calm and ordered life in Requp had unraveled into a nightmare where every moment could be a battle for survival.
As the guards engaged in a desperate struggle to contain the brute, Adam realized that the calm before the storm was not a mere prelude but a warning. The storm had arrived, bringing with it a new, more horrifying reality—one where the mutated virus and its monstrous carriers threatened to engulf Requp in an unprecedented catastrophe.
In the face of this nightmarish outbreak, the underground city stood at the crossroads of survival or descent into irreversible chaos. The calmness that had once defined their existence now lay shattered, replaced by the piercing cries of panic and the ominous presence of the virus-infected brute.
In his desperate attempt to escape the chaos unfolding in Requp, Adam’s footsteps echoed through the tunnels. The relentless pursuit of survival fueled his every move, but in the shadows lurked an unexpected danger—an unseen snake lying in wait.
As Adam passed by, the serpent struck with lightning speed, sinking its fangs into his leg. A cry of pain escaped his lips as venom surged through his veins, setting his nerves ablaze. In the midst of his agony, another unexpected attack unfolded. The snake, sensing a greater threat, spat venom directly into Adam’s eyes.
“Ahh! My eyes!” Adam screamed, the burning sensation intensifying with each passing moment. The venom, like molten fire, seared his eyes, rendering him blind and disoriented.
Blinded and in excruciating pain, Adam stumbled, his hands frantically reaching for support. The once-familiar tunnels became a disorienting maze, every step a potential collision with danger. The chaos around him intensified, the distant screams and roars merging into a cacophony of terror.
“Someone help! I can’t see!” Adam’s desperate cries echoed through the tunnels, but amid the pandemonium, his pleas seemed swallowed by the nightmarish symphony of the outbreak.
The infected brute’s guttural roars reverberated in the darkness, adding to the sense of dread that enveloped Adam. Despite the pain and blindness, the stonemason’s survival instincts kicked in. With shaky steps, he pressed forward, driven by the need to escape the horrors that surrounded him.
Amid the chaos, Adam’s hands groped for any semblance of safety or aid. “I need help! Please, someone!” he pleaded, his voice a desperate plea in the tumultuous darkness.
As Adam sprinted through the chaos, guided by the mysterious voice, he felt a sudden shift in the air. The disorienting sounds of the mutated brute and the virus-infected creatures were momentarily drowned out by the low growls and hisses of a struggle. He halted, uncertainty gripping him.
In the midst of the commotion, the voice spoke again, this time with a tinge of urgency, “Keep running, Adam. I’ll hold them back.” The words hung in the air, and without fully comprehending the situation, Adam obeyed the command and continued his desperate escape.
The echoing sounds of the scuffle behind him indicated a fierce confrontation. Through the haze of pain and blindness, Adam strained to grasp the unfolding events. The mysterious presence, unseen but resolute, stood its ground against the threats that lurked in the shadows.
He heard the clash of forces—snarls, hisses, and the occasional impact of a struggle. It became apparent that the unseen guardian was fending off the dangers that had threatened Adam. A sense of gratitude and curiosity mingled within him, but survival took precedence, propelling him forward.
As Adam ran, his heightened senses picked up the ongoing struggle behind him. The voice, though distant, continued to guide him through the labyrinthine passages. The guardian, a spectral protector in the chaos, fought valiantly to create a path for Adam’s escape.
With each step, Adam’s pace quickened, driven by the urgency to reach safety. The mysterious presence, whatever it may be, sacrificed itself to buy him precious moments of respite in the unrelenting storm. The tails, now fewer, continued to guide him through the darkness, and Adam pressed on, his fate intertwined with the unseen guardian’s valiant stand against the encroaching threats.
As Adam continued his desperate escape through the labyrinthine tunnels, he stole a glance backward, catching sight of the mysterious man with the claymore. To his surprise, the man bore two black wings, both of which were strikingly dark against the chaos that surrounded them. However, one of these wings hung broken and damaged, a stark contrast to the other.
The broken wing, though wounded, seemed to carry an air of resilience and defiance. The colossal claymore he wielded, akin in size to the pillars Adam crafted at work, emphasized the warrior’s formidable presence. The clash between the broken wing and the imposing weapon created an image of a figure who had faced formidable challenges and endured.
The man’s gaze met Adam’s, a silent exchange that spoke volumes in the midst of the unfolding chaos. Adam’s curiosity lingered, but the urgency of his situation pressed him to redirect his focus forward, aiming to navigate the labyrinth and find safety from the encroaching threats.
With every step, Adam grappled with the surreal nature of the encounters in Requp. The broken wing, a testament to the struggles faced by the mysterious warrior, became a symbol of the challenges that awaited those who dared to confront the city’s nightmarish reality.
The tunnels stretched ahead, shrouded in darkness, and Adam pushed himself to move faster. The echoes of the man’s footsteps and the occasional clink of the claymore served as a reminder that danger lurked behind, but the immediate need for escape overshadowed the enigma of the broken winged warrior.
As Adam ran, the broken wing faded into the background, a fleeting glimpse of the complexities hidden within Requp’s depths. The city’s calm facade had crumbled, replaced by a tumultuous storm that demanded resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering will to endure. Adam braced himself for the challenges that lay ahead, propelled forward by the relentless pursuit of survival in a city plagued by the unknown.
Adam, guided by the echoes of chaos and the urgency to escape, finally reached a place of relative safety within the depths of Requp. As he stumbled into the refuge, disoriented and still reeling from the effects of the venom, a group of people, their figures outlined in the dim light, rushed to his aid.
“Lay him down, gently,” a calm voice instructed, and Adam felt the reassuring support of hands guiding him to a makeshift resting place. As he settled, the individuals around him began to assess the extent of his injuries, focusing particularly on his eyes.
“You’re a lucky bastard, you know that?” one of the individuals remarked, a mix of surprise and admiration in their voice. “To still have vision after a snake spit like that is quite lucky.”
Adam, still processing the whirlwind of events, managed a weak nod. The relief of reaching safety and the prospect of receiving medical attention alleviated some of the tension that had gripped him during his escape.
The makeshift caregivers went to work, treating his eyes with care and precision. They administered soothing solutions and bandaged his eyes, shielding them from further irritation. The coolness of the treatment provided a stark contrast to the searing pain Adam had endured, and he couldn’t help but exhale a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding.
As the treatment progressed, the individuals engaged in hushed conversations, their voices a backdrop to the unfolding scene. “What happened out there?” one of them queried, curiosity mingling with concern.
Adam, still recovering from the shock of the ordeal, recounted the chaotic events—encounters with the mysterious voice, the broken-winged warrior with the claymore, and the overwhelming chaos that had unfolded in Requp.
The caregivers listened attentively, absorbing the gravity of the situation. Amidst the exchanges, the phrase “lucky bastard” resurfaced, emphasizing the significance of Adam’s partial preservation of vision in the face of the venomous attack.
As the treatment concluded, Adam felt a mix of gratitude and bewilderment. The refuge offered a respite from the relentless storm outside, and the people who had come to his aid became beacons of hope in the darkness that had engulfed Requp.
Yet, the echoes of the broken-winged warrior and the mysterious encounters lingered in Adam’s thoughts, leaving him with more questions than answers. The calm before the storm had given way to a nightmarish reality, and in the relative safety of the refuge, Adam braced himself for the challenges that lay ahead in the twisted depths of Requp.
Adam, now in the relative safety of the refuge, felt the soothing touch of caregivers attending to his injuries. The sting in his eyes persisted, a lingering reminder of the venomous encounter with the snake in the chaotic depths of Requp. The individuals around him worked with a sense of urgency, administering what little antiviral medication they had, hoping to mitigate the effects of the venom.
“We’re doing what we can with what we have,” one of the caregivers explained, their voice carrying a mixture of compassion and frustration. “The antiviral meds should help, but it’s a temporary solution. Rest is crucial now. Your body needs time to recover.”
Adam, grateful for the assistance, nodded in acknowledgment. The refuge provided a brief respite from the relentless storm outside, and the caregivers’ efforts offered a glimmer of hope in the darkness that had enveloped Requp.
As the makeshift treatment continued, the individuals exchanged glances and hushed conversations. The gravity of the situation hung in the air, the unknown virus casting a shadow over their efforts to provide aid. The antiviral medications, a precious resource in the city’s dwindling supplies, were administered with care, the caregivers fully aware of the challenges they faced.
“You’re lucky,” one of them remarked, their tone a mixture of admiration and empathy. “Blinded completely is often the outcome with that kind of venom. You’re fortunate to still have your vision intact, even if partially.”
Adam, still processing the surreal events that had unfolded, found solace in the care he received. The refuge became a sanctuary within the chaos, a place where the immediate threat of the virus was momentarily held at bay.
As the caregivers completed their efforts, they urged Adam to rest. “It’s not over, but you’ve bought yourself some time,” one of them assured him. “Rest, regain your strength. We’ll do what we can to help you navigate the challenges that lie ahead.”
In the dim light of the refuge, Adam closed his eyes, the bandages serving as a shield against the harsh reality outside. The calm before the storm had given way to an uncertain future, and as he drifted into a restless slumber, the echoes of the broken-winged warrior and the mysterious encounters lingered, promising more revelations in the twisted depths of Requp.
As Adam attempted to find some semblance of rest in the refuge, the hushed conversations of the guards nearby filtered through the dimly lit space. The reports of the dead and injured painted a grim picture of the escalating catastrophe that had befallen Requp.
“The death toll is above 4,000 and still counting,” one guard whispered, the weight of the revelation hanging in the air. The magnitude of the unfolding disaster reverberated through the words, a stark reminder of the unprecedented scale of the virus’s devastation.
Adam, bandaged and recovering, listened in silence, the gravity of the situation settling upon him. The once peaceful city had become a battleground, with casualties mounting at an alarming rate. The refuge, while providing temporary safety, couldn’t shield him from the harsh reality outside.
The guards, burdened by the enormity of their task, continued their somber exchange. The injured were numerous, and the efforts to contain the virus seemed increasingly futile. The city’s descent into chaos had exceeded any expectations, and the sheer scale of the crisis left everyone grappling with the unknown.
As the reports echoed through the refuge, Adam couldn’t help but reflect on the events that had led to this point. The calm before the storm had given way to a maelstrom of chaos, leaving Requp in a state of despair and uncertainty. The broken-winged warrior, the mysterious voice, and the enigmatic encounters now felt like fragments in a larger narrative of survival and struggle.
With the city’s fate hanging in the balance, Adam contemplated the challenges that lay ahead. The refuge, though a brief sanctuary, couldn’t shield him from the reality outside its walls. As he attempted to rest amidst the echoing reports and whispers of the guards, the unknown depths of Requp loomed large, promising both revelations and trials in the harrowing journey that awaited him.
The next day dawned, and with a degree of recovery, Adam found himself escorted to the surface. The journey through the tunnels brought him back to the world outside the refuge, a world forever changed by the virus that had plunged Requp into chaos.
Once on the surface, Adam was taken to a makeshift hospital, a place struggling to cope with the overwhelming influx of the infected and injured. The air hung heavy with the scent of disinfectant and the collective anxiety of those facing the relentless onslaught of the virus.
As Adam underwent examination and assessment, a sudden fit of coughing wracked his frame, and he felt a metallic taste in his mouth. His hand, stained with traces of blood, brought an unsettling realization—he was coughing up blood. The caregivers, recognizing the severity of the situation, acted swiftly.
“We need him in the ICU. The virus must have gotten into his airways,” a doctor’s urgent voice resonated through the chaotic hospital environment. Adam, weakened and disoriented, was swiftly transferred to the intensive care unit, a place where the battle against the virus took on a more personal and critical dimension.
The ICU, a realm of beeping monitors and hushed conversations, became Adam’s new reality. The struggle to breathe, the erratic heartbeat, and the harsh reality of the virus’s impact converged in the confined space of his hospital bed. The caregivers worked tirelessly, their efforts a testament to the challenges they faced in a city overrun by the unknown.
As Adam lay in the sterile environment of the ICU, he couldn’t help but reflect on the events that had led him here. The broken-winged warrior, the mysterious voice, and the chaotic escape through the tunnels felt like distant echoes in the face of the immediate threat within his own body.
The ICU became a battleground of a different kind, a place where the struggle for survival unfolded on a personal level. Adam, caught in the grip of the virus’s relentless assault, braced himself for the uncertainties that lay ahead, his fate intricately woven into the fabric of Requp’s spiraling descent into darkness.
In the hushed confines of the ICU, Adam’s struggle for life reached a critical juncture. The monitors beeped urgently, echoing the intensity of the battle being waged within his fragile frame. Amidst the sterile white walls, the medical team recognized the urgency of the situation and rallied to save Adam from the clutches of the relentless virus.
The doctors, their faces masked with determination, rushed him to the surgery room with a sense of urgency that cut through the otherwise subdued atmosphere. The urgency in their voices resonated through the hospital corridors as they exchanged crucial information about Adam’s deteriorating condition.
“Prepare for emergency surgery! We’re losing him, and we’re losing him fast!” The lead surgeon’s command echoed through the sterile halls, setting in motion a coordinated effort to navigate the complex dance between life and death.
As Adam was wheeled into the surgery room, the team worked with precision born from the urgency of the moment. The beeping of monitors and the sterile scent of antiseptic became the backdrop to a life-or-death struggle unfolding under the harsh glow of surgical lights.
“Get the antivirals ready! We need to neutralize the virus in his system,” the surgeon barked orders, his voice cutting through the tension. The surgical team moved with a sense of urgency, each member playing a crucial role in the fight against time.
The surgery room transformed into a battlefield, not against a visible enemy, but against an insidious virus that threatened to claim yet another victim. The words spoken in the heat of the moment carried the weight of a desperate struggle for Adam’s life, and the outcome remained uncertain in the face of the relentless adversary they sought to overcome.
In the fleeting moments before Adam succumbed to the engulfing darkness, the chaotic sounds of the surgery room merged into a dissonant symphony. Amid the flurry of medical interventions, a final, distant voice echoed in his consciousness.
“We’re not giving up on you, Adam. Hold on.”
The words lingered in the air, a whispered promise against the encroaching void. As Adam slipped into unconsciousness, the relentless battle between life and death continued in the realm of his subconscious. The surgical team persisted in their efforts, unaware of the thin line between hope and despair that Adam treaded.
With a fragile thread connecting him to the world, Adam’s consciousness receded into the depths of a coma. The sterile scent of the surgery room and the urgency of the medical team faded into an indistinct murmur, leaving behind an eerie silence. In this suspended state, Adam’s mind became a canvas for dreams and nightmares, a realm where the echoes of the broken-winged warrior and the chaotic events in Requp blended into a surreal tapestry.
The hospital room transformed into a liminal space, a bridge between the tangible reality of the surgery room and the intangible landscapes of the subconscious. As Adam drifted deeper into the coma, the unknown awaited him—a realm where the threads of his past, present, and the enigmatic future of Requp intertwined in a complex dance.
In the silent expanse of his unconscious mind, Adam’s journey continued, guided by the ethereal whispers of the broken-winged warrior and the promise of survival that lingered in the words of the medical team. The coma became a transient threshold, a gateway to revelations and challenges yet to unfold in the twisted depths of Requp.
In the solemn aftermath of Adam’s passing, the surgery room fell into an uneasy stillness. The medical team, their exhaustion and grief palpable, faced the harsh reality of a life lost despite their relentless efforts. The clock on the wall, a silent witness to the unfolding drama, marked the moment of Adam’s death: 3:34 pm.
The lead surgeon, shoulders slumped with the weight of the outcome, took a deep breath. The team, now caught in the grip of sorrow, stood in silence, their collective gaze fixated on the still form of the one they had fought so desperately to save.
As the minutes ticked away, the room became a space of mourning, each member processing the emotional toll of the battle they had waged and lost. The beeping monitors, once a symphony of urgency, now echoed a somber rhythm in the background.
The reality of Adam’s death lingered, casting a pall over the once bustling surgery room. The medical team, bound by the shared experience of the grueling 89-hour battle, now confronted the raw emotions that accompanied the loss of a patient. The camaraderie that had fueled their determination transformed into a collective sense of mourning.
In the face of the quiet aftermath, the lead surgeon addressed the team with a heavy heart. “We did everything we could. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, we’re left with this outcome.” The words hung in the air, a poignant acknowledgment of the harsh realities of their profession.
As the team dispersed, the surgery room became a space of reflection and solace. The clock continued its indifferent march, time moving forward despite the sense of stasis that gripped those who had fought on the frontlines against the insidious virus.
In the wake of Adam’s passing, the medical team, left to reel from the emotional toll of their arduous efforts, carried the weight of the unspoken question: What more could they have done in the face of an adversary that seemed to defy even the most valiant efforts?
In the aftermath of Adam’s death, the medical team faced a surge of Requp survivors seeking refuge. Initially appearing stable, the survivors’ condition took a drastic turn. The virus, dormant within them, unleashed havoc, resulting in an alarming 89% death rate. The hospital, once a sanctuary, transformed into a battlefield against an unseen enemy, leaving the team grappling with a devastating reality that echoed the relentless nature of the virus within Requp.
