Legend (Legend #1)
Chapter 7: Part One: Day 4
by Marie, Lu,The chapter follows the protagonist as they navigate the oppressive and dystopian streets of the Republic of America, disguised among factory workers to avoid detection. Despite their healing wounds, they move through crowded sectors, observing the daily life of vendors, workers, and soldiers enforcing quarantine zones. The atmosphere is tense, with loudspeakers broadcasting propaganda and mandatory pledges to the Elector Primo. The protagonist’s internal resistance is subtle, as they mumble parts of the pledge and reflect on the pre-war era, hinting at a deeper discontent with the regime.
Seeking information, the protagonist enters a rundown Chinese-themed bar, where they encounter a bartender with a sharp wit and visible scars. The bar is a hub of illicit activity, including gambling and Skiz fights. The protagonist engages in light flirtation with the bartender while subtly probing for details about a mysterious man claiming to offer plague cures. The bartender reveals that this man seeks a specific person to meet at midnight at the “ten-second place,” a cryptic reference only the protagonist seems to recognize.
The mention of the “ten-second place” triggers the protagonist’s memory of a past heist, where they bragged about breaking into a bank vault in ten seconds. This connection confirms their suspicion that the government is setting a trap, using the promise of plague meds as bait. The protagonist maintains a casual demeanor but internally strategizes, realizing the stakes are high. The bartender’s skepticism about the man’s sanity mirrors the protagonist’s own wariness, yet they recognize the urgency of the situation.
As the chapter concludes, the protagonist leaves the bar, resolved to outmaneuver the government’s trap. They redirect their path toward the financial district, hinting at another daring plan. The tension builds as the protagonist prepares for a midnight confrontation, blending calculated risk with their trademark audacity. The chapter underscores themes of survival, resistance, and the blurred lines between ally and adversary in a fractured society.
FAQs
1. How does the protagonist disguise themselves while moving through the city, and what does this reveal about the society they live in?
Answer:
The protagonist wears army trousers, a thin collared shirt from a garbage bin, a low-pulled cap, and a bandage patch over their left eye. This disguise blends in with factory workers who commonly have injuries, suggesting a society where workplace hazards are frequent and medical care may be inadequate. The need for disguise also implies surveillance or persecution, as the protagonist must avoid drawing attention. The bandage specifically mimics common injuries, highlighting how normalized physical harm is in this dystopian setting.2. What does the protagonist’s interaction with the bartender reveal about their mission and the broader political climate?
Answer:
The protagonist subtly probes the bartender for information about a man claiming to have plague meds, indicating their mission involves finding this contact. The bartender’s nervousness and the mention of a “ten-second place” hint at a clandestine operation. The political climate is oppressive, as seen in the bartender’s cautious demeanor and the protagonist’s suspicion of a government trap. The exchange underscores widespread distrust and the protagonist’s resourcefulness in navigating a society where information is guarded and dangerous to share.3. Analyze the significance of the “ten-second place” and how it connects to the protagonist’s past actions.
Answer:
The “ten-second place” is a cryptic reference to the protagonist’s earlier boast about breaking into a bank vault in ten seconds. This connection confirms the message is intended for them, as only they would understand the allusion. It reveals the protagonist’s reputation for audacious heists and their ability to outsmart security systems. The reference also heightens tension, as the protagonist suspects a government trap, showing how their past exploits continue to shape their present dangers and strategies.4. How does the chapter depict the government’s control over daily life, and what methods of resistance are shown?
Answer:
Government control is evident through quarantine zones, mandatory pledges to the Republic, and surveillance via loudspeakers and JumboTrons. The populace must salute the Elector Primo, and street police enforce compliance. Resistance appears in small acts: the protagonist mumbles the pledge but omits parts when unobserved, and the bar hosts illegal Skiz fights and gambling. These subtle rebellions—avoiding detection, withholding full allegiance—highlight a society where overt dissent is dangerous, but individuals find ways to assert autonomy.5. Why does the protagonist suspect the offer of plague meds is a trap, and what does this suggest about their worldview?
Answer:
The protagonist deduces the government likely discovered their hospital connection and is using meds as bait. This suspicion reflects their deep distrust of authority and awareness of being hunted. Their worldview is shaped by survival instincts and experience with deception; they assume the worst to stay ahead of threats. The decision to investigate further nonetheless shows their calculated risk-taking—weighing danger against potential rewards, like accessing life-saving medicine in a plague-ridden society.
Quotes
1. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the great Republic of America, to our Elector Primo, to our glorious states, to unity against the Colonies, to our impending victory!”
This quote captures the oppressive nationalist propaganda of the Republic, recited under surveillance. The protagonist’s silent rebellion (omitting parts when unobserved) hints at the dystopian control and his personal resistance.
2. “Tsingtao beer? Yeah, right. My father would’ve laughed. The Republic didn’t sign an import deal with China… just to send quality imports to the slum sectors.”
A sharp critique of the Republic’s corruption and false promises. The protagonist sees through the bartender’s scam, reflecting systemic inequality and the government’s exploitation of its citizens.
3. “I hear he’s telling people he wants to give a plague cure to someone—one person only. That this person will know who he’s talking about.”
This cryptic message drives the chapter’s suspense. The “ten-second place” clue ties to the protagonist’s past heist, suggesting a targeted trap by the government, blending personal history with immediate danger.
4. “No one ever believes what I say until I actually end up doing it.”
A defining insight into the protagonist’s identity and skills. His confidence in his abilities (like the 10-second vault break) underscores his resourcefulness and the recurring theme of underestimated potential.
5. “They’ll probably also bring along plague meds, though, to tempt me out into the open.”
Reveals the protagonist’s tactical mind and the Republic’s manipulation. Despite recognizing the trap, he acknowledges the stakes—meds for survival—highlighting the brutal choices in this dystopian world.