Every strike carried a follow-up attack—once the enemy was hit by his sword, a kick, a sweep, or a slash was sure to follow. These were meticulously designed consecutive attacks, each refined through real combat experience.

  In all his past sparring sessions, nearly no opponent had escaped this three-strike combo. So far, none of the squires present had been able to break this technique. This was why Rogue was hailed as the most gifted swordsmanship candidate in recent years.

  Kenley took a step back, then another.

  "Hah! That guy's so scared he only knows how to dodge like a coward! He can't even counterattack!"

  "Just a moment ago, he was running his mouth, and now he looks like a clown! How ridiculous!"

  Seeing Kenley in such a predicament, the onlookers mocked him mercilessly.

  Bang!

  A loud sound rang out as Kenley tried to block with his sword, only for it to be knocked right out of his hands, sent flying into the air!

  "First round—Rogue wins!" Roland frowned, worried that Rogue might not be able to restrain himself, and immediately announced the victory in a loud voice.

  For a moment, everyone was stunned, then they burst into laughter.

  "Hah! That guy lost! Did you see that? He spent the entire fight cowering like a turtle, not even daring to strike back!"

  "Look at Rogue's victory! That's what happens to those who don't know their place—they get crushed like ants!"

  "I saw this coming! He's nothing but a dung beetle with a foul mouth—other than rolling in filth, he knows nothing!"

  "Hahahaha…"

  Rogue lifted his chin proudly, almost looking down at Kenley with his nose."My apologies, it was just a lucky win! What was it you were saying about me earlier? Oh, right! I can already imagine someone carving Kenley onto a post and letting a dog piss on it. Once a name stinks, it never smells good again! Hahaha!"

  Kenley shrugged indifferently, walking over to pick up his sword."Less talking, more fighting. Let's start the second round."

  Rogue immediately turned to Roland."Lord Roland? Do you think there's even a need to continue?"

  Roland frowned and asked,"Kenley, do you still wish to continue?"

  Kenley twirled his sword casually before assuming the same relaxed stance as before."Please proceed, Lord Roland."

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  Seeing the smug expression on Rogue's face, a faint smile reappeared on Kenley's lips.

  But to Rogue and his fellow squires, that smile looked entirely different—they thought Kenley was mocking them.

  "Rogue, look at that ignorant fool! He's still laughing at you!"

  "Rogue, teach him a lesson!"

  "Don't you even have the most basic manners?" Rogue sneered coldly, furrowing his brows.

  Kenley shook his head."Apologies, I wasn't mocking anyone. I just recalled something from the past and felt a bit sentimental."

  "The past? You mean memories of being beaten and humiliated? If that's the case, I don't mind helping you relive them." Rogue smirked.

  "Rogue, you created this sword technique yourself, didn't you?" Kenley suddenly asked.

  "How do you know?"

  "Your technique is exquisite, and it's clear you've put immense effort into it. I must say, it's a beautifully crafted combo." Kenley praised.

  Rogue was slightly taken aback."But I don't appreciate being complimented by a novice who doesn't even understand swordsmanship. If you're trying to make me lower my guard, you're wasting your time."

  Kenley smiled faintly."I've been observing closely. Your swordsmanship is indeed formidable, but it has several clear weaknesses. For instance, your sword has a tendency to sink slightly, which happens because you haven't found a smooth follow-up move and are forced to drop your stance."

  Kenley's analysis was so precise that even Roland's eyes lit up upon hearing it.

  "You're talking nonsense! Rogue's swordsmanship is the best here, and he's the most talented!" The squires refused to believe him.

  A flicker of surprise crossed Rogue's face. He hadn't expected this stranger to pinpoint his biggest flaw so effortlessly. He waved a hand, silencing his companions."I don't know how you figured that out, but if you understand swordsmanship, why didn't you fight back?"

  "Because I was learning."

  "Learning?" Rogue's expression shifted.

  "That's right. I've memorized your three-strike combo perfectly. If you don't believe me, let's fight and see."

  "Fine. Let's find out whether you have real skill or if you're just bluffing." Rogue raised his sword.

  Kenley had intentionally let Rogue win the first round, using the time to observe and fully memorize his opponent's signature moves. Now, Rogue's abilities had become Kenley's abilities. This was Kenley's self-created technique—instant combat analysis and retention!

  Back on the field, Roland raised his hand."Second round, begin!"

  This time, Rogue said nothing. Just like before, he launched into a charge.

  But Kenley was no longer the same opponent.

  He immediately adopted a defensive stance, and the moment Rogue's attack made contact, he countered with a perfectly timed parry, neutralizing the charge instantly.

  Foolish! Rogue sneered internally. Most opponents instinctively defended against his charge, and he had already developed the perfect countermeasure.

  Blunt Strike!

  With a swift motion, Rogue flipped his sword, aiming a powerful pommel strike at Kenley! This attack had a built-in guard-breaking effect—against enemies who foolishly defended, it was a guaranteed hit.

  Once struck by Blunt Strike, the target would be momentarily stunned—leaving them completely vulnerable to his three-hit combo, ensuring victory!

  But at that moment, Kenley raised his hand and blocked the strike!

  "Is he insane? That's a Blunt Strike! It has a built-in guard-break effect!" Rogue's eyes widened in disbelief.

  And yet—

  What happened next left Rogue completely dumbfounded.

  Kenley executed a flawless counter at the very last moment. Even if it was Blunt Strike, so what? Against a perfect counter, even the strongest technique was rendered useless!

  With a loud clang, Rogue's sword was sent flying into the air. His stunned expression betrayed the turmoil in his heart.

  "This... this is impossible!"