Legend of Zelda factoid: The old man in "The Legend of Zelda" gave link advice and swords. His first words in the game were "It's dangerous to adventure alone. Take this."
Chapter 9
Link trained for many years. He stayed pretty secluded for the most part and spent a lot of his days exercising and working on his swordplay. He found exercise in just about any task, including going to the town Saria to pick up supplies. Saria was closer than Castle Town and had everything they needed. Link never went to Castle Town or saw Zelda since their last meeting.
Balthamor was very impressed at what Link could do as a child with no training. It was through his forced labor that he received great endurance and dexterity. He learned fast and was easy to train. Link too felt it came naturally to him, and enjoyed the training exercises most of the time. Like everything though, the more you do it the more you don't want to do it. Over time it started to become a chore, but Link stayed hard at it, dedicated to his ultimate goal of becoming a warrior.
Link learned to use the sword, the bow, the shield, and all the basic battle maneuvers as well as any weapon specific ones Balthamor knew. Balthamor didn't know everything there was to battle, though. Link would have to learn new techniques through his future travels. He also taught Link about the 3 most important points in a warrior's life, known as levels. After passing the third level the warrior was complete in his training, and could go no further until he went out and experienced the world on his own.
The levels are as follows:
Level 1: A warrior must be knowledgeable in his opponents and his weaponry. A written test is administered consisting of many questions regarding basic monsters, equipment, weak points, and battle tactics. After passing this he moves onto level 2 and will receive a loop to put through his ear to symbolize his knowledge.
Level 2: A warrior must test his use with the basic weapons and his agility in combat. A warrior without good footwork and proper stance will quickly fall in battle. This stage is passed by a physical test consisting of an obstacle course with several challenges. Upon completion of this level, the warrior will be upgraded to level 3, and will be awarded a proper sword and shield to symbolize his power.
Level 3: This is a trial that is essential in every warrior's life. It is the final level for a warrior to pass. This will test the knowledge gained in levels 1 and 2 as well as add the lesson of experience to it. The teacher that is training the warrior will assign a specific task for the warrior to carry out. The task will not be an easy one and will be dangerous. The teacher appoints a task that he sees fit, such as slaying a specific monster or retrieving an item. Once the trial is passed it shows the final mark in a warrior's training. Once the warrior has finished his training he will become a full-fledged warrior, and will receive a matching tunic and hat to symbolize his courage.
7 years passed since Balthamor found Link and began to train him. Now at the age of 20, Link passed level 2 and was ready for his trial.
"You are at level 3 young Link, finally ready for your final trial to be a warrior." Balthamor said to Link. "I am too old now Link, it's time for me to retire. These past 7 years have been the best years of my life, and you came in the knick of time too. If you came any later I may not have been able to fully train you."
Link nodded. It was true. Balthamor has aged a lot more this past 7 years. He isn't a fighting warrior anymore, he's too weak and fragile. Though he can't fight, he can still do simple household chores. He now has a long white mustache flowing out from beyond his face, a large white beard, and a mostly bald head with some white hair circling the edge of it minus the hairline. He wore a red robe whenever he was passing his teachings on to Link.
"You started pretty late in life..." The old man continued. "…but you learned quickly. This is where most warriors receive a challenge to complete their trial, but you are different. Before you even came here you had passed your trial. You had a 13-year trial, one that no one should suffer through. There are few true warriors out there anymore, and even fewer who have the knowledge to train others." Balthamor walked over to a chest in the corner of the sparring room they were standing in. He unlocked it and opened it. "You've been wondering what's in this chest for a while, now it's time to show you." Balthamor pulled out a green tunic and green pointed hat. "I made this specially for you. You have shown tremendous courage and dedication. The ancient hero also wore a green tunic, as well as obtained the Triforce of Courage. As you know, the color green and the Triforce of Courage are bound within the divinity Farore. Now you have the green tunic just like him, it looks like all your missing is the Triforce of Courage." He chuckled.
Link donned the items Balthamor handed to him.
"You're still missing something. You need the proper equipment," said Balthamor as he walked to some shelves filled with equipment. "It's dangerous to adventure alone, take these items to help you. I don't have a use for them anymore."
Link was now prepared for battle. He had his sword sheathed in his scabbard which rested on his back. The strap ran from his left shoulder down to his right hip for easy access. The quiver rested on his back the same way as the scabbard, but it was smaller and stood up at a different angle than the scabbard so he could easily judge what he was grabbing without looking. He put his bow on his back resting on his scabbard and quiver. His shield also rested on his back, with some metal lips on the top and bottom of the shield held steady in some pockets in the tunic. He also wore the earring he obtained from training, as well as some gripping gloves, and thick boots.
"You are now a full fledged warrior. If you'd like to practice on some real monsters you can wait until nightfall and go out and knock down some Tektites, you can use the Keese as bow practice. I'm off to bed. Do as you please, no more training."
Link began to breathe normally again. He spent most of his time holding his breath in this tense moment. Balthamor retired to his room. He didn't have much stamina in him anymore. Fortunately the old man has taken care of himself, there is still plenty of days left for him to see Link grow even more and give him advice if need be.
Link decided to go to Castle Town. It was time he began living on his own whim. Link wanted to travel, but wanted to bone up on his skills first by helping out on local issues. Link wanted to help others out, the same way Balthamor helped him. It's the way of the warrior. Link always told himself.
On his ride to Castle Town, Link remembered Zelda. She probably wouldn't even recognize me now…hopefully. Link thought to himself. He was still ashamed of his past, and wanted to never think of it again. He felt so stupid for staying with Darigan when he could've ran away so easily. The princess saved me instead of me saving her, how embarrassing. He cringed at the thought. As he got older, he realized his dream of saving the princess' life was unrealistic and absurd, because that would require her life to be in danger, and that could mean her getting hurt. Still, he felt a connection towards her and didn't want her to judge him based on his past. My past is no more... I have a new life now. A new life as Link the warrior, and not as the slave boy without a name.