Explore Vulcan Forged (PYR), a leading web3 ecosystem with gaming, NFTs, metaverse, and its own L1 blockchain, Elysium. Discover what sets it apart.

Vulcan Forged started out as a gaming hub targeting 

 users who could access play-to-earn (P2E) games on it that are powered by 

 blockchains. However, over time, Vulcan Forged has evolved into an all-encompassing blockchain and web3 platform. It now offers Elysium (a Layer 1 blockchain), a 

 (NFT) projects, and Vulcan Studios for developing mobile and PC web3 games.

Let's explore the Vulcan Forged web3 ecosystem and learn why it's definitely a project to watch in the busy web3 space.

, a blockchain-powered gaming ecosystem, offers comprehensive solutions to web3 users, suited to all gaming needs.

Founded in 2019 by a team led by current CEO and founder Jamie Thomson, Vulcan Forged started out as a gaming hub in which users could access NFT-powered web3 games. However, with Thomson at the helm, Vulcan Forged has transitioned into a full-fledged blockchain ecosystem that’s designed to solve the challenges faced by web3 users, such as high fees, slow transaction times and user-unfriendly gaming interfaces.

At the core of its comprehensive ecosystem is Elysium, a 

 designed specifically to power gaming and the metaverse. By leveraging the Elysium blockchain, Vulcan Forged is better positioned to offer enhanced functionalities, such as dynamic NFTs, an advanced suite of tools and a more immersive gaming experience.

Vulcan Studios, part of the Vulcan Forged ecosystem, supports the development of blockchain games. Several enhancements to Vulcan Studios now provide for an interconnected universe for gamers, a critical move in the platform's bid to become a more unified gaming ecosystem.

Vulcan Forged NFT marketplaces like Agora and Cedalion offer users a seamless experience in trading and creating digital assets. In particular, Agora provides a user-friendly interface for minting NFTs without gas fees that makes it accessible for creators and collectors alike.

Furthermore, the Vulcan Forged team has announced that VulcanX, its 

 (CEX), is almost complete. VulcanX will provide the platform's users with a gamified trading experience in which landholders In its ecosystem will share in generated revenue.

The entire Vulcan Forged ecosystem is governed by a dual-token economy consisting of PYR and ELY (previously LAVA) tokens.

 blockchain developed by Vulcan Forged that’s designed to power the future of web3 gaming, NFTs and 

 (DApps). Created with developers and users in mind, Elysium combines scalability, high throughput and a strong sustainability ethos to deliver a robust and eco-friendly blockchain ecosystem.

 (EVM) framework, Elysium supports fast, low-cost transactions, and is fully compatible with both Ethereum-based and Substrate-based tools. Its interoperability makes it an ideal platform for developers looking to deploy DApps, launch NFT collections or create gaming projects with dynamic on-chain mechanics.

A standout aspect of Elysium is its growing ecosystem of integrated tools, such as:

In addition to its robust technology, Elysium is central to the larger Vulcan Forged vision of a unified digital universe. It underpins diverse applications, including Vulcan’s NFT marketplaces, upcoming CEX and multi-game metaverse.

With an emphasis on accessibility, innovation and real-world use cases, Elysium is positioning itself as the core infrastructure for the mission Vulcan Forged has to merge gaming, blockchain and digital ownership into one immersive ecosystem.

In order to lower barriers to entry through enhanced user experience, Elysium offers three protocols that work together seamlessly to benefit web3 individuals and businesses. These protocols simplify the process of converting tokens, while offering fee delegation and allowing users to utilize any token in their wallets when transacting.

Vulcan Forged has created a comprehensive ecosystem to enhance web3 user experiences. Apart from the Elysium blockchain discussed above, other key components of the Vulcan Forged ecosystem are as follows.

Vulcan Studios is a gaming development platform designed to facilitate the creation, development and playing of PC and mobile games. In the revamped Vulcan Forged road map, these studios’ DeFi games are undergoing various enhancements to improve user experience.

Some of the notable games produced by Vulcan Studios include 

Vulcan Verse, Vulcan Runner, Berserk, Vulcan’s Creed

​MetaScapes is an innovative metaverse-as-a-service (MaaS) platform that empowers users to create and customize their own digital realms. Offering four distinct worlds — Fantasy, Cartoon, Urban and Futuristic — MetaScapes provides a versatile environment for creativity and exploration. Its users can personalize their avatars, design unique landscapes and even monetize their creations through in-world economies. 

With features like VR compatibility and AI assistance, MetaScapes aims to deliver an immersive and user-friendly experience, bridging the gap between imagination and digital reality.

The Vulcan Forged platform is powered by a dual token economy that consists of PYR and ELY tokens, each one playing a distinct role on the platform.

PYR is the primary token of Vulcan Forged. Initially, PYR was powered by the Ethereum and Polygon blockchains, but it’s now primarily powered by the Elysium blockchain. PYR plays three major roles on the platform: gaming, settlement and 

. It has a total supply of 50,000,000 tokens, with a circulating supply of 23,897,700 (as of May 15, 2025).

The primary use cases of the PYR token are as follows:

The second token on Vulcan Forged is ELY, which was formerly known as LAVA. ELY is Elysium's native and gas token. It also features many other uses, such as powering transactions and rewarding gameplay on Vulcan Forged games. You can earn ELY by participating in various games and accumulating XP points on the platform. Additionally, you can generate ELY tokens as rewards for holding PYR.

ELY’s total supply is 1 million tokens. Some uses of ELY include:

You can buy PYR on Bybit as the PYRUSDT Perpetual contract, with leverage of up to 12.5x. It's listed in Bybit's Innovation Zone, which gives you access to handpicked projects with a potential for high returns (also with higher fees and risk).

Vulcan Forged (PYR) crypto price prediction

As of May 15, 2025, PYR is priced at $1.34, 97.3% higher than its all-time high of $49.24 on Dec 1, 2021 and 51.8% higher than its all-time low of $0.88 on Apr 7, 2025.

Price prediction experts are cautiously bullish on PYR's future price. CoinCodex predicts that PYR 

 a maximum price of $1.49 in 2027 and increase to $4.43 in 2030. Meanwhile, DigitalCoinPrice is relatively more bullish on PYR, and expects that the token 

 a maximum price of $4.85 in 2027 and surge to $7.34 in 2030.

While these forecasts are bullish, they aren’t financial advice and they don’t guarantee the future price of PYR. We highly recommend that you 

 before you invest in Vulcan Forged or any other cryptocurrencies.

Vulcan Forged (PYR) is shaping the expanding universe of web3 gaming by merging cutting-edge technology with immersive player experiences. From its native Elysium blockchain to dynamic NFT ecosystems and the upcoming VulcanX decentralized exchange, the platform is setting new standards in decentralization, creativity and scalability.

Featuring a unified road map, tools like MetaScapes, NFT marketplaces, and Elysium Swap, Bridge and Scan, Vulcan Forged is building more than games — it’s forging a sustainable digital economy. As its ecosystem grows, PYR, its cross-platform utility token, remains at the heart of this transformation, empowering game developers, creators and players in the next era of decentralized entertainment. 

Intermediate

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Vulcan Forged (PYR): The expanding universe of web3 gaming and beyond

Discover MapleStory Universe, Nexon's blockchain-powered version of the iconic MMORPG game loved by over 250 million players. Learn more about the launch of MapleStory N on May 15, the NXPC token and how to trade NXPC on Bybit.

, a simple, 2D MMORPG that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its blocky characters and iconic town of Henesys were etched in the memories of over 250 million players who played the game worldwide. Now, Nexspace, an Abu Dhabi–based subsidiary of Nexon, is recreating this world on-chain with MapleStory Universe. 

At its core, MSU is a faithful recreation of 

s legacy. It revives the beloved characters, art styles and lore while simultaneously improving the game by integrating blockchain technology. Nexpace believes this integration will transform the franchise from a centralized ecosystem into a player-owned universe, creating a win-win scenario for both the original players and web3 natives. 

 IP is already an established success, with 250 million players and over $5 billion in revenue. MapleStory Universe aims to bring its enormous player base into MSU through various incentives, such as cross-platform progression and exclusive rewards for legacy users. 

Behind all of this development is Nexpace, the blockchain-focused subsidiary of Nexon established in 2023. Sun Young Hwang is the CEO of Nexpace and a leader at MapleStory Universe. With 15 years of experience at Nexon, Hwang brings a wealth of expertise and a clear vision for the ecosystem’s growth in the web3 space. 

As part of its mission to launch a gaming universe, Nexpace teams announced 

, the first standalone game of the MapleStory Universe. It’s a PC-based MMORPG with onchain item ownership. The game is set for a global launch on May 15, 2025, and is currently available for 

. According to BlockchainGamer.biz, the game was so popular that it 

 players can issue, trade and manage in-game 

. Post-launch, the community can collaborate on content development, influencing the game’s evolution through creator tools. 

, a blockchain tailored for gamers. Built on 

, it combines Nexon’s 20-plus years of anti-cheat expertise with 

’s tamperproof randomness (critical for fair loot boxes). Transactions are free, fast and invisible during gameplay. No crypto wallets are required upfront. For 

 veterans, this offers a smooth gateway into web3, and for crypto natives, it brings a beloved gaming franchise on-chain.

Blockchain's role in the MapleStory Universe

The Henesys blockchain plays a crucial role in MSU’s development and execution. It provides sub-second finality and support for thousands of 

 (TPS), ensuring gameplay remains fluid and uninterrupted.

On top of that, the use of blockchain also enables players to own and trade in-game assets as NFTs. These NFTs are designed to be interoperable across every game that’s built in the MapleStory Universe, providing increased utility and value for these digital assets.

The game’s economy also relies on the decentralized nature of blockchains to create an ever-changing world. It incentivizes creators to design unique planets, each with its own tailored gameplay and social experiences, and rewards them with NXPC tokens for their contributions. 

NXPC is the native utility token of MapleStory Universe, with a fixed supply of 1 billion. It functions as the reserve currency of the universe, and is used to link gameplay assets to the border ecosystem. 

The token’s initial distribution also reinforces its decentralized nature, as 80% of NXPC is reserved for contributor reward, with just 0.696% allocated for the team and 0.4% for advisors,

Additionally, the team and advisors allocations also have vesting requirements. The team token has a structured vesting schedule with a 9-month cliff, followed by quarterly unlocks over the next three years. For advisors, there’s a 12-month cliff, followed by milestone-based vesting. 

MSU’s franchise has generated $5 billion in revenue since 2003. The organization behind the game is focused on longevity, as opposed to a quick money grab. Crucially, blockchain technology has matured to an extent where it can deliver seamless gameplay, matching the smooth experience players expect from traditional platforms. 

 starting on May 15, 2025. From now through May 28, 10AM UTC, new and existing Bybit users can stand a chance to win from a prize pool of 9,000,000 NXPC by 

. Register for this event at Bybit Token Splash 

Beginner

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Nexpace (NXPC): MapleStory IP goes web3

The Ethereum Foundation has launched the Trillion Dollar Security Initiative, aiming to elevate Ethereum’s security beyond the crypto ecosystem to rival global legacy systems. 

The S&P 500 edged up 0.1%, lifted by tech gains from Nvidia and AMD, despite broader sector losses. Gold dropped below $3,200 as easing US-China trade tensions and rising Treasury yields reduced safe-haven demand, despite softer inflation data. Traders await US PPI and retail sales for further cues. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, down 1.64%, with Bitcoin and Ether down 1.47% and 3.35%, in the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is ATH, which rose 15.2% after Aethir boosted conversions with its instant play decentralized cloud gaming solution.

Aethir (ATH), founded in 2021, is a decentralized GPU cloud platform that provides scalable computing power for Web3 applications like gaming, AI, and design, enabling businesses to run high-performance tasks without centralized infrastructure. 

 boosts gaming user acquisition by enabling instant play without downloads, reducing costs and improving conversion. In a case study with SuperScale, games using Aethir’s tech saw a 45% higher conversion rate, 93% higher ARPU, and 43% more users preferring instant play over downloads. By bypassing app store fees and offering seamless gameplay access, Aethir provides studios with a cost-effective, high-conversion alternative to traditional mobile gaming funnels.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

The Ethereum Foundation has launched the 

, aiming to elevate Ethereum’s security beyond the crypto ecosystem to rival global legacy systems. The initiative will (1) map Ethereum’s security landscape, (2) execute key improvements across its stack—from wallet UX to consensus, and (3) improve communication around Ethereum's security standards. Led by EF’s Fredrik Svantes and Josh Stark, with support from security experts samczsun, Mehdi Zerouali, and Zach Obront, the initiative seeks broad ecosystem input to achieve a world where trillions in value can be securely held onchain.

Yesterday, BTC spot ETFs saw $86.6 million in net inflows, all from non-GBTC funds, while GBTC recorded no flow.

, rewarding whitelisted participants with 100 xpSPON for completing simple tasks like following on X and joining Discord. xpSPON will directly impact your future SPON airdrop allocation — the more you earn, the greater your rewards.

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Ethereum Foundation launches initiative to bring trillion-dollar security onchain

Diversification reduce reliance on any single market, ensuring stability during downturns. Here are the top 5 ways to diversify your portfolio.

Imagine watching the market crash while your portfolio stays steady — not because you predicted the dip, but because you built a strong defense against it. 

 is a time-tested financial safeguard in unpredictable markets. By balancing various assets, such as crypto, commodities, 

 and international stocks, investors can weather 

 and seize opportunities. So, how do you diversify effectively without overcomplicating things? This article explores the top expert strategies, and some common pitfalls to avoid.

 strategy that spreads investments across different asset classes, sectors or countries to reduce exposure to any single asset or risk. This approach aims to stabilize returns by cushioning the impact of market volatility on your overall portfolio.

Why is portfolio diversification important?

The age-old advice not to “put all your eggs in one basket” holds true when it comes to investing, and it’s a simple but powerful way to protect your wealth. Diversification helps safeguard your capital by spreading your investments across different assets so that when one underperforms, others may help offset the loss. This strategy is especially important for people nearing retirement, or for anyone who values financial stability.

By investing across various asset classes — such as stocks, bonds and real estate, as well as different industries and geographic regions — you build a portfolio that’s more resilient to economic ups and downs. But beyond just reducing risk, diversification often leads to better risk-adjusted returns and less day-to-day volatility, for an investment experience that’s less stressful overall. Moreover, because not all investments will dip at the same time, investors don’t continually have to monitor everything in their portfolios.

Diversification can also help guard against inflation, thanks to assets that tend to perform well when prices rise. At the same time, it opens the door to opportunities in growing markets, all while keeping your investment approach balanced and aligned with your long-term financial goals.

Top 5 tips for diversifying your portfolio

Here are five smart ways to diversify your investments and protect your future returns.

Tip 1: Spread investments across asset classes

Spreading your investments across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, cryptocurrencies and commodities, helps ensure your portfolio isn’t overly exposed to the risks of any single market segment. This makes your investments more resilient. Different assets often react differently to market conditions, so when one asset underperforms, others may perform better, balancing your overall returns (as well as your risks).

Assuming you invest solely in stocks, and the stock market declines, your entire portfolio may suffer. However, if you also hold bonds, which often perform well when stocks decline, any blow to your portfolio can be softened.​

Don’t just buy one type of stock or bond. Within each asset class, invest in a mix of sectors (such as technology, healthcare and energy), company sizes (large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap) and styles (growth, value and dividend). This approach further reduces the risk that poor performance in one area or industry will drag down your entire portfolio.

If you invest heavily in the technology sector and it experiences a downturn, your portfolio could suffer accordingly. Diversifying into other sectors like healthcare or consumer goods can help balance your investments’ performance.​

Tip 3: Low-cost index funds and ETFs for instant diversification

 (ETFs) offer a ready-made way to achieve diversification. They provide exposure to a broad range of assets or sectors, often at a lower cost than actively managed funds. This approach simplifies diversification, and can be more accessible for individual investors, especially beginners. It's an efficient way to diversify quickly and easily, as each fund typically holds dozens or even hundreds of underlying securities.

For instance, investing in an S&P 500 index fund gives you exposure to 500 large US companies, providing instant diversification across various industries.​

​Expanding your portfolio to include international assets can enhance diversification and provide exposure to growth opportunities beyond your home country. Investing globally can help mitigate risks associated with domestic economic downturns, as different regions may experience varying economic cycles.​

 their US counterparts in the first quarter of 2025. This outperformance was attributed to strong corporate earnings, increased defense and infrastructure spending in Europe, and the absence of direct US tariffs targeting European goods. Despite initial skepticism, European stocks rose by 10–12%, even as US markets declined somewhat, thus helping to stabilize global portfolio returns for investors with international diversification

However, investors must be mindful of currency exchange risks. Fluctuations in exchange rates can impact the value of international investments. For instance, if you invest in a European company and the euro depreciates against the US dollar, the value of your investment in dollar terms may decrease even if the company's performance remains strong.

Diversification isn’t a one-time task. Over time, some investments may grow faster than others, skewing your original allocation. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio ensures it stays aligned with your 

 and investment goals, maintaining the benefits of diversification while improving long-term performance.

Let’s say your target allocation is 60% stocks and 40% bonds, but stocks perform well and grow to 70% of your portfolio. In this case, rebalancing would involve selling some stocks and buying bonds to return to your original allocation.​

Common portfolio diversification mistakes to avoid

Avoiding these common diversification mistakes can help you build a stronger, more resilient portfolio:

How to diversify your portfolio with Bybit

Bybit is a leading crypto exchange that offers a wide range of products designed to help you diversify across cryptocurrencies, traditional assets and innovative financial instruments. Following are some of the many products and services that Bybit offers.

Portfolio diversification is a key strategy for reducing risk by spreading investments across different asset classes, sectors and regions. Achieving this goal, however, requires a balanced and disciplined approach to ensure resilience and long-term growth. Bybit helps simplify this process with powerful tools like MT5 trading, Copy Trading and Structured Products. These tools allow investors to diversify their portfolios more effectively, providing access to diverse markets and strategies while also minimizing risk. 

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Top 5 tips to diversify your portfolio

Bybit Learn

Stablecoin

The top industries you can make USDC payments in include retail, e-commerce, travel, entertainment, technology, digital services, philanthropy and more.

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 is expanding beyond crypto trading to help create a more accessible and efficient global financial system. Several industries are rapidly adopting this regulated 

 as a payment method, offering consumers new ways to use their digital dollars for everyday purchases and services. This article examines the top seven industries where USDC payments are making the greatest impact today, how these transactions work behind the scenes and the advantages that make this stablecoin an attractive alternative to conventional payment methods.

USDC is a regulated stablecoin, issued by Circle, that maintains a fixed 1:1 value with the US dollar. It offers speed, efficiency and borderless transactions while eliminating the price volatility that makes many cryptocurrencies impractical for everyday transactions.

Each USDC token is fully backed by US dollars and short-term Treasury instruments held in regulated financial institutions. This transparent reserve structure ensures stability and builds trust among merchants and consumers, contributing to USDC's growing adoption as a payment method worldwide.

 to transfer value directly between digital wallets. When a user initiates a payment, their wallet creates a digitally signed transaction specifying the recipient's address and the USDC amount. This transaction is broadcast to the blockchain network, where validators verify the signature and confirm sufficient balance.

Once it’s validated, the transaction is added to the blockchain, and the USDC 

 automatically updates balances by reducing the sender's holdings and increasing the recipient's. This process typically completes within seconds to minutes, depending upon the specific blockchain network and its current congestion level.

For merchants, payment processors like Circle Business Solutions and BitPay handle the technical aspects by integrating with point-of-sale systems. These services can automatically convert incoming USDC to fiat currency (if desired), provide compliance support and generate financial reporting.

USDC operates across multiple blockchain networks, including 

. Specialized bridges enable transfers between these systems while maintaining the token's 1:1 dollar peg throughout the payment journey.

While USDC offers substantial benefits over traditional payment systems, it also presents the following challenges that users and businesses should consider before adoption.

Best industries in which to make USDC payments

USDC adoption continues to grow across numerous sectors, with specific industries leading the way in accepting this digital dollar for goods and services.

Retail has embraced USDC as a payment option across diverse price points and product categories. Leading brands such as Home Depot, GameStop and Chipotle now accept USDC through payment processors like BitPay and Flexa, offering customers a streamlined checkout experience.

 the acceptance of USDC through Crypto.com's payment service, marking the electronics giant's first step into direct crypto transactions in the region. Online marketplaces and smaller e-commerce stores also incorporate USDC payment gateways to offer customers more flexibility while reducing transaction costs.

The travel industry has emerged as a front-runner in USDC adoption, offering travelers a convenient way to book overseas vacations without currency exchange complications. 

 (AVA), a blockchain-based travel booking platform, allows customers to pay with USDC for over 3 million travel products worldwide, including hotels, flights and car rentals.

Other travel providers like Cheapair.com and Alternative Airlines also accept cryptocurrency payments, including USDC, and provide travelers with seamless booking experiences regardless of location. This adoption is particularly valuable for international travelers, who can avoid currency exchange fees and enjoy faster transaction processing.

The entertainment sector has embraced USDC payments across various platforms. Major streaming services and content providers now accept cryptocurrency payments, allowing subscribers to access premium content using their digital assets.

In the gaming world, platforms such as Xbox and various online gaming services accept USDC through payment processors like BitPay, enabling gamers to purchase games, in-game items and subscriptions. Additionally, Twitch streamers can receive donations in USDC, creating new revenue streams for content creators.

Tech companies were among the earliest adopters of cryptocurrency payments. Microsoft, one of the world's largest technology corporations, accepts USDC through BitPay for various products and services, such as Microsoft account credits that can be used for Xbox games and apps.

Other tech vendors embracing USDC payments include Newegg, a popular electronics retailer; ExpressVPN, a leading virtual private network service; and Dish Network, which allows subscribers to pay for their TV services using cryptocurrencies. Software companies, web hosting services and cloud storage providers also integrate USDC payment options.

The automotive industry has begun exploring cryptocurrency payments, with companies like Tesla periodically accepting digital currencies for vehicle purchases. Platforms like 

 facilitate vehicle purchases using stablecoins such as USDC, connecting buyers with dealerships willing to accept cryptocurrency payments.

Luxury brands across various segments have also started accepting USDC, thus appealing to crypto-wealthy clientele. From high-end watches and jewelry to designer fashion and accessories, luxury merchants recognize the growing purchasing power of crypto holders and are adapting their payment systems accordingly.

Charitable organizations worldwide now accept USDC donations, offering donors a transparent and efficient way to support causes they care about. Major international organizations like Save the Children and The Water Project accept cryptocurrency donations, leveraging blockchain's transparency to show donors exactly how their contributions are being used.

Smaller nonprofits are also adopting USDC payment options, often benefiting from lower transaction fees as compared to traditional donation methods — especially for international contributions. This allows more of each donation to go directly to the cause, rather than being lost to processing fees.

Law firms, accounting services, consulting agencies and other professional service providers are increasingly accepting USDC payments, particularly those serving clients in the technology and finance sectors. These businesses benefit from immediate settlement and reduced transaction costs, especially when working with international clients.

USDC stands at the forefront of an emerging internet-native financial system that promises to transform global value exchange. With 

, UDSC is demonstrating its capacity to handle significant economic activity at scale.

Several complementary developments are driving USDC's growing role in payments: 

User experience (UX) innovations push technical complexities to the background, making the technology accessible to mainstream users. The expanding connections between USDC and traditional finance (TradFi) are unlocking practical payment applications beyond crypto trading, including global payroll, supplier payments, remittances and merchant services.

This progression mirrors the internet’s development, from dial-up connections and basic browsers to today's seamless digital experiences that serve billions of people. With traditional payment executives recognizing the need for instant payment infrastructure, USDC offers a solution that aligns with broader financial trends toward openness and frictionless value transfer.

USDC leverages blockchain's fundamental advantages — speed, cost-efficiency, global reach and programmability — to power frictionless value exchange across industries and borders, helping to build a more accessible and efficient global financial system.

With major corporations like Sony Singapore already embracing this regulated stablecoin, we're witnessing the early stages of what could become the new standard for digital payments in our increasingly connected global economy.

Top 7 industries that you can make USDC payments in

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Top 7 industries that you can make USDC payments in

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Compete for 2,500 USDT USDT Every Week

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards