@chosenbythecrystal cont. from here
Barnabas held the blade in place, not moved by Noctis' words. His gaze was intense and he allowed the tension to build just so before pulling away, sheathing his blade once more.
"Consider it a test," he replied, words meant to potentially provoke. No one liked being tested – or rather being viewed someone in need of testing. Barnabas supposed that Noctis was doing well enough, considering the way he was being trained. The boy had a Shield after all, one who took his duty very seriously.
A Prince should have no need of his blade, but ought to know how to draw it nonetheless. Barnabas thought it a naive way of thinking – Regis' influence no doubt. King Mors had been a merciless man and Noctis ought to learn some of said mercilessness. If you depended on others to defend you then you would always be weak.
"Your footwork is adequate, but your posture leaves much to be desired," he continued after a moment before pausing, eyes narrowing in thought. "Your back is still bothering you?" it wasn't spoken of, but everyone knew of the Marilith attack – the council more so than anyone else, though the story had leaked to the public back when it happened.
"You never answered my question. When you are fighting for your life and you will have to do so eventually – are you going to incapacitate or are you going to kill? Your opponent would not show mercy. They'd be a fool to do so. Do you consider yourself a fool, Your Highness?"