[Indeed, Diarmuid was elsewhere during the few matches "Thoma" participated in. So when seeing his opponent as he entered the ring, he's met with light surprise followed by a smile. Interesting.]

There's no need to ask forgiveness. If you were curious to test your skill against me, that is all I need to accept.

[Ayato seemed like the type to keep people at a bit of distance. Given what Diarmuid assumed about his past, it made sense. So the comment came out warmly, as if speaking to someone about a mutual fondness they hold for a passion.

Ayato was human, so Diarmuid would need to keep himself more restrained than normal. But that was fine by him, so long as they were on relatively equal footing. There was no honor in a duel where the odds were stacked unfairly. In both his hands, Moralltach and Beagalltach manifested and he rested one over his shoulder while the other pointed towards Ayato in challenge. His Vision was hidden under his clothing, but Ayato could surely sense it was on him in the moment he allowed both sides to ready themselves.]

Show me your best, "Thoma". [And so he began, closing the distance between himself and his opponent with inhuman speed and a clash of swords.]