All right, some updates on my progress. First, this happens to be my 100th post! Time to change ye olde avatar.
Second, I have updated the link with my current WIP. I end it on the same frame as I did before, but this time you will notice I am not quite as far "ahead" as I was before. The reason will be obvious as you watch it (or you could read the next paragraph), but I still saved at least 5 seconds. The main improvement came from better conversations, but other improvements, such as better bosses and jumping, helped as well (I am finally satisfied with the second statue guard, thanks to the crowbar deciding to behave). I have also figured out how the ducking momentum thing scubed brought up works: if you are running and you press down and B on the same frame, you will keep your momentum if you release down and B on the same frame before you retract your sword. I managed to use this against the guards.
Third, after some extensive testing, I was wrong about Julia, and it is best to get her as soon as possible. Waiting until I complete the third trial will require a detour on down. The net result is that it would be thirty frames slower than getting her as soon as possible.
Fourth, I believe I have found a place where falling through the floor would be helpful. I think that in order to fall through a floor, you'll have to jump at a corner in the floor at just the right speed and angle. Look at the screen shot here:
Initial tests show that hitting the corner there just right will cause Kuros to shake a bit as though he is trying regain his footing; I believe that I might be able to get it so that he can fall through, allowing me to skip that guy in the corner effectively rendering
all knight trials completely moot. I'll see what I can do about it.
Leave any questions, comments and concerns underneath this message. Thank you! <^_^>