The Return of The Forgotten Legend

As the last light of the sun stretched across the streets, Kayce Harvey dragged himself home, each step heavier than the last.

Inside, the Morris family had already eaten, leaving behind nothing but scraps and cold plates. Nobody had thought to save a portion for the unwanted son-in-law they barely tolerated.

Kayce's father-in-law, Sebastian Morris, sat at the table with a storm brewing on his face. His voice was cold when he asked, "Did you bring back the money?"

Across the room, Kevin Morris, younger brother to Kayce's wife, lounged without a care. He had talked to his girlfriend about marriage, and the girl's family demanded a house and a car, both to be placed under her name.

Buying a 1, 200-square-foot apartment in Ploron meant putting down at least three hundred thousand dollars.

With barely half that amount scraped together, Sebastian had shoved the burden onto Kayce, ordering him to beg his company for a one-year salary advance.

Jenessa Morris, Kayce's sharp-tongued mother-in-law, wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Unless you can get the money, don't bother staying. We're done feeding a worthless freeloader like you."

A bitter laugh slipped from Kayce as frustration weighed heavily in his chest.

Over on the couch, Kevin did not even look up from his game. "Rosalyn must have been out of her mind to marry you. Honestly, even if you sold off your body piece by piece, you still would not be enough to pay her back."

Right then, Rosalyn Morris, Kayce's wife, came down the stairs.

Flowing down her shoulders like a soft river, her long hair framed delicate features and a beauty that easily caught the eye.

Seeing her, the hardness in Kayce's eyes melted without a second thought.

Without the love he carried for her, he would have walked away from this viper's den a long time ago.

When Kayce first showed up on Charm Street in Ploron two years ago, he had no memory of who he was or where he came from. The only thing he knew was his name-Kayce Harvey.

Rosalyn had been the only one to show him kindness. She would sneak him food from her family's humble food stall, offering smiles that glowed in his otherwise dark world.

Day by day, her small acts of care carved a permanent place in his heart.

Before long, Kayce realized he had fallen hopelessly in love with her.

With nowhere to go, he built a shelter under a bridge near Charm Street and survived the harsh nights as best he could.

Each day, once the Morris family's food stall opened, he watched Rosalyn from afar and quietly helped with cleaning after they closed.

Exchanging a few scraps of food for free labor was a winning deal by any measure, so Sebastian and Jenessa never intervened.

Later on, the village where the Morris family lived was picked for redevelopment, and the new homes were handed out according to household registration.

Unfortunately, because none of their children were married and still living in the same household, the Morris family only qualified for a single unit. Furious at the prospect, Sebastian and Jenessa pushed Rosalyn to hurry up and get married.

Fed up with their endless pressure, Rosalyn hatched a plan. She would marry Kayce, claim another apartment, and walk away clean once everything was settled.

Even though Kayce's past was a mystery, Rosalyn still believed he wasn't a bad person deep down.

On top of that, it would take a man with no pride or demands to agree to the kind of deal she had in mind.

When she finally revealed her idea, Kayce agreed without a moment's hesitation.

No more nights shivering under bridges. A chance to stay close to the woman he adored. There was no way he could refuse.

At first, Sebastian and Jenessa hesitated at the thought of marrying their daughter to a nobody. The very idea bruised their egos. But the lure of securing a property worth hundreds of thousands quickly smoothed over their doubts.

They found a loophole to get Kayce registered in Ploron's records, rushed through a marriage registration, and even lined up a caretaker job for him.

Despite enduring daily insults from Sebastian and Jenessa, and despite Rosalyn's cold treatment, Kayce chose to stay grateful.

Pressing her lips together, Rosalyn spoke in a low voice. "Kevin's wedding is all the family cares about right now. I hope you'll do whatever you can to help out."

Kayce wasted no time answering, "I've spent days begging Finance for an advance, but they won't give in no matter what I say."

Before he could finish, Jenessa snorted. "Typical useless trash."

From behind his phone, Kevin scoffed, "Marrying you was the dumbest thing Rosalyn ever did."

Frowning, Rosalyn shot Kevin a hard look before turning to Kayce. "If you're hungry, there's still some oatmeal in the kitchen. I'll go heat it up for you."

"Don't trouble yourself. I'll eat whatever's there," Kayce said quickly.

Grabbing a cold bowl of oatmeal, he sat down at the table with stale bread and a few leftover scraps from the night's dinner.

He had barely eaten a few bites when Sebastian's voice broke through the silence. "After all this time working, you still have no savings? All you ever seem to do is eat."

Lighting a cigarette out of habit, Kayce noticed Jenessa's look of disgust and stubbed it out without a word. "I make two thousand a month. Half of it goes straight to Kevin's allowance. What's left barely covers household expenses. There's nothing left to save."

"No cash in your pocket, yet you still waste money on five-dollar cigarettes? Maybe quit smoking and save a little instead," Kevin chimed in with a mocking laugh and blew out a puff of smoke from his premium cigarette. "My girl made it clear. No apartment and no car, no wedding."

His attitude made it obvious-he expected someone else to fix the problem.

Worry crept into Sebastian's face. "So what now?"

Across the room, Jenessa let out a long, heavy sigh.

Minutes dragged by before her eyes narrowed on Kayce's chest. A slow smile crossed her lips. "Hand over that pendant you always wear."

Kayce blinked.

Across from him, Rosalyn lifted an eyebrow. "Mom, why are you after his pendant?"

"It looks like it is made of jade. Probably fetch a good price. Let's try to sell it."

Shock flickered in Kayce's widened eyes. "Absolutely not."

That pendant was the only thing tied to the days before he woke up lost and alone in Ploron. It was his only link to who he used to be.

Jenessa's mouth twisted into a scowl. "Are you seriously saying that little trinket matters more than Kevin's future?"

Trying to stay calm, Kayce spoke up. "It's not about the money. That pendant might be the only clue to who I am. Without it, I have nothing to find my real identity..."

A bitter laugh escaped Jenessa. "Your real identity? Think you're some mysterious bigwig? Stop dreaming."

Sebastian crossed his arms and said, "We found you half-dead and picking garbage. We didn't demand anything back when Rosalyn married you. Now you can't even hand over a worthless necklace?"

Kayce lowered his head and said quietly, "Take anything else you want. Just leave this one thing alone."

An ugly sneer twisted Sebastian's mouth. "Anything else? Like what? Your empty pockets?"

With a frown, Rosalyn said, "Dad, Mom, please don't force him. That pendant means a lot to him."

Jenessa's face darkened. "And Kevin's wedding? That doesn't mean a damn thing to you?"

"That pendant is mine now! I'm taking it whether you like it or not!" Kevin stormed forward, reaching for Kayce's neck.

Instinct took over, and Kayce jerked back. "I can't. I really can't give it to you."

"Ungrateful piece of trash. Want me to beat it out of you?" Kevin roared and slammed his fist into Kayce's face without warning.

Kayce stumbled, crashing into the corner of the table. A sickening thud echoed.

A searing pain tore through his skull. The edges of his vision went dark. His body crumpled helplessly to the floor.

In a daze, images flashed through his mind like a movie reel.

That brutal hit to the head had done the unthinkable-Kayce's memory had come rushing back.

Left at the doorstep of an orphanage while still wrapped in his infant blankets, Kayce's life began with abandonment.

When he turned six, a nameless stranger appeared and took him as an apprentice.

From that day forward, the man would come and go like a ghost, teaching Kayce the ancient ways of martial arts and the secrets of healing.

At the age of twelve, Kayce left the orphanage and started drifting from place to place across the country.

By the time he turned fifteen, he had started traveling to other countries.

Year after year, he clawed his way upward, forging an empire from dust and ambition, gathering wealth and influence that stretched its fingers into every corner of the world. To most, he was a whisper, a legend, known only as the Crowned.

But fate took a cruel turn two years ago. Betrayed by those he trusted, Kayce suffered devastating wounds and fled back to his homeland, seeking his mentor's aid. Instead, he found assassins lying in wait. A bullet to the head sent him tumbling off a cliff.

Miraculously, he clung to life but awoke without a single memory.

He drifted through life like a shadow for two long years, enduring scorn and ridicule from every side.

Tonight, the missing pieces finally snapped back into place.

He had never been some forgotten stray-he had once stood at the very top, a true apex predator.

Kayce sat up in bed and lit a cigarette.

"Kayce, are you awake?" A gentle voice seeped through the slight opening of the door, carrying a hint of anxiety.

Leyla Morris, Rosalyn's younger sister, stepped inside. Her face, though stunning, carried a fragile sadness, her eyes dull and empty.

There were faint traces of Rosalyn in Leyla's appearance, though Leyla's softer features still had the innocence of youth, lacking Rosalyn's more refined maturity.

Leyla had lived with weakened sight for most of her life. In the past two years, she had gone completely blind and spent most days tucked away in her room.

Yet every time Kayce was wronged, she was the first to offer comfort. Any small treat she got, she always shared with him.

With a gentle grin, Kayce asked softly, "What tipped you off that I was awake?"

Leyla moved forward lightly, her smile playful. "Easy. I followed the smell of your cigarette."

Sliding into the chair next to his bed, she leaned in, her face filled with concern. "Are you hurting badly?"

"Nothing I can't handle," Kayce replied gently.

Leyla puffed her cheeks irritably. "Kevin's such a jerk! Why would he hurt you so badly?"

An amused smile slowly appeared on Kayce's face. "Actually, he did me a favor."

"Really?" Leyla tilted her head curiously.

Kayce gently patted her head. "Just wait a bit longer, Leyla. I'll get your eyesight back-I promise."

With a bright smile, Leyla said, "I know you will. One day you'll have enough money to heal me completely!"

Right then, her phone burst into a harsh ring.

She barely put the phone to her ear before a loud voice shouted angrily, "Leyla! Tell that worthless bum to drag himself over here immediately-your sister's in trouble!"

The furious voice was Sebastian, who hung up before Leyla could reply.

Without wasting a second, Kayce stood up and said, "Don't leave this house or go near the kitchen. Call immediately if something happens."

He bolted out the door before she could even answer.

Knowing their barbecue stall was a magnet for late-night drunks, Kayce grew worried for Rosalyn's safety. He flagged down a cab and hurried toward Charm Street.

Streetlights flashed past rapidly as Kayce sat quietly in the back seat, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

Despite the harsh treatment he'd endured in the Morris household over the past year, he had still found something he'd longed for since childhood-a home.

Even more than that, he had found Rosalyn.

After years of conquering markets and building empires, with everything he could possibly want, no one had ever touched his heart the way she did.

Now that he'd found her, there was no chance he'd let go easily.

For the time being, he kept his past to himself, willing to stay as the unwanted son-in-law, earn her love, and find peace as he healed.

When the time was right, he'd confront the shadows behind the betrayal two years ago.

About fifteen minutes later, Kayce arrived at the barbecue stall to find everything oddly peaceful.

He frowned suspiciously. "Where's the trouble you mentioned?"

Without even looking up from the sizzling grill, Sebastian grumbled, "Cut the nonsense. If I hadn't made something up, you'd still be sleeping like a baby. Who else is going to help out around here tonight?"

With a helpless smile, Kayce could only shake his head.

Normally, he'd spend each night cleaning and serving until past midnight.

If he had not been knocked out earlier, he would have already been up to his elbows in dishes.

Jenessa waved dismissively toward a large basin overflowing with dirty dishes. "Those plates won't clean themselves. Hurry up-we need them soon."

Not a single person bothered to ask how badly he was hurt, but Kayce had long grown used to them not caring.

Grabbing a low stool, he settled by the wall and started scrubbing the plates. Every now and then, he stole a glance at Rosalyn, busy tallying orders and handling bills.

She moved gracefully through the tables in tight jeans, heels clicking rhythmically-elegant, sophisticated, and captivating.

Kayce had encountered countless dazzling women abroad, yet none had ever managed to leave a lasting mark on his heart the way Rosalyn effortlessly did.

But the second Rosalyn turned toward him, he quickly looked away.

Pausing in front of him, Rosalyn asked, "Does it hurt badly?"

After Kevin knocked out Kayce earlier, Rosalyn had desperately wanted him checked at the hospital.

Jenessa, however, had fought hard against it, threatening to cause a scene, leaving Rosalyn with no choice but to back down.

Kayce warmly reassured her, "It's nothing serious. I'm tougher than I look."

In that simple moment, his heart was deeply content.

Rosalyn's concern alone mattered more than everyone else's lack of care.

Right at that moment, Kevin walked into the barbecue stall with a group of flashy-looking men, led by a burly, bald man.

Kevin introduced, "Meet my new buddy, Matthew. He's someone with influence all over Charm Street."

Wearing a smug grin, Matthew said, "If there's ever a problem, just say the word."

Without any shame, his gaze swept over Rosalyn, burning with desire.

Rosalyn gave a slight frown and turned her head away.

Sebastian chuckled. "Kevin, get your friends seated. Order whatever you want-it's on us."

Kevin dragged two tables together and waved for his "friends" to sit down.

Though Rosalyn clearly disliked Matthew, she decided not to openly offend guests Kevin had invited.

Approaching cautiously with a menu, she politely asked, "Have you gentlemen decided what to order?"

"Join us at the table, beautiful," Matthew said boldly, grabbing Rosalyn around the waist, his hand audaciously placed upon her backside.

"Get your hands off me!" Rosalyn shrieked angrily, smacking him across the face with the menu before instinctively backing away.

Nearby, Kayce froze mid-motion while slicing vegetables, eyes flashing dangerously.

Sebastian's imaginary scenario had become frighteningly real-trouble was indeed here.

A sharp chill settled in Matthew's eyes. "You better think long and hard."

Without hesitation, the men near him pushed back their chairs and closed in around Rosalyn.

Rushing to help, Sebastian and Jenessa barely made it a few steps before Matthew's lackeys blocked their path.

Kevin awkwardly stepped in with a nervous chuckle. "Come on, Matthew. Let's calm things down a little..."

With a fierce smack, Matthew struck Kevin hard across the face. "Do you really believe your words matter? If you hadn't invited me to dinner, I wouldn't have spared you a glance."​

Casting a cold look at Leyla, Matthew said, "Get over here and drink with me. Otherwise, I'll smash your family's stall into pieces."

Frozen in shock, Kevin clutched his cheek, too scared to utter a single word.

Rosalyn trembled with anger. "You guys better leave now, or I'm calling the cops!"​

"The cops?" Matthew sneered.​

Sebastian forced a smile. "Please, just leave Rosalyn alone. You and your friends are welcome to eat here anytime, no charge."

"Fuck off!"​ Matthew sneered dismissively, reaching aggressively once more toward Rosalyn.

Right at that moment, a glint of silver streaked through the air.

The blade of a kitchen knife sailed through the air, embedding itself deep into the table with a loud thud.

Matthew flinched and quickly drew his hand back in shock.

Stepping in closer, Kayce spoke in a low, deadly serious tone. "The hand that dared to touch my wife-chop it off yourself."

Everyone from the Morris family stood frozen in place.

Kayce had always been the quiet one. They had thought that he was the type to vanish when trouble came knocking.

Not a single person could wrap their head around the fact that he was the one stepping up now.

Matthew twisted his lips into a mocking grin. "What did you just say? Go ahead, say it again. I don't think I heard you right."

Kayce said it once more, his voice even colder, "I said, the hand that touched my wife-cut it off yourself."

The gangsters started shouting, surrounding Kayce with threats and curses.

Matthew closed the distance between them, his stare burning with rage. "You really don't know who you're messing with, do you? Talking to me like that, you've signed your own death warrant."

A faint, scornful laugh slipped from Kayce. "Just another street rat pretending he's someone important. Can't handle it yourself? I'll do it for you."

A strange flutter ran through Rosalyn's chest. Although her feelings were all over the place, a tiny warmth grew inside her, stirred by Kayce standing up for her.

"You really think you're something, huh?" Matthew roared, grabbing the knife off the table and lunging toward Kayce. "I'll finish you off right now!"

Horror swept across the faces of the Morrises.

"Look out!" Rosalyn screamed.

Instead of retreating, Kayce leaned into the attack, grabbing Matthew's wrist mid-swing. He struck Matthew's elbow sharply with his free arm.

The sickening sound of snapping bone filled the air as Matthew's arm bent at an unnatural angle, rough white bone tearing through flesh.

With a sharp clatter, the knife hit the ground.

Matthew dropped to the ground, shrieking in unbearable pain.

Around him, the rest of the gang stiffened, too stunned to react.

Without a hint of hesitation, Kayce swept his gaze over them and said, "Leave."

Having spent their lives bullying the defenseless, these men broke down the moment they stood against someone truly dangerous.

Scrambling to help Matthew, a few of them stumbled forward, dragging him away in silence.

Stunned into silence, the Morris family watched as everything turned upside down. None of them could make sense of Kayce's sudden change.

It was hard to believe this was the same worthless Kayce they had always looked down on.

Breaking the heavy silence, Kayce said, "Kevin, stop hanging around with scumbags like that."

His words snapped everyone back to their senses.

Anger flushing his face, Kevin snapped, "Since when do you think you can tell me what to do?"

Despite the fact he had just been humiliated by a thug, Kevin showed no fear of Kayce whatsoever.

Kayce scoffed, "Funny how you weren't this bold when they were intimidating Rosalyn."

With her lips pressed tight, Rosalyn said, "Give him a break. He's still young. Being scared is natural."

But Kevin was already in his twenties. It was a poor excuse and everyone knew it.

If Rosalyn had one flaw, it was how she coddled Kevin far too much.

With a deep frown, Jenessa said, "Handling one problem doesn't give you the right to order us around. You have no place telling Kevin what to do."

Letting out a heavy sigh, Sebastian said, "Charging in like that was foolish. There were better ways to handle it. Was picking a fight really the answer?"

"That's right," Jenessa said sharply. "You just made enemies out of street thugs. What if they show up and wreck the place? How are we supposed to keep the business alive?"

A quiet chuckle escaped Kayce, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

No matter what he did, he would always be wrong in the eyes of Jenessa and Sebastian.

"Do you even realize who you just messed with?" Kevin said angrily. "Matthew's brother is the captain of the mine security team under Oliver Davies!"

In the coal-rich land of Aresphis, Oliver Davies stood like a king among men. His mine security team was practically a private army that everyone in town feared.

"Matthew's brother works for Oliver?" Jenessa's face drained of all color. "God help us... we're screwed."

Her glare cut straight to Kayce. "You started this mess. You're fixing it. Leave us out of it."

With a calm tone, Kayce replied, "Relax. I'm not dragging you into this."

There was a time when even the wealthiest titans of finance bowed their heads in his presence. Why would a rich thug shake him now?

Rosalyn darted an unhappy look at her parents and brother. "Enough!"

Kayce had moved because of her. Somehow, she found herself siding with him without hesitation.

Things had taken such a sour turn that Sebastian and Jenessa gave up and decided to call it a day. Working was the last thing on their minds.

Like always, the Morrises slipped away. Kayce was left to handle the mess.

To them, chores were his burden to carry.

Nothing changed today either. Kevin and the Morris couple disappeared without saying a single thing.

Yet tonight turned out different. For once, Rosalyn stayed behind to lend a hand.

She leaned over a table, wiping it down, when a pendant slipped free from her shirt.

The pendant was a carved wooden cross, deep red with a smooth finish, glowing oddly under the light.

She wore it every day.

Before, Kayce never gave it a second thought. But now, with his memories stitched back together, he knew exactly what it was.

The carving was made of Witherwood-a rare, poisonous variety of sandalwood that grew deep in the jungle.

It would emit a kind of nerve gas. Prolonged exposure could lead to nerve damage.

Shock flickered through Kayce as he realized Rosalyn had been wearing something so dangerous.

Breaking the silence, he said casually, "Rosalyn, you really shouldn't be wearing that necklace anymore."

She lifted her head, caught off guard. "What's wrong with it?"

"The wood's dangerous," said Kayce. "If you keep it close, it could hurt you without you even knowing."

Rosalyn laughed under her breath. "I feel fine. Better than fine."

Clearly, she thought he was being ridiculous.

This time, Kayce's voice turned serious. "I mean it. You need to stop wearing it."

"That's enough!" Frustration flared in Rosalyn's eyes. She slammed the rag onto the table. "I thought we agreed to leave each other alone. Did that slip your mind?"

A heavy sigh escaped Kayce. "Alright. I won't bring it up again."

"Maybe you've already guessed that someone special gave me this. But that still doesn't give you the right to pry."

Without another word, Rosalyn turned around walked away.

Right from the start, Rosalyn saw their marriage as a simple transaction. She gave him a place to stay, and in return, Kayce helped her win an apartment.

In her mind, there was nothing more between them.

Lately though, she had sensed a change. His growing feelings scared her, and every time he showed affection, she pulled away before it could deepen.

Before today, Kayce would have chased her without a second thought. But today, he didn't.