PA36

Winter took the first move. A good offence could pierce any defence and she dashed across the arena in an elegant thrust, blade nothing more than a streak of silver as she lunged for his chest. Most would have chosen to block or parry it, leading to a furious riposte – but the professor instead stepped to the right, holding his sword out before him as he fell back with a wary expression.

"Why didn't he attack?" Ruby whispered.

"He's probing." Her uncle answered before Weiss could. "That attack left the ice-queen completely open and he isn't stupid enough to think that wasn't on purpose. This way he gets some information on her style, while also avoiding any traps. As long as he doesn't expend any energy, she's the one who loses out in that exchange."

[...]

It's just a warm up, Weiss thought, as she watched the two exchange a few more cuts and thrusts, never quite hitting home but making the other step back or duck at opportune moments. If this was a real fight then they might take it more seriously, but right now they're both fishing for information.