#Agile in Remote Development

[a1globalcollege]

Earn an Online Project Management Diploma from Anywhere in Mississauga

Advance your leadership and organizational skills with an Online Project Management Diploma from A1 Global College. This flexible, career-focused program is designed for working professionals and aspiring managers who want to lead successful projects across industries. Learn key tools like Agile, Scrum, budgeting, scheduling, and team coordination all from the comfort of your home. Perfect for students across Mississauga looking for real-world, in-demand project management skills.

[cyber-soul-smartz]

Mastering Project Management: Essential Skills for Success in the 21st Century

Discover the essential skills every project manager needs to master in the 21st century! From leadership to risk management, stay ahead with our expert insights. Don't miss out—subscribe now for more tips and updates on professional development!

Effective project management is more crucial than ever in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape. Whether you’re steering a small team or overseeing a large-scale initiative, the ability to lead, communicate, manage time, solve problems, and mitigate risks can make or break your project’s success. But what exactly does it take to excel in this multifaceted discipline? And how can…

[stunie]

“DIDN’T MEAN TO HURT YOU, I SWEAR!”

WIND BREAKER BOYS + ACCIDENTALLY HURTING YOU. ft. hayato suo, kaji ren, nirei akihiko, sakura haruka, togame jo, & umemiya hajime x f!reader.

filled request: “Hi there i want to request something, asking Sakura, Ume, Nirei, Kaji and Suo to play fight and they accidentally hit you hard (If it's to many you can just do Suo and Kaji, no pressureeee)”

sfw. 3.2K wc. a/n: added togame! & tried to make suo & kaji’s xtra long since those 2 look like they might be ur faves <33

HAYATO SUO.

in the time you’ve spent dating suo, you have never once managed to successfully sneak up on him. not even remotely close. it’s impossible to the point that you’ve started to consider the fact that your boyfriend may have developed a sort of sixth sense since meeting you, an intuitive awareness of your presence— because as soon as you step within a three foot radius of him, his head is swiftly turning to face you, greeting you with an amused smile and a “this again?” with that tone that has your eyebrow twitching all over again.

you continue to fiddle with the bottom of your shirt from where you’re hidden behind your apartment door, anxiously awaiting for the moment suo emerges from outside. your plan was nothing short of perfect, every little detail thought out— and you were entirely sure of it this time.

you had given suo a copy of your key ages ago, so that he could come in at anytime without you needing to be there. a second check of your phone’s messages has you mentally preparing yourself when you reread his “i’m coming~” text from exactly twenty minutes ago, and you smile to yourself. asking him to come by and babysit your cat while you went on a quick snack restock errand was the best excuse, and a part of you feels a little guilty for formulating such an intricate plan just to get a scare out of your boyfriend— but it had to be done.

the sound of suo’s key wiggles inside the doorknob, your breath hitching in your throat when you hear the lock switch just a few seconds after, followed by the eerie creaking noise that your door always seems to make.

“i’m here,” suo sings out to no one in particular, his usual smile etched onto his face as he takes a peek inside. dark, and empty. nothing unusual, not that he was expecting anything out of the ordinary in the first place.

as soon as he takes a step inside, he’s going to take off his shoes first, and you jump on the opportunity. you’re quick to lunge at him the second his thumb slips in his shoe, aiming to launch yourself into his middle and crush him in a suffocating hug. you don’t miss the way he tenses for a split second, eyes widening at the sudden movement— mind immediately flashing to his first thought…. an intruder?

he doesn’t recognize you at first, your figure reduced to a blur— and all he knows is that something is headed towards him. and fast. he’s moving on pure instinct, arm reaching for the closest thing to him at that moment: your arm.

you gasp when you realize just how agile your boyfriend really is. the truth is— you’ve never seen him fight, and he doesn’t really talk to you about it. he has a habit of leaving all the details out, and you don’t usually find yourself asking him about it after seeing the way he’s always coming out of fights unscathed. so sure. you knew he was probably pretty strong.

but you had no idea he was like this.

“w-wait!” you yelp when his foot comes to loop around your ankle, and you’re suddenly falling backwards. your hand desperately moves to catch onto something— anything to avoid falling onto the floor, so you grab a fistful of suo’s shirt.

he’s clenching his jaw in shock when you roughly yank him down with you, the familiar sound of your voice registering a second too late, because the two of you are crashing onto the ground a second later, suo’s weight knocking the wind out of your chest.

there’s a moment of silence as the two of you wince, your eyes fluttering open to meet with suo, looming over you with an expression you’ve never seen on him before. genuine concern … and what looks to be .. shock?

it takes you another moment to take note of the subtle warmth you’re feeling until you finally recognize it as suo’s hand that’s currently cradling the back of your head— and you’re at a loss as to exactly when or how he managed to do that in only a split second.

“i’m sorry,” suo chuckles sheepishly, “you got me this time. i really thought you were an intruder.”

“but did you hit your head? hard? are you okay?” he continues, other arm coming to pull you up and hold you against his chest. “tell me.”

“i think so,” you’re barely able to mumble, heat rushing to your cheeks at the realization that suo’s first thought wasn’t to cushion his own fall, but to protect your head instead. “not that hard though… i think. it doesn’t hurt very much.”

suo’s gaze on you is suddenly much more noticeable, and you’re tearing your eyes away from him a second later, sneaking glances back and forth as he continues to search for any signs of pain.

none that he notices, and the way your lips are pressed in a nervous line is a good sign, at least. suo lets out a relieved sigh before he’s smiling again, as if you hadn’t just spooked the sealed spirits out of him.

“let’s not do that again, okay?”

KAJI REN.

you’ve never seen the night market this packed in your entire life.

it’s so busy that it’s almost suffocating, each breath taking double the effort from the way your body is being smothered between people as kaji leads you towards the food stands.

‘the best fried octopus you’ll ever try,’ your friend had said…but you’re seriously reevaluating you and kaji’s decision to come here— on the busiest night all summer to top it off.

it definitely wasn’t the best idea the two of you have come up with.

you’ve lost count of the amount of times you’ve said the words “excuse me!” and “sorry, getting through!” tonight. a part of you feels bad for your boyfriend— because you knew kaji was way worse off than you, the scowl on his face running the risk of being permanently etched onto his face from the sheer intensity of his glare. the grip he has on your wrist is tighter than ever before, trying his best to weave his way through the crowd without losing you.

kaji knows his mood is worsening each time someone bumps into him, and twice— or even three times as much when he feels someone bumping into you instead. he can feel the way your body roughly jerks back from the impact, and it was stressing him out more than he could imagine. the possibility of losing you and leaving you all alone in an aggressive crowd like this was the last thing he wanted.

he’s so lost in his thoughts that he doesn’t hear you call out his name the first time, or the second time. not even the third time. he doesn’t hear your voice trail off a bit when you mention that his grip is starting to hurt a little— to maybe hold hands instead.

he didn’t hear any of it.

kaji catches a glimpse of an emptier area, and he’s suddenly pulling harder at your wrist to lead you to it, not hearing you squeak out an “ouch, that hurts!”

and it hurts badly, warm tears welling up in your eyes as you struggle to try and keep up with him. it’s only when he suddenly jerks you around a corner that you’re tripping over the curb, stumbling and crashing into his back with a loud ‘ouch!’ that he finally turns to take a look at you.

kaji’s eyes are widening at the sight— your teary eyes peering up at him through wet lashes and your hand gingerly rubbing at your wrist. his words catch in his throat, barely able to sputter out an “are you.. okay?”

you shake your head quickly, lips tugging to a shaky frown. “you were hurting my wrist, kaji.”

his chest feels tight.

kaji is quick to bring your hand in his, gently cupping your hand as he looks at your wrist, and the guilt is flooding through him all at once. the thought of hurting you has him grimacing, feeling physically ill just thinking about it, and it’s not long before his mind is racing through all the scenarios.

he didn’t want to hurt you— and he doesn’t want to be someone you saw as ‘dangerous’ either. your wrist was so delicate, and it was a terrifying reminder of his strength— because he didn’t even realize that he was squeezing in the first place.

he truly had no idea.

“it’s okay,” your voice slices through the thick air, ripping him out of his thoughts, “i know you were stressed— it was scary over there.”

“i was scared too, kaji.”

the gentle smile you give him is the only thing that can bring him this much comfort, he thinks. it’s enough to clear his head, his heartbeat settling down, and he’s ripping another lollipop open before popping it in his mouth, turning and kneeling onto the floor.

“you can get on.”

even without his words, it’s a gesture you’re very familiar with— so you don’t hesitate for a second before climbing onto his back, arms circling around kaji as he lifts you up. there’s a subtle pink dusting the tips of his ears when you press a gentle kiss to his head, thanking him for carrying you.

“it’s not a problem,” he grumbles, voice coming out low as a futile attempt to hide the excited thump of his heart.

“get comfy up there, because we’re not leaving this damn market until we get a hold of that octopus.”

NIREI AKIHIKO.

nirei swears that he had no idea that the pillow he had just thrown towards you a moment ago had buttons decorating the outside.

he really didn’t know, and of course it was the only pillow that happened to land right on your face.

“i’m so sorry! are you okay?” his voice comes out frantic as he rushes towards you, terrified eyes watching the way you rub your eye and groan in pain. this was terrible, he was terrible. pillows were never supposed to cause you any pain.

“it…it hit your eye? i’m so sorry,” he repeats, hands coming up to do something— wave around you in panic, because he’s not quite sure if he should touch you or leave you be. his hands hover just in front of your face, mind racing with potential ways he could help.

he jolts when you laugh a bit.

“you really picked the worst pillow,” your laugh comes out strained as you try and blink, vision spotted with dots from the hit you’ve taken. “…it’s okay though.”

it takes you a couple more seconds to see nirei clearly, and you can tell that he’s absolutely devastated with just one glance, nervous hands finally coming to grab at your shoulders, keeping you still so he can inspect your eye.

“let me see.”

he’s leaning in a bit, until his face is just a couple inches in front of yours. “i think um,” he squints a bit, ignoring the warmth rising to his cheeks from the proximity, “i think your eye looks fine.”

the guilt is still eating him alive. a part of him wishes that you had been the one to grab that pillow instead, because he’s certain he would have jumped on the opportunity to tank a hit from a buttoned pillow a thousand times before letting it hit you just once. straight in the eye. anywhere. it doesn’t matter to him.

“it probably is,” you give him a small smile, “but you still cheated. i won that fight.”

SAKURA HARUKA.

“i-i didn’t know you were there!”

sakura’s a complete and utter mess, and he genuinely didn’t know any better. he didn’t hear you creeping up behind him, so when your arms suddenly wrapped around his middle, his reflex was to jab his elbow straight behind him— and it hit you square in the face.

he could feel his heart shatter into pieces when the sound of your yelp rang in his ears, jerking his body around only to see you stagger backwards, clutching your nose and peering up at him through those teary eyes.

sakura doesn’t know what to do. you’re sniffling now, your arms reaching out to hug him a second time, your voice barely coherent as you start babbling with a shaky voice, the only words he could recognize being “i deserve a hug for that.”

he’s a complete mess. he’s stiff when he lets you wrap your arms around his middle this time, face flushed with red at the simple touch and his heart hurting at the sound of you sniffling against his jacket, hand coming to wipe at the tears welling up in your eyes.

it’s impossible for him to not think of the worst— because he knows other guys wouldn’t be making this kind of mistake. his friends wouldn’t have elbowed you in the face in the first place. or at the very least, his friends would know how to comfort someone in this type of situation. he wants to kick himself for just standing there, words catching in his throat every time he tries and apologize.

“sorry…” your voice is quiet, but it’s enough to yank him out his thoughts. “i shouldn’t have scared you like that.”

it takes sakura a couple seconds before his mouth is falling at the apology. “huh?” he’s dumbfounded, hands coming to grab at your shoulders, “i should be apologizing!”

his face erupts in a furious blush when you giggle at his reaction, thumb coming to swipe at the tears that have spilled onto your cheeks. it’s only then when he tugs you back into a tight hug, hand cradling the back of your head to hold you flush against him.

he thinks it’s because he can’t stand to see you cry.

“o-oh?” you whisper against his chest. “this is new.”

sakura chooses to ignore your little remark, clenching his jaw as he glares at your wall, gaze locking on anything except you. “i should be sorry,” he repeats again, his voice barely coherent with the way he’s fighting against his blush, “so you should just … you know. tell me. when you want a hug..”

TOGAME JO. (pet name: doll)

“that’s not right, doll,” togame coos from below you, lips tugging into an amused grin as he watches you struggle to master the self-defense moves that you asked him to teach you an hour ago. or maybe two. it’s normal for him to lose track of time when he’s with you anyway.

your boyfriend doesn’t seem to realize that you don’t have the same stamina he does. or the focus, because you can feel the heat rising in your cheeks again— unsure if it’s because you’re embarrassed of your confused attempts at grabbing him, or if it’s the fact that he’s so casually sprawled out underneath you.

“you listenin’?”

you perk up, followed by a delayed nod. a little too obvious, but he doesn’t say anything.

“you grab me here,” his voice is gentle, guiding your hands back to hover over his body, “and then you pull. remember?”

and you nod again. but the sound of his voice, slow and steady, paired with the way he’s lazily propped up on his elbows to look up at you through tired eyes has your mind spinning all over again, instructions already going out your other ear as you try again and take a large fistful of his sweatshirt.

“..like this?”

he hums, lips tugging into a smile. “that’s good, doll. now pull the way i showed you.”

and you do— or you try to. you tug with all your strength, but you can tell he hasn’t moved an inch. you can hear him hum in wonder above you, and that’s all it takes for your eyes to slam shut as you jerk and pull with all your strength— and you feel some movement for the first time tonight.

“wait…” togame interrupts, but you don’t stop, pulling and pulling— not realizing you’ve inched towards to very edge of your mattress. “wait— we’ll fall,” he repeats with a little more urgency.

it’s a second too late when you realize it, eyes shooting open the second gravity tips the balance, and you’re plummeting backwards with a shriek. togame’s twisting his body to catch you as fast as he can, but the frantic movement has his fist connecting with your cheek before he grabs a hold of you, yanking you upwards and into him.

“fuck,” you wince, rubbing your cheek with the back of your hand as you huff. “that hurt a bit..”

“sorry,” togame lulls, legs spread to have you seated right in front of him, “i was trying to catch you… didn’t mean to smack you like that. are you okay..?”

his hands come to cup your cheeks, tilting your head up to look at the him. the familiar heat in your cheeks returns as soon as you lock eyes with him, because he’s so close. you can feel his breath fan against your lips with the proximity.

and he’s looking right at you.

“‘m okay,” your voice is just above a whisper, “you barely even grazed me, anyway..”

UMEMIYA HAJIME.

“when did you take that?!”

your arms shoot up to reach for ume’s phone, cheeks burning with embarrassment— because that had to be the most foul photo you’ve ever seen of yourself. the sound of your boyfriend erupting into the loudest laugh you’ve heard all day only has you seething— and he’s effortlessly holding his phone just out of your reach, as if to taunt you even further.

“you don’t need to know,” he grins widely, watching the way you shift your weight onto your toes in a futile attempt to reach his phone. “and it’s cute! you don’t think so?”

“give it!” you hiss, and you lunge forward to start pulling at the arm that has the phone, “i’m deleting it!”

“no way,” he retorts with a huff, but you’re pulling his sleeve with your full strength, and it catches ume off guard a bit, foot stumbling forward a step. he’s never seen you pull with all your might— so he just wasn’t expecting it.

you’re lunging again before he’s regained his balance, and he shifts his weight backwards, lower back colliding with the table behind him. his phone slips from his grip too fast for either of you to react, and it lands on your nose with a sickening thud.

his laughter vanishes as soon as you’re letting out a pained yelp, hands coming to clutch your nose, squeezing the bridge to ease the pain.

“ow….” you whimper, voice cracking a bit as tears start to flood your lash line. his heart breaks in two when he sees you sniffle, desperately blinking away the tears that threaten to spill as you check your hand.

no blood. just a lot of pain.

“i’m so sorry,” he’s hovering over you within a second, nervous arms fluttering just above your frame— because he hasn’t quite figured out what to do, and you look so fragile like this. he just doesn’t want to break you.

“..are you okay?” he breaks the silence, “let me see you.”

your face is buried in your hands when ume kneels in front of you, hands coming to gently tug at your wrists so you can look at him. “i’m sorry,” he repeats even quieter, worry flooding his expression when you tear your gaze away from him.

it’s your attempt at trying to get rid of the tears threatening to spill, but he doesn’t know know that. his lips are tugging into a deep frown, eyes filled with worry as he tries to get you to just look at him again.

“look at me, okay?” he whispers, “let me see.”

a deep inhale, and you’re trying to make your voice come out steady again. “i think..i think it’s okay.”

your eyebrows furrow. “you klutz…”

the relief in his face is almost too obvious. he’s taking a sharp inhale, opening his arms to urge you to come for a hug. “i know,” he chuckles, “are you sure? you’re okay?”

you give ume a nod, ignoring the throbbing in your nose as your arms wrap around him, holding him close against you. “i think i’ll be okay if you delete that.”

“no way,” he retorts, relieved that you're at least not crying anymore. "but i'll give you cuddles. deal?"

he's pulling you tighter against him before you even give him your answer, and his shoulders relax a bit when you finally nestle into his arms, leaning into his hold with a soft smile and a throbbing nose.

[yellydany]

ESPHINE🧬 (Extrasensorial Kaiju)

[Data] Name: Project Esphine Species: Artificial Kaiju Height: 320 ft Gender: None

Esphine is a biological weapon created for military use primarily to combat Kaiju. Although its purpose was to defend humanity, it became unstable over time and was supposed to be dismantled to prevent a disaster, but it escaped prematurely and turned against civilians.

What characterizes him are his advanced psionic (PSI) and extrasensory (ESP) abilities. He is a highly intelligent being who uses strategy to destroy his opponents, but if he enters a rampant state he will lash out like a beast. Esphine is more agile while airborne and prefers to operate in open spaces for an advantage. His membrane wings are flexible and blend in with his frontal claws

He developed a strong aversion for other Kaiju (as he was designed to) and even though he is no longer allied with humanity, he stands against strong monsters in order to defeat them.

[Abilities]

◆Psionic beam: A concentrated beam of psychic energy that can destroy everything in its path. If it divides the energy between its two tails it can unleash a dual beam instead of a single one ◆Remote sight: Similar to clairvoyance, the remote sight allows him to project his view through different places in the world when his body is idle ◆Levitation/Psychokinesis: Esphine can lift itself in the air, even objects which can be thrown as projectiles ◆PSI shield: It can shield itself with a barrier capable of resisting attacks that could be devastating ◆PSI explosion: If Esphine concentrates all his psychic power he can unleash an explosion large enough to wipe out a city. He can also produce a smaller scale version to avoid energy withdrawal ◆DNA extraction: With the arrow needles at the end of his two tails, Esphine can absorb genetic material and implement it into himself to adapt. This is quite useful when dealing with other Kaiju as it learns their weaknesses and abilities ◆Apportation/Teleportation: With enough focus, he can transfer objects to other, more distant locations. He can also teleport himself to fight distant Kaijus or to escape from an encounter ◆Psychic hold: A rather consuming move that serves to stop falling objects, projectiles and even other Kaiju in place if enough mental strength is applied. It was supposed to protect civilians from the destruction caused by other Kaiju. ◆Telepathy: Strong telepathic signals that can cause brain damage to nearby organic beings. He has learned to weaponize it against Kaiju to distract them. ◆Distortion: A hypothetical ability that suggests Esphine could break reality and create dangerous spatial rifts

*Yes his tails coil like DNA!

[satoshi-mochida]

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and PC - Gematsu

Publisher SEGA and developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have announced Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam, Microsoft Store). It will launch on February 28, 2025 worldwide.

Get the first details below.

■ About the Game

A new legend begins as you step into the steel toe boots of Goro Majima, a man who has lost his memory and reinvents himself as a pirate on the open sea. Embark on an over-the-top, modern-day pirate adventure with an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain and his crew as they engage in exhilarating combat on land and sea in the hunt for lost memories and a legendary treasure.

Pirate Yakuza Adventure Ahoy!

Goro Majima, a notorious ex-yakuza suddenly finds himself shipwrecked on a remote island in the Pacific. Unable to remember even his own name, he sets sail in search of clues to his lost memories, accompanied by a boy named Noah who saved his life. Before long, they’re caught up in a conflict between cutthroat criminals, modern-day pirates, and other scoundrels over a legendary treasure.

Get Your Ship Together

Assemble a one-of-a-kind crew while upgrading your ship as you explore the open sea and forge your legend in the cannon fire of foes, unexpected friendships, and immense riches made along the way. When an enemy pirate ship catches you in their sights, an exhilarating real-time cannon battle breaks out. Quickly maneuver into position while avoiding fire, then deliver devastating damage to board the enemy ship and take down the captain in all-out crew vs. crew brawls. Conquer the seas, discover hidden islands and acquire loads of loot like a true yakuza pirate!

Kick Arrrss With Creative Combat

Dynamically switch between the “Mad Dog” and “Pirate” fighting styles to mix-up attacks and deliver explosive combos, juggles, and aerial takedowns that reward your creativity with over-the-top action. With “Mad Dog” style, utilize speed, agility, and flair to deliver precise yet powerful blows that stun your enemies into submission. Or make enemies walk the plank with the “Pirate” style that has you dual-wielding short swords and deploying tricky pirate tools to kick some serious booty.

■ Story

After losing his memory, Goro Majima, a once-feared legend in the yakuza world, sets sail in search of treasure. Half a year ago teaming up with Kiryu for a massive battle in the Millenium Tower, Goro Majima washes up with the wreckage of a boat on the shore of a remote, sparsely populated island. With no memories—not even his own name—Majima joins forces with Noah, the young islander who saved his life, and embarks on a search for clues to his forgotten past. However, what waits for them is a powder-keg world where scoundrels vie for a legendary treasure.

■ Cast

Goro Majima (voiced by Hidenari Ugaki)

Patriarch of the former Tojo Clan’s Majima Family.

An ex-yakuza with no memories who has washed ashore on a remote island.

Noah Rich (voiced by First Summer Uika)

Local boy on Rich Island.

A youth who dreams of the outside world, hoping to leave the confines of Rich Island.

Jason Rich (voiced by Kenji Matsuda)

Bar Owner on Rich Island and Noah’s father.

A former treasure hunter who, despite being a drunkard, is still a true sea dog.

Masaru Fujita (voiced by Ryuji Akiyama (Robert))

Bodyguard and ship cook.

A skilled chef for hire who’s sailed the seas on a long line of pirate ships.

Teruhiko Shigaki (voiced by Munetaka Aoki)

Patriarch of the former Tojo Clan’s Shigaki family.

An ex-yakuza with no memories who has washed ashore on a remote island.

Rodriguez (voiced by Ayumi Tanida)

Palekana disciple.

A burly warrior who guards Nele Island, Palekana’s holy site, with his massive sword.

Mortimer (voiced by Shunsuke Daitoh)

Head of the Mortimer Armada.

A handsome pirate with a charismatic persona who inspires fervor in the lowlifes around him.

Goro (voiced by ???)

Noah’s little friend.

An adorable little cat (?) that Noah found on Rich Island.

■ Battle

Push Combat to the Extreme with Two Battle Styles

In addition to his signature Mad Dog style, which is all about speed, Majima can also use his new Sea Dog style to wield a cutlass and other buccaneer gear. Pick the style that works for you to kick, pummel, and slash your way through the filthy bilge rats who stand in your way!

■ Adventure

Go wild and unleash chaos around the waters of Hawaii as Goro Majima!

Rich Island

A remote island that an amnesiac Goro Majima washes up on. Noah and his family are some of the island’s few inhabitants. Despite fishing being the mainstay of the local economy, pirates reminiscent of the Age of Discovery can be inexplicably seen sauntering around.

Madlantis

A secret island where multiple criminal organizations coexist. In a cave on the island hides a sprawling pleasure district built around a fleet of massive tankers. The Pirates’ Coliseum, a hub where pirates constantly engage in naval battles, is here.

Nele Island

A holy site of Palekana, a long-standing religious group based in Hawaii. The Haku, the most fervent believers of Palekana, inhabit the island. The island is notably larger than Rich Island and has a proper harbor.

Hawaii

One of the world’s most famous tourist destinations. You can learn a lot about Hawaii from the owner of a bar called Revolve in Honolulu City.

■ Early Purchase Bonus

Ichiban Pirate Crew Set

Crew Member: Ichiban Kasuga

Backup Crew: Nancy

Ichiban Special Outfit Set

Kasuga Outfit (Infinite Wealth)

Kasuga Outfit (Yakuza: Like a Dragon)

■ Game Editions

Standard Edition (physical / digital) – $59.99 / £54.99 / €59.99 / 6,930 yen

A copy of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Deluxe Edition (digital) – $74.99 / £64.99 / €74.99 / 8,690 yen

A copy of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Downloadable content

Legendary Pirate Crew Pack – Have Kazuma Kiryu, Daigo Dojima, and other fan-favorite Like a Dragon characters become shipmates with the Goro Pirates!

Legendary Outfit Pack – Give Majima more outfits to wear, including a T-shirt exclusively designed for this title and the iconic get-ups sported by yakuza legends such as Kazuma Kiryu and Taiga Saejima.

Ship Customization Pack – Personalize the appearance of your pirate ship, the Goromaru! Choose from designs based on popular characters from the franchise, including Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga.

Extra Karaoke and CD Pack – Add the Majima Construction Song to karaoke and gain the option to play karaoke staples while exploring.

Complete Box (Japan / Asia) (physical) – 19,800 yen

A copy of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Goro Majima Pop-Up Pirate Jr.

Goro Majima Eyepatch

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii acrylic art board (A4 size)

Art book

Downloadable content

Legendary Pirate Crew Pack – Have Kazuma Kiryu, Daigo Dojima, and other fan-favorite Like a Dragon characters become shipmates with the Goro Pirates!

Legendary Outfit Pack – Give Majima more outfits to wear, including a T-shirt exclusively designed for this title and the iconic get-ups sported by yakuza legends such as Kazuma Kiryu and Taiga Saejima.

Ship Customization Pack – Personalize the appearance of your pirate ship, the Goromaru! Choose from designs based on popular characters from the franchise, including Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga.

Extra Karaoke and CD Pack – Add the Majima Construction Song to karaoke and gain the option to play karaoke staples while exploring.

Watch the announcement trailer, battle gameplay, and reveal event archive below. View the first screenshots at the gallery. Visit the official website here: English / English (Asia) / here.

Announce Trailer

English

Japanese

Battle Gameplay

English

Japanese

RGG Summit 2024

English

Japanese

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Help Us Market Our Stories!

Calliope catapults your imagination with written stories introduced by vibrant —and interactive— animations. In our app, these interactive animations act as portals that submerge readers into written stories. We love reading, but reading today is tricky. At Calliope we’re passionate about enchanting readers away from visually striking apps (like Instagram) and back into the realm of the imagination.  

We’re a small company founded by two nerdy Venezuelan girls looking for people who share our zeal for reading, and who want to create a world where reading is colorful, vibrant, and immersive for everyone.  

What we’re looking for: 

- Experience with social media and digital marketing.

- Seasoned experience in orchestrating paid campaigns on Instagram and TikTok (—and Tumblr).

- A flair for creating dazzling content (no need to be a graphic designer or videographer, but a good taste and an appetite for learning are essential).

- The skill to grasp and embody our brand tone, understand our audience inside out, and devise enchanting content.

- Proficiency in SEO and data analytics.

- A balance of independent initiative and teamwork.

- Agile adaptability, attentiveness to feedback, and the capacity to grow from constructive critiques.

- Proactive problem-solving and execution.

- Near native written English.

Your Role:

- Developing inventive social media strategies to amplify visibility and subscriptions.

- Designing content that’s both captivating and relevant to our audience.

- Spearheading advertising campaigns on social media.

- Analyzing and reporting the successes and lessons of campaigns and strategies.

- Staying on the cutting edge of social media trends, particularly in our niche.

What We Offer:

- We value your thirst for learning and involvement more than your past experience.

- A 100% remote work setup: your performance matters, not your location.

- A goal-oriented work environment: manage your time and enjoy flexibility.

- A unique opportunity to grow with us and lead the marketing team as we expand the project.

- Competitive pay with prospective salary growth and bonuses as the company thrives.

How to Apply

If you’re eager to make reading vibrant and fun, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please send the following to contact@calliopeinteractive.com.

A resume; 

A portfolio of your previous social media or digital content creation work; 

A brief cover letter explaining what attracted you to Calliope; 

And two sentences describing three Instagram or TikTok posts that you would make for Calliope.  

If you’re interested in learning more, please check out our app in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store; and our social media: Instagram & TikTok

[mrmoldavite]

Mercury Through the Houses in a Relocation Chart

In a relocation chart, Mercury's house placement highlights how your thinking, communication, learning, and daily interactions shift in a specific location. Mercury governs intellect, speech, writing, travel, problem-solving, and networking, so wherever it lands in a new place will show how your mind adapts, how you connect with people, and how you process information there.

Below is a comprehensive and reliable breakdown of what to expect with Mercury in each house of a relocation chart:

Mercury in the 1st House

Focus: Self-expression, personal identity, and mental agility

In this location, your mind becomes a major part of your identity. You may be more talkative, quick-witted, and eager to share your thoughts. People perceive you as intelligent, articulate, or even opinionated.

You feel the need to express yourself verbally or through writing, and you may naturally gravitate toward activities that require communication, such as teaching, public speaking, or media.

This is a great location for personal reinvention, especially if you want to develop a sharper mind, build confidence in speaking, or take on a more mentally engaging lifestyle.

Mercury in the 2nd House

Focus: Finances, values, and practical thinking

In this location, Mercury influences how you handle money, resources, and financial planning. You may become more focused on budgeting, investing, or finding ways to increase income through communication-related work (writing, marketing, sales, etc.).

Your mindset shifts toward practicality, and you may develop a stronger interest in financial security, business negotiations, or learning new skills that help you build wealth.

A great place for financial growth, particularly if you work in commerce, sales, or intellectual fields that involve managing resources.

Mercury in the 3rd House

Focus: Learning, communication, and networking

This is one of the strongest placements for Mercury, as it naturally rules the 3rd house. In this location, you become highly active mentally and socially.

You might find yourself constantly on the go—networking, writing, learning new skills, or engaging in frequent short trips.

Your relationships with siblings, neighbors, or local communities could become more important, and you may naturally build a social circle in this area.

A great place for studying, writing, journalism, teaching, or any work that involves communication and travel.

Mercury in the 4th House

Focus: Home, family, and personal reflection

In this location, Mercury’s energy turns inward, making you more introspective and thoughtful about your personal life and home environment.

Family connections, childhood memories, and emotional discussions may become more significant here. You may work from home, study family history, or engage in private intellectual pursuits.

Your home may be a hub for learning, communication, or even a business related to writing, teaching, or media.

A good location for deep thinking, remote work, or reconnecting with your roots.

Mercury in the 5th House

Focus: Creativity, self-expression, and playful communication

In this location, your communication style becomes more expressive, fun, and engaging. You might find yourself more interested in creative writing, acting, comedy, or storytelling.

Romantic connections often involve intellectual stimulation, flirting, and playful banter. You may attract partners who are witty, curious, or expressive.

This is a great location for creative projects, performing arts, and writing in an entertaining or artistic way.

Mercury in the 6th House

Focus: Work, health, and daily routines

Mercury in the 6th house makes you more detail-oriented, productive, and focused on efficiency in this location.

Your work may involve a lot of communication, paperwork, organising, or problem-solving. You may also find yourself improving your daily habits, health routines, or diet.

This is an excellent place for career growth in writing, editing, medical fields, analytical work, or technology.

You may also feel more mentally restless, so structuring your daily routine becomes key.

Mercury in the 7th House

Focus: Partnerships, negotiation, and social intelligence

In this location, Mercury enhances your ability to connect with others through conversation, negotiation, and intellectual exchanges.

Romantic and business partnerships often involve a strong mental connection, and you may attract partners who are talkative, intellectual, or involved in writing, law, or media.

A great location for networking, working in public relations, law, or any field requiring strong interpersonal communication.

Mercury in the 8th House

Focus: Deep thinking, research, and transformation

Mercury in the 8th house makes you more interested in psychology, secrets, hidden knowledge, and financial matters. You might become more intuitive, investigative, or drawn to taboo topics.

Communication here may be more intense, deep, or transformative—conversations often touch on subjects like death, rebirth, money, or emotional intimacy.

A powerful location for research, therapy, financial planning, or work involving deep analysis.

Mercury in the 9th House

Focus: Travel, higher education, and philosophical exploration

In this location, Mercury expands your mind—you may feel drawn to learning new philosophies, foreign languages, or engaging in travel.

Communication here revolves around big ideas, cultural exchanges, and academic or spiritual discussions.

This is a great location for studying, teaching, publishing, or international business.

Mercury in the 10th House

Focus: Career, public speaking, and reputation

Mercury in the 10th house makes you more vocal and known for your ideas, intellect, or communication skills in this location.

You may be drawn to public speaking, writing, media, business, or politics.

Your career likely involves communication, networking, or intellectual problem-solving.

A fantastic place for career advancement, especially in journalism, law, education, or leadership roles.

Mercury in the 11th House

Focus: Social networks, technology, and innovation

In this location, Mercury makes you more engaged in group activities, online communities, and intellectual friendships.

You may build strong connections with like-minded individuals, especially in progressive, tech-driven, or humanitarian fields.

A great place for networking, working in digital media, tech, or joining intellectual communities.

Mercury in the 12th House

Focus: Introspection, spirituality, and hidden knowledge

Mercury in the 12th house makes you more inwardly focused, intuitive, and drawn to deep contemplation in this location.

You may prefer writing privately, researching hidden knowledge, or engaging in spiritual and psychological exploration.

A good location for creative writing, meditation, therapy, or any work that involves behind-the-scenes research.

Final Thoughts

Mercury’s house placement in a relocation chart reveals how your communication, thinking, and daily interactions change in a specific place. Whether it amplifies career success (10th house), deep introspection (12th house), or creative expression (5th house), knowing where Mercury falls can help you align your intellectual and social energy with the best opportunities a location has to offer.

[angeloreyes2000]

Ashkan Rajaee on the Future of HR Technology and Agile Software Development

In an exclusive interview with TechRSeries, Ashkan Rajaee, CEO and Founder of TopDevz, shares his insights on HR technology, remote work, and agile software development. Rajaee discusses how TopDevz’s unique approach to hiring top-tier talent has led to the company’s success in delivering high-quality software solutions. He emphasizes the importance of onshore, highly skilled professionals over offshore outsourcing and highlights how AI and automation are shaping the future of HR and recruitment. Additionally, he touches on the gig economy, the importance of flexibility, and maintaining strong company culture in a distributed workforce.

[dominiquedevlin]

#TechLeadership: Ashkan Rajaee’s Vision for Topdevz

Ashkan Rajaee, the Founder and CEO of Topdevz, has built a premier software development company that stands out for its high-quality talent and agile methodologies. The Silicon Review highlights Rajaee’s journey, emphasizing his commitment to remote work, elite engineering talent, and a culture of excellence.

Under his leadership, Topdevz has flourished by recruiting top-tier developers from North America, ensuring high-caliber software solutions without outsourcing overseas. Rajaee attributes the company’s success to a rigorous vetting process and a work environment that fosters innovation and productivity.

With a background in entrepreneurship and tech, he has positioned Topdevz as a leader in custom software development, digital transformation, and IT consulting, catering to Fortune 500 companies and startups alike. Rajaee's vision for the future includes continued growth, innovation, and a commitment to delivering world-class software solutions.

[lexithequeenofgay]

Part 4/4 of posting about my Camp Cretaceous rewrite AU OCs (curse you ten image limit)

Name: Katelyn Fadoula

Nicknames: Trackstar, Katie

Gender: Female

Pronouns: She/Her

Age: 16 (CCS1-CCS5, 2015-2016), 18 (2018), 22 (CT, 2022)

Relatives: Mrs. Fadoula (Mother), Unnamed Father

Allies: Bailey Bowman, Xi Kon, Jules Moon, Wren Pincus, Abigail Gutierrez (Best Friend), Bumpy (Ankylosaurus)

Skills/Abilities: Agility, Survival Skills, Athletics

Gear: Shovel

Occupation: Camp Cretaceous Camper (Formerly), Jurassic World Incident Survivor, Member of the “Nublar Six”

Appearance (Before Indominus Attack): Katelyn has lightly-colored dark-skin, and brown hair that is in a ponytail and has a small braid. She also has purple eyes. She wears a light-gray slightly-cropped hoodie, and gray and purple track shorts. She also has light-gray shoes.

Appearance (After Indominus Attack): After the Indominus Rex attacked, Katelyn’s hoodie’s left sleeve was nearly torn off, so she used it as a temporary bandage. She has a bandage over her nose, and bandages on her left arm and legs. She wore a compression bandage for around a month due to an injury that sprained her ankle.

Appearance (Chaos Theory): Katelyn’s hair is now much shorter, and is chin-length. She wears black pants and brown shoes, as well as a cropped light-gray jacket. Underneath, she wears a gray and pale-purple sleeveless turtleneck crop top.

Personality: Prior to meeting Abigail, Katelyn was very antisocial, and her main source of enjoyment was sketching and drawing (which she still does). She’s very competitive both on and off the track, which usually means she’ll get upset if she loses something. After becoming friends with Abigail, she started to lighten up a bit and was more upbeat and positive. She’s also sarcastic and sometimes condescending. After her experiences on Isla Nublar and Mantah Corp. Island, Katelyn was traumatized and developed PTSD. She’s been slowly working through it with the help of Holographic Immersion Therapy on a remote island that’s “supposedly” dino-free.

Other: Katelyn’s name is based on Yasmina’s original name in the concept art, “Katie” (which is also one of Katelyn’s nicknames)

Camp Cretaceous (Before Indominus Attack)

Camp Cretaceous (After Indominus Attack)

Chaos Theory (Season 1 & 3)

Chaos Theory (Season 2)

[dr-octavio-kalev]

TW: Violence/gore, animal harming, body horror

ANM-682: "Laughing Swine"

Danger Level: RHTL (Rural Horror Threat Level) 🌲 | Uncontained ❌️

Insalubrity Level: 40%

Lead Researcher: Dr. Öctavio Kalev

Anomaly Type: Rural, predatory, bestial

Containment: ANM-682 is currently uncontrolled and highly dangerous. Due to its rural and remote nature, containment efforts are focused on monitoring rural areas in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Bahia, and along the division between Piauí and Ceará. All reports of nocturnal attacks or sightings of giant pigs should be immediately investigated by the Elite Task Force "Foxhound" and the "Sewer Worms" Task Force, specialized in rural anomalies.

Local authorities and the public should be misled with stories of a dangerous escaped animal and should not approach or engage with ANM-682 under any circumstances. A network of Institute secret agents must be positioned in key villages and towns to track ANM-682’s movements and report any anomalies. Due to the difficulty of conventional tracking methods, a joint task force is working on developing a specialized tracking system based on pheromones.

If ANM-682 is found, personnel must maintain a distance of at least 200 meters and avoid all direct visual and auditory contact with the humanoid entity residing in ANM-682-1.

Description: ANM-682 consists of two distinct entities, identified as ANM-682-1 and ANM-682-2.

ANM-682-1 is a large, abnormally large pig, approximately 3 meters long and weighing over 1,200 kg. Its abdomen is crudely stitched with thick, rusted wire, indicating a recent and likely amateur attempt at surgery. ANM-682-1's skin is heavily scarred and discolored, displaying patches of necrotic tissue and purulent wounds, emitting a nauseating stench that can cause nausea and dizziness in those nearby.

The primary anomalous property of ANM-682-1 is its ability to sustain ANM-682-2, which resides within its abdominal cavity. ANM-682-1 appears to be in a constant state of distress, producing low, painful grunts interspersed with sharp squeals whenever ANM-682-2 is active. Despite its apparent suffering, ANM-682-1 is highly aggressive and will attack anyone approaching within a 50-meter radius, using its considerable bulk to trample, bite, or headbutt its targets.

ANM-682-2 is a human with severe physical disabilities, estimated to be in its late 30s, measuring approximately 1.50m. ANM-682-2 suffers from a multitude of chronic illnesses and physical deformities, including polio, genu recurvatum (backward-bent knees), and severe malnutrition. It is covered in scar tissue and old wounds, indicating long-term physical trauma.

ANM-682-2 is characterized by a continuous high-pitched laugh, similar to a pig's squeal, which it emits constantly while inside ANM-682-1. This laughter has a profound psychological effect on those who hear it, inducing severe anxiety, paranoia, and auditory hallucinations in exposed individuals. These symptoms usually escalate to full-blown psychosis if exposure exceeds 10 minutes.

During nighttime hours (between 21:00 and 04:00 local time), ANM-682-2 will exit ANM-682-1 through a large, torn cut in its abdomen. Covered in blood and organic fluids, ANM-682-2 will begin stalking rural communities, searching for human prey. It exhibits extreme agility and speed despite its physical disabilities, moving with an abnormally fluid and rapid gait, often running quadrupedally due to its bent knees.

ANM-682-2 is known to enter the homes of sleeping individuals, where it attacks them in their beds, targeting the limbs and facial features of its victims. ANM-682-2’s jaw is abnormally developed, capable of exerting immense pressure and chewing through bone and resistant organic material. This, combined with its resistance to damage, suggests a form of adaptation to its horrific dietary habits.

After consuming a sufficient amount of human flesh, ANM-682-2 will return to ANM-682-1 and forcibly re-enter its abdominal cavity. ANM-682-1 will then flee the scene, usually disappearing into densely forested or isolated areas.

Addendum 682-1: Incident Log

Incident 682-07-A:

Date: 08/23/2023

Location: Rural community near Montes Claros, Minas Gerais.

Description: Several reports of loud, animalistic laughter were received by local police over three nights. The following morning, the mutilated bodies of three farmers were discovered in their homes. The victims exhibited extensive trauma to the shoulders and face, consistent with ANM-682-2’s attack patterns. Surveillance footage captured ANM-682-2 entering one of the houses, but as usual, the image quality was too poor to provide useful identification. Agents on-site confirmed ANM-682's presence, and containment efforts were initiated.

Incident 682-09-B:

Date: 09/15/2023

Location: Surroundings of Bom Jesus do Piauí.

Description: A family of five was attacked in their sleep by ANM-682-2. The father, who survived the encounter, described ANM-682-2 as “the devil itself, with twisted legs, a mouth full of broken teeth, long hair, and exposed ribs, laughing like a pig.” Despite severe injuries, he managed to fend off ANM-682-2 with a shotgun, causing the entity to quickly retreat into a nearby forest. ANM-682-1 was seen retreating into dense brush shortly after.

Addendum 682-2: Psychological Effects

Extensive testing with Subject P personnel exposed to recordings of ANM-682-2’s laughter revealed a consistent pattern of psychological degradation. Subjects reported auditory hallucinations, including the sound of pigs grunting and human screams, even after the audio was stopped. Prolonged exposure led to violent outbursts, self-harm, and in two cases, suicide.

It is currently theorized that ANM-682-2’s laughter functions as a memetic hazard, potentially linked to the anomalous properties of ANM-682-1. Further research into the nature of this phenomenon is ongoing.

Addendum 682-3: Containment Efforts

Efforts to capture ANM-682-1 and ANM-682-2 have been unsuccessful. ANM-682-1 is believed to be capable of traveling long distances at high speeds, making tracking and capture extremely difficult. Current containment protocols are focused on minimizing civilian casualties and monitoring affected regions for signs of ANM-682’s presence.

Institute personnel are advised to approach all encounters with ANM-682 with extreme caution. Under no circumstances should there be direct contact with ANM-682-2. Any personnel exposed to ANM-682-2’s laughter must undergo immediate psychological evaluation and amnestic treatment as necessary.

[carlhofelina]

Why Empowering Your Tech Startup Business is Key to Sustainable Growth

Tech startup businesses face many challenges, and while rapid growth is often the goal, achieving sustainable growth is essential for long-term success. Empowering your tech startup business with strategic planning, innovation, and resilience is crucial to staying competitive and ensuring a strong future.

10 Strategies for Empowering Tech Startup Businesses

1. Defining Vision and Mission

A clear vision and mission are fundamental for guiding your tech startup business. The vision sets long-term goals, while the mission outlines the approach to achieve them. By defining these elements, tech startup businesses can:

Make informed decisions

Align teams

Attract investors

A well-communicated vision also helps keep employees motivated and focused on company goals, providing direction during challenges. [1] 

2. Fostering Innovation and Agility

Innovation drives the growth of tech startup businesses, and agility ensures they can adapt quickly to changes in the market. To support innovation, tech startup businesses should:

Encourage creative thinking and experimentation

Test new ideas and adjust quickly

Stay adaptable to new technologies and consumer behaviors

Agility in response to market shifts helps maintain relevance and competitiveness.

3. Building a Resilient Business Model

A solid business model provides the foundation for sustainable growth in any tech startup business. Many tech startup businesses fail by scaling too fast without a flexible model. Key steps to build resilience include:

Diversifying revenue streams

Focusing on customer retention

Improving operational efficiency

These strategies reduce risks and ensure a stable structure for long-term growth.

4. Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Tech startup businesses should embrace technology to streamline operations. Automation, AI, and cloud computing help reduce manual tasks, allowing tech startup businesses to focus on growth. Key tools include:

Automated workflows

CRM systems

AI-driven data analytics

These technologies boost productivity and reduce inefficiencies, helping tech startup businesses scale effectively.

5. Prioritizing Customer-Centric Strategies

Customer satisfaction is crucial for sustainable growth in any tech startup business. Startups should build strong relationships with customers by:

Gathering feedback and adapting products or services

Improving user experience

Offering personalized solutions

A customer-focused approach increases loyalty, encourages referrals, and reduces churn.

6. Investing in Talent and Leadership

The strength of your team determines the success of your tech startup business. Investing in talent means fostering an environment of growth through:

Encouraging communication and collaboration

Providing skill development opportunities

Rewarding innovation and problem-solving

When employees feel valued, they contribute to the company's long-term growth and success.

7. Addressing Regulatory and Compliance Challenges

Tech startup businesses must ensure compliance with relevant regulations to avoid risks. Common challenges include:

Intellectual property rights

Data privacy laws

Industry-specific regulations

By staying proactive in compliance, tech startup businesses build trust with investors, customers, and partners.

8. Incorporating Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is now essential for businesses, including tech startup businesses. Startups should integrate sustainable practices, such as:

Reducing environmental impact

Implementing remote work policies

Supporting ethical supply chains

Sustainable practices not only appeal to eco-conscious customers but also contribute to long-term profitability.

9. Forming Strategic Partnerships

Strategic partnerships help accelerate growth for tech startup businesses and provide additional resources. Startups can benefit from partnerships by:

Expanding into new markets

Sharing knowledge and resources

Reducing costs and risks

Strong partnerships increase credibility and provide a competitive edge.

10. Maintaining Financial Discipline

Financial discipline ensures long-term success for any tech startup business. Startups must manage their resources carefully to avoid running out of capital. Key strategies include:

Monitoring cash flow

Diversifying funding sources

Prioritizing profitability

Financial discipline prepares tech startup businesses for unexpected challenges and allows for reinvestment in growth.

Conclusion

Empowering your tech startup business involves focusing on key areas such as vision, innovation, resilience, and financial discipline. By building a strong foundation in these areas, tech startup businesses can ensure long-term growth and success in an ever-changing market.

Additionally, effective lead gen strategies, such as leveraging the services provided by companies like Radius Global Solutions, and maintaining high data quality service, can significantly enhance the growth potential of your tech startup business.

Ready to empower your startup? Start implementing these strategies today and set the foundation for a sustainable, successful future. Visit Best Virtual Specialist to learn how our solutions can help your business grow.

Reference: 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-proofing-tech-startups-ensuring-sustainability-sanyal-ho8ec/ 

[bayofwolves]

A Revised History of Erdas: The Four Heroes' Bond Tokens

The Four creating bond tokens of their own -- brilliant concept, terrible execution. I'll forever be disappointed in how The Dragon's Eye handled this legendary moment for our protagonists. Naturally, this is one of the first things I thought about changing in A Revised History of Erdas. So, here are my ideas!

Conor

Conor's canon bond token: Shepherd's staff of unknown origins; grants the user strengthened senses and some level of prescience.

Revised version: Conor's own shepherd's staff that he names Pathfinder, in part due to its prophetic abilities and in part as a nod to Briggan's most well-known title. This staff grants the user short prescience and increased wisdom. When wielding Pathfinder, one can predict events up to a few minutes before they happen. In time, Conor may learn to see farther into the future, but only with a level of exposure that would drive any other user insane. As for the increased wisdom, I sort of remodelled the persuasive quality of Meilin's bond token and transferred it to Conor's. These combined abilities can lend the user a great strategic advantage in battle. I scrapped the strengthened senses, which is what resulted in Conor becoming quite animalistic.

My reasoning: First of all, the object itself. I felt it would be more impactful if the staff had always been Conor's rather than a random one he picked up at the last minute. Conor is shown throughout the series to take his staff with him during the group's travels, even though it doesn't lend him much protection. It's a reminder of who he used to be -- who he still is at his core. It would have been easy to show the Oathbound confiscating the staff from him along with the rest of the team's weapons, then have Conor find it again before they create their bond tokens.

Now, onto what it does. I felt it was jarringly out of character for Conor to act like the wild, howling beast his canon bond token made him. Throughout the series, Conor has remained a levelheaded, gentle, somewhat quiet person, and even as he progresses as a character he retains these defining traits. The only time he has acted even remotely similar to how he does with his bond token is when he was possessed by the Wyrm -- which was so horrifying to read because it proved that anything left of him was well and truly gone. The fact of the matter is, the Conor at the end of The Dragon's Eye was not the Conor we knew, and that was a poor writing choice (especially for the last book of the series, where there would be no opportunity to explore this development further).

Additionally, this isn't really what we've seen of Briggan, either, and it is my goal for the Four's bond tokens to be an accurate representation of their spirit animal. In Tales of the Great Beasts, Briggan is a mystical, awe-inspiring being who is shrouded in mystery; a fearsome packleader who evokes respect and devotion and walks in dreams. That is the atmosphere I hope to emulate from Conor's bond token in ARHoE. Conor is, at his core, a wise and kindly leader who deserves to have his -- and Briggan's -- character properly emulated in their bond token. And so it will be.

Abeke

Abeke's canon bond token: Abeke's bow; grants the user increased agility and perfect shooting accuracy.

Revised version: Abeke's bow since Immortal Guardians, originally gifted to her by Lenori. She names it Swifthunter, both pointing to what it does and her and Uraza's shared natures. It grants the user the ability to conjure arrows out of nothing, perfect shooting accuracy and the ability to track any living being, regardless of distance. To tap into its tracking power, the user need only envision the desired target in their mind and a glowing trail will appear, visible only to them (and their spirit animal, if they have one), stretching across land and water -- the best route to the thing they seek. To conjure arrows, you would pull back the string of the bow as if to shoot and one would form in your grip. There was no need to change the canon bond token's inability to miss a target, a suitable echo of its owner, but it no longer has the extreme jumping ability.

My reasoning: I wanted the bond tokens to do something that isn't already provided via the bond with the spirit animal. Abeke has always been able to jump an impressive distance with Uraza's powers, so there is no need to have this extremely basic ability augmented in the bond token.

Swifthunter's new ability to pinpoint and track any creature has a lot to do with the hunter symbolism present in The Dragon's Eye. Abeke accepts that Uraza is a hunter and a killer by design, and to some extent, this speaks for herself too. What better way to show that newfound understanding than with a bond token that reflects this?

It is even more fitting when you consider that in ARHoE, Abeke starts to show more ruthless tendencies after killing Zerif and the Wyrm during the climax of the previous arc. For instance, she kills Wikam with no remorse and wants to track down the escaped Oathbound immediately so they don't get far. She doesn't lose her character, but she becomes harsher. More like Uraza. She has embraced what Zerif told her in The Burning Tide: That there's a killer underneath her unassuming demeanour.

Meilin

Meilin's canon bond token: A hairpin given to Meilin by her father; grants the user the power to heal wounds and the ability to calm and persuade others.

Revised version: Yin Yang amulet attached to a silk thread, gifted to Meilin by her father on her 13th birthday, to be worn as a necklace but often just carried during the team's travels. Meilin names it Peacefinder, which was one of Jhi's titles of old. The name is also a nod to her finally finding peace in her journey, both with Jhi and with her own self. It grants the user indestructibility, perfect balance and a calming, sound-blocking buffer. When utilising its indestructibility, a transparent, softly glowing sphere envelopes you, and anything that strikes it will rebound. It is here that the sound buffer comes into play, further sheltering you from the offensive force. It also allows you to feel utterly calm and still. The balance it gives the user is so absolute that you could stand on one foot on the edge of a cliff and never fall. Apart from the item being from Meilin's father and her home, this one has been changed entirely.

My reasoning: I wanted Meilin's bond token to be an item we knew to be significant to her, hence the amulet's origins. If the hairpin had been a recurring item that Meilin held onto to comfort her and remind her of home, I would have thought it perfect. Instead, it appeared out of nowhere, which was a disservice to how monumental the creation of bond tokens was for the Four. The concept of Yin and Yang perfectly represents Meilin and Jhi, which inspired the change in item. They even have history with it, hearkening back to Hunted.

I removed the healing ability for two reasons. First, the sheer magnitude of the canon bond token's healing power would eliminate any stakes in the team's future adventures. Meilin saves Conor's life in The Dragon's Eye, leaving him without even a scar. With the hairpin, they are effectively immortal, and that is no good for storytelling. Second, in ARHoE, Meilin already has healing abilities through her bond with Jhi -- though to a much lesser degree than what her canon bond token gave her. She can ease someone's fever or make a wound heal faster -- and like with the others', I wanted her bond token to focus on something she can't already do.

The reason I took out the persuasive, calming aspect of the canon hairpin is because, aside from it being shown to not work, I did not feel as though it suited Meilin. It does suit Jhi, but it is important to realise that she and her partner are different and must find balance between them, not go against their own nature for each other. To attempt to represent this, I turned the calming effect inward rather than outward, serving to aid the user rather than sway the listener.

As for its new abilities. The indestructible quality represents Jhi's solid, immovable strength, which can also be said for Meilin. The perfect balance aspect signifies how Meilin and Jhi have finally found balance in their bond after a long struggle. It is perfect considering what Meilin chose to be their bond token -- the symbol of Yin Yang, which is fundamentally about balance.

Rollan

Rollan's canon bond token: Tarik's green cloak; grants the user the power of flight and sharpened eyesight.

Revised version: Tarik's green cloak that passed to Rollan in Rise and Fall. It grants the user the power of flight, the speed of a falcon while in flight and influence over the wind. Rollan names it Morningstar, for its connection to the sky but mainly in honour of Tarik, whose name means "morning star". When in use, the cloak lengthens and contorts into two wing-like shapes, long and broad enough to support the person's weight. I didn't change much about this one, but I did remove the sharpened eyesight.

My reasoning: The canon bond token was already quite well done. It is an item we know is of tremendous importance to Rollan, and it offers an otherwise unattainable power while still remaining true to Essix. This is the only one I am fully on board with.

As for why I got rid of the canon bond token's sharpened eyesight: Rollan can already access that through his bond with Essix. It's the same with the others -- their bond tokens should do something they can't on their own.

The new abilities of gaining a falcon's speed while in flight and controlling the winds are simply to add to the power of the bond token. Again, this one is already pretty damn good.

And there you have it!

That is how I plan to revise our heroes' bond tokens in ARHoE. I can't wait to get started on Path of the Heroes, in which these new bond tokens have an important role, because I'm dying to find out how their lives would change with them.

[vatssautomation]

CNC Press Brake Machine in India: Shaping the Future of Metal Bending

In the dynamic world of metal fabrication, CNC Press Brake Machines have become indispensable. These machines are critical in industries that demand precision bending and forming of sheet metal components. In India, the rising focus on infrastructure development, automotive manufacturing, and localized production has driven the adoption of CNC press brake technology across various sectors.

From small workshops to large-scale factories, CNC press brakes are revolutionizing how Indian manufacturers handle metal forming—efficiently, accurately, and consistently.

What is a CNC Press Brake Machine?

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Press Brake Machine is used to bend and shape metal sheets with precision. It uses a punch and die to perform various bends, guided by a CNC system that ensures exact specifications for angle, length, and repetition.

Modern CNC press brakes are far more advanced than traditional mechanical or hydraulic versions. They come with programmable controls, automated back gauges, and advanced sensors to deliver high-speed and high-precision bending.

Why CNC Press Brakes are Gaining Popularity in India

1. Precision and Consistency

In sectors like automotive, aerospace, and electronics, even minor deviations in part dimensions can lead to quality issues. CNC press brakes eliminate human error and ensure consistent output across batches.

2. Growing Industrialization

India’s expanding industrial base, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, is fueling demand for reliable fabrication equipment. CNC press brakes allow businesses to scale up production without compromising on accuracy.

3. Labour Efficiency

With a skilled labor shortage and rising wages, automation is becoming more attractive. CNC press brakes require minimal human intervention, reducing labor costs and dependency on manual operators.

4. Government Incentives

Government initiatives like Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes are encouraging manufacturers to invest in advanced machinery, including CNC press brakes, for higher productivity.

Key Features of CNC Press Brake Machines in the Indian Market

High-Tonnage Capability: Machines ranging from 30 to 1000+ tons to suit various applications.

CNC Control Systems: Brands like Delem, ESA, and Cybelec offer intuitive interfaces for programming and automation.

Servo-Electric or Hydraulic Drive Systems: Depending on precision, energy efficiency, and speed requirements.

Multi-Axis Back Gauge: Enables complex bends and reduces setup time.

Automatic Tool Changers (ATC): For higher production environments.

Leading Indian and International Brands

India has a strong presence of both domestic and international CNC press brake manufacturers. Some notable names include:

Hindustan Hydraulics

Electropneumatics

Energy Mission

LVD India

Amada (Japan)

Durma (Turkey)

Yawei (China)

These companies offer machines tailored to the needs and budget of Indian manufacturers.

Applications in India

Automobile Body & Chassis Manufacturing

Kitchen Equipment Fabrication

Electrical Enclosures & Cabinets

Elevator and Escalator Components

Construction and Infrastructure Products

Railways and Defence Equipment

Challenges for Indian Buyers

High Initial Investment: CNC press brakes can be capital intensive, though the ROI is excellent over time.

Skill Development: Operators need training to use CNC systems effectively.

After-Sales Service: Choosing a vendor with reliable local support is crucial for maintenance and uptime.

The Road Ahead: Smart Factories & Industry 4.0

India is steadily moving towards smart manufacturing. CNC press brakes are now integrating with IoT, ERP systems, and robotic automation, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote troubleshooting. This evolution is making Indian factories more agile and globally competitive.

Conclusion

The CNC Press Brake Machine is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity in modern Indian manufacturing. With its unmatched accuracy, efficiency, and automation capabilities, it empowers businesses to meet rising customer expectations while optimizing operational costs.

As India continues to climb the global manufacturing ladder, CNC press brake machines will play a pivotal role in shaping the future—quite literally.