The Origin of a Champion

Chapter 28- The End of the Beginning

Link tightened his grip on his soldier's broadsword as he faced off the training captain in front of him.

The trainer stared him down, a concentrated stare Link naturally returned. Both Hylians awaited the whistle that would signal the start of the sparring match. Link was feeling tired and worn out, but not from the hours of training he had gone through that day. Instead, the eyes that intently watched his final match for the day felt like they limited his energy. The large majority of soldiers in his training company had gathered around to observe Link's final practice round, some whispering among themselves. Some claimed this would be yet another easy win for Link, and some chuckled, hoping this particular trainer would best the renowned trainee.

Link zoned out the voices, maintaining his focus. When the shrill whistle cut through the air, the match began. Both fighters began to circle around, maintaining eye contact. Link waited for his opponent to make the first move, which he did. The trainer lunged for Link's stomach, and Link evaded by jumping to the right. His sword made contact with the metal armor the trainer wore on his back, and he went flying forward into the dirt. Link ran to the body and prepared to end the fight, but the trainer wasn't giving in yet. He rolled over and yet again struck his blade with an aim for Link's middle, taking Link by surprise. Link backflipped then ran forward, and the metallic clang of broadswords broke the concentrated silence.

Their blades met again, with the trainer still on the ground. Link gave him no room to get up and hit his blade near his opponent's wrist, which sent the sword flying out of his hand.

Link's sword was pressed up against the trainer's neck before his sword dropped on the ground.

As soon as another whistle signaled the end of the match, Link immediately removed his blade. He offered his hand to the older trainer, but his offer was not taken up. Link shrugged and retired to the back of the crowd of other trainee soldiers. It was later in the afternoon, that was his last match, and his training for the day was completed.

Link leaned up against a brick wall to catch his breath as he watched another sparring match between a different trainer and trainee. He had been part of training to become a Hylian knight for three months.

If he was being honest, it was so easy compared to Impa's training back in Kakariko. No one could clone, manipulate metal, summon ice from nothing, cause explosions, and freeze any moving object they pleased. Since Hylians possessed no special powers, Link never utilized his ability to slow the flow of time, as he didn't see it as fair. He also didn't want to be seen as showing off or bringing more attention to himself. He only practiced using that unique skill when he trained off by himself.

Link caught his breath and decided to watch the other soon-to-be knights spar against each other and various trainers for a bit longer.

"Impressive last round Link. I will say, you can't look so surprised when someone lunges at you from the ground. It is a very common move that shouldn't shock you so."

Link relaxed at the voice of his captain. He turned to face the tall, black-haired man who gave him a confident smirk.

"Truly, sudden moves from the ground are unexpected and deadly. But not so deadly when you are trained to expect them."

Link smiled his thanks for the advice, which he took to heart, and nodded.

Andro took his eyes off the current match to re-tuck his tan trousers back into his brown boots. He then straightened his tunic, which bore colors and stitching patterns closely resembling the uniform of a royal guard, a position the trainer had earned through years of service to the Hylian army. He stretched his lean, muscular frame and cracked his knuckles as he scanned his surroundings.