Wildness and Masks

Chapter 15 – Goodbye Foucault

Money allows you to live well within the rules, while power lets you make the rules and reap the wealth.

The former are mostly black market merchants, while the latter are the kingdom's rulers—nobles.

But above both of these is something that can disdain money and power—absolute violence that suppresses everything!

This is the origin of the Professional Association's esteemed status, and also the foundation for the existence of the Church of Dawn and the Church of Truth.

The Professional Association, like the two churches, not only has branches all over the continent but also boasts the continent's top experts. Although this power is quite dispersed, when needed, many strong individuals who have benefited from the Professional Association will still stand up.

Unlike the Church of Dawn and the Church of Truth, the Professional Association is an indispensable part of coordinating and deploying the existing Extraordinary Beings.

It greatly aids in the stability of the empire, and due to its loose structure, its status in the minds of the empire's decision-makers far surpasses that of the two churches.

It is considered a supportive partner.

"I am Ogre Kessing, and I'm here to find Foucault."

Probably because of a grudge in his heart.

Ogre rarely came to the Professional Association; most of his previous tasks were taken in the black market.

Of course, Ogre is not someone who gives up easily.

Mainly, he didn't have the strength of a true Professional before, and he didn't care much for the apprentice-level rewards. With that effort, he might as well take on more challenges in the Arena.

So Ogre never went for the Professional positioning.

"Are you the martial artist apprentice who defeated Foucault and Lange? But you came at a bad time; he just went out."

Before the attending squire could respond, a knight in heavy armor spoke to Ogre first.

The five-star bronze badge on his chest indicated his Professional level—senior Professional.

This is the strength positioning done by the Professional Association for Professionals.

The number of stars on the badge represents the reliability level of the Professional; the more stars, the higher the credibility level, and the higher the degree of expertise and legendary status within the same strength.

At least zero stars (representing no tasks taken).

At most nine stars (this level must have accomplished legendary events within that grade).

This star rating is not fixed; long-term inactivity or Professional promotion will reduce the stars on the badge.

The material of the badge represents the strength of the profession.

The lowest is the apprentice badge made of white porcelain.

It indicates that the Professional is not yet mainstream, but still poses a considerable challenge for those untrained ordinary people.

The black iron level represents that the Professional has stepped into the professional field and mastered extraordinary powers.

The next bronze level represents that the Professional has reached a senior standard in the extraordinary field—considered a general strong person, so this level is also called the senior level.

The senior level standard often fluctuates, but overall it is judged based on different stages of professional power.

For example, a knight who has awakened personal abilities.

Or a mage who has condensed a dark magic core.

And a martial artist who can project a vitality phantom, all belong to this level.

This standard roughly corresponds to a wizard who has consumed a second forbidden potion.

At the silver level, the standard becomes relatively vague, with the only criterion being that the holder must be able to defeat twenty-five senior bronze-level Professionals in one breath.

Professionals at this level are called senior silver-level Professionals, also known as advanced Professionals!

As for anything beyond that, it's not something Ogre can comprehend.

The highest level Professional he has seen is Yard, with his silver Knight of Discipline badge, equivalent to a senior silver-level Professional.

That's why Ogre is so curious about that mysterious Priest.

"Just a fluke, by the way, you are..."

But Foucault and Lange were different, they might as well have "wealthy" written on their faces.

Oh, it already is, so that's fine.

Whether it was Foucault's mage apprentice attire or Lange's armor, both were exceptionally exquisite, adorned with gems and gold patterns.

Clearly different from the practical pursuits of the northern frontier.

At least frontier knight apprentices wouldn't fight without helmets for the sake of looking cool.

"You are..." Foucault hesitated, looking at Ogre's now plain young face.

"I'm Ogre Kessing, the defender in the frontier Arena."

With that, Ogre made Foucault immediately remember, and he joyfully welcomed him, "It's you, come, come, let me buy you a drink at the tavern."

It's no wonder Foucault didn't recognize him at first.

No one would associate the young, simple-looking boy in front of them with the 'Gourmet' who defeated numerous apprentices to become the Strongest Mortal.

"I want to fight you again!" Lange, upon recognizing Ogre, immediately challenged him.

Clearly, he hadn't forgotten the scene of being knocked out with one punch in front of everyone.

That was truly embarrassing.

Getting taken down in two moves by an apprentice of the same level is shameful anywhere.

Of course, more importantly.

Lange felt he only lost because he was careless and didn't dodge.

If he hadn't been ambushed or tricked, could he have lost?

Didn't you see Ogre almost injure his hand punching him in the face?

Of course, the most important reason is—this time, he's wearing a helmet.

"Is there money involved? My appearance fee is quite high." Ogre smiled nonchalantly; he wouldn't turn down money unless there was a blood feud.

"How much?" Lange asked instinctively.

"Lange, quiet down!" Foucault instinctively covered his forehead with his hand, genuinely feeling a headache.

Unlike Lange, Foucault wasn't a knight and didn't strictly follow knightly rules. He knew very well—his defeat was no accident.

"Sorry, Ogre, let's head to the tavern first." Foucault glared at Lange before apologizing to Ogre and extending an invitation.

With Foucault's glare, Lange instantly quieted down.

Because he knew Foucault was genuinely a bit angry.

Though he had a good relationship with Foucault and could joke around a bit, their positions were inherently unequal.

The relationship between Foucault and Lange's families was one of subordination.

This relationship extended to every family member.

And Lange was Foucault's subordinate knight.

Their fortunes were tied together.

"No worries, I don't mind." Ogre smiled slightly, indicating he wasn't bothered.

It's hard to dislike someone like Foucault, even if he's pretending, he does it with genuine grace.

Such a person makes for a good ordinary friend.

"Ogre, I'm glad you could make it. I'll cover the tavern expenses, and we'll discuss why I invited you later."

Foucault made a standard invitation gesture.

"Alright, I won't be polite then." With someone treating him, Ogre had no objections.

As for what Foucault wanted to discuss, Ogre already had some guesses...