[Altaïr grins back, nearly smirks — not as his opponent, really, but at the circumstances they both find themselves in.]

If we were meant to truly challenge one another, we wouldn't be left with nothing but blunted blades meant for children.

[It's possible that this might prompt one to question what children in his homeland get up to in their free time. But he raises his own practice sword and moves closer rather than elaborate.]

Besides. It's always worth it to increase one's skill.