Wildness and Masks

Macal's words successfully piqued Ogre's interest.

He couldn't help but focus his attention.

"These three major categories of imagination are classified into—Manifestation, Special, and Enhancement; however, some sorcerers from the Church of Truth believe that Enhancement cannot be considered a major category and is merely a failed awakening."

"So, does that mean Special refers to those with special abilities? Like the ones we encountered this time?" Ogre seemed to realize another reason why his Seed of Imagination couldn't coalesce.

How should someone like him, who naturally possesses abilities, be classified?

'No, that's not right... My ability doesn't seem to be naturally awakened either.'

Ogre was a bit confused.

"Well... compared to those who are naturally awakened, the abilities of Special Imagers are somewhat traceable—because they are inseparable from their experiences and personalities, but overall, they still break the mold, like the ones we encountered this time."

The innate abilities of Awakeners come in many forms.

They may grow, or they may not, they may be strong, or they may be weak—but the main point is that they are outside the system.

For example, Ogre's ability, the Ogre Lunchbox.

This effect can be said to be more ogre-like than an ogre.

"There should be limitations, right?" Ogre's own ability has quite a few limitations.

Macal nodded ahead: "Most have limitations; generally speaking, the stronger the limitation, the stronger the effect, which is quite unreasonable—fortunately, the Special category is rare; of course, these divisions are just classifications based on characteristics summarized by us humans, the actual situation might be more complex."

"What category does Great Cleric Fra belong to?" Ogre touched his forehead.

"I can't tell you that." Macal refused Ogre's request.

But this was expected by Ogre.

"Then what's the situation with Manifestation and Enhancement?"

Ogre felt that the strongest aspect of Imagers is their ability to integrate with other professions.

Even having just one more ability gives them a significant advantage over conventional single-professionals.

If there's a chance, it's worth striving for.

"Manifestation, as the name suggests, is about manifesting one or more objects, which can be weapons or tools, and their appearance and power are not fixed—they change with the Imager's practice and mind, making it the mainstream among Imagers.

These manifested objects mostly come with ordinary abilities that are not overpowered.

Like Holy Light.

As for Enhancement, it's much simpler; this type of Imager has only one ability, which is enhancement.

Enhancement Imagers' enhancements are divided into permanent and temporary enhancements; and there's weapon enhancement and life enhancement.

Many legendary forgers are Enhancement Imagers."

Macal's explanation was very detailed, which indeed broadened Ogre's horizons.

"There should also be people who practice both imagination and their own profession, right?" Ogre wasn't particularly interested in Manifestation.

What intrigued him was Enhancement.

"There are, historically speaking, quite a few such people, but very few can master both professions well. The Sword Saint Jerosen from a hundred years ago should count as one—he was an Enhancement Imager who also practiced the strength of a Martial Artist, and it's said he could break mountains with a mere twig." Macal gave an example.

"Such people are truly enviable," Ogre remarked.

But he also knew how difficult it was to master several major professions.

Martial Arts and the path of Imagination don't conflict, but in the Empire's history, only one Jerosen is famous.

After all, human energy is limited...

'The most suitable profession to practice alongside Imagination should be the Knight, but unfortunately, the efficiency of Knights is clearly...'

Ogre realized that the rarity of Imagers had its reasons.

The practice of Mages and Martial Artists clearly conflicts with Imagers, as both professions require training from a young age.

And Imagers also need to bloom their Seed of Imagination before adulthood.

If one wants to practice both, they must put aside other professions and awaken their Seed of Imagination first—especially Knights.

Knights can become Imagers, but they must delay the awakening of their Battle Qi seed, otherwise, the power of Battle Qi will affect meditation.

To cultivate an uncertain Seed of Imagination while giving up an already qualified profession seems like a loss, and a seemingly requirement-free profession actually has the highest threshold.

Only the Church of Dawn trains them in large numbers.

"There's nothing to envy; the price to maintain strong imaginative power is unimaginable, not everyone is born with a strong mind." Macal expressed a different opinion.

The strength of the mind requires restraint, and priests gain their power through self-restraint.

"Although I'm not an Imager, I know that there's rarely power in this world that comes without a price. The power Imagers gain through indulgence, jealousy, anger, and hatred will eventually consume them, just like the witch who captured me—while she imprisoned me, wasn't she also trapped in a cage herself?"

Macal didn't envy these inexplicable abilities.

He always believed more in the skills and Battle Qi he honed through harsh winters and scorching summers.

"You're right, Carl." Ogre didn't argue.

There must be a way to have it both ways in this world.

But Ogre didn't think he would be that lucky.

"Sigh... Why am I talking to you about this?" Macal suddenly realized that Ogre didn't even have the right to choose power.

In this world, things that are perfect are rare, but situations where something is missing are abundant.

There was only one Sword Saint Jerosen, but there are many ordinary people without any power.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have lectured you." Macal apologized to Ogre.

'She was just envious...'

Perhaps he shouldn't have lectured a girl about her simple admiration for the strong.

"Having a broader perspective isn't a bad thing." Ogre walked with his hands behind his back, taking light, playful steps.

"Speaking of which, I haven't asked you about that shadow demon yet. Geling, tell me honestly, are you a thief?"

Macal suddenly stopped, turned around, and asked Ogre.

He suspected that Ogre's Silver Badge was stolen.

And that would be a different matter entirely.

"I wouldn't coexist with such a thing. If I were a thief, wouldn't you have discovered it long ago?" Ogre replied with a smile.

"But that is ultimately an evil creature."

"You don't think I could have stolen the Silver Badge from a Paladin, do you?"

"No, I didn't mean that, it's just that shadow demons are ultimately not something you can control. They are cunning and evil, greedy and dark..." Macal realized how ridiculous his earlier thoughts were.

Indeed, how could a shadow demon steal from a Paladin? Even an ordinary Paladin of Dawn like himself could detect a thief...

He must have been muddle-headed just now.

"Do you consider a knife evil?" Ogre retorted.

"Children shouldn't handle knives carelessly," Macal countered.

He was mainly concerned.

"I'm not a child anymore, my dear Paladin, you're judging by appearances."

Ogre thought Macal's opinion might stem from his own internal contradictions.

"You... never mind, I can't control you."

Macal felt a strange pang in his heart; where had his beautiful, pure, gentle, kind, intelligent, and understanding Miss Geling gone?

For the first time, Macal felt that being mute might not be so bad... it was a feeling of shattered dreams.

Back then, he had made a big decision to give up pursuing her...

"Let's hurry to the city; we can't spend the night outside, people would be scared." Ogre teased Macal, imitating those pretentious girls.

Some things, only when they're far away, get filled with all sorts of beautiful labels.

This way, it's pretty good too.

The whole person seemed more normal now.

"Then take care of yourself." Macal sighed softly.

The caring sister was gone; the former good brother now wanted to be his woman; and now even Geling had changed...

These three absurd days felt like a dream.

"Thank you for believing in me." Ogre brushed past Macal, then turned back with a smile: "Carl, you're truly a gentle person, thank you for your protection."

'At least, much gentler than your sister.' Of course, Ogre didn't dare say that out loud.

"Gentle, huh." Macal was taken aback, then smiled wryly: "You're the first girl to praise me like that."

"Then keep it up." Ogre said in a teasing tone.

He found that having someone to lead and protect him wasn't so bad after all.

"Let's just say you were complimenting me." Macal touched his nose, then quickly caught up: "By the way, Geling, you must be hungry, right?"

"Not really, during the time you were gone, I ate something." Ogre pulled out a red forest fruit and tossed it over: "You can try it too."

There were no fish here, so they had to make do with forest fruits.

"Hmm? Is it a fruit from the forest of demon beasts? It wouldn't be good if it causes problems, better see a priest later, I have a magical healing item." Macal pulled out a cross.

"Don't you think I know if it's edible? Don't worry, I've been eating it since I was little, soon I won't even be able to eat these fruits anymore." Ogre was quite curious about what Macal's reaction would be after eating it.

"Since childhood?" Macal was momentarily stunned, then smiled again, almost believing the uncertain girl.

"Alright, I'll try it."

Macal eventually picked up the fruit and started eating, finishing it quickly.

"Why aren't you reacting?" Ogre asked curiously.

"I was born without much sense of taste." Macal asked, puzzled: "Is this fruit delicious?"

Ogre: "..."

"Yeah, it's quite tasty." Ogre rubbed his nose.

"Is that so, then I'll pick some more to bring back for Aunt Mima and the others."

"Yeah, you'd better bring a lot."