"Hard won, this sword." Gladio lifted it slightly, there was a strangely fond look to his expression. "It belonged to a man I respect, many years ago he lost it in a trial of strength. He survived where many didn't, but he lost. I took the same trial just before I arrived on the train. I won. This sword was my reward for winning." And he'd had Cor's blessing to keep it, even though Gladio had offered it back.