30 Best Gothic Anime Characters You Won’t Believe Made the List

The Gothic movement is a counter-culture movement that appeared between the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s in the United Kingdom, in the wake of the post-punk musical movement. He was partly inspired by German expressionist cinema, fantasy and the Gothic novel. The movement and its aesthetic spread in various forms in Europe and the United States, but also the world of anime. In this article, we are going to bring you a list of the 30 best goth (including all subtypes) characters – both boys and girls – in the history of anime.

1. Re-l Mayer

Franchise: Ergo Proxy

In the anime titled “Ergo Proxy”, Re-l, a nineteen-year-old inspector from Romdo’s Intelligence Department and the granddaughter of Regent Donov Mayer, is the main female character. During her duties, she encounters Ergo Proxy which leaves her disturbed, leading her to delve deeper in order to unravel the enigmas surrounding the being. Her citizen identification number is RE-L124C41+.

Initially, Re-l might seem aloof, cold, insensitive, even slightly unfriendly. Born and raised in Romdo, she was taught from a young age a strict emotional control regime to maintain composure. However, her encounter with the Proxy left a deeper impression on her than she’s willing to admit, and there are only a few instances where you’ll see her crying – those moments are often reminiscent of that encounter.

She tends to be aloof and arrogant in her interactions with others, giving off an air of indifference and superiority. This may stem from her status as a regent’s nephew, though she dislikes being identified as such. Moreover, she is not fond of being referred to as “excellence”.

Over time, her high position has occasionally resulted in her being pampered excessively, to the point where Iggy, himself, describes her as “overestimating her abilities.” It’s implied that she is not accustomed to doing simple tasks like combing her hair or cooking. Her career success is largely due to her entourage, and she struggles to adapt to new situations, which leaves her prone to anxiety.

As a passionate film buff, I can’t help but notice the meticulous nature of Re-l in “Psycho-Pass.” Her background in paramilitary training has honed her into a perfectionist, with an almost pathological need for control and order, even in extraterrestrial dwellings. This trait, when pushed to its limits under stress, can make her quite hysterical over the slightest imperfection. Furthermore, she appears to be bound by a strict routine of waking up, exercise, and meal times, which she rigidly adheres to and diligently records in the same notebook she uses for jotting down her case observations.

Through her frequent mirror-gazing, it’s apparent she has a touch of self-centeredness and lacks discretion, as evidenced by an instance where she exposed herself to Vincent in order to gain extended bathroom privileges beyond the set shift times on the Centzon Totochtin.

2. Mei Misaki

Franchise: Another

Mei Misaki is among the main characters and belongs to Class 3-3, during the year of 1998. Her peers often called her the “overlooked” one within the class. She was known for her beauty, tranquility, and enigmatic nature. After falling ill, Mei acquired an unusual ability – she can see death in the eyes of a doll. Tragically, she had a twin sister whom she deeply cherished, but unfortunately, that sister passed away.

3. Hei

Franchise: Darker Than Black

The protagonist of our tale goes by the alias Hei. He’s an exceptional freelancer, known as BK201 behind closed doors. In public, however, he is Lee Shen Shun, a congenial Chinese student on exchange, residing in the Umitsuki Apartments and occasionally taking on an unusual part-time role. Interestingly, Hei exhibits a dual personality throughout the series.

Despite his ability to fit seamlessly into crowds by keeping a low profile and avoiding suspicion, he maintains certain distinctive traits – like his short black hair and voracious appetite in the initial season. In the subsequent season, Hei undergoes a transformation, sporting longer hair, facial hair, and a more disheveled look. It appears that his fondness for food and cooking has been replaced by an inclination towards alcohol.

Other people recognize him as a straightforward contractor. Officials link him with the inactive star code BK201. Within the Syndicate, he’s famously known as “The Black Reaper.” This moniker was given to him before he became a contractor. In the Syndicate, he serves as an assassin, earning his reputation for being merciless and extremely effective, which is why he goes by that name.

He dons a standard black mask and coat, which renders him impervious to bullets. Additionally, he can produce powerful electric discharges that travel through conductive materials, strong enough to take down an average person or disrupt an electrical circuit.

As a film enthusiast, I uncover later on that this character possesses a hidden potential beyond ordinary limits, enabling him to manipulate matter at its most fundamental level – molecules. This extraordinary power, known as “Pai” in the series and inherited from “Hei,” is not limited to electrical energy as initially perceived. It appears that it can influence one of the four fundamental forces or interactions of the universe: gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear. In this instance, his power seems to be linked with the electromagnetic interaction, which governs the physical and chemical changes in atoms and molecules, acting on a particle level for those carrying an electrical charge.

4. Ulquiorra Cifer

Franchise: Bleach

Ulquiorra Schiffer is one of the Four Swordsmen, and a tattoo marking his position as such is inscribed on his left chest, near where the heart lies. There’s no known fraction associated with him yet. He represents emptiness among the Four Swordsmen. It came as a surprise to Ichigo when he discovered that Ulquiorra was one of the Four Swordsmen, thinking he was the First instead, given that Ulquiorra had been his objective.

The gap between Ichigo, who fought Grimmjow Jaggerjack (Sexta Espada), whom he barely managed to defeat, and Ulquiorra is immense. It appears that Ulquiorra places absolute faith in Aizen, and in return, Aizen has never disputed any of Ulquiorra’s decisions. He is capable of unsheathing his zanpakuto and possesses the unique ability to regrow limbs he has lost, with the exceptions of his brain and internal organs.

5. Sasuke Uchiha

Franchise: Naruto

Sasuke effortlessly grasps and executes ninja skills. Moreover, being part of his family lineage, he wields an inherited technique called the Sharingan, offering him numerous tactical benefits during combat.

Following Itachi’s demise, Sasuke eventually unlocks the advanced version of the Sharingan known as the Mangekyō Sharingan. This extraordinary eye ability allows him to execute more potent techniques, such as the Amaterasu. The Amaterasu is a formidable skill that produces intense black flames capable of incinerating anything in their path.

Additionally, he employs the Tsukuyomi, a formidable illusionary skill, and the Susano’o, a colossal skeletal entity which evolves into a fiery warrior defender for its summoner, engaging in battle on their behalf. Before departing from the village, his master, Kakashi Hatake, instructs him on Chidori – a method involving an amassment of chakra beams concentrated within the hand.

6. Misa Amane

Franchise: DEATH NOTE

Misa is a young resident of Kanto whose parents were brutally murdered by a thief, who later met his end at the hands of Kira. On the day Misa was supposed to meet her own demise, she was unexpectedly approached in an alley by a mysterious figure professing his love for her and expressing his intention to take her life before ending his own, as opposed to carrying on with existence without her.

Misa was rescued by Jeras, a divine being who’d grown fond of her and had been keeping an eye on her all along. However, by using his Death Note powers to eliminate her attacker instead of allowing her to die, he overstepped his boundaries as a deity of death; it’s against the rules for such beings to take life in order to extend the existence of someone they care about deeply.

7. Homura Akemi

Franchise: Puella Magi Madoka Magica

In a dream, Madoka encounters a student named Homura, who later enrolls in her university. Homura is exceptionally attractive yet aloof, with exceptional mental and physical abilities that draw people to her, even though her mysterious and detached demeanor can be off-putting.

After witnessing numerous magical girls perish in combat, she makes an effort to shield the others from entering such contracts, particularly focusing on protecting Madoka.

Due to their shared situation, she serves as Mami’s competitor, yet secretly hopes that Madoka will also transform into a Puella Magi. She possesses the unique skill to manipulate time in combat, often employing an array of weapons but predominantly grenades. Her distinctive color is purple.

8. Rinko Ogasawara

Franchise: SHIROBAKO

In the anime series “SHIROBAKO,” one of the characters is Rinko Ogasawara. At Musashino Animation, she serves as a key animator and both the character designer and general animation supervisor for Exodus!. Known for her unique style, Rinko often dons gothic outfits, which are also referred to as Gothic Lolita. Her eyes are a striking cherry-red, and she has long, curly hair that’s almost white light blonde.

She typically sports a gothic aesthetic, complete with a headband for her dark hair, a layered outfit that includes a black dress and white skirt beneath, adorned with a ribbon and buttons above the chest area. The collar of her shirt features small black ribbons, while she completes the look with black stockings and retro-style red heels.

9. L

Franchise: DEATH NOTE

In the world of this story, L, an enigmatic figure and a master detective, stands as the main adversary to Light. Despite being the best sleuth globally, L’s true identity remains shrouded in mystery. He takes on the aliases Ryûzaki and Hideki Ryuga during his investigations, including the Kira case. In the first 12 volumes of the manga, his real name goes unspoken, but it is eventually disclosed as L Lawliet in the 13th volume, or “How.” His peculiar behavior is rivaled only by his exceptional intellect.

10. Rin Okumura

Franchise: Blue Exorcist

In this tale, the main character, who’s fifteen years old, turns out to be the offspring of Satan, born miraculously to a mortal mother. He inherits the mighty powers of Satan, which were mystically locked away at birth within the enchanted blade known as Kurikara or Komaken, by Mephisto. This magical sword enables him to lead a typical human life.

Rin discovered his real self when the blue flames from his ancestor started breaking free within Kurikara, which ultimately resulted in the demise of his guardian, father, and exorcist Fujimoto Shiro, killed by Satan. During this incident, Satan also tried to transport Rin to the demonic realm.

11. Victorique de Blois

Franchise: Gosick

Due to her Seyrun-blood or being of the gray wolf lineage, the Marquis of Blois, her father, chose to keep her secluded within his grand mansion, hoping to harness the exceptional intellect said to be common among those born there in the future. Upon reaching a certain maturity level, she was permitted to reside at Academia Santa Margarita, with the stipulation that she would not step off campus unless granted permission by her father or brother.

In the lofty library-greenhouse atop the building, where Kazuya often encounters her engrossed in challenging books and literature from various tongues, resides Victorique. Known for her biting wit, blunt honesty, and peculiar demeanor, she’s a detective prodigy. As Grevil of Blois shares, Kazuya is the rare individual whom Victorique agrees to aid in unsolved police cases, doing so without requesting payment or even a sweet treat.

12. Road Kamelot

Franchise: D.Gray-man

Though Road appears young and shares youthful hobbies such as doing homework and playing games, she is actually the eldest among Noah’s children. She has the ability to manipulate her victims by resurfacing their deepest, darkest memories, thereby creating a space according to Noah’s vision. In this role, she is referred to as “Player”, giving her control over the Ark and the power to modify it at her discretion.

Road grows a strong attachment and fascination towards Allen. She considers him as her possession and professes to love him, yet it’s unclear if her feelings are genuine due to her tendency to inflict harm on others, physically and emotionally. Despite being indifferent about most things, she prioritizes the Noah family above all else, embodying an idealized version of the Noah family.

13. Zero Kiryū

Franchise: Vampire Knight

Zero’s parents were slain by the powerful vampire, Shizuka Hiou, who happened to be a pureblood. They raised him alongside Yuuki at the academy, where they both served as class leaders. It was later uncovered that he had been bitten by Shizuka, resulting in his transformation into a vampire himself. His birthday falls on September 28th.

His issue is that he can’t absorb the blood capsules, which forces him into a situation where he bites Yuki for sustenance instead of remaining a Level E monster. This dislike of vampires stems from his deep resentment towards Kaname, as he believes Kaname took Yuki away from him. Furthermore, he harbors animosity towards the purebloods, who he thinks are responsible for the turmoil in his life and for returning Yuuki to her original form – a pureblood vampire.

In my perspective as a fan, I follow both the anime and manga versions of this story. While in the anime, Yuuki remains, expecting Zero even when he departs, the manga presents a different narrative. In the manga, Yuuki joins Kaname and conceals herself from Zero to infuse significance into her existence. The manga concludes with Zero passing away after over a millennium with Yuuki. Together, they have a child before his demise.

He’s often chosen over others, particularly Yuuki, the director, and a master vampire hunter, which frequently causes him trouble with his twin brother, Ichiru. However, by the end of the second season, they manage to reconcile. In a final act of sacrifice, Ichiru, near death, bestows his power onto Zero, transforming him into a powerful and whole individual.

14. Kurumi Tokisaki

Franchise: Date A Live

Kurumi appears as the third spirit that Shido comes across. At first, she seems like a captivatingly beautiful young girl with an alluring charm. However, beneath this facade lies a person who is sadistic, mentally unstable, and twisted in a disturbing way. In fact, Shido considers her to be the “most wicked” spirit he has encountered, earning her the code name Nightmare.

As a cinephile, I’d put it this way: In the realm of cinematic badassery, she stands unmatched, possessing an extraordinary ability to rewind time and regenerate herself. This means she’s faced death numerous times, only to rise again and again. Her body count is staggering, with estimates suggesting she’s taken over 10,000 lives – a chilling testament to her power. But here’s the twist: she doesn’t act alone. She can summon her past selves, multiplying her strength in a display of cinematic brilliance that leaves audiences spellbound.

15. Lucy

Franchise: Elfen Lied

17-year-old Kaede/Lucy/Nyu possesses striking dark pink hair and eyes, with a tall, slender physique. She was left at an orphanage at birth and surprisingly didn’t show the usual aggressive tendencies common among her species during her early years of life.

However, having experienced numerous traumatic incidents during her childhood years, a dark, violent side emerged within her. This transformed her into someone cold-hearted and malicious. Subsequently, she was apprehended and confined to research facilities situated along the Kamakura coastline.

In the ensuing years, she found a way to break free, yet her journey was marred by a head trauma that led to the emergence of a new persona named Nyu. Nyu is naive, innocent, tender, and poses no threat. Initially, she was unable to speak beyond “Nyu”, but over time, she learned language and even managed to utter Kōta’s name.

16. Yū Otosaka

Franchise: Charlotte

In this story, Yū serves as the main character. With a gruff demeanor and an inflated sense of self-importance, he uncovers a unique ability – the power to take over another person’s body for a brief five seconds, but only once. As the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that his true strength is extraordinary and immense: he can actually seize the powers of other psychics.

After that, he starts employing it for dishonest means to gain admission, and eventually manages to enroll in the top high school in his city. Yet, his deceit doesn’t last long, as Nao Tomori, the student council president of Hishinoumi High School, uncovers his abilities shortly after he arrives at school.

Having revealed our shared extraordinary abilities, she proposes I transition to her specialized high school – a sanctuary for individuals like us. She encourages me to leverage these powers by joining the student council. This opportunity, Yū couldn’t refuse. With my only family member, Ayumi, in tow, we embark on this new journey, as our home and guardianship were left behind with the mysterious absence of our parents.

17. Medusa Gorgon

Franchise: Soul Eater

Medusa is a witch who often employs snakes as her weapons of choice. Constantly plotting, she intends to set free Asura in order to utilize him for her own plans. To achieve this, she deceitfully gains access to Shibusen and ruthlessly exploits her child Chrona as a secret agent after her disguise as a school doctor is compromised.

18. Rory Mercury

Franchise: GATE

She possesses a divine nature, having ceased aging at a young age upon being chosen as an apostle of Emroy. This state will persist until her thousandth birthday, at which point she’ll ascend and achieve full godhood. In other words, she’s immune to death and can heal quickly from injuries. Her strength is beyond human capabilities, enabling her to wield her massive halberd effortlessly.

Apart from being swift and nimble, she boasts a long history of battle expertise, and her attire often mirrors the style of a Gothic Lolita in its formal aspect.

19. Crona

Franchise: Soul Eater

Crona is quite innocent and easily irritated by Ragnarok, often pulling mischievous and rather severe pranks on him. Crona dislikes confrontation and frequently struggles overcoming challenges, but Medusa usually instills a fighting spirit within Crona through magical influence. Crona’s blood has been entirely transformed into ‘dark blood’, shielding them from physical harm and offering some level of recovery. Prior to the transfusion, Ragnarok was an ordinary weapon, but it merged with the dark blood, creating a harmonious relationship between them.

Under the enchantment, Crona exhibits an alarming instability, manifesting symptoms of madness like hysterical laughter and incomprehensible remarks. However, beneath this façade lies a deeply emotional and sensitive individual. Maka is the initial friend that Crona befriends, offering solace from despair and loneliness during Medusa’s attempt to resurrect the Kishin. At some point, Crona enrolls in trial classes at Shibusen to master the art of being a meister correctly.

20. Lust

Appears in: Fullmetal Alchemist

This ancient homunculus is characterized by the sin of lust and serves as a key figure in the story, often issuing commands to Envy and frequently accompanied by Gluttony. Initially appearing at the beginning of the narrative, she orchestrated several schemes throughout the tale, such as utilizing Envy to instigate Lior’s uprising, capturing Tim Marcoh as a hostage, and pursuing Barry the Butcher.

Initially appearing sensual, she has a knack for portraying various characters, such as assuming Solaris’s identity to ensnare Havoc. Yet, her strategies are frequently flawed and she has a tendency to overestimate the weaknesses of her adversaries.

At first sight, she seems very flirtatious, but she can play many roles well. For example, she pretends to be Solaris to trick Havoc. However, her plans are often full of holes and she often underestimates her enemies.

21. Atsumu Matsuyuki

Franchise: Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Among the friends they grew up with, he is one of them; From an early age, he exhibited a peaceful demeanor towards various matters, though he secretly valued the group, particularly Menma. Presently, Tsuruko is the only member residing with him and they attend the same school that Jinta was unable to join. It appears that despite her aloof or haughty behavior on occasion, she remains deeply moved by Menma’s passing and cherishes her memory dearly. In their childhood days, he expressed his affection for Menma by giving her a hairpin as a token of love.

22. Lelouch Lamperouge

Franchise: Code Geass

Lelouch is the child of Emperor Charles zi Britannia of the 98th British dynasty and Empress Marianne. Following the demise of their mother, they were both sold to Japan together with his sister Nunnally. It was in Japan where he befriended Suzaku, who later became his closest companion. With Japan eventually taken over by Britain and rechristened Area 11, Lelouch swore to dethrone his father and establish a tranquil realm for Nunnally. In the invasion of Britain, it was reported that he perished alongside his sister; however, they are secretly safeguarded by the Ashford family who had previously aided Marianne.

23. Nana Osaki

Franchise: Nana

Previously linked romantically to a bandmate in Blast, she was Ren’s girlfriend until his departure to join Trapnest. Although deeply affected by their separation, her feelings for him remain unchanged. By an unlikely turn of events, she crosses paths with Nana Komatsu on a train bound for Tokyo, eventually sharing living quarters in apartment 707 as fate would have it.

From my own experiences, I, much like Nana, was left by my mother during my formative years. My heart beats for the melodies that dance within me, shunning the tranquil, orderly existence others might find appealing. With a willful spirit that at times borders on obstinacy, I harbor a deep-seated fear of losing those dear to me, leading me to fiercely guard and cherish the connections I forge.

24. Shaltear Bloodfallen

Franchise: Overlord

On the floors one through three of Nazarick, a stunning vampire girl serves as the protector. She harbors affection for Ainz, which often leads to friction with Albedo, as they both vie for his attention. Their rivalry revolves around amassing supporters in their bid to become Ainz’s first wife. Shalltear is not only one of Nazarick’s mightiest guardians but also boasts exceptional skills in both physical and magical combat, particularly against the undead.

Because of an event involving mind manipulation by someone from the Black Scripture, she unwittingly rises up against Nazarick, leading to a fierce battle where she demonstrates exceptional combat skills and battlefield knowledge. In this conflict, Ainz unfortunately kills her. Later on, she is brought back to life.

25. Zeref

Franchise: Fairy Tail

A formidable sorcerer of immense, centuries-old power, his name strikes terror into the hearts of many. The Council was willing to risk destroying an entire tower to prevent his return from the dead. As Ultear claims, he didn’t truly perish but merely slumbered (presumably due to a seal). Among his creations are several lethally dangerous artifacts, one of which is a flute that can end the life of anyone who listens to its haunting melodies.

The item wasn’t tried out to see if it functioned or if it was lethal to those who handled it because it was never employed and remained closed throughout its existence. Additionally, he crafted Deliora, the Disaster Demon. In the annals of Zeref, the Lullaby and Deliora are often referred to as demons, leading many to speculate that his unique abilities may have involved creating beings or imprisoning them within a book; midway through the series, it was disclosed that he wasn’t actually confined.

26. Izuru Kira

Franchise: Bleach

In the story, Izuru Kira serves as lieutenant in the Third Division. Initially, he followed the commands of Ichimaru Gin, but after Gin’s act of treason, he came under the leadership of Amagaī Shūsuke (as portrayed in the anime). However, following Amagaī’s suicide, Izuru will be without a captain once more. Tragically, Izuru was raised in a family of minor nobility; his parents passed away when he was still young.

At the shinigami academy, Izuru, who had tragically lost his family, distinguished himself among his fellow students, excelling in his classes. There, he forged friendships with Momo Hinamori and Renji Abarai, who were also his classmates. They would train together and spend leisure time as a group. During an excursion meant to simulate real-world situations, Izuru was assigned to a team consisting of Renji, Hinamori, and the experienced Hisagi Shuhei. As they faced Hudge Hollows in an ambush, despite orders to retreat, Izuru valiantly stood his ground with Renji, Hinamori, and Shuhei, bravely defending them from their assailants.

At the brink of disaster, Captain Aizen and his deputy, Ichimaru Gin, managed to rescue them at the last possible moment. From that point forward, captivated by their charismatic captain’s power, the trio – Izuru, Momo, and Renji – collectively made up their minds to strive towards becoming strong shinigami, with aspirations of eventually becoming vice-captains themselves. Upon graduation, they were assigned to the 5th Division where Kira remained until Ichimaru Gin was promoted to captain in the 3rd Division.

After passing into his command, he accepted the role of vice-captain. This was bestowed upon him following a promotion within the fourth division, where he demonstrated certain abilities that made him well-suited to lead.

27. Gaara

Franchise: Naruto

Initially gentle and seeking camaraderie with others, despite their apprehension and hostility towards him, Gaara was transformed by Yashamaru’s actions and words. Feeling unloved, Gaara etched the Chinese character for “Love” into his forehead using sand, symbolizing a self-loving demon, as an assertion of his name’s meaning.

Gaara held a firm belief that Karura had ordained him to live in such a way, trusting wholeheartedly in the words of Yashamaru. As a result, Gaara grew emotionally detached, becoming quiet and harboring a deep-rooted resentment towards most others, with only Shukaku’s voice within him serving as an exception. He derived satisfaction from eliminating the numerous assassins dispatched to take his life, viewing it as a means of preserving his own existence. Eventually, this became his driving force in life.

During Shukaku’s periodic demands for blood to satisfy its thirst, Gaara grew increasingly merciless. For instance, he killed Baiu and disregarded the entreaties of Midare.

Shukaku’s intermittent need for blood to quench its thirst escalated Gaara’s cruelty. He went so far as to kill Baiu, while Midare chose to ignore their pleas.

Both versions aim to convey the same idea in a natural and easy-to-read manner.

Gaara’s inability to sleep, driven by the terror that the demon within him might consume him during slumber, intensified his instability and thirst for violence. His animosity encompassed even his brother and sister, viewing them not as kin but as potential targets for his wrath. As he himself put it, if they provoked him, he was prepared to take their lives.

28. Celestia Ludenberg

Franchise: Danganronpa

Often referred to as Celeste in a nutshell, she’s a student with a penchant for Gothic Lolita fashion. Renowned for her gambling skills and cunning deception, she carries the moniker “Queen of Liars.” Adhering to the philosophy that one must be flexible to endure, she generally maintains composure but may erupt unexpectedly if provoked by something truly irritating. Her title is the Ultimate Gambler, and her execution is famously known as “The Burning of the Versailles Witch.

29. Kōsei Arima

Franchise: Your Lie in April

Kōsei is exceptionally talented in playing the piano, earning him the nickname “The Human Metronome.

Two years on, inspired by pianist Kaori Miyazono, he picks up his career again as an accompanist during competitions. Enthralled by her emotional playing style, Kōsei finds newfound self-assurance and develops romantic feelings for her, but never expresses them.

30. Hannah Annafellow

Franchise: Black Butler

Hannah serves as the maid in the Trancy household and is additionally bound to a demon, wielding the sword Laevateinn. She remains fiercely devoted to Alois Trancy, despite enduring physical and emotional mistreatment from him. This submissive behavior was common during that era. However, it’s later revealed that Hannah had a pact with Alois’ “brother”, Luka, for quite some time. This agreement was made so that Luka could realize his wish – the massacre of the villagers near them.

Hannah conveys that because she has affection for Luka, this extends to Alois as well, one possible reason being her tolerance of Alois’ mistreatment without using her abilities. Eventually, after recognizing that both Hannah and Luka (whose spirit dwells within her) are the only ones he can anticipate love from, she enters into another agreement with Alois.

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2025-06-07 03:49