Setting my dominance part 1

Deep inside a giant castle that is seemingly floating in the dark embrace of space if we go inside the castle itself till we reach the master bedroom of this very castle we can see a figure that has the most beautiful shade of blue skin and also has a skin-tight black marking that seems to serve as a type of clothes for the blue humanoid.

He was sleeping while hugging and nibbling his own tail in his sleep. He appears to be dreaming about something but sadly all good things must come to an end when he heard the voice of a mechanical emotionless woman in his head.

<<Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep>>

<<Asura it is advised to wake up now if you want to make any preparation before you leave for the outside world>>

Asura then began to open his eyes at the voice of Cortana in his head he then began to stretch his arm high up in the air to release tension in his back. He then looks to the side and sees a beautiful blonde girl sleeping beside him in nothing but underwear.

He smiles at the sight of this beautiful scene before him and gave the sleeping woman a kiss on her lips. From there he began to get up from his bed and walk towards the throne room. Upon arrival, he walks up the 20 stairs throne and sat upon the iron throne he then said in his mind.

Asura: Cortana can you please explain to me how the astral formwork.

<<Affirmative the astral form is basically like an out of body experience in this form no one will be able to see or perceive your existence only the person you chose as your chosen>>

Asura: I see so that how it is hmmm… so Cortana can you please give me a little advice on how I should make a grand entrance upon my arrival I don't want to make it flashy I just want to present myself in such a way that it will go down in history I can't just go in a normal way it will just make this fanfic boring.

<<Due to the host Asura desire to make his descent go down in the history books it advises to buy the skill I am worthy for 10,000 DP and Aura of the fairies for 10,000DP and also buy the dating sim add-on for 100AP while you are at it is also advised to buy the divine blessing add-on for a 1000AP>>

Asura: Hmmmm Cortana please elaborate on these 2 skills and the 2 intriguing add-on functions the system had that I wasn't aware of.

<<Affirmative now giving description>>

Skill

I am worthy: Are you tired of Mjolnir telling you are not worthy well worry no more this skill will allow you fuck him right back in the ass and automatically become worthy this skill work on every item alive or not to become worthy to wield or gain there favor note this a passive skill.

Aura of the fairies: the fairies in Re: zero worlds went extinct long before the demons but they were loved by all spirit dearly lesser or great it didn't matter this will skill is a passive skill that will give you their aura.

Addon Function

When you wish for the system to have all anime, game, manga, and light novel related items and this is one of the functions of that wish it an add-on function this Cortana is the strongest system in all existence.

Dating sim add-on: This add-on allows you you to build a group of potential harem concubine to add to your family this will give you choices like a dating sim upon any heroin in the main story you take interest in. it will also show you the heroin thoughts about you and also affection point for heroin and favorability points for everyone in general.

Divine blessing add-on: Every god in Re: zero worlds can give some type of blessing so why can't you.

Asura was shocked with all these godsend skills he was definitely going to buy, he was also happy to be given the right to give divine blessings he was definitely only going to give these to the people close to him. Asura was also happy with the function of the dating sim addon this will help him on his journey to create his massive harem he could say for himself was this.

Asura: I gotta catch them all.

Asura was having a moment he didn't have since he died he was extremely happy right now after his brief happiness and enjoyment he then said to Cortana.

Asura: Buy them all Cortana this only benefits me more greatly.

<<Affirmative now purchasing 2 skills and 2 add-on packs>>

<<I am worthy purchase>>

<<Aura of the fairies purchase>>

<<Dating sim add-on purchases>>

<<Divine blessing add-on purchase>>

<<220,000DP remaining>>

<<3,900AP remaining>>

<<Now installing dating sim add-on>>

<<1%...45%...67%..89%...100% complete>>

<<Now installing divine blessing add-on>>

<<1%...45%...67%..89%...100% complete>>

Asura was quite happy with this new power and wanted to test them out and as if his luck skill kick in Lucy entered the room and said.

Lucy: Goooooood morning master {yawn}.

Asura quickly took advantage of this and took the dominant approach and said.

Asura: Good morning sweetheart.

When Lucy heard this heart start beating fast and her cheeks turn bright red then Asura heard a notification in his head.

[10,000 affection points gained]

[10,000 affection points gained]

[10,000 affection points gained]

[10,000 affection points gained]

[10,000 affection points gained]

[10,000 affection points gained]

[10,000 affection points gained]

[10,000 affection points gained]

[10,000 affection points gained]

[10,000 affection points gained]

[thoughts about you: In love, Happy, existed, partially horny, wet, ready to take the D anytime anywhere]

[Adding a 100,000 to total affection meter]

[Total affection meter 900,000 {I'm eternally yours darling}]

The heroin Lucy route love status

Name: Lucy Miller

Age: Immeasurable

Total affection: 900,000 {I'm eternally yours darling}]

thoughts about you: [In love, Happy, existed, partially horny, wet, ready to take the D anytime anywhere]

Secretes: [She secretly want to get tentacle, she get angry when asking about her age, she worries if Asura will one day abound her when he gets more wife]

Type: Submissive much

When Asura saw this he could only say one thing in a surprising tone.

Asura: "JESUS!" Christ did Cortana just change my life into a hentai protagonist with an overpowered anime ergo system and what the hell is up with Lucy naughty mind aww it decided when I come back from the outside world I'm definitely partaking in the forbidden fruit that has long ripen but before that let set my appointment.

Asura then proceeds to take his giant tail and wrap it around Lucy and heard the notification in his head again.

[100,000 Affection points gain]

[Total affection points 1,000,000]

[Thought's about you: Really excited, Horny]

Asura just pretends to not see the notifications and whisper to Lucy in her ears.

Asura: Sweetheart when I come back from today's introduction it's going to be me, you, and a hundred layers of sound barriers.

Asura then starts to hear the notifications again in his heard.

[150,000 Affection points gain]

[Total affection points 1,150,000]

[Thought's about you: extremely happy, Horny Asf]

Well, sweetheart I already set my appointment for later I need to finish up my preparations before I go to the outside world.

[10,000 affection points gained]

Asura: I swear this girl.

Asura then went back to do what he was doing Lucy decide to take a shower.

Asura: Cortana is there anything else I should get before I go.

<<Affirmative since the host Asura is going to make a name for himself the system has given you a quest>>

<<Hidden quest triggered: find a reason to create a family name>>

<<Asura create a family name that will mark it been in history>>

Quest

A. Mission 1: Create a family name

Reward

A. ???

B. ???

Failure

A: Everyone will think your lame

Asura really doesn't want to fail this mission he doesn't want others to think he is lame so he took a minute out of his time and finally came up with a perfect family name it will be a name in honor of one of his favorite anime of all time.

Asura: Cortana register my new name, from now on I shall be called Asura Steiner Hahaha I am a man of science after all.

{Look I know what Steiner mean in IRL let just say it came from the world of stein gate}

<<Congratulation you complete the hidden quest find a reason to create a family name>>

<<Congratulation due to the nature of your name you gain the power of Zafkiel all powers of Zafkiel are lock for the host still been too weak to contain all the power of Zafkiel>>

<<Congratulation you gained a supreme item Astral Shihakusho Elohim locked till further condition are met>>

<<Congratulation you gain the supreme item Flintlock pistol and Musket>>

An indestructible firearm that helps you to trigger your time abilities.

<<Congratulation you gain both eyes of Zafkiel>>

Yellow clock eyes these eyes hold your authority over the aspect of time.

<<Congratulation you learned the skill First bullet Aleph>>

Accelerates external time on its target.

<<Congratulation you learned the skill Mortal revert>>

A skill that will allow you to revert the body of any mortal 3 times a day this could heal any wound and can bring back the dead within 3 hours of their deaths.

<<Congratulation you got the heavenly item Black halo as the 2nd reward>>

A black halo that floats a little below the forehead has the ability from 2x to 500,000x gravity the stronger the gravity you use the more mana it Scifres to use the ability of black halo. P.S {This item can be properly used when you have over 10,000,000 of mana}

After that Asura's body started to glow a bright yellow aura then it changes to a dark purple aura then both his eyes started to bleed and turn to bright yellow clock eyes and a black halo appeared a little below his head.

From there Asura Pulled out a random iron sword from the Irion throne and look at his reflection and saw a black halo on his head and both his eyes were yellow clock eyes then he asks with a voice of shock, confused and surprise.

Asura: What the hell Cortana I just gave myself a last name how the hell did I get Zafkiel powers.

<<This was actually an important quest, the host would find out sooner or later after all name hold powers and picking the family name Steiner is a name that holds a huge amount of influence on time and space itself that why you also got black halo as well>>

Asura: "HOLY SHIT!" this is just beyond broken now not that I'm complaining so will my eyes stay like this permanently.

<<If the host desire it then yes if he wants it to go back to normal then just imagine your normal eyes>>

Asura: In a time like this Cortana I must feed my inner chuunibyou so I'm keeping the look haha I feel like something is missing hmmm I know Cortana buy me a Stein gate lab coat that has regenerative properties and some decent defense.

<<Due to the host request the system will now buy the coat of Steiner for 100,000DP>>

<<Coat of Steiner purchase>>

<<120,000DP remaining>>

<<Congratulation you gained the A++ Item coat of Steiner>>

A Lab coat that can regenerate from any damage and grant you an extra 20,000 Defense

Then a lab coat magically appear out of nowhere and equipped itself on Asura he turned around and started to look all over and he loves his new look but he still feels that something was still missing.

Then it hit him to finish his look and to sedate his chuunibyou hunger he then went into his dimensional hair and pull out one of the 9S visors and place the blindfold over his eyes he the look into the sword and saw his reflection and he was pleased he then said while embracing his inner Chuunibyou.

Asura: HAHAHA! From here on out, I here dub myself as double O zero the true child of Steiner's HAHAHAHA! Stein gates beckon me.

Asura does all this while doing Okabe's signature pose he then heard a notification in his head.

<<Congratulations you gain the world title OH! great it a chunnibyou>>

This title makes people view you as extremely cool when you do something anime-related this can range from behavior and even quotes from anime, games, manga, and light novel characters.

Asura: I regret nothing I shall forever stay a man of culture even in death.

After Asura said that he then tell Cortana to show him what happens in the outside world.

<<Affirmative now showing what happens on the outside world>>

Then a giant screen pop out of nowhere showing the major events that are occurring outside and what Asura is seeing is a huge meeting occurring it appears that the commotion I cause earlier brought more people than I thought.

All 5 king candidates were there even their knights and the swords saint was there as well along with the sword demon Wilhelm Van Astrea even the leader of the sage council was their Miklotov McMahon and what seem to be two knights as bodyguards a male and a female.

They were talking about how dangerous of existence my release can be or that's what the knight said as he giving some bullshit speech about demons he even went as far as to insult my Ramu for standing up for me Asura could only say.

Asura: Cortana send me out I have an arrogant and disrespectful racist son of a bitch I got to discipline.

<<Affirmative now sending the User Asura out of the seal temporally>>

<<Please be advise you only have one hour before your pullback in forcibly>>

And like that, a figure just randomly disappears from the throne he was sitting on.

_________________________________________________

POV Changes

Inside a great hall within the Mathers estate, we can see a giant meeting table that holds the future leading bodies and also the current leading bodies in the dragon kingdom of Lungunica there were also their knight's they were all sitting around the long meeting table until Julia said.

Julia: Ram please bring it in.

From the door, we can see a beautiful red hair maid holding A katana in her hand as she put it on the center of the table where everyone can see it in all of its glory.

???: So that's the demon sword of endless desires its a beautiful sword indeed although I wish I can see the blade itself instead of its sheath.

Said an old sword demon.

???: Wilhelm I don't see what you see in this blade it just looks like a normal katana to me

Wilhelm: That is where your wrong Crusch-sama to the naked and inexperienced eyes this Sword might look like nothing more than your everyday katana but in the eyes of someone who gave their lives to the sword this blade is by far the most beautiful and deadly weapon I have ever seen in all my life I even dare say it surpasses even the blade of the sword saint.

???: Blasphemy how can you say something as rude and disrespectful as to compare this filth of a bladed to that of the dragon sword Reid.

Said the knight with a disrespectful tone but was shut down as red hair man said.

???: For once I agree with the old man normally I am able to wield every and all weapon but I can't wield this weapon.

The random knight who asks the question shut up instantly then a yellow hair loli with red eyes then said.

???: AAAHHHH this is just stupid why the hell am I even here and for a sword of all things Reinhard you stupid idiot.

The loli then got up to kick Reinhard in the face in pure anger.

Reinhard: Felt-sama can you please just bear with it for a little while longer the meeting will continue for an hour more.

Felt: AWWWW! so sickening this meeting is stupid this dress is stupid this whole entire reason why we're here is so stupid this is just a waste of time.

???: I agree on the part that this is a waste of time I could be making myself some more money honestly Julius why did you want to come here.

Julius: Anastasia-sama my spirits are telling me that if we came here it will bring great benefit to you.

Anastasia: I hope so Julius time is money and this is clearly a waste of time I only hope something interesting happens.

???: Jeez can you just shut the hell up your voice is displeasing to my ears with all your childish behavior you hoodlum.

???: Lady Priscilla can we avoid any unnecessary trouble.

Priscilla: Shut up Aldebaran

Al: Don't call me that.

Felt: What your problem you oversize cow.

Priscilla: Take that back, you filthy commoner

???: Come on everyone let be nice

Priscilla: Did I ask you to put in your two-cent you spawn of the witch

???: You stupid slut I dare you to say that again

Said a girl with scary sanpaku eyes Priscilla was actually intimidated by Natsumi's scary eyes but her pride won't allow her to not retaliate.

Priscilla: How dare you call me a slut if it anyone who a slut it you with that sinful body of yours I wouldn't be shocked if you slept with the whole of Lungunica.

Natsumi: That's it I'm killing this disrespectful bitch.

Natsumi then pulls out a custom-made desert eagle from her bosom this gun was a gun that Julia got custom-made for her its name was Black Rosetta and it was made out of the bones of the assassin type mabeast Guiltylowe.

But before she could put a hole in the head of Priscilla she felt the arm of two-person holding her back.

Emilia: Please Nee-sama pays her no mind I'm already used to it.

???: Emilia-sama is right please restrain from doing something stupid.

Said a blue hair maid.

Natsumi: Tsk fine but the slut over there better watch her back.

Emilia: Thank you big sis Natsumi.

Rem:...

Priscilla: Was that a treat.

Natsumi: Yes it was and I will see it through if you keep blabbering that mouth of yours.

But before Priscilla could even say anything they heard the voice of Julia shouting loud for everyone to hear.

Julia: "ENOUGH THE BOUGHT OF YOU WE ARE HERE FOR A MEETING THAT CAN DECIDE THE FATE LUNGANICA AND THE WORLD IN A WHOLE!"

Julia: If you may Miklotov do you have anything to say to start this meeting off

Miklotov: As the current leading head of both the sage council and temporary leading head of Lungunica we have gathered here today on behalf of the prophecy of the divine dragon Volcanica concerning the 1st of the 11 swords of power the Demon Sword of endless desire it is said that a Demon God was seal inside of it in hopes of the revival of the demon clan since there kin is very few in numbers now. My question is how long till the seal is completely broken and whatever is inside will not cause the destruction of the world.

Said an old man with a long white beard that almost reaches the ground.

Julia: To be honest I don't Know but a subordinate of mine said we have about 7 months before whatever is inside is completely release in the world.

Crusch: If it posts such a great treat why don't we just seal it back.

???: That quite simple I suppose the seal is too complicated not even the strongest being's here can decode it I suppose.

Julius: Oh! so why have you grace us with your present oh humble great spirit-sama

Beatrice then look at Julius and said.

???: "Betty heart would not be swayed by your overwhelming looks you handsome man that betty feels so happy to see for some reason I supposed.

Natsumi: You go girl I Know you were a freak from the first time I saw you "fufu".

Julius hurry replied with.

Julius: Natsumi-san she is behaving like this because of my ability Divine Protection of Gathering of the Spirits Its make spirit love me to some degree.

Natsumi: you're a gigolo and a lolicon I feel sorry for you when the FBI finds you and put you on their radar and trust me they will know where you are even if you are in another world.

Julius: What's an FBI?

Beatrice just ignored the two but for some reason, she feels awfully safe at the word FBI then Miklotov ask.

Miklotov: So when did the Mather household got a great spirit please do tell me who are you?

Beatrice: I am but a humble Liberian Beatrice who works in the Mathers Library.

Miklotov could only nod at the statement as thru after all he was aware that some great spirits live a normal life and settle down and have families and was working within Lungunica this was probably one of those that have an expendable amount of knowledge.

Beatrice then said.

Beatrice: we have 7 months till the seal is destroyed and whatever is inside will come out I supposed.

Miklotov: Hmmmm this is problematic after all and the sad part is we can't do anything about it all we can do is wait and see if whatever is inside come with good intentions or be strong enough to defeat it.

Crusch: If it comes down to it my faction will help and send support as much as we can give in dire need of help.

Miklotov: Thanks Crusch-sama you are truly worthy of the title Goddess of war.

Crusch: I'm only doing what is right.

Every other royal candidate could only think the Goddess of war pulls a fast one on them then Emilia said we will help too if it comes to it.

While Ram said out loud: I will be on whatever side kami-sama decides to be on.

Then this stupid racist motherfucker come out of nowhere.

Random commander knight: I know you stupid demons would betray Lungunica and go with that sorry excuse of a god who been impotent for centuries.

Ram got piss at his statement and replied to him with disdain.

Ram: You half of a man with no redeeming features or qualities and probably still a virgin in your 30s. Why are you even paying attention to master manhood are you gay or something.

R.C.K: You stupid bitch I will kill you.

Miklotov: Stop Johnathon if you use your divine Protection of the death God you kill her.

Yes, this was Johnathon Mossthosy a 30-year-old knight commander he is extremely skilled in swordsmanship and is rank 12 in Lungunica he was blessed with the divine protection of the death god as one of the rarest divine protection of all time he was given the title Knight commander at the age of 23 but he is a very racist person rumor even say he is a potential rapist.

All this transpired so fast that not even Reinhard or Rem could make it in time and everyone shouted.

Rem: Nee-sama!

Natsumi: Ram-san

Emilia: Ram

Julia: RAM!

Beatrice: Red maid!

Reinhard: Stop!

Wilhelm: Idiot!

Miklotov: Noooo!

Crusch: SHIT!

Then all of a sudden everyone heard a voice it sound as if it was coming from everywhere it sounds so benevolent and gracious one could immediately tell this was the voice of an ancient entity but it also had an immense tone of anger in them and the word he said hold so much power that the very fabric of the earth shake in anger.

???: Shinra Tensei.

Then when the sword was about to hit Ram Johnathon felt as if several houses crash into him. He flew back so fast that he was thrown at the speed of sound breaking the sound barrier he flew and crash straight through 16 mansion pillars Luckily this mansion had 100 pillars supporting it so nothing collapse on itself.

Then what everyone saw next shock them all beyond belief it was endless desire it was floating in the air and then the sword sheath just fade out of existence as the blade sank into the ground the full black sword shone a color of blue as the edge of the bladed turn bright diamond YInMn blue Wilhelm then said these word with tears rolling down his eyes.

Wilhelm: By the Gods of all sword never have I seen a blade with the Aura of perfection and the cutting edge as beautiful as the moon.

{Play 001 Theme from darling in the Franxx}

Ram then turn around and saw the beautiful blade she only saw once but what she saw next would be forever engraved in her body, mind, and soul. As the sword starts to shine deep crimson and a red fog start to form a humanoid on the hilt of the sword the fog then turns blue and what stands before everyone was probably the most beautiful thing one would see in their life.

A beautiful girl standing at 5'9 with the most beautiful shade of blue skin one would ever see she had skin-tight black marks and full-color black drees while the gown split open at her outer thighs which free her legs for movement. She has on what Natsumi can only describe as a white Lab coat that nearly touches the floor along with a black blindfold covering her eyes.

When one look at her face almost everyone thought she wore those blindfolds to hide her immense beauty but people like Reinhard, Beatrice, Julia, Crusch, Wilhelm, Miklotov, and Puck who is watching from the gem could instantly tell that those pair of eyes beneath those blindfolds seals a power forbidden to man itself.

But what stands out the most on this Beautiful women was her long sky blue-white hair and a crown on her head that seems to have a horn coming out from both front and back but the crown wasn't alone as a black halo flow around it and a little below the forehead she also had a huge beautiful YInMn blue t-rex dragon tail with black zig-zag patterns on it.

The figure was no other than Asura as he looks down and saw everyone in the room completely shock in awe and admiration for his appearance she then looks at the Ram before him as he jumped and walk towards her and look her in the eye.

Although Ram couldn't see her eyes she instantly knew who this was it was her God she honestly thought it was a male but regardless even if its a female she lives to serve but Ram was so entranced by her beauty that she was frozen solid along with everyone present in the room she even blushes slightly. Asura then began to hear notifications going off in his head like crazy.

[20,000 affection point gain]

[20,000 affection point gain]

[20,000 affection point gain]

[20,000 affection point gain]

[20,000 affection point gain]

[20,000 affection point gain]

[20,000 affection point gain]

[20,000 affection point gain]

[20,000 affection point gain]

[20,000 affection point gain]

[Total affection point from Ram: 500,000{Please make me your}]

Asura was quite please with this so he wanted to push it a little further he then raised the red hair of Ram revealing her hornless scar on her head he then slowly touch it this got a little moan from Ram.

Ram: AWWWHHW!

Asura only smiled at this even more which melted Ram's heart even more Asura then said telepathically which everyone heard since she appears to communicate telepathically.

Asura: I shall take her.

Asura's tail then began to transform into 8 long spider-like tentacles and wrap Ram around in 3 of them as he embraces Ram and kisses her deeply. Ram was completely defenseless she couldn't do anything or more like she didn't want to do anything she was happy in her embrace her mind was in chaos at the words I shall take her Asura then heard a notification going off in his head again.

[500,000 affection points gained]

[Ram total affection points gained: 1,000,000{Your word is law}]

After that minute session of making out, he then said telepathically

Asura: A curious taste indeed tell what is your name

Ram: R.....a....m Ram Kami-sama.

Asura: Ram a good name indeed Ram surrender yourself to me as I will devour your mind body and soul.

Ram's mind was already in a massive mess so she answered.

Ram: With honor Kami-sama my mind body and soul were your property from the day I was born.

Asura: What good girl you are as a reward I shall fix you.

Asura then bit his lip and blue blood reveal itself from his lip he then kisses the scar on Ram's forehead and this shock everyone again Ram body started to glow crimson red her skin turn into bright red for a second and went back to normal but now Ram had long pink-red hair to her knees but what stood out the most is the now Bright blue horn coming from her head when Rem saw this her inferior complex kick in but she was also happy that her sister got her horn back and began to cry in happiness and she said.

Rem: Thank you Kami-sama *sniff* *sniff* for freeing my sister from her eternal torment

Ram was also crying in happiness as Asura was rubbing her head and hugging her he then got a serious expression as he looks at the figure with broken bone burry under the rubble he then Raise his hand towards the half-dead man and said.

Asura: Banshō Ten'in

The man was pulled towards him at such an amazing speed it broke the sound barriers of course this is Asura making use of the power of the black halo as the man came toward Asura while he grabbed his neck and began to chocked him with an insane strength it looks like his eye would pop out any moment Asura then said.

Asura: In the name of the Demon God of Desire and emperor of AzaRath Asura Steiner I will now pass on to you a punishment far worse than death.

Everyone froze in expectation upon knowing who this young-looking girl as they could only feel sorry for the fate of Johnathon.

Asura then uses Black halo and crush all his internal organs and broke all his bones from the neck down into powder and sharp shards he then uses insidious torcher and found out he was afraid of fire and use the skill to trap him in an eternal hell of him feeling his whole body getting hotter and hotter every second without end Asura then drop his body to the floor as he screams.

Johnathon: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

Asura: You are now paralyzed from the neck down and that pain your feeling will only continue to increase every second. Time might feel like an illusion for you what might feel like 5 seconds for me is 5 hours for you now to stay in this state for all eternity.

Everyone was shocked and can only pity Johnathon, after all, he digs his own grave then Reinhard's sword started to glow and he attacks Asura saying.

Reinhard: Stop cant you see you are putting him through a torment no human should bear.

This already shocks everyone in the room that Reid finds this God seriously dangerous after all Reinhard can kill from Gods of this world easily without drawing Reid but what shocks them more was that Asura stopped the blade with one hand and took it from Reinhard and yeeted his fuck to the side of the room with his tentacle and then said.

Asura: Now Now sword saint I will be holding this for the time being so I can have a proper conversation without you trying to kill me now be a good boy and go sit down with the rest.

Asura then went to the table and made a throne with his tentacles and sit beside Beatrice while putting Ram on his lap then said.

Asura: Now are there any questions.