In a fleeting second, Kenley capitalized on the technique of "knife canceling" to reduce Roland's HP by approximately four-tenths, thereby instilling in Roland a profound sense of urgency and crisis.

  She now keenly realized that when confronting this incredibly youthful opponent, the slightest bit of carelessness or complacency was utterly unacceptable.

  To be candid, the combat prowess of a Sword Saint should not be such that it could be so severely tested by a warrior of the fifth rank. However, Kenley's wealth of experience, coupled with the meticulous planning behind each of his moves, rendered it unsurprising that Roland had fallen into his stratagem.

  Yet, if one were to assume that the Sword Saint was genuinely that vulnerable, they would be sorely mistaken. Having been ensnared once, Roland was unlikely to be duped so readily again.

  Just as Kenley had employed the Warrior's Roar to nullify the crowd control immunity, the real body launched the "Falling Petals" technique. Roland executed a rapid diagonal thrust, aimed directly at Kenley's midsection.

  Kenley, of course, had a countermeasure at his disposal. However, Roland allowed him no opportunity to implement it.

  For the doppelg?nger initiated the "Thorn Flower Rain" attack!

  Caught in a pincer assault from both sides, once affected by the imbalance inflicted by "Falling Petals", Kenley would be immediately confronted with the subsequent four consecutive strikes of the "Purple Flower Language" technique, followed by the high-intensity onslaught of thirty strikes within three seconds from the "Thorn Flower Rain".

  Given Kenley's current HP, in less than three seconds, his health bar would be completely depleted.

  "He's lost!" In the face of such a formidable pincer attack, even Mimir could discern that Kenley stood no chance. After all, Kenley was merely at the fifth rank, and Roland had yet to unleash the power of the Domain and that particular skill. The fact that Kenley, as a fifth-rank warrior, had managed to land so many blows on Roland was indeed a cause for pride.

  However, what transpired next once again left Mimir in a state of shock.

  For...

  "Empty Break!" Kenley's form underwent a transformation. Like a shooting star, he merged with his sword and charged fifteen meters straight ahead. The "Empty Break" swordsmanship, which carried a dominant effect, directly withstood the thrust of "Falling Petals" and broke through from Roland's real body side, deftly evading the range of the "Thorn Flower Rain" attack.

  "What on earth is this..." Everyone was taken aback, Roland included.

  "This is the swordsmanship of the Wind and Thunder Sword Saint! Kenley, how on earth do you know it?" Roland was clearly caught off guard by Kenley's mastery of the Wind and Thunder swordsmanship, which ranked second in renown.

  "Teacher, I'm an exceptionally eager learner," Kenley replied with an enigmatic smile.

  "You're becoming increasingly intriguing, Kenley."

  After creating some distance between them, the two stood facing each other, neither making a move.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  At last, the battle returned to a brief interlude of tranquility.

  Just then, a flash of white light illuminated the arena, startling everyone present. Was it a teleportation spell?

  Two individuals, unanticipated by anyone, materialized within the arena.

  "So it's Lady Roland. I was puzzled by the presence of the aura of Divine Law Energy in the Christophon Territory. Had it not been for the activation of the early warning enchantment, I would have assumed that a Sword Saint from another nation had entered the Cain Empire," Guinevere said as she offered a slight bow to Roland.

  "The Kulsmatlin Festival has disrupted Your Highness Guinevere's celebration. I apologize for my impoliteness," Roland said as she sheathed her sword and returned the bow.

  "Your Highness Guinevere! My apologies!" Mimir, too, was taken aback by Guinevere's sudden appearance. He promptly executed a standard knightly bow.

  "Think nothing of it. Could you please explain the reason for your duel?" Guinevere inquired, casting a glance at the two magical puppets.

  One of them was nearly half shattered, while the other had only sustained minor damage.

  Could it be that Kenley was challenging Lady Roland? Upon observing the nearly half-shattered puppet, Guinevere immediately surmised that it belonged to Kenley.

  She stole a glance at Kenley and was astonished to find that he had reached the fifth rank at some point. She recalled that he had just entered the third rank when they first met. How could he have advanced so rapidly in just half a year?

  Kenley and Roland exchanged a look, and Kenley said,"Perhaps Lady Roland would be so kind as to explain."

  A blush adorned Roland's delicate features. How was she supposed to explain this? However, she was not one to be overly reserved. She promptly recounted the circumstances that had led to the duel.

  Daina reacted immediately,"Kenley, you intend to marry Lady Roland?"

  Kenley glanced at Roland and smiled faintly."Indeed."

  Daina turned her gaze back to Roland, feeling a measure of admiration for Kenley's audacity and courage. To be honest, the choice of whom to marry was Kenley's prerogative. As someone with no emotional connection to Kenley at present, Daina felt it inappropriate to voice her opinion. After all, on the Aude Continent, men were legally permitted to have multiple wives.

  However, the fact that Kenley harbored the intention of marrying the Sword Saint Roland surprised her. Challenging a Sword Saint was no mean feat.

  She stole another glance at Kenley. She was unaware of when he had reached the fifth rank. Although she was taken aback by his rapid progress, even at the fifth rank, the prospect of defeating a Sword Saint who possessed Divine Law Energy seemed wildly exaggerated and unrealistic.

  Not to mention that the Silver People also possessed the power of the Domain. In the face of this power, Kenley, as a member of the Bronze People, had an almost negligible chance of emerging victorious.

  "Kenley, while I do not believe you have a realistic chance of defeating Lady Roland, I commend your courage. Regardless of the outcome, I will stand by you. Give it your all, and I will be watching every battle you engage in," Daina said with a faint smile, her tone betraying a tenderness reserved solely for Kenley.

  Tia's eyes flickered, clearly indicating that she had grasped something. Just then, Normani sidled up to Tia and whispered something in her ear. Tia's face flushed a deep red, reaching all the way to her neck."Normani, don't speak nonsense. The master is not that kind of person."

  "Hehe, Sister Tia, don't you want to give it a try?"

  "No, I don't..."

  "Sister Tia, you're not being honest."

  "Normani, if you persist, I won't help you collect stones anymore."

  "Please, Sister Tia! Normani will be good..."

  ...

  "Rest assured, I will spare no effort." It seemed that no one believed he could defeat the Sword Saint... Indeed, based on the current circumstances, his chances of success were slim.

  For Roland had yet to employ the true power of the Domain and the full potential of Divine Law Energy. However, Kenley suspected that Roland would soon be unable to resist doing so.

  "Kenley, while I am genuinely surprised by your talent in swordsmanship, I regret to say that the vast chasm between the Bronze People and the Silver People cannot be easily bridged. Although I have strived to ensure a fair duel for you, I believe your current strength warrants my utilization of the power of the Domain. Prepare yourself," Roland said. With that, the two Rolands began to exude a formidable aura.

  As soon as this aura was released, everyone present was immediately enveloped by a palpable sense of oppression. All those below the Silver rank could distinctly feel the terrifying pressure emanating from it.

  Of course, Mimir was the exception.