Wildness and Masks

Chapter 43 – Overcome the body's instincts

Ogre's calm demeanor made the Bear feel a sense of crisis.

Three consecutive strikes failed to win the match, which meant—he might really lose!

'The feeling of my body adapting to my vision is quite nice.'

Aside from the time he unleashed the Drum of Heartbeat, this was the first time Ogre felt his body keeping up with his vision.

The stimulation from the Lightning Eel had significantly enhanced Ogre's reflexes.

Previously, his dodging was purely instinctual.

Ever since consuming the Lightning Eel and undergoing physical changes, Ogre had gained a new ability.

When other creatures stepped within a few meters of him, Ogre's body instinctively sensed them—whether they were behind him or as tiny as a firefly.

At first, this sense was so faint that Ogre thought it was an illusion, but as his body could release more and more electricity, this sense became increasingly apparent.

He vaguely sensed that this ability seemed to be related to electricity.

The recent dodging was Ogre's practical development of this ability.

"What are you doing!" Bear was astonished by Ogre's actions and couldn't help but voice his confusion.

Not only was Bear surprised, but even the spectators outside the arena widened their eyes.

Because Ogre had thrown his weapon aside.

This meant he had given up using a weapon.

"A long weapon against knuckle dusters is unfair; my weapon is far superior to yours, and I'm worried I might accidentally kill you."

Ogre assumed a fighting stance, raising his fists.

It wasn't that Ogre was arrogant enough to think he could win without a weapon.

Rather, Ogre was concerned about losing control.

Using the spear could kill Bear.

He didn't want to completely fall out with the Arena just yet.

The earlier probing had given Ogre the confidence to retreat unscathed.

The awe of the Professional's strength had dissipated in the two rounds of probing exchanges.

"This is a ring match, not a life-and-death duel. My weapon will only be used against my true enemies and those who can kill me," Ogre explained.

This was also why Ogre always used a staff in the Apprentice-level Arena.

As long as there was no life-threatening danger, Ogre wouldn't use life-and-death techniques in the ring.

When Ogre first entered the arena, he wasn't confident or assured, so he brought a spear.

But now, he just wanted to experience the true strength of a Professional Martial Artist to validate his own progress.@@@@

This was one of the reasons he abandoned his weapon and chose to fight with his fists and feet.

"You're quite agile; it seems I'll have to use that move." After missing several punches, Bear realized he needed to show some real skills.

"Take this move!" Bear roared, unleashing a Martial Skill with the momentum of a bear's pounce!

The soundwave, enhanced by vitality, emanated from his roar, and an ordinary person caught in it at close range would bleed from all seven orifices.

Naturally, Ogre was affected too, but his strong physique minimized the impact.

...

"This apprentice is going to lose..."

The Professionals watching from outside the arena all had the same thought.

Bear's roar and pounce were clearly a combination technique.

With Ogre affected at such close range, it seemed impossible for him to escape unscathed.

However, a moment later, the scene most Professionals imagined did not occur.

"By the truth above! How is this possible!"

Because in this clash, it was Bear who was sent flying!

"How did you... see through it!" Bear, clutching his chest, got up after being kicked.

"When beasts attack, it's often when they're most vulnerable. Although I can't see how your vitality flows, I know where you're weakest."

Ogre approached Bear slowly, step by step.

'Good... I've controlled my body.' This was the only thought in Ogre's mind at the moment.

He successfully suppressed his body's autonomous impulses.

"Then I'm sorry!"

In the pause as Ogre answered, Bear suddenly erupted, lowering his body and charging at Ogre, attempting to take him down with a tackle.

However, what met him was a quicker kick from Ogre after a sidestep.

A series of rapid kicks, precise and elegant, struck Bear's knee, waist, ribs, and chin.

In the brief moment of exchange, Ogre had delivered four kicks.

The afterimages of the consecutive kicks made it seem as if Ogre had grown two extra legs in an instant.

The exchange concluded.

Bear was once again kicked to the side.

At this moment, only one thought remained in Bear's mind: 'How did this guy get even stronger!'

"It's about time to end this."