As I stared at the belligerent guard standing in front of us, I began to notice that something was off.

Where is this? And, who were these people?

I asked myself that question, while furtively sweeping my gaze at those unfamiliar faces that I have clearly never seen before.

What... is this?

Looking past all of the people gathered here, I lifted my gaze upwards. There was a perfectly blue sky hanging above us, and I could even hear the pleasant sound of leaves rustling in the background as birds chirped along with it.

Where am I?

Again, I asked myself.

I tried to look into my memories, hoping to find something that could be used for reference.

Huh...? Wait a minute...

I was suddenly at a lost as my eyes abruptly contracted into what looked like pins and needles. Putting a slightly trembling hand to my face, I thought out loud to myself,

"Why can't I seem, to recall, anything..."

That's right. The memories that I was supposed to have with me all the time--were suddenly all gone.

And while I was brooding over this problem of mine, a certain someone wasn't so patient as to wait for me to organize the chaotic thoughts running through my head.

Taking a big step forwards, a loud "thump" sound was actually produced from this step alone. And while wearing an impatient expression, the guard with his mighty spear drawn glared at our direction.

" Oi, oi, oi! Are you gonna give some answers or not? Or maybe, you want me to kill someone first to get you guys to start talkin'."

The guard swiftly brandished his spear in a skillful yet threatening manner. With a dangerous smirk playing on his face, the guard slowly walked towards us one step at a time as he savored the moment of his self-vanity that he got from our terrified and helpless expressions.

"Must be nice being in a superior position, huh."

"Hmm?"

The guard made a sound as he immediately directed his eyes at the owner of that cold voice--at me.

"You, do you have a death wish or somethin'?"

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"Oh, with just you? I think you may be overestimating yourself." I declared with a mocking tone.

The eyes that the guard used to stare at me suddenly dropped by several degrees.

"Hahaha... Is that so? It looks like we've got ourselves a brave one here from you spineless flock." the guard derisively remarked. "But, usually, the brave ones are the first to die."

After saying that, he took up his spear and threw it towards me like a javelin. I was already on high alert when dealing with this dangerous situation, and so like an experienced fighter, I dodged the oncoming spear by a hair's breadth.

"Bastard...!"

The guard decisively jumped on me with his well-trained body, but I somehow managed to evade his grapple. But he didn't relent, and he definitely didn't give me any time for respite. He swiftly brought his leg up and sent a roundhouse kick flying in my way.

"TAKE THIS!"

Unfortunately, I didn't get to dodge it this time. I shielded myself using my arms as I received the entirety of that heavy blow.

"Guah!"

I was sent flying a few meters and hit the ground, hard. Both of my arms felt like shit, and I think my bones were fractured in some places.

"Heh. What, are you all talk but no game? Come on, I haven't even gotten serious yet and you're already groveling on the floor." The guard spat at me like I was some kind of trash. I hated it.

"Hey, come on, aren't you getting up? Or is that all the fight that you had in ya?" He continued to taunt. Just can't shut your mouth, can ya?

Supporting my lift with these two broken arms, I finally managed to get myself off the ground as I glared daggers at this conceited opponent of mine.

"Well, c'mere then. Let me have some more of what you've got."

"Hadn't had enought, huh. Well, if you insist then--"

"THAT'S ENOUGH! EVERYBODY, STAND DOWN!"

A commanding voice resounded at this moment, snapping everyone out of their daze as they turned to look at the person who said those domineering words. There was a lone man standing gallantly by the village gates. He had a tall and muscular frame with a full-grown beard to go along with it; intimidating was the best way I could describe his appearance, like a seasoned warrior who had a lot of experience.

"Ah, Village Chief!" The guard that was just about to continue on his brawl with me, hurriedly turned around and gave a respectful bow at the imposing bearded-man. "I was just dealing with these annoying pests at our village gates, there was no need for the Village Chief to personally take action. I, alone, am more than enough to deal with these weaklings."

"Didn't you hear what I just said?" The bearded-man referred to as Village Chief coldly said.

"T-Then, I leave it to the Village Chief to pass on judgement."

Having said that, the guard quickly made his retreat, as if he couldn't stand another second staying there while being glared at by the bearded-man.

After the tough guy fled away with his tail between his legs, the bearded-man naturally turned his attention towards me and my group. But, it was mostly me that he was paying attention to. And when we coincidentally made eye-contact, he gave a firm nod toward my direction.

"Alright, all of you, follow me."

It didn't look like he was giving us a chance to speak, as the bearded-man briskly turned around and walked towards the village. Everyone looked at each other, still having those bewildered looks plastered all over their faces. I, on the other hand, didn't say anything unnecessary but only chose to silently follow behind him.

I need answers.

My gaze hardened at the thought of what was about to come. This conversation that was to transpire will be a turning point for all of us.

Hopefully, I can get some out of him.

I stared straight at the tall and broad back of the man leading us. This, was where it all began: The birth of a Legend.