A Legend

Long ago, a man who defeated everyone he came across was pronounced, "The strongest man". He fought countless people and on his death bed, surrounded by his disciples He said, "One of you, continue my legacy and become the strongest man in the world!". I closed the book again. I'd read it countless times, more than I could count. Each time I read it, a surge of confidence flowed through me. I became obsessed with the idea, the idea of being the 'strongest'. I got out of my tent and looked out to the night sky. It was so beautiful, It was so easy to get lost in.

The next day, I went down into the town. There were no streets or roads, rats roamed through every little corner of the city. I hated it but I needed food. I turned the corner and quickly spotted the food stand. They sold small pieces but it was all I could get. "Can I get a chicken leg and 10 apples?" I asked extending my hand. The man took the coins and counted then handed the food I was due. Life was boring, really boring. Every day, there was nothing to do. I had no sword to kill people and there were none for sale and so to burn time, every day, for at least 5 hours, I worked myself so hard I nearly fainted. I swang a stick which was a sword to me until I could no more. Ran laps around the hill till I could no more and did pushup till I could no more. It hurt but, every muscle must be tight.

I worked during the rest of the day. I chopped wood, day in and day out to stay afloat. Eventually, I had plans to gather money and go to the capital, 'Busa'. The army headquarters were there. It would be a wonderful place to start my journey. I wasn't sure wether they would accept me because I think I was young but I wasn't sure of my own age. Night fell again and I returned to my lonely tent and reread the book.

Just like this, a year passed. I had just enough money to travel and could afford about 3 days of food in the city assuming they had the same prices. The carriage ride was long and tiring. It took us about 2 days to reach the city and I realised that the terrain was extremely rocky and it had mountains. As we reached it, I stared. The capital wasn't as remarkable as I thought. It had roads and no visible rats but it was cold. The people were tall and were slightly lighter and had straighter hair. I felt like the odd one out but I was here and I couldn't go back. I had to become a legend.