I lost.

That was the only thought that surfaced in my mind.

Since entering this world, I never thought I would lose, as I rarely initiated conflicts and had few opportunities to compete with experts. I didn't know how strong they were, so when facing them, I would use my strengths to make up for my shortcomings. As for knowledge or wisdom, I didn't think I would lose either.

However, when I was holding this silver sword, I truly realized it.

This sword, I couldn't make it.

Some people might think that all swords are made with the same mold, but that's not the case. Weapons used for killing may not differ much, but when it comes to carrying magic, the sword needs to have a metal framework inside. The intricacy of the framework directly affects the magic resistance of the sword, as well as the difficulty of enchanting and the smoothness of magic flow.

For example, a sword without a framework is nothing more than a sharp piece of iron which can easily break in the face of magic. However, with a framework, the sword can resist magic and even cut through it. Similarly, magic can be infused into a sword with a framework, making it more durable and sharper.

Frameworks made by different craftsmen are usually different, and those of different weapons have their own characteristics.

Just by holding this sword, I know that its creator is even more advanced.

This sword was tailor-made for Karona. When I held the sword, a rejection reaction occurred immediately. I couldn't infuse my magic into it, and when I forced it, I even felt the sword was backlash against me.

That is to say, the creator designed this sword for her after analyzing Karona's body magic framework. This sword is actually a part of her body, an extension of her limbs.

This is a real weapon.

But is it really possible to analyze someone else's magic framework?

I stared at the sword in my hand until it was snatched back by Karona.

"This is the sword I received when I graduated top of my class from the Hero School. It was forged by our former principal. Someone like you can't compare." She said, hitting my sore spot.

I quickly grabbed Karona's wrist, pulling

I listlessly looked at the 128 weapons stacked like mountains beside me.

All of them were failures.

Ilan looked at me with worried eyes, and I patted her head to reassure her that I was fine.

After all, it's not a problem that can be solved in a day. Reluctantly, I got up to cook for Ilan. The little furball might have realized that it had gone too far with its joke during the daytime, and it sneakily peeked at me while I fed it, observing my reaction. I patted its nose.

Late at night, Ilan was already asleep. I sorted out records of all my works to date on the counter. The first piece was a Tachi, sold for 15 copper coins with no skeleton within. The person who bought it was Hero No. 1, who had already died.

I rested my forehead on the back of my hand and pondered on the table.

What am I lacking? What should I do?

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Unexpectedly, it was Karona, dressed in casual clothes. A brown shirt, black capri pants, white sneakers. The familiar white sword still hung at her waist. Seeing that she didn't bring any guards with her, it didn't seem like Ilan's situation had been exposed.

Before I could speak, she looked into my eyes.

Her lips were tightly pursed, and her green pupils were filled with determination.

"I'm the number one. Today's daytime was just inconvenient for me in armor. This time, please fight with me seriously."

I snorted.

"I'm sorry, I'm too tired today."

She grabbed my wrist.

"I can lick you again if you want."

If I had been drinking coffee, I would have spat it in her face.

Do you really know what that means? Please don't play with my pure heart.

I turned my head to look at her:

"Fine, let me see the strength of an excellent student."

Standing about fifteen meters apart, it felt like a duel between two master fighters in a martial arts novel.

She stared at me intently, probably trying to gauge my actions and be wary of my speed. A textbook-like fighting style showed her lack of experience.

Although there were ways to attack, I didn't feel like moving when I saw the silver sword.

I decided to name that sword "Silver Sword."

It sounds a bit vulgar, but it helped me find some balance.

Maintaining a high level of attention is tiring. In a small gap, I easily patted her shoulder.

Karona visibly shuddered and immediately backed away.

The textbook-like fighting style again.

When she jumped back, I tripped her, and she fell onto the ground.

She jumped up like a fish and immediately drew her sword. It was too slow; she should've done that from the beginning.

Jumping up like a fish is faster, but it's not as stable as rolling and getting up. Even if she drew her sword now, it was too late. As she jumped, I slapped her back, and she lost balance and fell to the ground again.

"How embarrassing. Is this what an excellent student looks like?"

I'll kill you.

That's what she muttered with her lips.

The Silver Sword stabbed into the ground, and several large fireballs with a radius of more than half a meter appeared out of thin air around me.

Do you intend to trap me?

Who gave you that confidence?

Use that ability to defend yourself in the opening.

I kicked her sword away, and the fireballs disappeared instantly.

"Please don't burn my house down. It's dry and flammable."