Legend (Legend #1)
Chapter 13: Part One: Day 7
by Marie, Lu,The chapter opens with the narrator, a street-savvy young man, reluctantly aiding an unnamed girl after she disrupts a Skiz fight, costing him a bet worth a thousand Notes—money he needed for a cure. Despite his frustration, he helps her due to Tess, his younger sister figure, who insists on aiding the wounded girl. They take shelter in a dilapidated library by Lake’s edge, where the narrator remains wary of potential retaliation from gamblers. The girl, though grateful, remains guarded, and Tess’s friendly overtures hint at underlying tension with the newcomer.
As night approaches, the group settles in the ruined library. The narrator questions the girl’s motives for saving Tess during the fight, to which she responds with cautious humor. Tess lightens the mood by teasing the narrator about his fondness for “cute girls,” but the underlying unease persists. The girl reveals she learned to fight by observing cadets near Batalla, though her origins lie in the distant Tanagashi sector. Her resilience and mysterious demeanor intrigue the narrator, who finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.
The narrator’s growing fascination with the girl becomes apparent as he admires her beauty and defiant spirit, though he tries to dismiss his feelings. Their conversation reveals her nomadic lifestyle and scavenging habits, contrasting with his rooted concerns about the plague-ridden Lake sector. Despite her injuries, she remains composed, even teasing him about his protective nature. The narrator’s internal conflict—balancing suspicion and attraction—adds depth to their dynamic.
As the girl drifts into an uneasy sleep, the narrator prepares to visit his plague-stricken family, leaving Tess to watch over her. The chapter ends with him venturing into the quiet, dangerous streets, hinting at unresolved threats—both from the plague patrols and the mysterious mark on his family’s door. The girl’s presence has disrupted his routine, leaving him with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of intrigue.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the narrator’s lost bet, and how does it reflect the socioeconomic conditions in their world?
Answer:
The narrator’s loss of a thousand Notes in the Skiz fight bet represents more than just financial setback—it directly impacts his ability to purchase a vial of cure, highlighting the desperate healthcare situation in their plague-ridden society. Notes appear to be the primary currency, and medical supplies like cures are commodified, forcing citizens to gamble or scavenge for survival. This reflects a harsh socioeconomic reality where basic healthcare is inaccessible to many, and illegal activities like gambling become necessary for survival. The narrator’s resentment toward the Girl stems from this systemic vulnerability, showing how individuals blame each other for misfortunes created by larger societal failures.2. Analyze the dynamic between the narrator, Tess, and the Girl. How do their interactions reveal their personalities and relationships?
Answer:
The interactions showcase a complex web of trust and suspicion. Tess demonstrates compassionate pragmatism—she helps the Girl despite risks, using folk remedies like goat milk, yet remains cautious. The narrator is protective of Tess (calling her “cousin” though their relationship seems deeper) but conflicted about the Girl, alternating between resentment and attraction. His internal monologue reveals emotional vulnerability beneath his tough exterior. The Girl maintains defensive awareness, analyzing every word and gesture, yet shows gratitude. Their dialogue reveals a survival-oriented society where kindness is rare but not extinct, and alliances are temporary. The narrator’s physical attraction to the Girl adds tension, complicating his practical concerns.3. How does the setting of the ruined library contribute to the chapter’s themes of decay and resilience?
Answer:
The derelict library—partially submerged, overgrown, and structurally unsound—serves as a metaphor for societal collapse. Its collapsed walls mirror the breakdown of order in their world, while its survival as shelter represents resilience. The sea daisies growing through cracks symbolize hope persisting in harsh conditions (later echoed when the narrator picks them for his family). The balcony’s exposure to open air reflects the characters’ vulnerability, yet its elevation offers a vantage point to monitor threats. This setting underscores key themes: civilization’s fragility (knowledge institutions in ruins), adaptation (repurposing ruins for survival), and the interplay between danger and refuge in a dystopian landscape.4. What does the Girl’s fighting style and background suggest about her possible larger role in the story?
Answer:
Her combat skills (breaking Kaede’s arm “without trying”) and observation of Batalla cadets hint at military training or exceptional natural ability. Her origin in Tanagashi sector—distant from Lake—and scavenging lifestyle suggest she’s either a fugitive or someone with broader knowledge of the world. Her cautious demeanor and analytical nature contrast with the narrator’s impulsiveness, positioning her as a potential foil. The narrator’s sense that she reminds him of someone, coupled with her gold-flecked eyes and defiance, foreshadows a significant backstory. Her stated intent to track Kaede implies she may drive future conflict, while her medical knowledge (“spit prevents infection”) adds depth beyond being a mere fighter.5. Evaluate the narrator’s internal conflict regarding the Girl. How does this illustrate the tension between survival instincts and human connection?
Answer:
The narrator vacillates between viewing the Girl as a liability (costing him money, distracting him) and feeling compelled to protect her (for Tess’s sake and his own attraction). His urge to comfort her wound contrasts with his practical worry about infection risks. His attraction—fixating on her hair, lips, and “fiercely defiant” eyes—distracts him from survival priorities, showing how emotional needs persist even in crisis. The line “Maybe I shouldn’t have helped her. Way too distracting” encapsulates this tension. His internal warmth and subsequent embarrassment reveal a longing for connection amid desensitization to violence, suggesting that humanity persists even when survival demands emotional detachment.
Quotes
1. “I’m still upset about losing the bet. Kaede’s defeat cost me a thousand Notes. That was money toward a vial of cure. Time is running out, and it’s all this girl’s fault.”
This quote reveals the narrator’s desperation and the high stakes of their world, where bets can mean life or death. It introduces the tension between personal survival and unexpected moral choices.
2. “She’s pretty in a way that distracts me just like she did in the Skiz ring. No, pretty’s not the right word. Beautiful. And not only that, but she reminds me of someone.”
This moment captures the narrator’s growing fascination with the mysterious girl, blending physical attraction with a deeper sense of recognition. It marks a turning point in their dynamic.
3. “I’m a careful girl, when I’m not angry.”
The girl’s simple statement reveals her complex personality - calculated yet passionate. This quote becomes more significant as we learn she participated in a violent Skiz fight, suggesting hidden depths to her character.
4. “The strange X on our door is still there, as prominent as ever. In fact, I’m almost certain that the soldiers have been bac…”
This ominous closing quote hints at the oppressive government presence and looming danger in their world. The truncated sentence creates suspense about what the narrator might discover about the marked door.