In the late afternoon.
Behind the Occult Research Club building, the sound of clashing weapons and incantations filled the air. Rias Gremory stood at the center of her peerage, her crimson hair flowing as she barked out instructions with newfound intensity.
"Kiba, your sword work is sloppy! Put more power behind those strikes!" she called out, while Akeno practiced her lightning magic nearby, arcs of electricity dancing between her fingers. Koneko worked on her hand-to-hand combat forms, each movement precise and deadly.
From a distance, Sona Sitri watched the training session with raised eyebrows, her violet eyes reflecting surprise. Beside her, Tsubaki adjusted her glasses with equal bewilderment.
"What's gotten into Rias?" Sona muttered, genuinely puzzled. In all their years of friendship, she had never seen the red-haired devil approach training with such fervor. Rias had always been confident in her peerage's abilities—perhaps too confident.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Sona strode forward with Tsubaki following closely behind. As they approached the training group, Sona called out, "Good evening, Rias. This is quite the sight."
Rias paused in her instruction, turning to face her childhood friend with a warm but determined smile. "Sona, perfect timing. We were just working on formation tactics."
"What's all this preparation for?" Sona asked, gesturing to the intense training session around them. "You've never been one for after-school drills."
Rias's expression grew thoughtful, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her usual confident demeanor. "After the Rating Game with Riser, I realized how ignorant I was about my peerage's true capabilities—and my own weaknesses. I was always so proud, so confident in what we could do, but when it mattered most..." She trailed off, her hands clenching slightly. "I decided we'd train every day after school. We'll never be that hopeless again."
A small smile played at Sona's lips. "You're starting to sound like Akira now. Was this his suggestion?"
"No," Rias shook her head quickly, "it wasn't his idea. But I won't deny that I've been influenced by him. His dedication to improving himself, his strategic thinking... it's made me realize I need to do better as a King."
Sona's expression grew more serious. "Speaking of him, how did he even get his hands on such a weapon?" She was referring to the mysterious armor that Akira had lent to Akeno during the Rating Game—the very tool that had ensured Rias's victory against the immortal phoenix.
Rias shrugged, her expression becoming guarded. "I have no idea. When I asked, he spoke in such a way that made it clear he didn't want to be questioned about it. I respected his privacy."
Sona adjusted her glasses, her analytical mind working. "He's full of surprises. With the power he's been displaying lately, I can't help but theorize he might be affiliated with another faction. Someone could be providing him assistance to gain strength rapidly."
"That's not the case," Rias interjected firmly.
"How can you be certain?"
Rias crossed her arms. "When I first met him, he was nowhere near as strong as he is now. He struggled in combat against Akeno, and even Koneko told me he wasn't particularly strong in battle back then. It's like he gets stronger the more he fights. He helped me win against Riser, and if he wanted to infiltrate or get close to me, he would have joined my peerage without any resistance."
Sona processed each point methodically. After a moment, she sighed. "I hope this situation doesn't develop complications later."
. . .
The dense forest on the outskirts of Kuoh provided perfect cover for private training, away from curious eyes and potential interruptions. Valerie Tepes sat on a fallen log, her long blonde hair catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above.
"Why are we here with just the two of us?" she asked, turning to Akira with curious eyes. "Usually, Asia trains with me while you oversee our progress."
Akira smiled softly. "I thought Asia deserved a break. She's been working hard, and her new friends invited her to karaoke. She needs to experience normal teenage activities too."
Valerie nodded in understanding, but noticed that Akira seemed distracted. His gaze was fixed on something she couldn't see—a translucent blue screen hovering in the air before him, displaying the words "Rank 8 Gacha Ticket" in glowing text.
Without hesitation, Akira pressed the virtual button. The screen pulsed with brilliant light, and new text appeared: "Spirit Spear Chastiefol." Suddenly, a magnificent spear materialized in his hands. The weapon was unlike anything Valerie had ever seen—its form seemed to shift slightly, as if it contained multiple configurations within its core structure.
"What is this?" Valerie gasped, rising from the log. "Is this your Sacred Gear transformed into a new shape?"
"No," Akira replied, studying the weapon with fascination. A new notification appeared before him, explaining that to gain ownership of this weapon, a drop of blood was required—whoever's blood touched the handle first would become its rightful owner.
Akira raised the spear, preparing to claim it for himself, but then paused. His eyes shifted to Valerie, taking in her curious expression and relatively modest power level. With the Sephiroth Graal making her a primary target for various factions, she needed all the protection she could get. And he couldn't be in two places at once if trouble arose.
Making his decision, Akira walked over and placed the spear in Valerie's hands. "Put a drop of blood on the handle."
"But—" Valerie started to protest.
"Trust me," he said gently.
Valerie bit her finger and let a small drop of blood fall onto the weapon's handle. Immediately, brilliant light engulfed them both, and Valerie felt a profound connection form between herself and the spear. It was as if the weapon had become an extension of her very soul.
"Did you just give me your Sacred Gear?" she asked in amazement.
"It's not a Sacred Gear," Akira corrected. "It's a weapon I obtained for you specifically. Try using it."
Valerie instinctively knew how to wield the spear, her new connection to it revealing its various forms. She demonstrated several transformations—the weapon shifting from a traditional spear to a massive pillow-like form, then to other configurations that seemed to respond to her will.
Akira nodded approvingly. "It suits you perfectly."
. . .
As Valerie experimented with her new weapon, playfully testing its different forms with childlike wonder, Akira watched with satisfaction. His decision to give her Chastiefol had been the right one. While he was strong enough to push through most situations through sheer determination and growing power, Valerie remained vulnerable despite her Sacred Gear. He couldn't protect her if he was fighting battles on multiple fronts, and he wanted his teammates to be strong—not just himself.
Valerie bounded over to him, her expression radiating happiness and gratitude. "Why did you give this to me? It must be incredibly valuable."
Akira's smile was warm and genuine. "We're a team. It's only natural that I'd want to make you stronger, not just focus on my own growth." His expression turned slightly mischievous. "Which means I'll be increasing the intensity of your training even more now that you have a proper weapon."
Valerie's face fell comically. "More intense training? But you already push me to my limits!"
Akira chuckled at her expression and began stretching his arms, preparing for the extended training session ahead. "Consider it an investment in both our futures."
## Scene 4: The Bridge - Evening Approaches
Several hours later, as the sun began its descent toward the horizon, Akira finally called an end to the training session. Valerie had shown remarkable improvement with Chastiefol, her natural instincts combining well with the weapon's versatile nature.
"That's enough for today," Akira announced, wiping sweat from his brow. "Time to head back."
Valerie collapsed dramatically onto the grass, sighing with exaggerated relief. "Finally! This torture—I mean, training—is over." She grinned weakly. "You know, I think I found this more painful than being captured by Marius Tepes."
Akira's expression immediately grew serious at the mention of her captor. The casual reference to her traumatic experience made him pause, his senses suddenly sharpening. Something felt wrong—they weren't alone.
Turning toward a massive oak tree to their right, Akira called out, "Show yourself."
Valerie looked confused, following his gaze but seeing nothing. "Akira, what's—"
When no response came, Akira extended his palm and fired a concentrated ball of water magic at the tree. The impact created a small explosion, sending bark and debris flying, but as the smoke cleared, nothing was there.
"What's wrong with you all of a sudden?" Valerie was about to ask when a feminine voice cut through the evening air.
"Impressive reflexes, though your aim needs work."
From the shadows on their left, a figure emerged. The newcomer was a young woman with elegant features and an aura of noble authority. Her eyes glowed with an eerie light in the gathering darkness, and her presence commanded immediate attention.
"Allow me to introduce myself," she said with formal courtesy, though her tone carried an underlying threat. "I am Elmenhilde Karnstein, and I am here to retrieve Valerie Tepes... by order of my Queen."
The peaceful evening training session had suddenly become something far more dangerous, and Akira instinctively moved to place himself between Valerie and this unexpected visitor.
. . .
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