for _, player in ipairs(Players:GetPlayers()) do
	local character = player.Character
	if character then
		local playerRoot = character:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
		local playerHumanoid = character:FindFirstChild("Humanoid")

		if playerRoot and playerHumanoid and playerHumanoid.Health > 0 then
			local distance = (rootPart.Position - playerRoot.Position).Magnitude
			if distance < minDistance then
				minDistance = distance
				nearestPlayer = character
			end
		end
	end
end
return nearestPlayer

for _, player in ipairs(Players:GetPlayers()) do
	local character = player.Character
	if character then
		local playerRoot = character:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
		local playerHumanoid = character:FindFirstChild("Humanoid")

		if playerRoot and playerHumanoid and playerHumanoid.Health > 0 then
			local distance = (rootPart.Position - playerRoot.Position).Magnitude
			if distance < minDistance then
				minDistance = distance
				nearestPlayer = character
			end
		end
	end
end
return nearestPlayer

-- Create and compute the path
local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3, -- Adjust based on NPC size
	AgentHeight = 6,
	AgentCanJump = true -- Allow NPC to jump if needed
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	currentWaypointIndex = 1 -- Start from the first waypoint
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()

	if #waypoints > 0 then
		-- Start walking animation if not already playing
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Play()
		end
		-- Move to the first *actual* waypoint (index 2, as 1 is usually the start)
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			-- If only one waypoint (target is very close/reachable directly)
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		-- No waypoints generated, maybe target is unreachable or too close
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position) -- Try moving directly
	end
else
	-- Path computation failed
	warn("Pathfinding error for NPC:", npc.Name, errorMessage or path.Status)
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
end

-- Create and compute the path
local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3, -- Adjust based on NPC size
	AgentHeight = 6,
	AgentCanJump = true -- Allow NPC to jump if needed
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	currentWaypointIndex = 1 -- Start from the first waypoint
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()

	if #waypoints > 0 then
		-- Start walking animation if not already playing
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Play()
		end
		-- Move to the first *actual* waypoint (index 2, as 1 is usually the start)
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			-- If only one waypoint (target is very close/reachable directly)
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		-- No waypoints generated, maybe target is unreachable or too close
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position) -- Try moving directly
	end
else
	-- Path computation failed
	warn("Pathfinding error for NPC:", npc.Name, errorMessage or path.Status)
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
end

currentTarget = findNearestPlayer()

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	if not targetRoot then
		-- Target lost root part (maybe died or left)
		currentTarget = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving
		currentPath = nil
		return
	end

	local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

	-- Stop if close enough
	if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving precisely
		currentPath = nil -- Clear path
		return -- Don't recalculate path if already close
	end

	-- Recalculate path periodically or if no path exists
	if timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME or not currentPath then
		timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
		followPath(currentTarget)
	end

else
	-- No target found
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
	-- Optional: Add idle behavior here (e.g., wander)
	if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0 then -- If still moving from previous path
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving
	end
	currentPath = nil
end

currentTarget = findNearestPlayer()

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	if not targetRoot then
		-- Target lost root part (maybe died or left)
		currentTarget = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving
		currentPath = nil
		return
	end

	local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

	-- Stop if close enough
	if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving precisely
		currentPath = nil -- Clear path
		return -- Don't recalculate path if already close
	end

	-- Recalculate path periodically or if no path exists
	if timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME or not currentPath then
		timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
		followPath(currentTarget)
	end

else
	-- No target found
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
	-- Optional: Add idle behavior here (e.g., wander)
	if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0 then -- If still moving from previous path
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving
	end
	currentPath = nil
end

for _, player in ipairs(Players:GetPlayers()) do
	local character = player.Character
	if character then
		local playerRoot = character:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
		local playerHumanoid = character:FindFirstChild("Humanoid")

		if playerRoot and playerHumanoid and playerHumanoid.Health > 0 then
			local distance = (rootPart.Position - playerRoot.Position).Magnitude
			if distance < minDistance then
				minDistance = distance
				nearestPlayer = character
			end
		end
	end
end
return nearestPlayer

for _, player in ipairs(Players:GetPlayers()) do
	local character = player.Character
	if character then
		local playerRoot = character:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
		local playerHumanoid = character:FindFirstChild("Humanoid")

		if playerRoot and playerHumanoid and playerHumanoid.Health > 0 then
			local distance = (rootPart.Position - playerRoot.Position).Magnitude
			if distance < minDistance then
				minDistance = distance
				nearestPlayer = character
			end
		end
	end
end
return nearestPlayer

-- Create and compute the path
local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3, -- Adjust based on NPC size
	AgentHeight = 6,
	AgentCanJump = true -- Allow NPC to jump if needed
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	currentWaypointIndex = 1 -- Start from the first waypoint
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()

	if #waypoints > 0 then
		-- Start walking animation if not already playing
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Play()
		end
		-- Move to the first *actual* waypoint (index 2, as 1 is usually the start)
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			-- If only one waypoint (target is very close/reachable directly)
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		-- No waypoints generated, maybe target is unreachable or too close
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position) -- Try moving directly
	end
else
	-- Path computation failed
	warn("Pathfinding error for NPC:", npc.Name, errorMessage or path.Status)
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
end

-- Create and compute the path
local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3, -- Adjust based on NPC size
	AgentHeight = 6,
	AgentCanJump = true -- Allow NPC to jump if needed
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	currentWaypointIndex = 1 -- Start from the first waypoint
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()

	if #waypoints > 0 then
		-- Start walking animation if not already playing
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Play()
		end
		-- Move to the first *actual* waypoint (index 2, as 1 is usually the start)
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			-- If only one waypoint (target is very close/reachable directly)
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		-- No waypoints generated, maybe target is unreachable or too close
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position) -- Try moving directly
	end
else
	-- Path computation failed
	warn("Pathfinding error for NPC:", npc.Name, errorMessage or path.Status)
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
end

currentTarget = findNearestPlayer()

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	if not targetRoot then
		-- Target lost root part (maybe died or left)
		currentTarget = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving
		currentPath = nil
		return
	end

	local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

	-- Stop if close enough
	if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving precisely
		currentPath = nil -- Clear path
		return -- Don't recalculate path if already close
	end

	-- Recalculate path periodically or if no path exists
	if timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME or not currentPath then
		timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
		followPath(currentTarget)
	end

else
	-- No target found
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
	-- Optional: Add idle behavior here (e.g., wander)
	if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0 then -- If still moving from previous path
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving
	end
	currentPath = nil
end

currentTarget = findNearestPlayer()

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	if not targetRoot then
		-- Target lost root part (maybe died or left)
		currentTarget = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving
		currentPath = nil
		return
	end

	local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

	-- Stop if close enough
	if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving precisely
		currentPath = nil -- Clear path
		return -- Don't recalculate path if already close
	end

	-- Recalculate path periodically or if no path exists
	if timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME or not currentPath then
		timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
		followPath(currentTarget)
	end

else
	-- No target found
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
	-- Optional: Add idle behavior here (e.g., wander)
	if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0 then -- If still moving from previous path
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop moving
	end
	currentPath = nil
end

walkAnimation.AnimationId = "rbxassetid://YOUR_WALK_ANIMATION_ID_HERE"

walkAnimation.AnimationId = "rbxassetid://YOUR_WALK_ANIMATION_ID_HERE"

walkAnimation.AnimationId = "rbxassetid://180426354" -- (R15 Walk Animation)

walkAnimation.AnimationId = "rbxassetid://180426354" -- (R15 Walk Animation)

local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3,
	AgentHeight = 6,
	AgentCanJump = true
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	currentWaypointIndex = 1
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()
	if #waypoints > 0 then
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Play()
		end
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position)
	end
else
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
end

local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3,
	AgentHeight = 6,
	AgentCanJump = true
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	currentWaypointIndex = 1
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()
	if #waypoints > 0 then
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Play()
		end
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position)
	end
else
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
end

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	if not targetRoot then
		currentTarget = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
		currentPath = nil
		return
	end

	local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

	if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
		currentPath = nil
		return
	end

	if timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME or not currentPath then
		timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
		followPath(currentTarget)
	end
else
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
	if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0 then
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
	end
	currentPath = nil
end

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	if not targetRoot then
		currentTarget = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
		currentPath = nil
		return
	end

	local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

	if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
			walkAnimTrack:Stop()
		end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
		currentPath = nil
		return
	end

	if timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME or not currentPath then
		timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
		followPath(currentTarget)
	end
else
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
		walkAnimTrack:Stop()
	end
	if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0 then
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
	end
	currentPath = nil
end

-- Create and compute the path
local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3, AgentHeight = 6, AgentCanJump = true
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()
	if #waypoints > 0 then
		isPathfinding = true -- Enter pathfinding mode
		currentWaypointIndex = 1 -- Reset waypoint index
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Play() end -- Ensure animation plays

		-- Move to the first *actual* waypoint (index 2) if available
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			-- Only one waypoint (target is very close/reachable directly via path)
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		-- Path has no waypoints (target likely very close/unreachable?)
		isPathfinding = false -- Exit pathfinding mode as it failed
		currentPath = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop if path is empty
	end
else
	-- Path computation failed
	warn("Pathfinding error for NPC:", npc.Name, errorMessage or path.Status)
	isPathfinding = false
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
	humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop if path fails
end

-- Create and compute the path
local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3, AgentHeight = 6, AgentCanJump = true
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()
	if #waypoints > 0 then
		isPathfinding = true -- Enter pathfinding mode
		currentWaypointIndex = 1 -- Reset waypoint index
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Play() end -- Ensure animation plays

		-- Move to the first *actual* waypoint (index 2) if available
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			-- Only one waypoint (target is very close/reachable directly via path)
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		-- Path has no waypoints (target likely very close/unreachable?)
		isPathfinding = false -- Exit pathfinding mode as it failed
		currentPath = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop if path is empty
	end
else
	-- Path computation failed
	warn("Pathfinding error for NPC:", npc.Name, errorMessage or path.Status)
	isPathfinding = false
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
	humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop if path fails
end

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	local targetHumanoid = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("Humanoid") -- Check if target is alive

	-- Validate target
	if not targetRoot or not targetHumanoid or targetHumanoid.Health <= 0 then
		currentTarget = nil -- Target lost or died
		-- Fall-through to the 'else' block below to stop NPC
	else
		-- Target is valid
		local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

		-- Stop if close enough
		if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
			isPathfinding = false
			currentPath = nil
			if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
			humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop precisely
			return -- Exit Heartbeat iteration early
		end

		-- Check Line of Sight using Raycast
		local origin = rootPart.Position
		local direction = (targetRoot.Position - origin)
		-- Cast slightly further than the actual distance to ensure we hit the player if path is clear
		local rayDistance = direction.Magnitude + RAYCAST_DISTANCE_BUFFER
		local raycastResult = Workspace:Raycast(origin, direction.Unit * rayDistance, raycastParams)

		local directPathClear = false
		if raycastResult then
			-- Check if the ray hit the target character or something else
			if raycastResult.Instance:IsDescendantOf(currentTarget) then
				directPathClear = true -- Hit the target player, path is clear!
			else
				directPathClear = false -- Hit an obstacle
			end
		else
			-- Ray hit nothing within the cast distance.
			-- This implies a clear path *if* the target is actually within that distance.
			if distanceToTarget < rayDistance then
				directPathClear = true
			end
		end

		-- === Movement Logic ===
		if directPathClear then
			-- DIRECT CHASE MODE
			if isPathfinding then
				-- If we were pathfinding, stop it now
				isPathfinding = false
				currentPath = nil
				-- Don't stop MoveTo immediately, the new MoveTo will override
			end
			humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position)
			if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
				walkAnimTrack:Play()
			end
			timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0 -- Reset path timer as we are moving directly

		else
			-- OBSTACLE DETECTED - PATHFINDING MODE
			-- Recalculate path if not currently pathfinding, or if it's time to recompute
			if not isPathfinding or timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME then
				timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
				computeAndFollowPath(currentTarget)
			elseif isPathfinding and not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying and humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0.1 then
				-- If already pathfinding but animation stopped (e.g. after brief stop), restart it
				walkAnimTrack:Play()
			end
		end

		return -- Exit Heartbeat iteration after processing target
	end
end

-- === No Target Found or Target Invalidated ===
isPathfinding = false
currentPath = nil
if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
	walkAnimTrack:Stop()
end
-- Stop moving only if currently moving
if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0.1 then
	humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
end

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	local targetHumanoid = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("Humanoid") -- Check if target is alive

	-- Validate target
	if not targetRoot or not targetHumanoid or targetHumanoid.Health <= 0 then
		currentTarget = nil -- Target lost or died
		-- Fall-through to the 'else' block below to stop NPC
	else
		-- Target is valid
		local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

		-- Stop if close enough
		if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
			isPathfinding = false
			currentPath = nil
			if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
			humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop precisely
			return -- Exit Heartbeat iteration early
		end

		-- Check Line of Sight using Raycast
		local origin = rootPart.Position
		local direction = (targetRoot.Position - origin)
		-- Cast slightly further than the actual distance to ensure we hit the player if path is clear
		local rayDistance = direction.Magnitude + RAYCAST_DISTANCE_BUFFER
		local raycastResult = Workspace:Raycast(origin, direction.Unit * rayDistance, raycastParams)

		local directPathClear = false
		if raycastResult then
			-- Check if the ray hit the target character or something else
			if raycastResult.Instance:IsDescendantOf(currentTarget) then
				directPathClear = true -- Hit the target player, path is clear!
			else
				directPathClear = false -- Hit an obstacle
			end
		else
			-- Ray hit nothing within the cast distance.
			-- This implies a clear path *if* the target is actually within that distance.
			if distanceToTarget < rayDistance then
				directPathClear = true
			end
		end

		-- === Movement Logic ===
		if directPathClear then
			-- DIRECT CHASE MODE
			if isPathfinding then
				-- If we were pathfinding, stop it now
				isPathfinding = false
				currentPath = nil
				-- Don't stop MoveTo immediately, the new MoveTo will override
			end
			humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position)
			if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
				walkAnimTrack:Play()
			end
			timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0 -- Reset path timer as we are moving directly

		else
			-- OBSTACLE DETECTED - PATHFINDING MODE
			-- Recalculate path if not currently pathfinding, or if it's time to recompute
			if not isPathfinding or timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME then
				timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
				computeAndFollowPath(currentTarget)
			elseif isPathfinding and not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying and humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0.1 then
				-- If already pathfinding but animation stopped (e.g. after brief stop), restart it
				walkAnimTrack:Play()
			end
		end

		return -- Exit Heartbeat iteration after processing target
	end
end

-- === No Target Found or Target Invalidated ===
isPathfinding = false
currentPath = nil
if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
	walkAnimTrack:Stop()
end
-- Stop moving only if currently moving
if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0.1 then
	humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
end

-- Create and compute the path
local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3, AgentHeight = 6, AgentCanJump = true
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()
	if #waypoints > 0 then
		isPathfinding = true -- Enter pathfinding mode
		currentWaypointIndex = 1 -- Reset waypoint index
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Play() end -- Ensure animation plays

		-- Move to the first *actual* waypoint (index 2) if available
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			-- Only one waypoint (target is very close/reachable directly via path)
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		-- Path has no waypoints (target likely very close/unreachable?)
		isPathfinding = false -- Exit pathfinding mode as it failed
		currentPath = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop if path is empty
	end
else
	-- Path computation failed
	warn("Pathfinding error for NPC:", npc.Name, errorMessage or path.Status)
	isPathfinding = false
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
	humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop if path fails
end

-- Create and compute the path
local path = PathfindingService:CreatePath({
	AgentRadius = 3, AgentHeight = 6, AgentCanJump = true
})

local success, errorMessage = pcall(function()
	path:ComputeAsync(rootPart.Position, targetRoot.Position)
end)

if success and path.Status == Enum.PathStatus.Success then
	currentPath = path
	local waypoints = currentPath:GetWaypoints()
	if #waypoints > 0 then
		isPathfinding = true -- Enter pathfinding mode
		currentWaypointIndex = 1 -- Reset waypoint index
		if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Play() end -- Ensure animation plays

		-- Move to the first *actual* waypoint (index 2) if available
		if #waypoints > 1 then
			currentWaypointIndex = 2
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[currentWaypointIndex].Position)
		else
			-- Only one waypoint (target is very close/reachable directly via path)
			humanoid:MoveTo(waypoints[1].Position)
		end
	else
		-- Path has no waypoints (target likely very close/unreachable?)
		isPathfinding = false -- Exit pathfinding mode as it failed
		currentPath = nil
		if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
		humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop if path is empty
	end
else
	-- Path computation failed
	warn("Pathfinding error for NPC:", npc.Name, errorMessage or path.Status)
	isPathfinding = false
	currentPath = nil
	if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
	humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop if path fails
end

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	local targetHumanoid = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("Humanoid") -- Check if target is alive

	-- Validate target
	if not targetRoot or not targetHumanoid or targetHumanoid.Health <= 0 then
		currentTarget = nil -- Target lost or died
		-- Fall-through to the 'else' block below to stop NPC
	else
		-- Target is valid
		local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

		-- Stop if close enough
		if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
			isPathfinding = false
			currentPath = nil
			if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
			humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop precisely
			return -- Exit Heartbeat iteration early
		end

		-- Check Line of Sight using Raycast
		local origin = rootPart.Position
		local direction = (targetRoot.Position - origin)
		-- Cast slightly further than the actual distance to ensure we hit the player if path is clear
		local rayDistance = direction.Magnitude + RAYCAST_DISTANCE_BUFFER
		local raycastResult = Workspace:Raycast(origin, direction.Unit * rayDistance, raycastParams)

		local directPathClear = false
		if raycastResult then
			-- Check if the ray hit the target character or something else
			if raycastResult.Instance:IsDescendantOf(currentTarget) then
				directPathClear = true -- Hit the target player, path is clear!
			else
				directPathClear = false -- Hit an obstacle
			end
		else
			-- Ray hit nothing within the cast distance.
			-- This implies a clear path *if* the target is actually within that distance.
			if distanceToTarget < rayDistance then
				directPathClear = true
			end
		end

		-- === Movement Logic ===
		if directPathClear then
			-- DIRECT CHASE MODE
			if isPathfinding then
				-- If we were pathfinding, stop it now
				isPathfinding = false
				currentPath = nil
				-- Don't stop MoveTo immediately, the new MoveTo will override
			end
			humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position)
			if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
				walkAnimTrack:Play()
			end
			timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0 -- Reset path timer as we are moving directly

		else
			-- OBSTACLE DETECTED - PATHFINDING MODE
			-- Recalculate path if not currently pathfinding, or if it's time to recompute
			if not isPathfinding or timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME then
				timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
				computeAndFollowPath(currentTarget)
			elseif isPathfinding and not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying and humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0.1 then
				-- If already pathfinding but animation stopped (e.g. after brief stop), restart it
				walkAnimTrack:Play()
			end
		end

		return -- Exit Heartbeat iteration after processing target
	end
end

-- === No Target Found or Target Invalidated ===
isPathfinding = false
currentPath = nil
if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
	walkAnimTrack:Stop()
end
-- Stop moving only if currently moving
if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0.1 then
	humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
end

if currentTarget then
	local targetRoot = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("HumanoidRootPart")
	local targetHumanoid = currentTarget:FindFirstChild("Humanoid") -- Check if target is alive

	-- Validate target
	if not targetRoot or not targetHumanoid or targetHumanoid.Health <= 0 then
		currentTarget = nil -- Target lost or died
		-- Fall-through to the 'else' block below to stop NPC
	else
		-- Target is valid
		local distanceToTarget = (rootPart.Position - targetRoot.Position).Magnitude

		-- Stop if close enough
		if distanceToTarget <= STOP_DISTANCE then
			isPathfinding = false
			currentPath = nil
			if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then walkAnimTrack:Stop() end
			humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position) -- Stop precisely
			return -- Exit Heartbeat iteration early
		end

		-- Check Line of Sight using Raycast
		local origin = rootPart.Position
		local direction = (targetRoot.Position - origin)
		-- Cast slightly further than the actual distance to ensure we hit the player if path is clear
		local rayDistance = direction.Magnitude + RAYCAST_DISTANCE_BUFFER
		local raycastResult = Workspace:Raycast(origin, direction.Unit * rayDistance, raycastParams)

		local directPathClear = false
		if raycastResult then
			-- Check if the ray hit the target character or something else
			if raycastResult.Instance:IsDescendantOf(currentTarget) then
				directPathClear = true -- Hit the target player, path is clear!
			else
				directPathClear = false -- Hit an obstacle
			end
		else
			-- Ray hit nothing within the cast distance.
			-- This implies a clear path *if* the target is actually within that distance.
			if distanceToTarget < rayDistance then
				directPathClear = true
			end
		end

		-- === Movement Logic ===
		if directPathClear then
			-- DIRECT CHASE MODE
			if isPathfinding then
				-- If we were pathfinding, stop it now
				isPathfinding = false
				currentPath = nil
				-- Don't stop MoveTo immediately, the new MoveTo will override
			end
			humanoid:MoveTo(targetRoot.Position)
			if not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
				walkAnimTrack:Play()
			end
			timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0 -- Reset path timer as we are moving directly

		else
			-- OBSTACLE DETECTED - PATHFINDING MODE
			-- Recalculate path if not currently pathfinding, or if it's time to recompute
			if not isPathfinding or timeSinceLastPathRecompute >= PATH_RECOMPUTE_TIME then
				timeSinceLastPathRecompute = 0
				computeAndFollowPath(currentTarget)
			elseif isPathfinding and not walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying and humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0.1 then
				-- If already pathfinding but animation stopped (e.g. after brief stop), restart it
				walkAnimTrack:Play()
			end
		end

		return -- Exit Heartbeat iteration after processing target
	end
end

-- === No Target Found or Target Invalidated ===
isPathfinding = false
currentPath = nil
if walkAnimTrack.IsPlaying then
	walkAnimTrack:Stop()
end
-- Stop moving only if currently moving
if humanoid.MoveDirection.Magnitude > 0.1 then
	humanoid:MoveTo(rootPart.Position)
end