[It wasn’t quite the answer he was expecting, but the Professor always surprises him, that teasing tone a bright point in a conversation that threatened to turn too dour, too contemplative.

He actually smiles as they walk into a far more open area, chuckling lightly at the jab. There are weapon racks nearby — for practice, of course — ready to be picked for their sparring session. Apparently they are not the only ones who thought this area might be good for sparring out-of-sight and out-of-the-way.]

While I know you still have much to teach me, do not forget that I have grown stronger in these five years, too.

[For all the flaws he picked up in that time, one cannot deny the growth of Dimitri’s overall… physicality. Brightened a little by her tone, his step to claim a sword from the rack is eager. He turns to her again.]

I will not lose to you today, Professor. You will see.

[Spoiler: he probably loses.]