[After taking the sword by the hilt, he turned it over, catching his own reflection on the gleaming blade before letting it dissolve into sparks.

Nothing really changes in Avalon.]

Because for training, any form would do as long as you have the right wood paired with silver, although something with a point would be easier to direct energy through.

[Named artefacts or other fae-crafted items could wait until much, much later. Giving a novice that kind of tool was about the same as giving a first-year student a bomb: it wouldn't do anyone any good, when the student knew neither how to diffuse, improve, or plant it properly.]

Besides, it's unexpected, and the shape is perfect for smacking anyone who gets too close.

The expedient option can be more useful. In combat, casting time is a magic user's weakness. This is especially true for spells that require long incantations, moreso if their wordiness is just there for the caster's ego compared to actual use.

[Let's face it, some people get drunk off power, and part of that population already ran on delusions of grandiosity before attaining it.]

Ah, just don't go claiming that your fighting style is one of those fancy super technical things you learn from a blademaster or anything, hmm?