Interesting post. Normally, modular exponentiation is O(log e) via binary exponentiation. By setting the exponent to 2^t, u can force the operation to be sequential.
nice post, for the k3s, i noticed u used tailscale for the node ip, was there any specific reason? it usually adds an extra layer also can cause MTU issues. I think it's better to deploy tailscale operator to reach kube api and internal services.