Chereads / Long Legend Story / Part 1 / Legends Way / Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: The legend begins

Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: The legend begins

After training all night, he watches the sun rise on his 19th birthday, and smiles before screaming inwardly.

"NOBODY CAME AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

He's completely depressed and has locked himself in his room.

-Isn't the kid coming to work?

-Let him, it's his birthday!

Arthur tells himself he didn't get any of the legendary shots he'd dreamed of; he's just muscular.

"Good. How can I become a legend now?"

He reads the biographies of great soldiers to try and find inspiration, and then something clicks.

"BUT YES! ALBERT FONGUSIO! THE GREATEST ROYAL EPEIST! He was simply a soldier!!!"

He runs downstairs.

-PAPA! MAMA! I'M GOING TO BE A SOLDIER!

-Yep ok

-You'll come back and see us, won't you?

Arthur is a little disappointed that they don't protest more than that.

So, on his 19th birthday, Arthur packed his things to leave for the capital.

"Okay I may not have fought a demon, developed phenomenal magic, or obtained a mythical master, but today is the day I really become a legend!"

He straps his bag securely on his back, smiles against the sun, takes a few steps while his parents say goodbye, then turns around.

-Uh... Which way is the capital?

They point in one direction, smiling and saying nothing.

-THANK YOU!!!

He starts running.

After he's gone, Gilbert arrives.

-Is he here, Arthur?

-No, he's gone to the capital.

-On foot?

-On foot.

-But he... Why didn't he get into the monthly cart???

His parents raise their arms in "we don't know" mode.

-He'll be walking for at least 15 days....

TRANSITION

During his long journey, Arthur thinks of only one thing: I must become a legend.

As he sleeps, eats and walks, this phrase goes round and round in his head, his motivation growing by the day.

Finally, 1 month passes, and thanks to his survival skills, he escapes without injury. His clothes are ruined, his beard is a mess, and his shoes have no soles, but he finally sees the walls of the capital.

-THIS IS IT! I'VE GOT THE LEGEND-

Transition

He's in a huge queue to enter the city.

"Well, she'll be a little late.

He arrives at the guarded gate.

-It's two silver coins for the right of way!

Arthur freezes, as if a legend has forgotten his wallet.

He tries to get money by looking behind him with a pitying look, but is ignored.

Finally, he's pushed out of line, unable to speak.

The sound of something breaking can be heard, a cart with a broken wheel.

-DAMN! IT HAD TO GET TO THE FRONT DOOR!

People start passing the vehicle.

Arthur sees an opportunity and heads for the cart.

-Excuse me!

-Hm? I don't have the time.

-If I fix your wheel, can you pay me the entrance fee?

The woman who seems to manage the cart looks Arthur up and down, strongly resembling a hustler.

-I guess I've got nothing to lose.

-THANK YOU!!!

Arthur wastes no time and gets to work, his years in his country village have taught him to adapt easily.

The woman is more and more surprised to see him working, his dexterity is impressive.

He fixes the wheel with ease, and holds out his hands to receive his pay.

She tells herself that he's been unlucky in life and that he's just a poor homeless man, so she gives him his money, and in a fit of generosity says:

-Do you know how to do other things?

-Oh yes, lots!

-In that case, how about working for me?

"I'm so great to offer a job to someone in need".

-No, thanks!

-H-Huh?

-Thanks for the money!

He steps in front of her in line and waits his turn.

"Wait... What? He just blew me off ????"

She's bummed, but grabs his arm to ask.

-Why did you say no??!

-I don't have time to work, I have to become a legend!

His answer depressed her even more.

-But without money.... How are you going to make a living?

-GWARK!

He reacted in shock.

"Seriously he hadn't thought of that ????"

-I'm... I'm going to become a soldier!

"I'm afraid for our country."

Transition

He walks back into town, handing over what little money he has and thanking the woman behind him one last time.

The atmosphere of the town takes him straight to the gut, the crowds of people, the itinerant shops, the banners and the voices rising into the sky.

"This is where it all begins."

His gaze is more determined than ever.

Transition.

Several days have passed. He's on a street, slumped against a wall, his face is thin and he seems to smell bad.

-Uh... chief, look.

-Oh, no!

He's spotted by the woman in the cart.

Transition

He's taken to a restaurant, and gorges himself on food, the woman seems to have taken him.

-Calm down, your plate won't fly away.

He eats like a pig, mixing all the dishes, tears of joy streaming down his face.

-IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I'VE EATEN PROPERLY!

She watches him eat, puzzled.

-I'll offer you again... How would you like to work for me?

He stops and swallows so he can answer properly.

-I need to become a-

-A legend, eh?

He's surprised she remembers.

-You seriously think a legend looks like a homeless person?

-GWARK!

He's still shocked.

"Seriously he didn't see her look or what???"

-I'm not asking you to work all your life, just to have something to live on decently.

He contemplates his plate, and turns his head, there's a mirror, he sees his reflection.

-It's not giving up, is it?

-Hmm... No.

He turns back to her, his eyes sparkling.

-It's a break on your long road to becoming a legend!

She gives him a sincere smile.

"A break, eh? When was the last time I took a break..."

A blank hovers as he ponders.

-Well, I accept.

They shake hands.

-But what am I supposed to do?

-You're going to be a waiter in this restaurant.

-Aren't I?

-Oh yes, I own this place.

Transition

A few days have passed, Arthur is much cleaner and tries to carry plates, but he's not comfortable, he shakes like a leaf, makes ridiculous poses and keeps dropping dishes.

-Why did you hire her as boss? He'll do anything!

-I don't know.

-I'll never understand you....

The boss smiles as she watches Arthur do his best.