The fight was cool and all, but I can't get over how this veteran sword master leading an elite demon slaying squad, after arriving late to their job and stealing the kill had the audacity to challenge the boy who stepped up in their stead to a duel right after fending against a demons attacks for 10 days without sleep or food while constantly expending aura and after all that still manages to put up a fight and pushes him back has the gall to 'offer his acknowledgment' like bro wtf
First, there's no proof they didn't eat and they do have the cat's bag. There's likely food and water in there on top of what they carry. If there's magical storage, just assume they regularly eat and drunk.
More importantly a demon would attack people in their worst condition. We have evidence of that.
So this test was actually in the PERFECT conditions to truly test Airen's strength, skill and resolve even when he's not at his best.
And finally, his acknowledgement is more valuable than graduating from the swordsmanship school. He is being told he is worthy of joining the best of the best, those are words that not only have massive weight in gold. They are words that prove Airen's efforts are at that level.
Tl;dr Cat has magic bag, they have food. That man's words weigh more than a king's. His acknowledgement is that important.
