Life in Zora's Domain

Chapter 23 - Trial of the Hero - Part 1

Summary: Dr. Purah completes a set of virtual reality training exercises and trials for Link to demonstrate his ability as requested at the Champions Meeting. Mipha is concerned about its psychological effect on him. Mipha and Link relive some memories at East Reservoir Lake as Link continues practicing.

Several months after King Rhoam's Champions Meeting, a package addressed to Link in Zora's Domain arrived. The return address was Dr. Purah at Hyrule Castle.

"I wonder what this can be?" said Link to Mipha as he opened the package. Inside were two strange looking devices he had never seen before and a letter addressed to him.

Link,

I have completed a set of virtual reality trials, which I believe are suitable for demonstrating the proficiency required of the Hylian Champion. Princess Zelda has reviewed the trial content and agreed with my assessment. Therefore, this is an official request on behalf of Princess Zelda that you attempt these trials in the next thirty days. Below is the information you will need to access the tests and some additional training scenarios I have created to help prepare you.

Entering the trials and training scenarios requires access to the power of a Divine Beast. Since you are living in Zora's Domain, I assume you will use Vah Ruta. You should first secure the smaller device to your person. Then attach the larger device, which I will refer to as the simulator, to the Divine Beast's central control unit. Once connected to the control unit, several selections will be visible on the simulator. When you select any of the scenarios, your mind will enter a construct that will seem real to you while your body will remain inert in the real world. You will automatically exit a trial if you suffer a mortal wound or fail the test. You can also leave at any time by choosing the exit option on your device. Finally, if anyone disconnects the Divine Beast control unit's simulator, you will also exit all simulations.

One set of scenarios is for training purposes. You can select from several training scenarios that will not count as part of your trial but can help you prepare for the actual test. When you feel confident in your ability, you should select the real challenge, which I will refer to as the Trial of the Hero.

The Trial of the Hero consists of four scenarios that place you in various locations throughout Hyrule and confront you with a situation you must successfully resolve. Resolving the situation means doing what is best for the survival of Hyrule. There may be more than one way to solve the simulation successfully. You must complete all four scenarios to pass the trial. You may attempt the Trial of the Hero as many times as you wish but must complete it successfully within thirty days to meet the requirements. Please return the devices to me upon completion since they will have a record of your results.

Best of luck,

Dr. Purah

P.S. Though I have called this the Trial of the Hero, anyone can access the training and trial scenarios by following the instructions above and wearing the personal device. We are using a similar approach to train troops here at Hyrule Castle, but their combat scenarios are not as severe as your trials.

"So, this is the skill test Revali wanted me to take," said Link. He shared the letter with Mipha.

"It looks like you have to take these trials in Vah Ruta," said Mipha. "In that case, I am coming with you. If I sense these trials are causing you too much stress, I would like you to cancel your involvement, and I don't care what Revali or anyone else says. Remember, your primary loyalty is to the Zora Royal Family now, which is my father and me and Sidon and your children. I don't want to see you suffer preparing to defend Hyrule against an attack which may never happen."