Sacred Gear: Heavenly Crown

Chapter 14: Games and Gains

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"You've all overcome many hurdles to get where you are today," Issei began. It was the morning of the rating game against Riser and the combatants were all waiting in the ORC club room for Grayfia's arrival, which would signify the start of the game. "You were, for the most part, quite mediocre before we began. Hopefully, these ten days have shown you that strength is an outcome of the work you put into it. Not everything can be gained from birth or status alone."

"In other words," Yuuma giggled from her place on his back. "He's proud of all the work you've done!"

"I was getting there," he sighed.

"Sure you were," she winked.

"Rias, you've grown into a suitable leader, though it took you quite a while..."

{Flashback}

"So, it's the ninth day. Finally have the correct answer?" Issei asked, an eyebrow raised. So far, the crimson-haired girl had gotten farther away from the correct answer almost every day. She had one answer that he actually approved of, which was that her first answer was correct and he just wanted her to be confident, but, unfortunately, that wasn't right either.

"I think-no, I do. I finally figured it out," Rias nodded confidently. "The answer is the fighter with the stronger conviction."

"Explain."

"Both fighters are equally matched in strength, which is a vague description, though it's vague intentionally," she explained. "It sets up several plausible theories, such as the better weapon, the better strategy, or the better prepared, however, each of those can fall under the description of 'strength;' Strength of arms, strength of mind, and strength of tactics."

"And would the same not hold true to the strength of conviction?"

"Conviction is different... Conviction is not something to be trained, sharpened, or practiced like you would swordsmanship or tactics. While it can dull over time, it is not something that is strength directly. Conviction is your will to fight, your purpose for continuing to stand when you fall to the floor."

"In other words," Issei nodded approvingly. "Sometimes the strongest weapon you can have is to stay true to your convictions. Just as the blade is an extension of your mind, so too is your conviction to the blade. That was your final test, Rias. You've passed all the others with flying colors. While you did cut this a little close, and I'd hoped you'd have gotten the right answer sooner, you did get it in the end. I believe you have what it takes to defeat Riser."

"I do," she agreed confidently.

{Flashback End}

"Koneko...frankly...you still freak me out a little bit," he admitted.

"Go to hell..." she deadpanned.

"If you'll have me, I'd love to visit," he chuckled. "However, you made some of the most substantial progress of anyone here. I'd probably still beat you in a fight, however, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if you were physically stronger than me by a significant amount."

"I get to praise Xenovia!" Yuuma wriggled in excitement. "I think you did great! You're so much faster and stronger now! Plus, you can use all those light weapons against the army of the FCO!"

"The what?" Xenovia asked.

"Don't as-" Issei tried to stop her, but it was too late.

"The Fried Chicken Overlord! The evil mastermind of all Fried Chicken, who preys on the weak! With his mighty army-mmph! Mmm!"