The weapons I forge are absolutely flawless.

According to the rules, emblem wielders participating in the trial must pass all the challenges that appear before they are qualified to draw the Holy Sword.

But this is Escudo's spiritual space, and it is the rule itself.

“That won’t do. I’m using this as an opportunity to break through to the Sword Saint realm. What would it look like if I skipped it?” Vena did not accept the proposal.

Even with Felix's almost cheat-like swordsmanship template, the gap between the two in swordsmanship continued to widen.

After all, learning something is one thing, but mastering it is another.

He needs sufficient pressure to hone his swordsmanship in order to achieve his transformation.

"Then why don't you try the challenge first?" After all, Escudo needed Vina's help, so he naturally went along with his wishes. "If you lose quickly, I'll help intervene."

These words imply that while others have only one chance to fail in a trial, Wiener has countless opportunities to try and fail.

“That’s a good suggestion,” Viner said, showing a hint of interest. “Let’s release the opponent from the first round.”

Escudo snapped his fingers, and a young man appeared in front of Vina.

The man exuded a sharp sword aura, clearly indicating his considerable strength.

"This is--"

Just as Escudo was about to make his introduction, he was interrupted by Vina reaching out.

“Rufry Rafner, the Frost Sword Saint, I know him well.”

Viner had seen him many times in Adramra's memory, so he was naturally familiar with him.

"I'll use you as a practice subject first," Viner said confidently.

Chapter 563 Reasons why you can’t lose

"What a thrilling battle!" Vena exclaimed.

Although Rufrey, as recorded by the Holy Sword, was young, he was a true sword saint.

If it weren't for Wiener's thorough knowledge of his swordsmanship, while his opponent knew nothing about Wiener, this hurdle would likely have been extremely difficult.

"You seem to know me very well?"

Rufry glanced down at the longsword piercing his chest, then calmly tossed the weapon aside.

He could see that although Vena was not as skilled in swordsmanship as him, he could always see through his sword moves and achieve victory against the odds.

"Could he be a descendant of the Lafner family?" Rufry guessed.

“I have a classmate whom I met by chance, and he is your descendant.” Viner sheathed his longsword and bowed to Rufry.

"I see. Are they doing well?" Rufry couldn't help but ask, as it was rare to hear news about the family.

“Well, the Lafner family, though located in a remote corner, enjoys the deep trust of the new emperor. For this contribution to his ascension, Her Majesty the Empress will not treat them unfairly,” Vena replied.

"That's good... Wait, are you talking about the Empire?" Rufry suddenly realized something was wrong. "Tell me, which unworthy descendant actually betrayed us and went to the Empire?!"

“Uh—” Viner hesitated for a moment, then pointed at Rufry himself.

“Me?” Rufry asked incredulously.

“You crossed the kingdom’s borders to eliminate the Frostfire Demon. Although you defeated it, you were seriously injured and only survived thanks to the help of a young lady,” Vina explained.

“I can never repay her for saving my life. I should marry her and bring her into the Lafner family.” Rufry lowered his head in thought.

“But you had amnesia at the time,” Viner continued, “and you married that girl and had a son and a daughter.”

Rufry opened his mouth, but found himself at a loss for words.

To hone his swordsmanship, he maintained a clean reputation for three years at the academy, and he rarely even spoke to girls.

Now, suddenly being told that he was not only married but also had two children, this huge contrast was hard for him to accept.

“Forget it, all of that is in the past,” Rufry said, trying to suppress his inner turmoil. “Just tell me, did I do anything that would harm the kingdom’s interests afterward?”

"The Rafna family has never betrayed the kingdom, and you are the hero who vanquished the demon."

Seeing that Wiener suddenly became serious, Rufry finally realized what was going on.

He didn't delve into it further, but nodded slightly, "Thank you for telling me this."

“I have also benefited from your and Adramra’s blessings, so what is this little thing?” Vina returned the bow.

After expressing his gratitude, Rufry's figure gradually blurred and disappeared, leaving only a faint aftertaste of sword energy.

After the figure of the Frost Sword Saint disappeared, Escudo reappeared in front of Vina.

It gently waved its hand, merging the lingering sword energy left by Rufry into Vina's body.

Vina immediately felt a surge of magical energy and physical strength flowing through his limbs and bones, and his spirits lifted. Having secured his first victory, his confidence began to soar.

"Little E, where would Ruflesh's strength rank in this trial space?" Viner asked casually.

“Little E is… calling me?” Escudo paused for a moment, seemingly surprised by the new form of address.

“Yes, it’s more convenient this way, and it sounds better too.” Vina smiled. “Don’t you like it?”

“No, call him whatever you like.” Escudo shook his head slightly and began to answer Vina’s earlier question, “Rufry Rafna is the weakest sword saint here.”

"Are you kidding me?" Viner asked, somewhat surprised.

He's supposed to be a sword saint who can trade one blow with a demon, yet he's the weakest in the trial space?

“He was too young when he came; he was the youngest to participate in the Holy Sword Trial... Now he's the second youngest Sword Saint. If he had grown a few more years before coming back, he would definitely be at a much higher level,” Escudo explained.

It has seen too many high-ranking emblem users and is extremely accurate in judging strength.

"So what do you think of me?" Wiener asked curiously.

“I don’t want to discourage you,” Escubardo said, somewhat conflicted.

It had already thoroughly assessed Vina's swordsmanship level by observing his battles.

In a word, it can be summed up as "miscellaneous".

This was the price he paid for constantly learning swordsmanship from Felix.

Wiener was proficient in too many sword styles, but could not integrate them like Felix.

This is precisely what prevented him from breaking through to the Sword Saint realm.

Even after leaving the trial space, Viner could still call himself the number one swordsman below the Sword Saint.

But here, he can only be considered an apprentice.

Faced with such evaluations, Wiener appeared surprisingly calm.

He wasn't a pure swordsman to begin with, so how could he be dissatisfied with being able to enter the trial space and have these sword saint-level experts as sparring partners?

"Let's move on to the next level then," Viner said, looking eager to try.

-----------------

“The fifth level.” Jessica stared at yet another shattered orb of light, her tone tinged with complexity. “Vina is still holding on.”

She had predicted that Wiener wouldn't even make it past the third level, but Wiener, as if to prove something, has already made it past the fifth level.

“Hehe, Vena is Vena after all. I wouldn’t be surprised if he could reach the level of a master.” Felix was full of confidence in Vena. “Even if his swordsmanship is not as good as his, Vena will definitely find other ways.”

"I hope so..."

Jessica didn't care about this kind of embarrassment, after all, the more challenges they overcame, the more benefits it would bring to Viner.

But looking at the seemingly endless spheres of light, she couldn't help but feel worried.

Putting aside the difficulty of the trial, if you have to complete all the levels before you can leave, how long would that take?

"Oh, right, Lisette asked me to remind you that it's time for the regular message." Felix finally remembered the important matter.

"Well, I'll go right away."

-----------------

“I thought you’d only make it to the third level at most,” Escudo suddenly said as he was restoring Vina’s health.

“Well, you’ve made the same judgment as one of my friends,” Viner couldn’t help but laugh.

The less favored he is, the more determined he becomes to prove himself.

Wiener couldn't wait to see Jessica's expression when she found out she had made it to the fifth level—it would be hilarious.

“If your goal is simply to break through to the Sword Saint realm, you might as well choose one opponent and keep challenging them. That would be easier,” Escudo suggested.

At the level of a Sword Saint, one is more concerned with how long one's strongest asset is.

Even if you only know one move, the Draw Sword Slash, you can still become a Sword Saint if you master it to the highest level.

Wiener was the kind of guy who had no flaws in swordsmanship, but also no outstanding strengths.

It's somewhat similar to those swordsmen who, despite their talent, never break through to the level of a sword saint throughout their lives.

"I'll try your method when I can't make it any further."

Wiener still wanted to test his limits.

With Escudo as his backup, he can face every opponent without any worries.

Instead of having to lie in bed for half a day after using a single sword strike.

This exhilarating combat experience allowed even Vina, who usually dislikes fighting, to experience the thrill of battle.

"By the way, Little E, who's the opponent in the next level?" Viner suddenly asked before stepping into the portal.

“It’s the woman named Jessica who came with you to the trial,” Escudo replied.

"Now I have another reason not to lose," Viner thought to himself.

Chapter 564 Seven Star Sword and Mars Guarding the Heart

"Vina?!"

Jessica was quite shocked when she saw the new trial participants.

If Felix's victory over her and passing the trial was within her expectations, then the appearance of Venere was completely beyond her imagination.

"Unexpected, isn't it? Surprised?" Viner smiled at the other person, her tone slightly teasing.

"It's really a surprise."

Jessica looked at Vina with a complicated expression, wondering how much effort he had put in to get to this point.

So what are your plans next?

“Then naturally we should defeat the senior sister.” Viner bowed, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"When the senior was on the ship, she said I was worse than a beast. Does the junior still remember that? If the senior unfortunately loses, I wonder what she will think?"

"Ha, you'll have to win first."

Jessica may not have realized the expression on her face.

The harsh words, which should have been sharp and ruthless, were softened by a touch of unintentional shyness.

Only when she slowly pulled the white snow from her chest, and the chill spread around her, did she finally regain her focus.

Jessica genuinely hoped that Viner could surpass her, and even longed to experience being defeated by him.

But this expectation doesn't mean she'll go easy on him.

Instead, she will go all out to bring out the full potential of Wiener.

"Then please enlighten me, senior."

Vena also held the Seven Star Sword in his hand.

Before the swords even clashed, the force of thunder was already hidden within them.

Jessica struck first, flashing in front of Vina like lightning, her sleeves billowing with snow, unleashing a torrent of frost.

Wiener hastily parried, but was clearly at a disadvantage.

The sword energy he simulated with the sword emblem was ultimately no match for the real thing. The moment the blades clashed, icy frost spread upwards along the sword, making Vena feel a bone-chilling cold.