Chapter 2 : I WANT TO BE A LEGEND (pt.2)

The years went by and he was now 12 years old, still without a teacher to teach him legendary techniques, but by dint of hitting with a real sword, his forearms were more muscular than average, and to balance everything out he also started a real training program called "Training to obtain a legendary body". He had read in a book that you had to do 100 squats, 100 sit-ups and 10 kilometers of running a day, but he soon realized that this was too much for his body, so he started doing more conventional weight training.

He helps out in the field more than he used to, but now he also has a friend to share his dream with: Gilbert.One day, while Arthur was banging away, Gilbert asked him.

-Why are you actually banging on air?

Arthur continues to knock as if he hadn't heard, trying to be mysterious and show that he's focused on his goal.

Gilbert continues to stare at him without moving. Arthur thought he could keep on striking, but is thrown off balance by his insistent gaze.

He occasionally glances at Gilbert, and his strokes are less sure-footed.

-Why are you hitting the air?

Arthur tries again to pretend he hasn't heard.

-I know you heard me.

-N-no!

-Are you stupid? If you answer me it's for sure.

Arthur tries to turn the situation to his advantage, hides his face with his hand and gives a big, satisfied smile.

-I'm going to become a legend.

-By punching a hole in the ground?

-You don't understand the complexity of this method.

-Yes, I do. I understand perfectly well that there's nothing to be gained from it.

-Hahahahaha, you're so naive Gilbert!

-If you say so. Well, I'll be off.

Gilbert walks off, leaving Arthur with his thoughts. Once he's gone, his satisfied smile disappears, and he resumes his strikes into the void.

It's been 7 years since he's been hitting the void, he can't know if he's really progressed or not, he has no way of comparing himself, but after so many years it's his pride that's at stake, even if it's all meaningless he can't stop now, otherwise everything he's done since he started would have just been wasted time. He wants his actions to have meaning. That of his determination.

Frustrated, he continues training, biting his lips.

A few more years pass, and he's now 15, helping out in the fields for days on end, cutting into his training time.

One day, while he's in the fields.

-Arthur!

-Oh Gilbert!

-Do you need a hand?

-No, don't worry, I'll be done soon.

-Great, can you come to my dad's after? He'll need you.

-Yeah, no worries.

Gilbert's father is a blacksmith in the village, but due to an accident he can't really lift heavy loads of metal anymore.

With so many years of training, Arthur has become very muscular. He doesn't have superhuman strength, but he's really strong.

-Aaaah Arthur, thanks for always coming to help me.

-No problem at all!

In gratitude for his help, Arthur can ask for a few items to be forged for him; he's already asked for dumbbells and a bigger sword.

-What would you like this time?

-Armor, I think.

-Oh, I'll try to make that a little faster then.

He also gives her a few coins.

-Go and buy something to eat with Gilbert.

-Woooo! Thanks, Dad!

The two leave the forge.

-So what do you want to eat Gilbert?

-Do we have a choice?

There's only one place in the village that serves food, a building that serves as a tavern in the evening and a bakery in the morning.

-What can I get you youngsters?

Gilbert and Arthur are the only two teenagers in the village.

-Hmmm... A pie!

-What about you, Arthur?

-Fried rice.

-Excellent choice, I'll prepare it for you.

While the dishes are being prepared, Gilbert starts the discussion.

-Do you always knock?

-You bet I do! My sword technique is impregnable!

-But have you ever been in a fight?

-Against wild beasts, yes!

He can't admit it's Roffle, but given all the films he's imagined in his head he's convinced he's an excellent fighter.

-Do you still want to be a legend?

-I won't change until I become one.

-...

-It's all very well to have dreams, Arthur. But it's time to grow up, don't you think?

-AND HERE ARE YOUR DISHES!

He places them violently on the table, causing the glasses and cutlery to rise slightly.

-Bon appétit!

Arthur's gaze is downcast and sombre.

-Well, do as you please.

Arthur's fist clenched, he grabbed his fork and threw himself on his dish, devouring it with impressive speed!

He leaves the change on the table and walks off.

-Hey, where are you going? I haven't finished yet!

-I HAVEN'T GOT TIME!

It's been 10 years since anything happened since he started training so hard, everyone knows his dream but nobody takes it seriously.

"I just lack determination!

Over time his mentality changed, his dream also became proof of his willpower, from that day on he changed the way he hit, another way to become a legend was to create his own techniques.

So he tried, and one morning one of the villagers ran into the village!

-WE'RE BEING ATTACKED!

"THIS IS IT! IT'S TIME TO DEFEND MY VILLAGE HEROICALLY AGAINST THE DEMONS!!!"

He comes out equipped with his sword and light armor.

-DON'T WORRY, I'LL PROTECT YOU! WHERE ARE THEY?

-In the next village!

-Oh no! It's already too late for them....

-Those bastards.

The villager seems very angry.

Arthur tries to console him.

-Don't worry, I'll avenge them.

-Avenge them? Ah, no! We've got to beat them! WE'VE GOT TO WIN THE HARVEST TOURNAMENT.

-Must we?

-What? It's inter-village fighting season.

-I-

Arthur realizes he's made another mistake, and without realizing it, completely out of touch, he takes part in the tournament, which he wins hands down, since most of the events are tests of strength.

4 years go by, and that's it, he's 19 and of age.