Renato knew exactly what he was doing and saying.
He had deliberately spoken arrogantly to provoke the leading Drow instructor into drawing his sword first, giving him a legitimate excuse to attack.
After all, this was not the Gray Zone, but the Academy District under the Ruling Council's jurisdiction. If he beat someone up in broad daylight, he needed an excuse to argue his case with the Enforcement Squad.
At the same time, with Weapon Master Nightwind—a Legendary Warrior—present, the other Drow instructors were unlikely to dare make a rash move.
By subduing their leader first, Renato could demonstrate his strength while also gaining the upper hand, then use the momentum of that authority to negotiate.
What he had not expected was that Weapon Master Aknath would do more than stand by and watch. Instead, he had actively helped Renato, forcing through this challenge that did not quite follow the rules.
In theory, Renato had to enroll in the Combat Tower and defeat the top student of each of its four years before earning priority challenge rights.
That process would take several months at the very least. With the Holy Day Celebration approaching, Renato had no time to play games with these young nobles...
So far, his plan had gone very smoothly.
The Combat Tower's top floor was a circular arena. Its dome soared overhead, and glowing magical crystals embedded in the walls projected images of the arena to the various spectator stands.
The floor beneath his feet was paved with smooth stone slabs. Fine sand filled the gaps between them, ready to absorb the duelists' blood.
Renato exhaled and looked at the noble warrior standing across the raised platform.
The Drow was undeniably handsome, his features softer than those of many female Drow. He had thin lips, and