"You ignorant, arrogant fool! Do you think hiding behind Aknath gives you the right to run your mouth?"
The lead instructor who had just warned Nightwind's Weapon Master twitched with anger, the wrinkles on his forehead knotting together at Renato's insolence.
His right hand shot to his waist as he tried to draw the two slender swords at his side.
Neither sword was some crudely made, ordinary weapon. One Rapier had a blade designed entirely for thrusting, tapering from guard to tip with a diamond-shaped cross section. Spider Runes flickered along its adamantine spine under the flow of magic power, shedding a pale violet light that could pierce even the toughest armor.
The other, shorter sword was about the length of a forearm. Its broad guard incorporated a basket hilt that enclosed the wielder's entire hand in protective metal, turning an offensive blade into a defensive "shield" for parrying.
Together, they offered both offense and defense: the long sword attacked while the short sword defended, allowing the wielder to establish a perfect rhythm between the two.
As a Legendary Warrior, Aknath might have been able to disregard this opponent. But to Renato, the old Swordsman clearly had his own system of swordsmanship and a deep understanding of it. He was no mediocrity.
Age might weaken a swordsman's body, but the combat experience accumulated over long years could still help him win a duel.
Normally, Renato would have gladly crossed blades with him and tested their swordsmanship.
Unfortunately, he was in a hurry today.
"Draw your sword! Today, I'll break your bones and teach you-"
Ignoring the old Swordsman's words, Renato drove his foot into the ground and used the force to close in swiftly, giving his opponent almost no time to react.
Rather than reach for the Silent Lady's hilt,