Chapter 23: Utter Chaos (Final Part)

Champ's POV

I had finally made it to the university and is now sitting inside the classroom. And for once—a miracle!—Jiggs isn't here yet.

I let out a sigh of relief, hoping for at least a few moments of peace before the inevitable chaos.

Sniff!

I nearly jumped out of my seat when I heard a very distinct sniffing noise right behind me.

I turned around slowly—like in those horror movies where the protagonist senses a ghost creeping up on them—only to come face-to-face with Kaia, a female Omega.

I blinked. "What?"

Kaia narrowed her eyes at me, her nose twitching like a bloodhound on a scent trail.

"Is it just me... or do you smell like Deux?" she asked, tilting her head. "I can smell your usual lavender scent, but—" she leaned in closer, sniffing more, "—there's also this distinct vanilla scent mixed in. Deux's scent."

Oh.

Oh no.

OH NO NO NO.

It was happening. The exact thing I was praying wouldn't happen.

Other Omegas were picking up Deux's scent on me!

Stay calm, Champ. Stay calm!

I put on my best nonchalant face. "Oh! That? That's probably because I'm wearing Deux's uniform! Mine got ruined, so I just borrowed his. That's why you're smelling him!" I forced out a laugh, waving a hand like it was no big deal.

Kaia wasn't buying it.

She leaned in even closer, staring at me suspiciously. "Then why does the scent seem stronger around your scarf?"

I instinctively clutched at my neck. Shit.

"Oh! Uh—this scarf? Haha—this is also Deux's! Borrowed it too! You know, since it looks cool. Yep, totally Deux's!" I said, nodding way too fast. "Anyway, gotta go—nature's calling! Super urgent! See you later, Kaia!"

Before she could say another word, I bolted out of the classroom like my life depended on it.

My heart was pounding as I speed-walked down the hallway. That was too close!

Kaia almost figured it out.

If she had taken one more deep breath, she might've realized the truth.

And that would be disastrous.

As I walked, I started noticing something weird.

People—Alphas and Omegas alike—were staring at me.

Some discreetly glanced in my direction. Others outright turned their heads, their noses twitching as I passed by.

Oh no.

Oh hell no.

It was Deux's scent!

They could all smell him on me!

"I hate this feeling!" I muttered under my breath, tugging my scarf tighter around my neck.

Why is your scent so damn strong, Deux?!

I swear, I felt like a walking Deux-scented air freshener.

Should I just... drop out of university?

Yeah, yeah, that sounds like a great idea. No more stares, no more questions, no more people sniffing around me like I'm a damn bakery emitting fresh vanilla rolls—

Ugh!

Frustrated, I ducked my head and walked faster, determined to put as much distance as possible between me and the overly-curious students.

After what felt like forever, I finally made it to the open field of the university—a quiet, deserted place where no one could randomly sniff me.

I inhaled deeply, letting the fresh air clear my thoughts.

This situation was absolute hell.

How was I supposed to live a normal life now?

I paced back and forth, trying to think of a solution. How do I cover up Deux's scent so no one else notices?

Should I bathe in perfume? Rub myself with lemon? Set myself on fire?!

Ugh!

Just as I was in the middle of my mental breakdown—

Ring! Ring!

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

I pulled it out and glanced at the screen.

Jiggs.

Oh great.

I sighed and opened the message.

"Champyy, where are you? I just got to class, and you're not here. Kaia said you went to the bathroom, but I checked, and you weren't there. —Jiggs."

I stared at the text.

...Thank goodness for Jiggs and his complete lack of awareness!

At least he wouldn't be able to smell anything suspicious!

I quickly typed out a reply.

"I'm at the open field, getting some fresh air. —Champ."

"Okay! I will tell the other Betas as well. Wait for me there! —Jiggs"

Now, all I had to do was survive the rest of the day.

And pray that Deux didn't show up.

Because if he did—

Oh, he is so dead.

...

It didn't take long before I saw Jiggs sprinting across the open field, waving his hands in the air like a lunatic.

"CHAMP!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, running toward me as if being chased by a pack of rabid wolves.

At the speed he was going, I was positive he was going to trip any second now.

"Will you watch where you're going, you idiot?!" I called out, shaking my head.

Sure enough, as he got closer, his eyes widened dramatically, and he reached his hands toward me like some tragic hero in a slow-motion movie scene.

"Choooooooomp!" he called out in exaggerated slow motion.

I deadpanned. "Are you seriously—?"

Jiggs grinned. "Just pretend we're in one of those epic drama movies where the main characters reunite in slow motion!" Then he did it again, "Chooooommmp!"

Before I could even respond, he stepped into a small hole in the ground—one he clearly hadn't seen—and face-planted into the dirt.

And as fate would have it, he grabbed my scarf on the way down.

Everything stopped.

Both of us froze.

My scarf—the only thing hiding Deux's mark—was now dangling in Jiggs's hands.

Jiggs stared at me, eyes wide as saucers.

I stared back, mirroring his exact expression.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then—

"CHAMP—" he pointed at my face, mouth hanging open.

Before he could say anything, I snatched the scarf back and immediately wrapped it around my neck again.

"You saw nothing, Jiggs!" I snapped, eyes narrowing dangerously.

Jiggs, still sitting in the dirt, grinned. A slow, devilish grin.

Oh no.

I knew that look.

He won't stop now!

"Jiggs..." I warned, my eyes practically screaming at him to shut up.

He only smirked, his own eyes glinting mischievously.

"Mosquito bite!" I blurted out.

Jiggs blinked. "Huh?"

"Huh?" I blinked too.

Wait. Wasn't he pointing at the mark?

"What are you talking about?" Jiggs frowned. "I was just about to ask what skincare you've been using! Your skin's been looking extra nice lately. Your cheeks are so pinkish like did you put some blush-on? Damn, Champ, what's your secret?"

...

Oh.

Oh my god.

I almost died of stress for nothing.

"You're too paranoid, Champ," Jiggs laughed, dusting himself off. "It's not like I saw anything suspicious. It's not like you secretly got marked by an Alpha named Deux or anything that's why you are wearing a scarf to hide it."

I forcefully laughed. "Hahaha! Me? An Alpha marked by an Alpha? What a ridiculous thought! HAHAHA! This scarf is my new fashion."

Jiggs raised an eyebrow but didn't push the topic. Instead, he grabbed my scarf again.

"By the way, this looks great on you!" he said, nodding in approval.

"Tsk! Keep your hands off my scarf!" I swatted his hand away.

"Wow, stingy," Jiggs pouted. "Is this, like, the official uniform of the Champ Clan now? If you say yes, we'll all start wearing scarves!"

Before I could stop him, Jiggs immediately turned to yell at someone.

"GUYS, GET OVER HERE!"

A second later, four Beta males—Marsh, Gem, Daryl, and Martin—came running toward us.

"Whoa! Master Champ, that scarf makes you look so cool!" Marsh exclaimed.

"Right?! What if we make scarves our official uniform?! We'll be the only clan that has style and swag!" Jiggs declared proudly.

"That's actually a great idea!" Gem chimed in.

"I agree! I want a scarf too!" Daryl added enthusiastically.

"If Master Champ wears red, we should all wear different colors to match!" Martin suggested.

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "You guys can wear whatever the hell you want! I'm not forcing you!"

"Too late!" Jiggs grinned. "I've already decided! I'll go buy scarves for all of us! We'll wear them everywhere! I'll even put a logo on them—'Champ Clan!' That way, people will know we roll deep when we walk together!"

I sighed, staring up at the sky.

...Honestly, fine.

At least now I wouldn't be the only one wearing a scarf. That made things way less awkward.

As we continued chatting, something caught my eye—a man in a black suit and tie walking directly toward us.

He was well-dressed, professional, and—judging from the complete lack of scent—definitely a Beta Male.

When he finally reached us, he stopped in front of me and bowed slightly.

"Alpha Champ," he greeted formally.

I blinked.

A Beta addressing me formally? That's new.

"I have come to deliver an invitation," he continued.

"An invitation?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. This is from the organizers of the Alpha Territory Treasure Hunt Competition," the Beta staff member announced.

Jiggs and I exchanged looks.

He then handed me a gold-sealed invitation.

I took it and inspected it.

"The organizers request your presence at a grand celebration to honor your victory," the Beta continued.

Oh. Right. I did win the competition... and now they finally decided to acknowledge it.

Was this necessary?

Or was this just an excuse to hold another event?

The Beta gave me a polite nod. "I shall take my leave now, Alpha Champ. The organizers look forward to your attendance."

And with that, he turned and walked away.

"VICTORY PARTY! WE'RE GOING, RIGHT?!" Jiggs practically vibrated with excitement.

"Calm down! I haven't even read the invitation yet!" I shot back, opening the envelope.

Clearing my throat, I read aloud:

"To the Honorable Champ Aurelian,

As the victorious Alpha of the Treasure Hunt Competition, you and your members are formally invited to a Grand Celebration in your honor. This banquet will be held in the capital of the Alpha Territory, within the Royal Court. It is an exclusive event, and your presence is expected.

Your escort will arrive tomorrow in the university you are studying, 4 in the afternoon, to bring you to the palace.

We look forward to welcoming you."

Jiggs squealed. "WE GET A FANCY ESCORT! Imagine us walking in—wearing full suits and ties and our signature scarves! Everyone will be like, 'Oh damn, they're from the Champ Clan!'"

I sighed. "You are delusional."

Then, a thought hit me.

"What about Deux?" I muttered. "He joined the competition too, right? Shouldn't he have gotten an invite?"

Jiggs shrugged. "Who knows? Who cares? The important thing is that we got invited! Forget Deux!"

Forget Deux...

Honestly, that sounded great.

If he wasn't there, it meant I wouldn't have to deal with him.

It meant I wouldn't have to get mad.

It meant I wouldn't be tempted to bite him back and mark him out of sheer frustration—

Wait.

Did I just think about biting him?!

I shook my head furiously, trying to erase the thought from my brain. I did NOT just consider marking Deux back.

But...

If I did... he'd finally understand what I'm going through! He'd feel the same things I'm feeling—this annoying restlessness, the constant pull, the way my body betrays me by reacting to his scent!

It would be payback!

...But.

Knowing Deux, he'd probably just smirk, roll up his collar, and proudly show it off to everyone!

I could already hear him now saying it with an emotionless reaction—

"Look at this, everyone. Champ marked me. That means I belong to him now. Oh? You're jealous? Too bad~"

Ugh.

I groaned and ran a hand through my hair.

Marking him was out of the question!

If anything, that would just feed his ego! And I REFUSE to give him that satisfaction!

I shook my head. "Alright, fine. Everyone, prepare your outfits. We're going to this victory party—and I want you all to enjoy yourselves. Jiggs, don't forget our scarf with the Champ Clan logo."

Jiggs and the others cheered.

I watched them excitedly talk about their plans for the party.

But for some reason...

I felt uneasy.

Was it just the lingering effects of Deux's mark?

Probably.

There was nothing to worry about.

We were just going to have fun.

That's all.

Right?

...

...

...

Third Person POV

The Alpha King sat at the head of the grand stone table, his expression unreadable, his presence commanding. Around him, the ten Council members and a select group of high-ranking Alpha officials filled the dimly lit chamber. These were the ones who ruled their world, the ones who decided the future of their kind.

But tonight, something felt different. A tension lingered in the air, thick and suffocating.

"Where is Prince Deux, Alpha King?" one of the Council members inquired, his piercing gaze fixed on the empty chair beside the ruler. "He is absent from this critical assembly."

The Alpha King's jaw tightened ever so slightly. "Deux is at the Omega secret facility, attending to the one who will bear his child." His voice was calm, yet beneath the surface, something stirred.

A few members of the Council chuckled. "Ah, so the Alpha Prince is preparing for the birth of his heir," one mused, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"I'd like to shift the discussion," another Council member interjected, his tone sharp. "There's a new Alpha whose name has been spreading like wildfire."

The chamber grew silent.

"If I recall correctly, Champ Aurelian is his name?" another chimed in, his voice carrying a note of intrigue. "He emerged victorious in the Alpha Territory Treasure Hunt Competition—a feat many deemed impossible. What's more astounding is that he defeated two of our most formidable Alphas: Deux and Silver."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the Council.

"An extraordinary Alpha indeed," another added. "I'd very much like to meet him. Despite being newly ascended, his abilities are beyond remarkable."

Their enthusiasm was palpable, but the Alpha King remained silent, his fingers curled into tight fists beneath the table. Beneath his composed exterior, his heart burned with fury.

"To think, Deux—one of the fiercest of our kind—was bested by him?" a Council member continued. "It wouldn't surprise me if, one day, Champ set his sights on the throne itself. After all, he has already proven himself a leader. His clan may be small, but they emerged victorious. If he continues surpassing Deux, he may become the more worthy heir."

The Alpha King's expression darkened. "He is not of royal blood," he said coldly. "A mere common Alpha cannot be considered for the throne."

"Royal blood or not, power speaks for itself," another Council member countered. "Besides, Champ now controls Veydith. And we all know what lies hidden within Veydith's lands—a treasure vast enough to elevate any Alpha to royalty."

The Alpha King scoffed. "Even with wealth, he does not possess our bloodline's strength."

"That may be true," another agreed, "but if he is this strong now, imagine what he will become in the future. He has boundless potential."

The Council members nodded in agreement, clearly captivated by Champ's rise.

The Alpha King's rage simmered just beneath the surface, his grip on his control slipping. If he allowed his fury to consume him now, it could jeopardize everything—his throne, his rule... and Deux.

Though he was king, the ten members of the Council wielded immense power. They alone had the authority to bestow legitimacy upon an Alpha King.

"Then I suppose," one of them mused, "I'm even more eager to meet this Champ."

The Alpha King's lips curled into a thin, calculating smile. "Do not worry," he said smoothly. "I have already arranged for a special honorary gathering in his name. You will meet him soon enough."

The Council murmured their approval, satisfied with his response.

"Excellent," one of them declared. "I look forward to seeing this Champ in person. With that, we have no further concerns for now, Alpha King."

"Then this meeting is adjourned," the Alpha King announced, his voice echoing through the hall.

As the Council members departed, the Alpha King remained seated, his expression unreadable. Silence filled the chamber, but his mind was anything but quiet.

Then—he felt a presence behind him.

A slow, deliberate step.

A whisper against his ear.

"Keep a close watch on your son, dear brother..."

The words slithered into his mind like poison.

The Alpha King's jaw clenched as he turned slightly, his gaze meeting the smirking figure beside him—his younger brother, Crest.

"Lest he fails you once again..." Crest continued.

"Crest," the Alpha King growled, his patience razor-thin. "I do not need your provocations tonight."

Crest chuckled darkly. "I only speak the truth. You should be concerned... because if you are not careful, all you have worked for will crumble beneath your feet."

The Alpha King's fingers curled against the armrest. "I know what I'm doing."

"Do you?" Crest's smile widened. "Then tell me, do you know what Deux does behind your back?"

The Alpha King's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing within them. "What are you implying?"

Crest reached into his coat and pulled out something small. A photograph.

One he had obtained through Silver, his son.

"I wonder," Crest mused, holding it just out of reach. "What will the Council think when they learn that Deux is infatuated with an Alpha?"

The Alpha King's breath hitched as his gaze landed on the image.

In it—Deux and Champ.

Their bodies entangled. Eyes locked. A closeness too intimate for mere rivals.

The Alpha King's hands trembled with barely contained rage.

"We don't know what truly happened during that competition, do you?" Crest murmured, his voice dripping with amusement. "Perhaps Deux lost on purpose. Perhaps he wanted Champ to win."

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"Right now, Deux's world revolves around Champ."

The Alpha King's vision blurred with fury.

And in that moment, he knew—this was no longer about mere rivalry. This was war.

The Alpha King swallowed hard, his mind whirling with dark thoughts.

These past few days, something about Deux had changed. He was more distant, his usual sharp focus clouded. Though he remained serious and composed, the Alpha King could still read the subtle shifts in his expression. Something—or someone—had shaken him.

Crest's voice slithered into his ears like venom.

"If the Council were to find out about this, Champ would be eliminated as a candidate immediately," he whispered, his tone laced with amusement. "And Deux? The Council's faith in him would shatter completely. Tell me, dear brother, who else would remain fit for the throne?"

Crest let out a low chuckle. "Perhaps my son—Silver—will finally have his chance to become Alpha King."

The Alpha King's lips curled into a sneer. "Your son is unworthy of the crown. Do not entertain such delusions, Crest."

For a brief moment, something flickered in Crest's eyes—displeasure. But he swallowed his pride, masking it with a smirk.

"Come now, brother," Crest continued, voice smooth, "perhaps it's finally time for my blood to rise. It won't be long before my family basks in the glory of power. So I'd tread carefully if I were you... unless, of course, you'd like to see the throne slip from your grasp." His smile widened, his words laced with a challenge. "If you truly wish to preserve your rule, take action before that Alpha grows any stronger. The longer you wait, the more dangerous he becomes."

The Alpha King's expression hardened, his voice cold as steel.

"You will not succeed in your schemes, Champ."

Then, his gaze flicked back to Crest, his tone sharp and cruel.

"And as for you—do not dream above your station. Compared to me, you are nothing but a lesser breed. You came from a mere Omega bloodline—never compare yourself, or your son, to me and Deux."

A deadly silence fell between them.

The Alpha King's words were like a blade to the gut, but Crest merely smiled. Inside, however, a storm raged. A wrath buried deep within him—a wrath hidden behind an impenetrable mask.

"That's the spirit, brother," Crest murmured, his voice almost a purr. "Now do what must be done. Silence Champ."

The Alpha King leaned in, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper.

"And when I'm finished with him... I will deal with you and your entire family next."

Crest's laughter rang through the chamber, light and mocking. "Oh, dear brother, don't jest like that. I'm merely trying to help you."

But inside, Crest rejoiced. Everything was falling into place.

Just then—

(A knock at the door.)

A few seconds later, a figure stepped into the dimly lit room.

"A visitor... a Beta." Crest's nose wrinkled slightly. "I can't catch a scent from him."

"Enter," the Alpha King commanded.

The Beta stepped forward, lowering his head in respect.

"My apologies for disturbing you, Alpha King. I have successfully delivered the invitation to Alpha Champ. The honorary ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow."

The Alpha King's lips curved into a thin, calculating smile.

"Good. You are dismissed."

With a swift nod, the Beta exited.

Crest clapped his hands together, his excitement palpable. "Ah! This is truly delightful! A grand ceremony in Champ's honor. Tell me, dear brother..." His fingers brushed against his coat pocket, where the incriminating photograph lay. "Wouldn't it be fun to display these images at the event?"

The Alpha King's fury erupted.

"These photographs will never see the light of day!" he roared, his voice shaking the very walls of the chamber. With one swift motion, he tore the image apart, destroying it completely.

Crest clicked his tongue in mock disappointment. "What a shame. Deux and Champ looked quite... intimate." He let out a dramatic sigh. "Well, no matter. I suppose I'll get to meet this Alpha tomorrow. I must say, I'm quite looking forward to it."

With that, he turned on his heel, offering a final glance over his shoulder.

"Goodnight, dear brother. Rest well."

Then, he was gone.

For a moment, silence.

Then—

(CRACK!)

The Alpha King's fist slammed into the table, shattering it into splinters. His body trembled, his rage barely contained.

His voice, however, was steady. Cold. Merciless.

"Champ..."

His eyes burned with deadly intent.

Slowly, he reached for his phone, dialing a number.

A gruff voice answered. "Alpha King. How may I serve you?"

The Alpha King's voice was a low growl.

"I have a mission for you."

A pause.

"Deux is heading to the Omega Secret Facility as we speak. I want you to intercept him."

A sharp inhale. "Understood, Alpha King."

"Make sure he never leaves that place. Imprison him there."

Silence. Then—

"As you command."

The call ended.

The Alpha King's fingers tightened around his phone, his lips curling into a deadly smile.

"I will not allow the two of you to meet again."

His voice dropped to a whisper, laced with cold malice.

"Now that Deux is out of your reach, Champ... you are mine to deal with. There is no one left to protect you."

His eyes darkened with unwavering determination.

"No Alpha has ever toppled me from my throne."

A low, sinister chuckle escaped his lips.

"And I will do whatever it takes to keep it that way."

...

...

...

Deux's POV

I had just arrived at the Omega Secret Facility.

As expected, security was as tight as ever. Ten Alpha guards stood outside, their expressions unreadable, their postures rigid, ensuring that no one unauthorized could step foot inside.

I anticipated resistance. I came alone—without my father. Usually, that would mean trouble. But to my surprise, the guards opened the gates without question, as if they had been expecting me.

Had my father informed them of my arrival?

Perhaps.

Without hesitation, I stepped inside. A long, dark hallway stretched before me, the only light coming from its distant end. The air was cold, thick with an eerie silence that sent a prickle down my spine.

I moved forward, my footsteps echoing against the walls.

...

As I entered the facility's main chamber, the sight before me was all too familiar. Beta scientists in white coats moved frantically, engrossed in their tasks. The hum of machines filled the air.

But the moment they noticed my presence—

They froze.

Then, as if in perfect synchrony, they turned toward me and bowed.

"Prince Deux."

Their voices echoed across the room.

A moment later, a Beta scientist, the very same one I had spoken to before—the one who oversaw this facility—stepped forward.

"Ah! Master Deux, you've arrived," he greeted, a forced smile tugging at his lips. "Your father informed us of your visit. I assume you're here to inspect the Omega female chosen for you?"

I gave a slow nod. "Yes. Take me to her."

"Of course."

With a slight bow, the Beta scientist turned and began leading me through another hallway.

...

Now, I stood before her cell.

As expected, the Omega female was unconscious, lying still on the cot.

"Shall I wake her?" the Beta scientist asked. "Or, if you prefer, we can induce her heat cycle artificially. You may impregnate her even if she remains unconscious."

My stomach twisted at the coldness in his tone.

"That won't be necessary," I said sharply. "I'm only here to observe."

The scientist nodded, seemingly unfazed by my rejection. "As you wish, Master Deux. I'll be outside should you need anything."

With that, he exited the chamber, leaving me alone.

And then—my gaze shifted.

Just a few steps away stood a private cell.

A cell that bore a warning:

"No entry. Restricted to the Alpha King only."

I swallowed hard, my body tensing.

Slowly, I stepped forward.

The closer I got, the heavier the air became. My pulse pounded in my ears, my instincts screaming at me to turn back.

But I didn't.

I stopped at the door, inhaling deeply.

And then—it hit me.

A scent.

Faint, but unmistakable.

Lavender.

Champ's scent.

My heartbeat thundered.

I staggered back, breath hitching.

Why it has the same scent as Champ?

The thought sent a cold chill down my spine. Who was the Omega locked behind this door?

My father's words echoed in my mind:

"That omega is dangerous and will kill you."

If that was true... what awaited me beyond this door?

I exhaled, shaking off my fear.

I had to know.

This mission was for Champ.

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the slip of paper.

The one that contained the access code I had retrieved from Champ's ring.

Thanks to Jiggs, I was able to decipher it.

I turned to the keypad, pressing the numbers carefully. My senses were on high alert.

1-0-1-0-9-4

Beep!

Access code... granted.

The fingerprint scanner lit up.

I pressed my thumb against it.

And then—

(Click!)

The lock disengaged.

My breath caught.

My chest tightened.

A cold sweat formed at the back of my neck.

Slowly, I pushed the door open.

The moment I stepped inside—

A wave of intoxicating scent crashed over me.

Lavender.

Strong. Addictive. Paralyzing.

It wrapped around me, sinking into my skin, seeping into my lungs, making my head spin.

My knees almost buckled.

What was this?

My body moved on its own.

Drawn forward. Lured deeper.

The door creaked as it began to close behind me—

Then—

(BAM!)

The Beta scientist burst into the room.

His eyes widened in horror the moment he saw me.

"Master Deux! Don't go in there!"

His voice was frantic.

His face, pale.

"It's too dangerous! If you step inside—you won't come out alive!"

Panic flickered in his eyes as he reached for me.

But it was too late.

(Lock!)

The heavy door slammed shut.

Sealing me inside.

I exhaled sharply, my hands clenching into fists.

My gaze flickered to the dark corridor ahead.

A tunnel, barely illuminated by faint lights along the walls.

My heartbeat thundered.

What kind of creature waits for me in the shadows?

I took a shaky step forward.

Eyes narrowed.

Jaw clenched.

"Is this where your true mother lies, Champ?" I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Then, without hesitation—

I moved deeper into the darkness.

End of Chapter 23