Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Entry 10: Akkala Tech Lab
Upon reaching the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, I cautiously approached the entrance, opening the heavy door to find the same malfunctioning machine I’d noticed during a previous visit. As I stepped closer to investigate, I suddenly sensed movement behind me. Spinning around, I saw two figures dressed in the distinctive garb of Sheikah scientists.
This was Robbie and his wife, Jerrin.
Robbie eyed me skeptically and, without hesitation, demanded to see my scars—proof that I was the same Link he remembered placing in the Shrine of Resurrection a century ago. His request surprised me, but I obliged, removing my tunic to reveal the faded marks etched into my skin.
Robbie examined them closely, nodding with grim satisfaction.
“They’ve healed,” he muttered, “but these scars… they match exactly what I remember.”
Convinced of my identity, Robbie’s demeanor shifted. He welcomed me warmly and began explaining the purpose of his lab. His greatest invention was the large, partially functional ancient oven—which he’d affectionately named Cherry. Designed to automate the production of ancient armor and weapons, specifically developed for combating Guardians.
However, Cherry was now inoperative. To function, the lab’s furnace needed to be reignited with a blue flame from an ancient furnace located on a hill across Bloodleaf Lake. Robbie admitted he was too old to make the journey himself—but he didn’t even need to ask.
I volunteered without hesitation.
As I made my way toward the ancient furnace, I quickly understood why Robbie had stopped attempting the trek. The path was crawling with Moblins, their hulking forms blocking narrow passes and patrolling the rocky terrain.
Thankfully, my combat skills had grown strong. With a combination of stealth, precise archery, and well-timed strikes, I cleared the path, using the strategically placed lanterns to keep the blue flame burning as I progressed.
Eventually, with the brilliant blue flame in hand, I returned to the lab and reignited the furnace, bringing Cherry—and Robbie’s research—back to life.
With power restored to the lab, Robbie eagerly showed me how to operate Cherry. As a token of appreciation for reigniting the furnace and restoring the lab’s full functionality, he gifted me three ancient arrows—weapons of immense power, specifically designed to counter Guardians and even Calamity Ganon himself.
Robbie explained that Cherry could craft powerful ancient weapons and armor if I provided the necessary materials. However, maintaining the lab’s operations and continuing his research also required a steady supply of rupees. Unfortunately, I had donated nearly all my savings to Purah and the Hateno Tech Lab to restore my Sheikah Slate. With limited funds, I could only afford to purchase a single piece of ancient armor.
It was clear—I needed to rely on my merchant business to fund the development of ancient gear and weapons.
Determined to rebuild my finances, I decided to focus on hunting Stone Taluses, Hinoxes, and Lynels for valuable materials. Additionally, I would begin actively hunting Guardians to collect their ancient parts.
My first stop was Tarrey Town to rest and strategize. Upon arrival, I sold a large quantity of luminous stones to Pelison, earning enough rupees to invest in crafting more ancient equipment back at the lab. While in town, I also snapped a picture of Kilton to sell to Hoz, the guard stationed at East Akkala Stable, who had been seeking information about the mysterious merchant.
While handling business, I met a wealthy man who offered to pay me handsomely to defeat two Guardians lurking in the Torin Wetlands. This felt like the perfect opportunity to test the ancient arrows Robbie had given me.
I mounted Phoenix and rode toward the wetlands, carefully navigating the marshy terrain. Using the decayed Guardian husks scattered throughout the area as cover, I scavenged them for parts while planning my attack.
I crept as close as possible to the first active Guardian, my heart pounding with anticipation. Then, with a deep breath, I sprinted from cover, bow drawn and loaded with an ancient arrow. As the Guardian’s eye locked onto me and its laser began to charge, I released the arrow—striking it directly in the center of its glowing eye.
Success!
The Guardian exploded in a brilliant flash, leaving behind a pile of valuable parts, which I eagerly collected.
Using the same strategy, I approached the second Guardian. Once again, the ancient arrow found its mark, and the machine was swiftly destroyed.
For the first time, I felt I no longer had to live in fear of these mechanical terrors. The ancient weapons leveled the playing field. Still, I reminded myself that overconfidence could be fatal—one mistimed dodge, one missed shot, could mean the difference between life and death.
Satisfied with my victories, I returned to Tarrey Town to claim the rest of my reward from the wealthy patron, my resolve stronger than ever.
With newfound confidence in facing Guardians, I made my way north along Akkala Beach, defeating two more Guardians along the way. At the far northern tip of Akkala, I used Cryonis to create ice platforms, allowing me to cross the open water. After scaling a towering wall, I reached the entrance of a massive labyrinth—a shrine at its center that I spotted from the tech lab before but hadn’t felt ready to approach until now.
Near the entrance, another Guardian stood guard. I quickly dispatched it with an ancient arrow before venturing into the maze. Navigating the labyrinth’s twisting corridors and hidden passages, I finally reached the shrine at its center. Upon completing the shrine’s trial, a hidden passage opened beneath it, leading to a vast underground chamber.
The space was eerily quiet, filled with scattered decayed Guardians and a lone chest in the center of the room. When I opened the chest and retrieved a diamond circlet, the silence was shattered—multiple Guardians suddenly activated, their eyes glowing ominously as they locked onto me.
Without wasting a second, I sprinted toward an updraft in the chamber, leaping into the air and deploying my paraglider. As I ascended rapidly, a barrage of laser beams erupted beneath me, narrowly missing as I soared back into the safety of the shrine above.
After catching my breath, I returned to the Akkala Tech Lab, exchanging the Guardian parts I’d collected for the remaining pieces of ancient armor and more ancient arrows. With my gear upgraded, I visited the Great Fairy Mija to further enhance my armor’s strength. Feeling well-prepared, I traveled back to Tarrey Town to rest and sell the valuable items I’d gathered.
My next goal: to seek out the Spring of Power somewhere within Akkala.
