#challenges of augmented reality

[vincivilworld]

Augmented Reality in Construction |Benefits, Challenges, and Devices

Augmented reality (AR) enhances our real world by adding digital images, sounds, and text to our surroundings. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses users in a purely digital environment. AR blends digital elements with the physical world, allowing interaction with both simultaneously. In this blog, we’ll explore what augmented reality means, a comparison of augmented reality vs virtual…

[jcmarchi]

How AI Agents Are Transforming the Education Sector: A Look at Kira Learning and Beyond

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How AI Agents Are Transforming the Education Sector: A Look at Kira Learning and Beyond

Today’s classrooms are changing fast because of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI agents are now part of how teaching and learning happen. They do more than automate tasks. These agents help teachers provide personal support and give students feedback that fits their own learning style.

Kira Learning is a platform leading this change. It uses AI in all parts of K-12 education, from planning lessons and grading to tracking student performance. By cutting down on paperwork, Kira Learning helps teachers spend more time with students and give them the help they need.

With AI tutoring, automatic grading, and smart analytics, education is moving toward a future where learning is truly personal and adapts to each student.

AI Agents Transforming Teaching and Learning

AI agents are changing how teachers teach and students learn, bringing a new level of personalization, effectiveness, and education engagement. These digital assistants do more than just automate simple tasks; they analyze student data, adjust lessons in real-time, and provide feedback that helps each learner progress at their own pace.

One notable example is Kira Learning, an AI platform that supports teachers and students throughout learning. Unlike traditional tools that simply digitize old methods, Kira uses AI to create customized lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards, automatically grade assignments, and suggest targeted interventions for students who need extra help. Its system highlights each student’s strengths and areas for improvement, making it easier for teachers to make informed decisions.

Teachers today have many responsibilities, from lesson planning to administrative paperwork, which leaves less time for individualized instruction. Kira helps by handling these tasks, freeing teachers to focus on creative teaching and direct student support. At the same time, students benefit from Kira’s adaptive programs, which provide materials tailored to their needs, whether that means extra practice on complex topics or advancing more quickly through easier content. This approach helps close learning gaps and keeps students motivated.

Other AI platforms, such as Squirrel AI and Microsoft Reading Coach, also adjust lessons and feedback based on real-time student performance, offering personalized support. However, Kira stands out by providing a comprehensive solution that covers everything from curriculum planning to ongoing assessment and reporting.

Beyond personalization, AI is making education more engaging through new technologies. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) help students explore places from history or study 3D models in science, making it easier to understand. Gamification platforms like ClassDojo use games and rewards to encourage students and keep them focused during class, helping them stay interested and remember what they learn.

AI also helps schools operate more efficiently by automating administrative tasks such as attendance tracking and monitoring student participation. Real-time analytics give schools valuable information to make better decisions that support student success. By reducing teachers’ administrative workload, AI allows more time for teaching and personal attention.

As AI becomes a regular part of classrooms, teacher training is evolving to keep pace. Educators are learning how to use AI tools effectively, gaining skills that help them maximize the benefits of technology for their students. Together, these advances show how AI agents are transforming education to make it more personalized, interactive, and efficient and help both students and teachers succeed in today’s learning environments.

How Kira Learning is Changing Education with Smart AI Tools

Kira Learning is a modern AI platform that goes beyond regular learning management systems. Unlike traditional systems that mainly store coursework and grades, Kira acts as a smart, always-ready assistant for teachers. It supports educators in planning lessons, automatically grading assignments, and giving students personalized help, transforming how teaching and learning happen.

The platform uses advanced AI to create lesson plans by analyzing past student performance, curriculum standards, and each learner’s unique style. It designs customized lessons that fit both class goals and individual needs. Kira’s automated grading system uses natural language and image processing to quickly and fairly assess many assignments, from essays to problem-solving tasks. This saves teachers a lot of time and ensures that feedback is consistent and timely for every student.

One of Kira’s strongest features is its ability to provide real-time, personalized feedback to students. When students submit their work or complete exercises, the AI reviews it immediately, pointing out strengths and areas needing improvement. It then offers clear recommendations to guide learners toward mastering essential concepts. This continuous feedback helps students take charge of their learning and speeds up their progress.

Kira gathers and displays a wide range of student data for teachers, helping them understand how the whole class and individual students are doing. Its dashboard highlights patterns in engagement, knowledge gaps, and performance. Using predictive analytics, Kira can identify students who might fall behind and suggest timely support, allowing educators to act early and create fair learning opportunities for all.

By automating time-consuming tasks like grading, attendance, and lesson customization, Kira greatly reduces teachers’ administrative load. This efficiency frees educators to focus on more important work, such as creating tailored lessons, mentoring students, and innovating curriculum.

Schools that have started using Kira, including some in Tennessee, report clear benefits. Teachers notice higher student participation, better assignment completion, and improvements in test results. Because Kira personalizes learning pathways, each student receives challenges and support suited to their level, making learning more meaningful and effective.

Kira’s cloud-based system integrates smoothly with existing school software and complies with privacy standards, making it easy for districts to adopt. As more schools join, Kira continues to improve by gathering feedback from educators and incorporating the latest AI research to expand its features.

The Architecture Behind Kira Learning

Unlike older systems that add AI later, Kira was created from the start to use AI deeply throughout. This makes the platform flexible and able to grow with the needs of modern education. Kira has several special AI agents, each with its role but working together.

The AI Tutor adjusts lessons and pace to match each student’s skills and learning style. It creates custom practice questions and offers help, even in difficult subjects, when needed.

The AI Teaching Assistant helps teachers make lesson plans based on student data and curriculum rules. The AI Grader uses language and image technology to quickly assess many assignments, from essays to videos, giving detailed feedback that helps students improve quickly.

The AI Insights agent collects and summarizes data from classrooms and schools, providing useful reports to help teachers track student engagement, find learning gaps, and improve teaching methods.

Kira is designed to work well with other school software using common standards like Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI), Common Cartridge, and OneRoster. This allows schools and districts to use Kira as a complete system or add its AI features to their existing tools. This flexible design makes it easier to adopt Kira step by step and suits many educational settings.

Built on cloud technology with a modular design, Kira Learning can efficiently serve one classroom or many schools. Its success in different places, including state-wide use in Tennessee, shows it is reliable and adaptable.

Challenges and Considerations of AI in Education

AI brings many benefits to education, but it also comes with challenges that need attention. One big challenge is equity and access. Not all students have the same access to technology. Schools in rural or low-income areas may lack the resources to provide AI tools for all students, creating a gap in learning opportunities. Schools and governments must work to make AI learning tools available to every student, no matter their background.

Data privacy and ethics are also significant concerns. AI systems collect many student data, including personal details, grades, and behavior patterns. Schools must keep this data safe and private. Another issue is bias in AI. If the data used to train AI is biased, the system may make unfair decisions. For example, an AI grader might mark some students unfairly if the training data is biased.

Finally, AI is meant to support teachers, not replace them. While AI can take over administrative tasks, teachers are still essential for building relationships with students. The human element remains key in education, and AI should work as a tool to assist teachers, not take their place.

The Bottom Line

AI agents are changing education in several ways. They help teachers save time by handling tasks like grading and lesson planning. Students get learning that fits their own needs, which helps them stay interested and do better. Kira Learning shows how AI can support teachers and students with smart tools and clear insights. However, there are challenges to remember, such as ensuring all students have access to technology, protecting student data, and avoiding bias in AI systems.

Most importantly, AI should help teachers, not replace them. With careful use, AI can make education fairer, more personal, and more effective for everyone. The future of education will excessively depend on how well schools use AI tools like Kira Learning to help students and teachers succeed.

[productiveandfree]

The Future of Ecommerce: Trends and Predictions for 2025

Many trends await the future of ecommerce. With global retail ecommerce sales expected to reach an estimated $6.9 trillion by 2025, online shopping is becoming the new norm.

New technologies and changing consumer behaviors are reshaping how businesses connect with customers.

To stay ahead of the curve, businesses should watch out for key trends and predictions in ecommerce.

In this article, I’ll talk about the seven major trends that will shape the future of ecommerce by 2025. Understanding these changes can help businesses adapt and thrive in a highly competitive and rapidly changing industry.

The Future of Ecommerce: 7 Trends and Predictions to Watch Out For

Around 2.77 billion people are predicted to shop online by 2025, creating many business growth opportunities in ecommerce.

However, this also means more competition and higher expectations from your customers. If you want to succeed, you must stay updated on the following trends shaping the future of ecommerce in 2025.

1. Growing Focus on Enhanced Ecommerce Security

The ecommerce industry isn't a stranger to security challenges, making security a top priority to ensure success. To protect customers from identity theft and other forms of data breaches, online businesses have been putting more emphasis on security.

According to Keeper Security, 92% of IT leaders believe these attacks are happening more often now than in 2023. Additionally, Check Point Research reported a 30% increase in cyber attacks worldwide.

To address this increase in cyber threats, online businesses have added more robust security measures, such as two-factor authentication, data encryption, AI-based fraud detection, and more. New laws, such as The Digital Services Act, have also been implemented to keep customer data safe.

Moreover, the Global Financial Stability Report also warns that the risk of big losses from cyber incidents is rising.

This risk is something that ecommerce businesses have been working to avoid.

2. Increased Adoption of Headless Ecommerce Solutions

Headless ecommerce has become a game-changer in the future of ecommerce. Unlike traditional ecommerce platforms, headless commerce separates the front end (what customers see) from the back end (how everything works) of your website. This approach gives businesses the flexibility to customize their storefronts without impacting the back end.

According to Attrock, businesses are recognizing the benefits of headless ecommerce. It allows faster site speeds, increased customizations, better user experiences, and easier integrations across multiple devices. It also makes it easier to add new features and updates to your website, helping you keep up with the latest trends.

This is in line with a recent Salesforce report stating that 76% of businesses agree that headless ecommerce provides more flexibility to enhance digital experiences.

Furthermore, businesses using headless architecture are growing into new sales channels faster, with 77% doing so compared to only 54% of companies without it.

The headless commerce market is expected to grow at a rate of 22.1%, reaching $5,528.5 million by 2032, up from $751.6 million in 2022. This shows how increasingly this approach is being adopted by ecommerce businesses to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations.

3. A Surge in Social Commerce Integration

Social commerce is already popular, but it's going to get even bigger by 2025. The chance to sell through social media is projected to grow three times faster than traditional ecommerce, reaching around $1.2 trillion by 2025.

By then, 20% of all ecommerce sales will come from social commerce, up from 19% in 2024.

As a result, creating engaging social media content will be essential for grabbing attention and boosting sales. With features like one-click checkout and live shopping events, social commerce will keep growing.

With this trend, ecommerce businesses are provided with new ways to reach customers where they already spend most of their time online. However, to leverage this trend, businesses have to use social media benchmarking to see how they compare to competitors and improve their strategies.

4. Growing Emphasis on Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

The future of ecommerce is looking green. Businesses will continue to adopt technologies that support environmental sustainability in 2025.

Consumers are driving this change towards sustainability practices, with a 2023 Buying Green survey revealing that 66% of shoppers consider themselves environmentally conscious.

This means that online brands that reduce their carbon footprints, offer eco-friendly shipping, use sustainable packaging, and prioritize ethical sourcing will appeal to this growing segment.

For instance, the ecommerce brand AllBirds uses sustainable products to reduce its carbon footprint. They utilize wool, tree fiber, sugarcane, and Trino®.

If you want to appeal to these environmentally conscious consumers and boost your brand’s reputation, now is the time to go green and become an eco-friendly business.

5. Rise of Mobile Ecommerce and Shopping Apps

Mobile ecommerce and shopping apps are shaping the future of ecommerce. Mobile ecommerce sales have surged from $2.2 trillion in 2023 to an estimated $3 trillion by 2025.

This significant increase shows how crucial mobile shopping has become over the years.

As more people turn to their phones and tablets to shop, businesses have adopted a mobile-first strategy to succeed in ecommerce marketing and stay competitive. Mobile shopping apps and websites offer unmatched convenience, making them the go-to choice for many consumers.

These websites and apps offer fast load times, easy navigation, and secure payment options. Offering a smooth, reliable mobile experience will be a growing trend well into 2025.

6. Expansion of AI-Driven Hyper-Personalization

AI plays an integral role in the future of ecommerce. By 2030, AI-powered ecommerce solutions are projected to be worth $16.8 billion.

The use of AI tools will continue to grow, allowing ecommerce businesses to deliver hyper-personalized shopping experiences by analyzing customer behavior, making recommendations, and optimizing marketing strategies.

Thanks to data availability and smarter algorithms, AI chatbots, which Gartner forecasts will become a major customer service channel within five years, will continue to be utilized to efficiently handle customer queries.

The future of ecommerce will continue to rely on AI to build personalized experiences that boost customer loyalty. For example, Virgin Voyages partnered with Jennifer Lopez to launch Jen A.I., allowing sailors to create custom invites from J.Lo to drive cruise bookings.

7. Increased Use of Augmented Reality (AR) for More Immersive Shopping Experiences

AR will take the future of ecommerce to a new level. By 2025, one-third of American shoppers will have used this technology when shopping online.

AR lets customers try on clothes, see how certain furniture fits in their homes, or test makeup without leaving their houses. It makes consumers feel more confident about their purchases, effectively increasing purchase conversions by 94%.

Major brands like Lowe's already use AR for virtual try-ons and 3D views. For example, Lowe's Holoroom Test Drive lets customers test tools and equipment virtually.

Brands that adopt AR will provide engaging shopping experiences, reducing return rates, and boosting customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

The future of ecommerce is bright and full of exciting possibilities. Whether you already have an ecommerce store or planning to have one soon, these trends have a significant impact on how ecommerce businesses operate and how consumers shop.

Remember, the digital world is always evolving, and those who can keep up will reap the rewards. Staying informed and adapting to these changes will be key to success. 

So, get ready for the exciting changes ahead!

Reena Aggarwal

Reena is Director of Operations and Sales at Attrock, a result-driven digital marketing company. With 10+ years of sales and operations experience in the field of e-commerce and digital marketing, she is quite an industry expert. She is a people person and considers the human resources as the most valuable asset of a company. In her free time, you would find her spending quality time with her brilliant, almost teenage daughter and watching her grow in this digital, fast-paced era.

LinkedIn, Twitter

Share in the comments below: Questions go here

[jypsyvloggin]

How to get the 3D Master archer filter on TikTok?

How to get the 3D Master archer filter on TikTok? @jypsyvloggin Can you top this? Lets see your best archery skills! 🏹🎯 #jypsyfixfilter #3dmasterarcher ♬ original sound – Jypsyvloggin TikTok Challenges are an excellent opportunity to get new followers. By joining a trend, you can benefit from the general interest. I have introduced you to a few of the past TikTok challenges and given you tips…

[seanwrote]

4G GLOBAL DEVELOPER CHALLENGE: A global contest for the best app and gadget ideas. My entry was named a Finalist. CHECK IT OUT

[adeelseo]

Real_b

[gwmac]

Top 25 Educational Apps for Students: Enhancing Learning in the Digital Age

Introduction In an era where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of our lives, education is no exception. The digital revolution has ushered in an abundance of tools and resources that have transformed the way students learn, engage, and grow intellectually. These digital tools, ranging from comprehensive educational platforms to specialized apps, offer unparalleled flexibility and…

[kenresearch1]

Future Outlook of UK Metaverse Market: Ken Research

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What is the market Size of UK Metaverse Industry?

UK Metaverse market is growing at a double digit CAGR in 2017-2022 and is expected to reach USD ~ Bn by 2028.

The UK Metaverse Market is largely driven by One of the significant growth drivers of the metaverse market is the increasing demand for immersive and interactive virtual experiences across various industries, including gaming, entertainment, education, and commerce.

UK Metaverse Market is at a growing stage. It is a fragmented market with the presence of many metaverse companies. The market has seen emergence of abundant players in the past 5 years and the industry will further boost owing to the needs and wants of consumers for a more customized virtual reality platform.

Few major UK Metaverse players are Lilith Games, Roblox Corporation., Tencent Holdings, Byte Dance., Nvidia Corporation. Europe continues to dominate the UK Metaverse market. Depending on technology, the virtual reality and augmented reality segment dominated the metaverse market share in 2020, and is expected to continue this trend during the forecast period, owing to growing demand for virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR) based services.

An increase in awareness and lifestyle changes is the fundamental driver of metaverse market growth. Customers are more likely to remain loyal when their needs are customized.

Interested to Know More about this Report, Request for a sample report

UK Metaverse Market segmentation by component

The UK Metaverse market is segmented by component into Software, Hardware and Professional Services. Software was the dominant form.

UK Metaverse Market segmentation by vertical

The UK Metaverse market is segmented by vertical into Consumer, Commercial, Industrial Manufacturing, Healthcare and Others. Consumer was the most dominant in 2022.

UK Metaverse Market by Region

The UK Metaverse market is segmented by region into England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and other Regions. England is the most dominant market.

Competition Scenario in UK metaverse Market

The UK metaverse market is fragmented. The report covers the major players operating in the United Kingdom virtual reality market. Some of the prominent players in the industry are Lilith Games, Roblox Corporation., Tencent Holdings, Byte Dance., Nvidia Corporation. Competition in the metaverse is intensifying as more companies enter the market, offering a variety of virtual reality, augmented reality, and extended reality experiences. Established tech giants, startups, and gaming companies are vying to capture a significant share of the growing metaverse industry, leading to innovative developments and unique offerings to attract users.

What is the Expected Future Outlook for the Overall UK metaverse Market?

The UK Metaverse market was valued at USD ~ billion in 2022 and is anticipated to exceed USD ~ billion 2028, witnessing a robust CAGR during the forecast period 2022-2028. The realistic growth scenario represents the most likely scenario as per current market conditions. This scenario assumes that there will be no overall impact on the market due to any potential COVID-19 waves in the future.

The UK Metaverse market is driven by demand for rising disposable income in developing economies. The continuous advancements in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR) technologies are fueling the development and adoption of metaverse platforms, creating new opportunities for businesses and users alike.

The government has set forth ambitious strategies to leverage digital technologies extensively in enhancing its services, processes, and decision-making capabilities. Rise in Demand in the media and entertainment, gaming and adjacent markets like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and digitalization in the fashion, retail, and art industries are the main factors for the metaverse industry growth.

The concept of sustainable packaging is proving to be a highly beneficial investment and a responsible choice for the environment when it comes to reality platforms. With the rising awareness regarding the environmental impact of virtual assets and digital content within the metaverse, there is a growing push for new policies and measures that hold businesses accountable for sustainable practices and responsible management of virtual resources.

AI and cognitive learning technologies have started to play a decisive role and are poised to be game-changers in several avenues.

During the forecast period of 2022-2028, it is anticipated that the UK Metaverse market will grow at a massive CAGR by 2028. Growing concerns about virtual avatar health and excessive virtual consumption habits are prompting various governments to adopt plain packaging strategies for metaverse products. By implementing plain packaging regulations, authorities aim to raise awareness about digital well-being and encourage responsible virtual choices among users within the metaverse.

Visit this Link :- Request for custom report

Market Maxomony

By component

Software

Hardware

Professional Services

By vertical

Consumer

Commercial

Industrial Manufacturing

Healthcare

Others

By Region

England

Wales

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Other Regions

Major UK Metaverse Market Players

Lilith Games

Roblox Corporation

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

Byte Dance

NetEase

Facebook Inc

Time Period Captured

Historical Period – 2017-2022

Base Period – 2022

Forecast Period – 2022 –2028

For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer to the Link Below: –

UK Metaverse Market Outlook to 2028

Related Reports by Ken Research: –

US Metaverse Market Outlook to 2028

[randomshyperson]

hello!! I hope you are well. May I add a request to the “touch ask” game? Wanda-Touch-25? Please and thank you. Maybe as a continuation of Wanda and Kryptonian reader?This pairing of my new favourite and you write it so beautifully.

thanks for everything!

Wanda Maximoff x Reader - Drabbles

prompt: stroking the other's arm soothingly | words: 1123 | warnings: fluff, violence (?), previously agreed mind control, some touching but nothing inappropriate (the Avengers would disagree ofc).

challenge masterlist | general masterlist

-&- 

Kryptonians had indestructible and invulnerable bodies. They were bulletproof, heatproof, or coldproof. You could probably out-strength gods like Thor or radioactive monsters like the Hulk.

But magic? Well, that was different.

Somehow, magic could break through every biological barrier in your body and bring you to your knees.

That was precisely why Natasha Romanoff always had Wanda as your training partner.

"Come on, guys, no slacking off. I want four sequences, everyone." The widow announced with a warning clap, while the entire team groaned in unison. Even the super soldiers present had some difficulty completing the demanding exercises of a black widow. 

You were moving to grab your training gloves for the exercise circuit when Natasha called your name. "Not so fast, little alien. You and Maximoff, mat." 

Wanda smiled contentedly at the same time you sighed in discouragement, just as the team got excited and started whistling. See, you were indestructible. Watching you get your ass kicked every now and then was everyone's favorite pastime there. Ignoring Natasha's smirk as you passed her, you tried to stay positive about the whole thing. At least you were working on your humility with your favorite person in the world. 

"I'll go easy on you." Wanda assured you, already on the mat, hands in a fighting position. You chuckle, imitating her defensive stance, even though it wouldn't make any difference. 

"As if."

Truth be told, you're the one who always goes easy on her. Wanda has the magical advantage, of course, but that's it. If you wanted, you could use your speed to easily immobilize her. But the risk of hurting her small human body - a caution you don't need to take with fellow gods or augmented beings - is too high.

So the most you can guarantee to make her training difficult is to dodge her energy attacks, until she loses her patience and stops acting like a sniper, and starts acting like a real witch.

You stumble gently as you feel the familiar invasion. It's like being intoxicated. Wanda is always gentle when she does this. She's learned to hone her mind control very well, without having to reduce her opponents to babbling versions of pure panic. Now, she can enchant them like a mermaid, or perhaps, she only chooses to do it this way with you.

The gym around you becomes a little blurry, and all you see clearly is her, smiling victoriously at you.

"Ready to call it a defeat? Or do you want me to kick your ass a little longer?" She teases as she takes slow steps towards you. It's an illusion, of course, you're sure she hasn't even moved a muscle in reality, and all of this shouldn't have taken more than a second.

You chuckle weakly. This kind of thing has been getting more and more dangerous. Keeping secrets from someone who occasionally plays with your mind is very difficult. Wanda taught you to stay calm in these situations, but all you can do is remind yourself that you're keeping your feelings buried, away from her, and you start to despair.

She notices your anxiety, and the confidence disappears from her expression.

"Hey, are you alright?" She asks, maybe this time, her footsteps towards you were real. You're panicked enough that you can't tell the difference.

Freaking out during a mind control is stupid. And even worse for someone who has powers like yours. Wanda gets close enough to touch your face, and you remember last week when you accidentally saw too much skin when she changed clothes in your room. The shame and guilt return, and you pull away, terrified that she will be able to see that memory.

Your panic in that vulnerable state stimulates your powers, and Wanda exclaims in surprise when the beam of your heat vision advances and grazes near her head. Her fright interrupts the magic, and your release is immediate when Wanda hits your shoulder with a strong magical expel, which throws you about three steps back.

Natasha crosses her arms in disapproval and all the Avengers are looking at you two, while a new hole in the ceiling of the academy appears.

"What the hell you two! What did I tell you about mind tricks?" The black Widow inquires in disapproval, but Wanda is rushing to your support, concern on her features.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to-"

You interrupt her with "I'm fine, don't worry" forcing a small smile. As you try to lift your torso correctly and raise your arm to touch her, you groan in pain and Wanda's eyes widen, as does the whole team. At the feeling, you end up chuckling a little breathlessly. "Wow, that's... surprising. Looks like you set a new record here, Wands. First person to make me feel muscle pain." The team laughs at the joke, but Wanda isn't very happy about it. Natasha forgets about the scolding because she's too interested in discussing with Steve the progress of the two of you in training, and well, you get too distracted with Wanda caressing your arms in an attempt to ease the pain. 

"Is it really that bad?" She asks with a worried frown. She must be feeling guilty enough not to realize what she's doing - how she’s touching you.

You try not to be so pathetic, it's an innocent gesture, but maybe it's too gentle or too warm to ignore. She strokes your arms soothingly, trying to apologize while murmuring that she's sorry for hitting you. And it only takes a moment longer for Wanda to get distracted with what she was doing - Not that you have any way of knowing that she's starting to notice the strong Kryptonian anatomy a little too much, and how feeling strong arms was the real reason she sighed and shook her head, pushing away thoughts she definitely shouldn't be having about her best friend.

Sharing the same warm pink in her cheeks as you, her hands moved away, and Wanda cleared her throat, trying to hide her own reactions while you hid yours.

"So... do you want to get something to eat? I'm starving."

She chuckles shortly. "You're always starving, darling." She teases, and well, she's right so you can't even argue.

Distracted by each other's presence, you soon lose yourself in small talk as you head toward the kitchen, and neither of you notices Sam or Clint grimacing at the scene they've just witnessed.

"That has to be the gayest thing I've ever seen in my entire life." The falcon grumbled in disbelief.

The hawk next to him massaged his forehead in a frown. "I should have retired already. I would have been less traumatized."

They shake their heads in unison, and then go back to training.

[zosan-secondchances]

Vinsmoke Siblings Storytime!

The context about this new blog~

I'm working on a story where Vinsmoke Judge fucked up entirely after he realised that there's no one next in line to the throne after his children.

The last of his Germa scientists concluded that they're simply too machine-like to bear their own. Judge was getting old and sick, and he knew that he didn't have a lot of time left. He decided that desperate times call for desperate measures.

The Vinsmoke siblings were forced to go through some extreme emotional and physical changes to become more "human" which entirely lead to Judge driving them away after they realised how much of a monster he really was. The siblings flee from their old home in search of a better future.

Maybe Reiju, Ichiji, Niji and Yonji want to find dreams of their own, much like how their distant brother did. Unanimously, they decide that they reconnect.

Ichiji's greatest challenges lie in managing his own emotional growth while also holding his family together. He tries various ways to make sure they don’t fall apart. Over time, he lets his hair grow long, often taking advantage of Sanji's unexpected barber skills to keep it in shape. In reality, he just enjoys being "in the chair," where he can quietly seek advice from his blonde brother about handling his inner struggles and other matters of the heart.

Niji hangs up his sword and studies up on Vegapunk. He still has remnants of his ability to use electricity, which he uses to his advantage to invent new things, including a new type of Eternal Compass which works exclusively with him and his siblings due to the unique properties of their exoskeletons. Maybe all those painful augmentations weren't all for naught after all.

Yonji seeks Zoro's guidance on regaining his strength since his augmentations have either been forcefully removed or had gone completely dormant. Zoro also gives him pointers on how to become a successful bounty hunter. In return, Yonji protects Baratie and all the islands within the All Blue, and filters out any unworthy challengers who try to claim the swordsman's title, allowing Zoro more time to address more domestic concerns.

Reiju has a deep dark secret that she thought she could take to the grave. When her brothers found out that she got hurt, they're not having it. Shit's going down.

I don't know how this story will go just yet. But I do enjoy writing and drawing ideas down.

[inspireartnotwar]

Art. Can. Die.

This is my battle cry in the face of the silent extinguishing of an entire generation of artists by AI.

And you know what? We can't let that happen. It's not about fighting the future, it's about shaping it on our terms. If you think this is worth fighting for, please share this post. Let's make this debate go viral - because we need to take action NOW.

Remember that even in the darkest of times, creativity always finds a way.

To unleash our true potential, we need first to dive deep into our darkest fears.

So let's do this together:

By the end of 2025, most traditional artist jobs will be gone, replaced by a handful of AI-augmented art directors. Right now, around 5 out of 6 concept art jobs are being eliminated, and it's even more brutal for illustrators. This isn't speculation: it's happening right now, in real-time, across studios worldwide.

At this point, dogmatic thinking is our worst enemy. If we want to survive the AI tsunami of 2025, we need to prepare for a brutal cyberpunk reality that isn’t waiting for permission to arrive. This isn't sci-fi or catastrophism. This is a clear-eyed recognition of the exponential impact AI will have on society, hitting a hockey stick inflection point around April-May this year. By July, February will already feel like a decade ago. This also means that we have a narrow window to adapt, to evolve, and to build something new.

Let me make five predictions for the end of 2025 to nail this out:

Every major film company will have its first 100% AI-generated blockbuster in production or on screen.

Next-gen smartphones will run GPT-4o-level reasoning AI locally.

The first full AI game engine will generate infinite, custom-made worlds tailored to individual profiles and desires.

Unique art objects will reach industrial scale: entire production chains will mass-produce one-of-a-kind pieces. Uniqueness will be the new mass market.

Synthetic AI-generated data will exceed the sum total of all epistemic data (true knowledge) created by humanity throughout recorded history. We will be drowning in a sea of artificial ‘truths’.

For us artists, this means a stark choice: adapt to real-world craftsmanship or high-level creative thinking roles, because mid-level art skills will be replaced by cheaper, AI-augmented computing power.

But this is not the end. This is just another challenge to tackle.

Many will say we need legal solutions. They're not wrong, but they're missing the bigger picture: Do you think China, Pakistan, or North Korea will suddenly play nice with Western copyright laws? Will a "legal" dataset somehow magically protect our jobs? And most crucially, what happens when AI becomes just another tool of control?

Here's the thing - boycotting AI feels right, I get it. But it sounds like punks refusing to learn power chords because guitars are electrified by corporations. The systemic shift at stake doesn't care if we stay "pure", it will only change if we hack it.

Now, the empowerment part: artists have always been hackers of narratives.

This is what we do best: we break into the symbolic fabric of the world, weaving meaning from signs, emotions, and ideas. We've always taken tools never meant for art and turned them into instruments of creativity. We've always found ways to carve out meaning in systems designed to erase it.

This isn't just about survival. This is about hacking the future itself.

We, artists, are the pirates of the collective imaginary. It’s time to set sail and raise the black flag.

I don't come with a ready-made solution.

I don't come with a FOR or AGAINST. That would be like being against the wood axe because it can crush skulls.

I come with a battle cry: let’s flood the internet with debate, creative thinking, and unconventional wisdom. Let’s dream impossible futures. Let’s build stories of resilience - where humanity remains free from the technological guardianship of AI or synthetic superintelligence. Let’s hack the very fabric of what is deemed ‘possible’. And let’s do it together.

It is time to fight back.

Let us be the HumaNet.

Let’s show tech enthusiasts, engineers, and investors that we are not just assets, but the neurons of the most powerful superintelligence ever created: the artist community.

Let's outsmart the machine.

Stéphane Wootha Richard

P.S: This isn't just a message to read and forget. This is a memetic payload that needs to spread.

Send this to every artist in your network.

Copy/paste the full text anywhere you can.

Spread it across your social channels.

Start conversations in your creative communities.

No social platform? Great! That's exactly why this needs to spread through every possible channel, official and underground.

Let's flood the datasphere with our collective debate.

[manoelt-finisterrae]

Photography After Photography

Photography, since its invention in the 19th century, has been a testimony of time, a capture of the instant that, in its materiality, connects us to the past. However, in the digital era, photography has radically changed its essence and function. The phrase "photography after photography" invites us to reflect on what remains of the photographic image once it has lost its physical anchoring and has been absorbed by the incessant flow of data and screens.

Today, photography is no longer just a record of the visible world but a manipulable, ephemeral digital construction, often detached from any reference to reality. With advanced editing tools and the omnipresence of artificial intelligence, the boundary between the real and the fabricated has blurred. Post-photography, a term coined by Joan Fontcuberta, describes this phenomenon in which images are generated, transformed, and shared incessantly, stripping them of their uniqueness and materiality.

Social media has accelerated this transformation. Photography is no longer an object treasured in a family album or a gallery but content that circulates, is quickly consumed, and is replaced by new images in a matter of seconds. Collective memory has become fragile, as images are seen, forgotten, and replaced at a dizzying pace.

However, this change has also opened new artistic and communicative possibilities. Photography after photography is not only about loss but also reinvention. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality have taken the image to previously unthinkable dimensions, allowing photography not only to document but also to create alternative worlds.

In this context, the fundamental question is: how do we redefine truth in a world where every image can be altered? Photography after photography challenges us to be more critical of what we see while exploring new forms of visual expression that technology offers us. The future of the image is not in nostalgia for photographic paper but in the ability to understand and use these new tools creatively and reflectively.

© Manoel T, 2025

[sspookayy]

"𝚄𝚗𝚠𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚗" || Cecil Stedman x Reader

Description:

Where extraordinary beings wield incredible powers, the GDA embarks on a groundbreaking project to synthesize DNA in pursuit of creating the ultimate weapon. But when things don't go as planned the project everyone was worked so hard for is put on hold, suspended in time.

"I don't understand.. If you loved me then why did you do this?!"

"Love makes us make tough decisions sometimes."

This took me all day lol

*crossposted on Tumblr, Wattpad, and Ao3*

Chapters Intro

Words

5.8k

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Chapter 1-

Getting up and beginning the day was always the biggest challenge. The hard struggle to wake your mind was like eternity, but to be able to slide out of your painfully stiff bed was at least the easier half. When the clock struck 6 a.m., breakfast was served—a new serving of flavorless gruel that slid into your stomach. One couldn't help but speculate how, being such a great asset, you were given such meager rations. The revolting meal only augmented the sterile, prison-like ambiance that surrounded your presence.

Your room itself was a bleak gray devoid of any color, making it feel more like a cell than your space. You would often dream of the day that you would be liberated from this place, and envision a cheerful house with vibrant colors and inviting rooms. And yet you knew reality was far off—there was still so much to accomplish to reach your physical, mental, and emotional goals. Nevertheless, you had the hope that once you had traveled that path, you would be liberated, soaring through the air like a bird released from a cage. How you yearned to be among regular everyday human beings, to breathe the cold, fresh air, and to tread on real grass beneath your feet instead of the fake, lifeless material that carpeted the floors of the mockup training centers.

Your heart ached for those simple, rich moments that lay only the distance of a fantasy away. Your mind's eye could almost visualize the sunlight spilling through high windows draped in cheerful curtains, illuminating a kitchen filled with laughter and the smell of warm bread. You fantasized about cozy corners where you could curl up in a good book, surrounded by walls splashed with bright colors that reflected your spirit and soul.

And so here, the day flowed into the day after, each separated only by the antiseptic walls that echoed with distant footsteps and routine. The dullness all around you as reminder of what was to be—the way perilous, perhaps, but also paved in hope for tomorrow. And so you understood with every step toward your bolstered body, with every step your training carried you toward, there was a piece on which a foundation was laid toward your freedom.

Sometimes, late at night when the world outside sounded improbably close, leaves whispering in the faintest breeze, and birds singing good morning to the day. Those sounds pulled at your heartstrings, inducing an overwhelming longing to capture the life that you so desperately craved —a life filled with relationship, laughter, and genuineness.

Resolute, you set yourself tiny goals, each one a step nearer to that vivid future. Whether it was a training session that pushed you to your limits or a moment of self-reflection that delved deep into your psyche, every effort brought you nearer to the individual you wanted to become. And as you imagined the day when you would gain your freedom, you held fast to the dream that beyond dingy walls stretched a world for you out there—a world replete with life, energy, and tinged with colors of possibility.

But what you didn't know as you sat in your room, was that your freedom was much closer than you possibly could have thought of, because somewhere else in the facility was Director Radciffe, settling into a meeting room with other scientists, doctors, and other professionals from different fields. Along in the room were a few of the higher up agents, who all had the privilege of being in on the experimental project that everyone has been working on for over a decade. Among those agents had just happened to be the one you managed to catch a glimpse of the other day, Cecil Stedman. He by far wasn’t new in the GDA, but was one of their most promising agents, having assisted in the capture of multiple villains, stopping of terroristic threats and even mass bombings with lethal chemicals.

With the click of the meeting room door shutting, the muffled hum of the air conditioning unit provided a background hum to the somberness in the air. Director Radcliffe took in the table, making sure each attendee recognized the gravity of their mission. Pens scratched and papers crinkled as the team navigated the task of sinking deeply into discussions that would reshape the very face of their organization.

“Ladies and gentlemen," Radcliffe began, his voice stern and commanding. "We stand on the cusp of a breakthrough that can reshape our approach to containment and rehabilitation of potential threats. Project 47C is more than an upgrade of our present protocols; it is a revolution." His eyes swept the group, searching for any sign of doubt or disbelief.

Cecil sat back in his chair, arms folded, a small smile spreading as he observed how Radcliffe's excitement was reflected in his own. Having spent years chasing justice, Cecil felt they were finally on the brink of something huge—a means of tapping into the potential of the very forces they were trying to master.

One of the younger scientists, Dr. Elena Krause, interrupted. "With all due respect, Director, has there been any work on the ethical implications of playing with individuals who possess superhuman abilities? We know that they have fractured psyches due to the nature of their abilities, and manipulating those variables can have catastrophic effects.".

Radcliffe leaned forward. "That's the very reason that we're here. We've got a recommended model for integration, one which takes into account psychological testing, monitoring, and a fail-safe mechanism to cut down on risk. We cannot let sentiment cloud our judgment when the stakes are this high.".

From the other side of the room, a buzz-cut agent interjected, "If everything works out, the subjects will be beneficial, not threats. Think about it—no more containment cells, only cooperation. Imagine using their abilities for the common good under our guidance."

Dr. Krause frowned, quite clearly not believing her. "You're proposing a fantasy, and in the world of superhumans, fantasies become nightmares. You're going to utilize untapped abilities—abilities that could cause vast destruction if they malfunction. We need to be worried about their autonomy and mindset."

Cecil leaned forward, intrigued by the scientist's perspective, but excitement was in the air. Radcliffe had that glint in his eye—the same look he had when introducing revolutionary technology or unveiling new ventures. "I know you're concerned, Elena, and we do need a strong ethical guideline. But the reality is that these individuals, if they are left unchecked or misread, pose a constant threat—not just to us, but to society itself. We have a responsibility to turn potential enemies into allies."

The buzz-cut agent, who now stood against the wall, sneered. "And just think of the PR! Rehabilitating ex-threats as heroes—can you imagine the media firestorm? We'd be credited as superhuman rehabilitation pioneers. It could revolutionize the public image of our organization overnight.".

Dr. Krause shook her head, disappointment etched into her features. “You’re saying you’d rather sell a narrative than ensure these individuals receive the care they need. This isn’t an opportunity for glory; it’s about lives—theirs and ours.”

Radcliffe was getting short-tempered. "I understand that there are ethical issues, but we're not discussing playing God—we're discussing regaining control. You all know what's occurred over the past few years—how many lives were lost due to the fact that we were unable to contain threats? We cannot be naive.".

It was a classic standoff—a battle of science against ethics, of pragmatism against morality. Amidst the firecracker exchange, a soft but firm voice at the far end of the table intervened. It was that of Agent Lila Grant, a seasoned veteran and one of the older field agents who had seen the consequences of both excess and inaction firsthand.

"Director Radcliffe, if I might, the balance you're striving for is good. We've seen what occurs when we try to control that which we can never fully understand. Yes, we must devise some way of mitigating threats, but we can never lose sight of the human element here. There's a person behind these abilities, a person whose life can't be reduced to experimentation or collateral damage."

Cecil felt a surge of agreement in his own heart. He had worked with Lila and knew that her compassion was rivaled only by her commitment to justice. She was adept at bridging gaps, grasping the subtleties of human nature in an arena long ruled by hard-headed arithmetic.

Radcliffe took a deep breath, obviously frustrated. "Idealism will not save us from an angry superhuman bent on destroying us. We can't wait for the perfect solution. Time is not on our side.".

The air in the room was electric with tension, each one aware that what they had to say could mean the very fate of Project 47C. For Cecil, more was riding on this than ever before. He risked—opening his mouth not only to say what was wise, but to consider the implications of the proposal.

"Director, certainly efficiency is imperative, but perhaps we might secure the subjects in a phased assimilation process? We could begin with volunteers—that is, people who already actively seek cooperation or redemption. Perhaps they could be a bridge leading from their world to our and be respectful of their autonomy."

Radcliffe's brow wrinkled as he pondered Cecil's suggestion. "You want to treat them like partners, and not like captives?”

"Exactly," Cecil insisted, his tone even but strong. "If we can first build trust and respect, we may not only be able to utilize their abilities but include them in the healing process as well. Many of them are still struggling with their past; they should be able to reclaim their story."

Dr. Krause's eyes lit up, and Lila concurred. "Pilot programs could provide us with valuable information and feedback. We can't ignore the psychological reality of this—accepting their stories matters.".

Radcliffe rubbed his temple, weighing their words. He was torn between guarded hope and a feeling of duty—both options with risks of their own. "I'll consider phased implementation, but we have to move quickly. We have to be vigilant. If we execute Project 47C, we'll accomplish both our mission and our code."

As the meeting reached its conclusion, a subtext to the atmosphere emerged. Fear mingled with hope, since a feasible scheme began to coalesce, but the unpredictable ramifications remained threateningly suspended in the air.

-

At long last, the moment arrived for you to be released, hours after breakfast. Today’s agenda promised a series of activities: a straightforward flight training exercise, followed by lessons in battle strategy, and concluding with a light workout before dinner and the evening vitals assessment. As you dressed in a snug tank top and comfortable workout shorts, anticipation tingled in your veins.

Stepping out of your room, you were accompanied by Dr. Blackwell, the senior scientist in charge of your daily activities. She was a middle-aged woman whose steady presence had been a comforting normal in your life—a kind of mother figure. Dr. Blackwell's very real concern for your well-being could be observed; her compassionate heart shone benevolence like sunbeams, but she was evidently capable of holding a visible boundary marking her professionalism. Her work ethic too often appeared to be a motherly duty, a blend of instinctive caregiving and dedication to her work.

With the soles of your feet making soft, slow sounds on the cold, hard floor, the echo was dampened softly through the sterile halls, offering a rhythmic backdrop for your thoughts. Each step was sounded as if with determination, a reminder of hurdles to be cleared and opportunities to be seized.

You paused for a moment outside the training hall, a simulated room that replicated the outside world. Beyond that door lay a world where you could spread your wings, figuratively and take a headlong dive into the whirlpool of flying, strategy, and hard work that awaited. Drawing in a deep breath, you stepped forward to take the day and accept that now was your time to forge your own path in a world which had so very often appeared so restrictive.

As you pushed open the door to the training center, the familiar hum of machinery surrounded you. The simulation room was vast, its high ceiling high enough to accommodate your soaring flights. Virtual worlds—mountains, valleys, and open sky—filled the digitally created horizon, ready to challenge your skills. You could sense the anticipation rising within you, along with the familiar cautions of nervousness that preceded any crucial training session.

“Remember”, Dr. Blackwell responded, her voice stern and encouraging, as you came in. "Focus on your attitude and path. Your skills are phenomenal, but control is the key. It's not necessarily how high you can soar, but how well you can interpret wind currents and obstructions"

You nodded, leveling your breathing as you moved to the starting platform reserved for launching dives into the simulated realm. You sensed the crackling energy that thrummed beneath your skin, a presence that was familiar as you got ready to fly.

With a swift movement, you leapt off the platform, muscles tensing and releasing in a fluid burst of power. Weightlessness enveloped you, and air rushed past your face as you burst upward. The virtual sky stretched out before you, a bright blue filled with the golden hues of a simulated sun. You sliced through the air, your body automatically knowing what to do as you looped and flew.

“Great!" Dr. Blackwell shouted down from the ground. "Now, level and stabilize at fifty feet!”

You changed your position, arms extended a little and legs bending at the knees, sensing the slight change in your center of gravity. The air resistance changed as you settled, hovering motionless. Catching your breath, you stood still to appreciate the breathtaking view. The world around you was surprisingly real—the feel of the simulated ground, the creak of trees in the simulated wind, even the buzz of simulated wildlife spread across the horizon.

“Now, engage your combat maneuvers,” Dr. Blackwell instructed. “Let’s simulate a threat. Picture an enemy combatant approaching from your right!”

Adrenaline ran through you as you whirled in mid-air, instinctively assessing the imaginary foe. Your wrist cracked, your mind recalling your power to hold energy in a concentrated blast, and unleashed a tightly packed beam of energy at the figment of an enemy. It undulated through the air, electric charge crackling within it, hitting the ground near the simulated enemy.

“Good use of your energy!” Dr. Blackwell praised, her eyes sparkling with pride. “Now, let’s increase the challenge. I’ll add wind simulations and obstacles!”

Suddenly, gusts of wind assailed you, testing your agility and poise. You changed rapidly, feeling the pull of the currents and using your flight abilities to ride out the sudden shift. Swirling gusts attempted to confuse you as violently swaying limbs from simulated trees sought to deflect you. With a smooth curve, you leaned forward, making skilled passage through the simulated trees, each turn precise.

Great!" Dr. Blackwell cut through the chaos. "Now, let's create a moving target. It will be like a threat in real life!”

When the target—a swiftly darting drone—dove into sight zigzagging through the sky, your heart raced. You tracked its erratic course, deciding what to do next. With a colossal surge of power from your legs, you sprinted forward, calling on every ounce of your energy. In the blink of an eye, you were racing towards the drone, covering the ground with ease.

As you approached, you rolled hard to the side, allowing the drone to zoom on by. With a swift turn, you spun around, arm extended, your focus once again on your energy. Job done, you released a burst of power, striking the drone squarely. It exploded in a cascade of pixelated sparks, a burst of exhilaration that left you gasping.

"Now, put it all together!" Dr. Blackwell encouraged. "Take it higher!"

Your heart pounding, you flew once more, soaring to the reaches of the simulated atmosphere. You felt an almost-euphoric thrill as you soared higher, testing your limits. The ground below blurred, the world spreading out before you endlessly under your feet.

While executing a series of breathtaking flight patterns—spiral, dives, and loops—you indulged in the thrill of flying. With each action, you were inches closer to attaining not only having more control over your skills, but confidence as well.

Finally, as you reached the landing time, you focused on descending. You straightened your legs and prepared your body for a perfect landing on the practice platform. Your feet descended with perfectly executed poise, and a triumphant smile spread across your face.

"Exceptional!" Dr. Blackwell announced, her hands clasping together in genuine enthusiasm. "You really commanded today. You've improved wonderfully!"

You felt a surge of pride in your chest. The training was tough, but every minute was leading up to finding your real potential. As the day progressed, you were more dedicated than ever before to embracing not only your strengths, but also the responsibility that came with them, prepared to learn the lessons of battle tactics in the second part of your development. Today was not only another day of practice, but a turning point in your path to becoming the hero you were meant to be.

But, as with much of your life, every joyful and prideful moment was abruptly interrupted when a voice crackled to life through Dr. Blackwell's earpiece. “Yes, sir, I’ll be right there,” she responded, her tone shifting from warm to professional in an instant. She gathered herself, glancing up from her clipboard to meet your eyes. “I have to go meet with the director. He's sending someone to monitor you until I return, and they'll bring you to your lesson in battle strategy.” She departed as suddenly as she arrived.

As Dr. Blackwell departed, the same man you'd noticed earlier when you'd gone in to check your vitals a couple of days ago entered the room: He approached you, and the moment your eyes locked, something almost palpable filled the air. He didn't speak at first; rather, he looked you over with a cautious, almost gentle, expression as if he were attempting to piece together a puzzle.

“So you're the one Director Radliffe and the staff have been discussing. I finally get to meet you," he said, extending his hand for a handshake.

You took his larger hand firmly in your own, shaking it up and down, and then releasing it, with a wary mixture of curiosity.

"So, 47C, then? They still don't have a proper name for you, do they?" he taunted, a playful tone creeping into his voice.

Rolling your eyes back in frustration, you felt a bit worse for taking the bait. "Actually, they do," you replied, straightening your posture. "I'm (Y/N)."

"Ah, well (Y/N), I'm Cecil Stedman. I'm one of the best agents here," he said to you, his expression shifting to one of genuine interest. "Dr. Blackwell said you might need someone to escort you to your next training session."

You nodded, intrigued by this enigmatic agent. He was a charming sort, his presence soothing and authoritative. "It's nice to meet you, Cecil. I appreciate your help."

“Likewise. I’ve heard you’ve been making quite the impression,” he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. “Battle tactics can be rigorous, but I’m confident you’ll excel. Shall we?”

As you fell into step beside him, you couldn't help but see the undercurrent of tension that filled the air. It was strange, the way he seemed to sense the intensity of your training and the weight of your potential. You saw him out of the corner of your eye, noticing his features—a strong jawline, intelligent eyes, and an air of authority that was both threatening and reassuring.

"So, what's the first task in battle tactics?" you asked, desperate to shatter the silence and find out more about what was to come.

Cecil looked down at you, the edges of his lips curling into a smile. “Today, you’ll learn how to analyze your opponents and adapt your strategies in real-time. We’ll simulate various combat scenarios where you’ll need to think on your feet. It’s not just about raw power; it’s about strategy and timing.”

A surge of excitement flashed inside you. The possibility of continuing to build your skills even further—of refining your combat knowledge as well as your own abilities—was thrilling.

As you made your way through the halls of the facility, as guided by Cecil, you couldn't help but sense that today was going to be a turning point for you. This wasn't just another training session; it was a day to hone both your mind and your body, preparing yourself for whatever awaited you in this new foreign world.

"So, (Y/N)," Cecil cut you short. "Battlefield strategy—what do you know? What have they taught you so far?" You hesitated, struggling to think clearly. "Essentially positioning and the importance of understanding the landscape—but little more than that."

Cecil nodded, his face thoughtful. "Good start, but it's also important to know your allies' strengths and weaknesses. Working in a team, coordinating with others, is usually what separates victory from defeat.

As he spoke, you felt a connection building between the two of you, and that an increasing awe at this new world of heroes, tactics, and fight against impending threats was building inside. Day one, but already you could feel it deep within your own bones: you were meant for something great, and you would see it through no matter what.

Having arrived at the training room destined for combat tactics, you gazed at Cecil before proceeding to the room. The room was spacious, and there were holographic screens as well as combat simulation dummies all over the room. It was filled with activity as a team of trainees conducted various exercises.

"Welcome," a stern-looking instructor yelled, catching your attention. "Today we will be practicing adaptive strategies in battle. You will have to face different circumstances, and I demand only your best."

As the instructor fell silent, a quiet fell in the room. You felt a rush of excitement with a dash of nervousness. This training session was unlike the physical training you were accustomed to; this time, it would be a mental plunge into the intricacies of war strategies.

“(Y/N),” the instructor said, directing his attention solely toward you. “Today, we’ll focus on understanding tactics through a series of theoretical scenarios and simulations. You’ll be the centerpiece of our discussion.”

You felt the weight of his gaze, and while it was intimidating, it also fueled your determination. Awareness washed over you—this was your opportunity to learn directly and refine your strategic thinking.

"Begin at the beginning," the instructor said, getting up to turn on a computer-controlled board that bathed the room in color. Maps and battlegrounds blazed to light, colorful and intricately drawn. "Your first lesson will cover terrain analysis. Knowing your operating environment can impact your tactics as well as a battle's results.

He pointed to a precise map of a cityscape. "See the design of this place. Picture yourself standing here—a raised point with an unobstructed view—what are the benefits of this for fending off an enemy who is moving up from the north?"

You examined the map, allowing your mind to wander. "It would give me a better perspective," you replied thoughtfully. "I could see impending threats before they come to me, so I could prepare or lay an ambush."

"Right," the instructor nodded in approval. "But what are the potential threats of holding that position?" You cocked an eyebrow as you continued on to examine the terrain. "If the other side does possess ranged weapons, they will try to flank me or use cover and come in unnoticed."

"Excellent." He smiled weakly. "That's the key to battlefield awareness—constantly evaluating both your strengths and vulnerabilities."

As he ran through more situations, you were enthralled. The lesson moved along seamlessly, progressing from basic fundamentals to sophisticated theories like identifying enemy motives and behavioral patterns. Each slide was packed with anecdotes from past battles, and you listened ravenously.

"Now let's discuss opponent analysis," the instructor said, producing a list of traits to remember when your opponent is your enemy. "What kind of psychological tricks can you employ to gain the advantage?" You thought back over your past training. "Deception and misdirection would be effective—if I can make them believe that I am somewhere when in fact I am somewhere else, it might catch them off guard."

"Psychological warfare is just as powerful as physical combat." He paused, allowing you to absorb what was stated before issuing a new task. "I'd like you to develop a hypothetical plan for a two-to-one situation. You'll need to apply everything we've covered.".

With a slight leaning of recognition, you began to come up with your plan, mind working intensely. You envisioned the terrain—a steep alleyway with ambush possibilities but limited movement area. You took notes, not forgetting to consider unexpected factors that might happen in fights.

"Take your time," the instructor advised, observing as you sketched out diagrams and notes on your pad. "This is all about how fast you can adapt and strategize. Think about how your opponent will play off what you do."

After some solid thinking for a good half hour, you looked up, a sense of pride for your analysis creeping into your thoughts. "For the two-on-one fight, I would lead them into the thin alleyway, using my quickness and agility to avoid confronting them head-on. I'd create a diversion—such as by throwing something small and noisy to distract, then pounce from the back or use misdirection to drive one off the other."

"Bravo! You really grasped the fundamentals. A good strategy seeks to isolate the enemy and take advantage of their vulnerabilities." Your praise filled you with enthusiasm and confidence.

"Let's test this plan out with a simulation," he said, inputting data into the training system. The room transformed; the walls melted away into a virtual version of your alleyway. You felt a surge of adrenaline—this was no longer theory; it was going to become very real.

"Alright," he said, standing beside you as the simulation began. "It's not necessarily what you do; it's understanding how your opponents think. Implement your strategy and adjust according to their reaction."

The simulation sprang to life around you, the alley way filled with digital silhouettes and bursts of movement. You could see two aggressive figures at the other end, their

movements smooth and calculated as they positioned themselves to meet in the middle.

"Start," the instructor ordered, and you psyched yourself up.

As the attackers moved in, you executed your diversion, hurling an object that clattered on the ground just beyond your vision. The two virtual opponents exchanged a look, freezing for a moment.

You used the second to slide over to the side, establishing an ambush. As you did so, you felt the weight of your decisions—your previous analysis guiding every movement.

The leading attacker approached the noise with care, while the second hesitated, not knowing what to attempt. It was the time that you had anticipated, and your tension coursed through your system.

In a burst of tremendous speed, you struck out into the shadows, with the objective of disengaging the initial enemy and paralyzing him before the other could act. The moment felt thrilling as you allowed your survival instincts to operate.

"This is what it means to really understand strategy," the teacher told you, observing closely as you carried out your plan. "Now remember, improvise!"

When the second enemy came your way, your thoughts went wild. You could not get comfortable. You promptly adjusted, refining your strategy on the fly as you reacted to the latest events.

With a quick step, you ducked beneath the incoming blow and slid back into position with your agility. The air inside the room thickened with concentration, the ringing of your movement and the footsteps of the fighter echoing in your ears.

The simulation gamefully heightened as you waltzed around their attacks, using your knowledge of positioning to keep the upper hand. Finally, you managed to isolate the last opponent, repeating the plan you had designed in class.

When the simulation ended, the results flashed on the screen, and the outcome was a success. Your heart raced—not because of physical exertion but at the raw thrill of mental victory.

“Well done, (Y/N),” the instructor said, a rare smile breaking across his face. “You’ve not just learned the lessons today; you’ve applied them in real time with remarkable acuity. Your ability to adapt is impressive.”

You beamed at the praise, feeling a surge of pride and accomplishment course through you. “I appreciate that. I understand how important these tactics are.”

"Right," he replied, nodding his head in agreement. "The world is unpredictable these days. Having the ability to think on your feet and outsmart your competition tactically will set you apart."

As the class was over and you reviewed the lessons of the day with one another, you had a sense of closeness with your teacher—this was more than training. Every lesson developed a course towards mastery.

Determined to exceed all expectations, you left the room with a renewed sense of purpose, prepared to meet the challenges ahead of you, armed not only with authority, but with knowledge.

As the training session concluded, you were charged, buzzing with the adrenalin of the simulation and the pride of your performance. The instructor's praise lingered in your mind as you strolled with Cecil, who had stood silently throughout, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Great job there," Cecil told you and him when you exited the training room. "I wouldn't have doubted you would do anything less, but you totally nailed those tactics."

"Thanks!" you replied, your cheeks reddening slightly with praise. "It was great to be able to apply the theory. I didn't realize how thrilling it would be to think on my feet that fast like that."

Cecil's gaze rested on you, a spark of admiration in it. "You've got a feel for it. It's not something to soak it all up; it's how you apply it in an inventive manner, and you've got that ability." The affectionate warmth and candor in his tone gave you a shiver of excitement as you proceeded along the corridor. You enjoyed these small moments of appreciation and respect; they gave wings to your ambition and desire to keep improving.

“You're making it sound so simple," you said with a wicked smile. "But I'm quite certain a whole lot of practice is still in my future."

“Sure, but you have the right attitude," he reassured. "And trust me, one of the most important qualities a hero can possess. It's what makes you stand out." You exchanged a glance, the air around you changing a fraction, becoming intimate. There was something unspoken hanging between you, a glimmer that grew with each exchange of compliment and look.

"So what's dinner in your room tonight?" he asked, breaking the silence as you turned down another hallway. "Something hopefully better than field rations night after night."

You smiled at the humor in his words. "I'm hoping for something good. But it'll probably be the same gruel they serve us every night."

"Well that doesn't sound great," he said smiling.

You felt a rush in your chest as you locked eyes with Cecil. "I could use some company while I eat. It gets kinda lonely in those rooms," you admitted, wishing your invitation expressed your desire for something more than a shared meal; it was about camaraderie in the drudgery of training life.

"Not at all; I'd be happy to assist," he replied, his voice trailing on the last word, a hint of warmth entering his voice. Glancing at you, the air between you became thick, charged with an unspoken connection. But then he clarified, "Though, we should keep things professional. I wouldn't want to cloud any waters—we're still 'colleagues' after all."

His adamant refusal to invade your space calmed the moment, filling the air with an aura of mutual respect even as your heart missed a beat at the irremediable feeling of camaraderie. Walking by your side, you couldn't help but notice the way he moved—casual but confident, his casual humor making you smile. Each conversation felt like it seeped into something more, laced with the hint of flirtation.

At last, you reached your room, and Cecil stood just outside the door, the soft sheen of overhead lights in the air about you. The moment was suspended, with both of you there, hesitating just that fraction.

"Tell me what you think of the food," he said, his voice dropping a little as if to create a more intimate rapport."

You could feel the tension growing in the air, an unspoken knowledge that perhaps this friendship was going to turn into something more.

"Okay, see you later then," you said, pushing open the door and then looking back at him again.

"Have a good one," he said, his cocky smile reassuring you as you shut the door behind you into your room.

As you closed the door, you stood there for a moment leaning against it, your heart racing, the bright chatter ringing in your mind. You were elated—not just from the practice, but from the connection you had begun building with Cecil. Dinner would no longer be just dinner; it would be a way to open up, to bond, and even flirt some more. Smiling to yourself, you headed toward the small table in the corner that had been arranged, with a new thrill of excitement not just for your task as a hero, but for the friendship that awaited you.

The last time you’d felt this flutter of excitement toward the opposite gender was long ago, during the rare occasions when the young blonde maintenance man was called in to fix your toilet. You’d purposely clogged it just to catch another glimpse of him, desperate for that brief interaction. But that was a long time ago, way back, and other than the doctors and researchers who made up your daily rhythms, there weren't really all that many young men your age you could even talk to—much less ignite anything remotely sentimental.

The doctors knew why they were alarmed. They knew how, particularly during your early teenage years, the fascination with boys, love, and relationships would only bloom. As you grew older, curiosity prevailed, fueled by the knowledge that declaring romantic interest was downright forbidden. The tension between desire and repression kept you craving attachment, spurring the ache that coursed through you today as you navigated your feelings for Cecil.

[jypsyvloggin]

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[librarycards]

The US, for all the violence it wreaked outside its borders, promised safety and privilege to those inside its fold. In short, gaining entry here might protect my father and his family from what happened there.

But both then and now, this is a false binary, one which the “Palestine issue” has challenged for years, and which the cases of Mahdawi, Khalil, Suri, and Öztürk—along with other victims of brutal campus crackdowns—expose once and for all. As Saree Makdisi recently pointed out in The Nation, the current crackdowns are more than a revived McCarthyism; rather, they constitute an “entirely new” form of repression, one that privileges the political concerns of a distant nation above the rights of legal US residents, and even citizens.

(Here, we can consider both the resonance and the difference between the horrific detentions and deportations of those like Kilmar Abrego Garcia and those of the pro-Palestinian advocates. The former cases extend from a familiar American xenophobia, augmented by long-standing American manipulation in and support of tyrants in Latin America. The latter reflects the extent to which Israel’s interests have penetrated American politics to its very constitutional bones. Both are grave violences in which human bodies are treated as pawns, or worse. In each case we must resist the distraction of spectacle as we consider the deeper political realities they reveal.)

Indeed, as easy as it is to cast Mahdawi and Khalil’s cases as crude Trumpian overreach, to do so is to miss the larger context which threatens all of us. For months, legal experts and historians, invoking the likes of Césaire and Arendt, have warned of the “imperial boomerang,” the inevitability with which the violence perpetrated on the peripheries of empire will eventually swing back, unleashing on those who consider themselves safe, and separate, in the core. There is a terrible irony in the fact that Césaire’s analysis cited the Nazi Holocaust as a prime example of this phenomenon, with German atrocities against Jews and others mirroring European colonial brutality abroad.

Similarly, decades of American violence and repression in the Philippines, Vietnam, Latin America, and elsewhere have brought parallel escalations in policing, incarceration, and surveillance back home. Most recently, in the past 19 months, the US has extended bipartisan support and justification for the bombing of hospitals, the obliteration of every university in Gaza, the collective starvation of 2 million Palestinians, and the deliberate murder of journalists. How could such events be unconnected to the ICE raids in hospitals, the rapid escalation of state violence against marginalized groups, the dismantling of educational institutions, the gutting of public broadcasting, and the defunding of public health? (This is to say nothing of the over $20 billion in US aid sent to Israel since October 7, 2023, re-upped amid the gutting of domestic services.)

To be sure, resisting genocide is its own moral imperative. Yet our failure to stop the US-funded Israeli onslaught both reveals and compounds domestic authoritarianism, and a lack of such transnational analysis bears grave repercussions for us all. As Palestinian lawyer and professor Noura Erakat noted in February, “Nearly all the mainstream liberal pundits sounding the alarm about white supremacy, jingoism, xenophobia, and political violence [have] failed to connect these things to US imperial violence,” while overlooking the ways decades of anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic policies have “[established] harmful precedents” that now endanger many more.

Sarah Aziza, America Has Betrayed Palestinians. We Will Still Prevail.

[nitewrighter]

I read that post on luthor refusing the riddler legion membership because his riddling clues always get solved by batman, who lex is 90% sure solves crimes as a hobby (technically lex is right, bruce is very dedicated to his hobby, and very good at it, but it is technically a hobby), while the justice league has a dozen geniuses on its roster.

And that got me thinking, what if nygma left Gotham for a time, stating he’s “taking a break from the bat”, and using the other so called “league geniuses” as mental exercise?

Could the question indeed solve his riddles in his sleep?

Which heroes would solve their challenges easily? (Mr terrific does crossword puzzles in pen remember)

Which ones would be like- i’m good with tech/chemistry/quantum physics, I don’t know anything about 18th century french literature?

And what if the “comic relief” heroes (plastic man, beast boy, booster gold et al) got involved?

If they did solve a riddle/puzzle/game/challenge, would it be due to dumb luck? That they’re smarter than people give them credit for? Or because they make jokes do often, they’re familiar with puns and word play?

In beast boy’s case, is it because he’s an avid gamer, and one of his old favorites is riddle of the minotaur?

I mean I hate defaulting to my faves for these questions, but Mister Miracle getting through one of the Riddler's wacky Riddle-Death-Traps/Mazes because he is literally The Greatest Superhero Escape Artist is thoroughly hilarious to me.

Barda: *watching Scott self-narrate and trial-and-error his way through some Riddler bullshit*

Spoiler: ...I don't get it. You can smash right through this entire setup. Why don't you do that?

Barda: Arguably, Scott could probably Motherbox his way out of it as well, but this is enrichment for him. Also his thinky-face is cute.

Mister Miracle, offscreen: Barda! Barda, he's got a Stab-o-tron! Barda, are you seeing this!?

Barda: Yes, Scott, it's a very nice death trap.

My other option for facing off with the Riddler is of course Jimmy Olsen. Jimmy's a problem solver, but he's also got so many heavy hitters either ready to fight for him at the drop of a hat, or completely sick of his ass because he is Superman's Pal. I also love Plot Armor Jimmy flummoxing villains through sheer idiot luck.

Jimmy: Batman! Boy, am I glad to see you! You're not going to believe it! I was--

Batman: *pinching the bridge of his nose* You were tracking down the source of a mysterious augmented reality game that was using deepfake footage of pop stars and prompting teenagers across the nation to commit mischief and sow chaos at strategic locations, allowing for several high-stakes, high-black-market-value robberies to occur. And now you're in a pop music-themed death trap.

Jimmy: Wow! Yeah! But don't worry, Scoops has been recording every--

Batman: For the record, you only ended up further along in this mystery than me because I can't immediately recognize pop music references.

Jimmy: I-- I don't really see what that has to do with anything but--

Riddler, from some overhead speakers: Is that... jealousy I hear, Batman?

Batman: It's not jealousy, I just wouldn't expect you to hide yourself with inanity.

Riddler: Maybe you should listen to more pop music! It might help you articulate all those dark sludgy feelings gunking up what should be a genius intellect! Or has the great Batman lost all touch with the masses?!

Batman: Nygma, leave the reporter out of this. We both know your fight is with me.

Riddler: mmm... I don't know. He did get further along than you...I mean, not everything has to be about you, Batman--

Batman: NYGMA--!

Jimmy: Should I--d-do you guys want me to turn off Scoops so you can talk about this, or--?