I guess it's just...been so long. I lost my dad and my twin brother in the same attack that I probably shouldn't have survived, but I did.

[He shrugs.]

I'm lucky to have been taken in by our town's blacksmith. If it weren't for him, I don't know where I'd be.

As for how strong I am? Well, not to brag...but I'm no slouch. As for why the monsters were appearing...

[He kind of laughs nervously.]

It's a long story, and I don't even know how much of it is actually true, or just legend, lore, and folktales. I wouldn't want to bore you with something like that...