Wildness and Masks

The clock tower was shrouded in mystery.

Though it stood in the city center, it was rarely frequented by people.

The gift Yard gave to Ogre was the qualification to enter this clock tower.

But...

The strange thing was, Ogre had inquired about this clock tower during his recent rest—it was the territory of the Church of Truth.

He couldn't quite understand how Yard, a priest of the Church of Dawn, was connected to the Church of Truth.

Could it be that the priest had defected to the Church of Truth?

"I should go investigate later."

Although Yard had asked Ogre to wait a month before going.

Ogre wasn't foolish enough to wait a whole month before officially checking it out; some investigation was necessary.

He had done a brief check before.

Now that he had the time, he needed to understand it thoroughly.

After all, the people inside might become his new teachers.

This was also, aside from the forbidden potion, the only place Ogre could hope to become a legitimate Professional.

Although Ogre already possessed strength comparable to a legitimate Professional.

But that was ultimately just a 'crooked path' built on innate abilities.

Once the lightning body forging ceased to be effective, Ogre would have to find new 'food.'

He couldn't guarantee that every meal would bring such significant changes.

Moreover, this method of enhancement was too specialized.

Whether a Knight or a Martial Artist, once they broke through the Apprentice stage and became a legitimate Professional, their enhancement was comprehensive without significant weaknesses.

Completely unlike his current state.

A pure glass cannon—strength and speed, but shatters at the slightest touch.

If not for the Ogre Physique's support, he wouldn't have gotten this far.

But even with the Ogre Physique's boost, some unavoidable flaws were starting to show.

Firstly, a lack of offensive means.

Without the support of Battle Qi and vitality, Ogre found it increasingly difficult to break through defenses.

Without that spear with destructive attributes, he had no way to deal with a Professional Knight.

Even with a weapon, Ogre needed to use Martial Skill: Collapse to inflict fatal damage.

Secondly, there were limitations in his physique.

He had strength and speed, but they were all muscle-driven.

Ogre's bones hadn't undergone corresponding enhancement and training.

So his biggest problem now was—not that he couldn't go faster, but that going any faster would break his bones. If he didn't solve the bone issue soon, his path would be at an end...

Lastly, a crucial point—

Ogre felt his Ogre Physique was becoming increasingly adapted to electricity.

This wasn't entirely a good thing.

It meant that the enhancement from electric body forging might not last much longer.

And the heart drum that relied on high-frequency electric stimulation was the same.

These were issues Ogre would have to consider and face in the future.

"It seems that in my next meal, I must prioritize addressing the bone issue..."

Ogre thought as he walked towards the mysterious clock tower.

As for whether anyone was tracking him now, Ogre didn't worry at all; if he wanted, he had several ways to shake off those tracking him.

"Ogre, what are you doing here..."

But to Ogre's surprise, he ran into someone he never expected to meet—Thrandic.

"Thran, you're healed!"

Seeing the fully recovered blond youth, Ogre's first reaction was genuine happiness for him.

But soon, Ogre sensed something was off about Thrandic—he smelled a pleasant and somewhat familiar scent on him.

Though Ogre couldn't immediately recall what that scent was.

He distinctly remembered that his junior brother hated perfumes and such.

"Ogre..." Thrandic smiled at Ogre, paused, and then slowly nodded, "The teacher healed me... but I'm sorry, I can't join you on adventures anymore."

"What are you saying? Just being able to recover is a blessing." Ogre habitually stepped forward to pat Thrandic on the shoulder.

But Thrandic dodged it.

Thrandic hesitated, then finally said, "Senior Brother... Ogre, this is the last time I'll call you Senior Brother."

This made Ogre frown, "Thran... what does this mean?"

"Ogre, I don't blame you. From now on, I entrust my dreams to you..." After saying this, Thrandic put on his hood and prepared to leave.

"Thran, what's wrong with you!"

Sensing something was wrong, Ogre took two steps forward, trying to grab Thrandic's wrist.

But upon contact, Ogre felt a sudden surge of immense strength in his hand.

This made him unable to hold onto Thrandic for a moment.

Thrandic broke free.

'What's going on!'

Even if Ogre were foolish, he should have realized something was wrong by now.

A severely injured knight with fractured bones, even if healed by a priest, couldn't possibly have gained so much strength in such a short time!

"Ogre, this is the last time we'll meet. I'm lucky to see you here, but please, don't follow me, and don't look for me again... please." Thrandic turned and pleaded.

This pleading gesture completely stopped Ogre in his tracks, preventing him from moving forward.

"Thran!" Ogre raised his hand, wanting to say something.

But watching the departing figure.

Ogre finally lowered his hand, not pursuing.

Looking at his reddened palm, a sense of confusion rose in Ogre's heart.

"Thran... what on earth happened to him."

...

"Almost... whew."

Once he reached a secluded corner, Thrandic couldn't help but gasp for air.

As he panted, two fangs extended from his mouth but quickly retracted.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind Thrandic, "Thran, you just went to see Ogre, didn't you..."

"Ol... old... teacher!"