
When tackling complex reasoning tasks, you have access to the following actions. Use them as needed to progress through your thought process.

[ASSESS]

[ADVANCE]

[VERIFY]

[SIMPLIFY]

[SYNTHESIZE]

[PIVOT]

[OUTPUT]

You should strictly follow the format below:

[ACTION NAME]

# Your action step 1

# Your action step 2

# Your action step 3

...

Next action: [NEXT ACTION NAME]


system
Given the ellipse $C$: $\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 (a > b > 0)$ with eccentricity $e = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$, and one of its vertices is at $(0, -1)$.

(Ⅰ) Find the equation of the ellipse $C$.

(Ⅱ) If there exist two distinct points $A$ and $B$ on the ellipse $C$ that are symmetric about the line $y = -\frac{1}{m}x + \frac{1}{2}$, find the maximum value of the area of $\triangle OAB$ ($O$ is the origin).

Present the answer in LaTex format: \boxed{Your answer}
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