Headed by a Snake

Tycondrius' hurled fruit was fast enough to kill a normal human.

Centurion Zenon Skyreaper was a passably handsome gentleman, only slightly less attractive than himself. But with the pride of the handsome, steps must be taken to ensure its integrity: healthful eating, proper rest, and regular exercise were the three most important. Properly defending one's face from thrown projectiles was... somewhere in the top ten.

As a credit to his training, Zenon deflected the fruit with supernatural alacrity. He also had the foresight to empower his wooden weapon with wind mana. The firm, unripe fruit might have damaged it, otherwise.

"Whoa. I... I almost missed that," Zenon chuckled.

He sounded slightly less confident than a few minutes prior.

"No, that was good!" Tycon praised. He had to perk up the Centurion's spirits as the training continued. He began picking up several more choice pieces of fruit, all equally lethal.

"Optio..."

"If you try to escape, it would be easier for me to hit you." Tycon warned, "Are you prepared?"

Zenon gulped, "I uh... I'm not so--"

"I advise you to dodge the ones you cannot deflect."

Tycon inhaled deeply, circulating his mana to speed his perception and empower his throws. In a span of a short few seconds, he threw over ten rock-hard fruits at the Librarian, three of them at his head, and one shadowing behind another.

Zenon's eyes sharpened-- likely realizing that he was in danger. With what appeared to be three casual swipes, his sword caught all of the projectiles, but one. The fruits burst violently against the rending wind enchantment on his weapon.

The tenth smashed the center of the gentleman's face, staggering him and leaving rivulets of blood dripping down both nostrils.

"Ow!"

Tycon chuckled, "Perhaps that last one was a bit unfair."

Because of the trickiness of the last shot, it was a bit weaker than the others. Zenon had survived another day-- good for him.

"What the--" Zenon pinched the bridge of his nose to staunch the bleeding, "Was that magic?"

"It was mana-empowered physical prowess, Brother-Zenon," Tycon grinned. "Essentially, it's similar to your ability... not quite magical, but utilizing your understanding of magic to complement your senses."

"Hmm..." Zenon crossed his arms, "I've actually had problems making this ability stronger. It seems like it'd be really useful, right?"

Tycon smirked. Invictus member Pale had developed quite well using the same, very effective training, developing his reflexes and danger sense to almost inhuman levels. Athena had trained in a similar manner, though her focus was in strengthening her ability to simultaneously concentrate and defend herself.

"I think, Brother-Zenon... that you're onto something. With your permission, I'd like to... change the 'rules' a bit."

Zenon beamed in excitement, "Sounds good, Optio. What are you thinking?"

Picking up another armful of fruits, he turned to Zenon with a sadistic grin, "You're going to dodge and deflect these, as well... but this time, I want you to close your eyes."

...

Half-a-bell later, Zenon had learned that his defensive skill needed to be developed further.

In that regard, he was on a clear path to growth. With his flaws pointed out, in adjusting them, he'd develop greatly over a short period of time. Since the young Centurion awakened from his coma, he became more sensitive to the mana in the world around him. Utilizing that as an additional combat sense, Zenon would be better able to avoid taking damage in combat.

Athena had similar senses and naturally seemed to understand the concept. Zenon had to be taught, but that was not a weakness. Even though the Centurion had less natural talent than the young lady, he could bridge the gap with diligence and focused effort.

...Even Tycon did not think *he* had as much natural talent as Athena... or her late brother, Maximus Vanzano, for that matter.

"You performed admirably, my friend."

Zenon chuckled derisively, reclining back against the soft wood of one of their fruit trees, "Doesn't feel like it."

"I was trying to break your teeth," Tycon laughed softly.

Also, his skull.

"Ever heard of holding back, Optio?"

"For the purposes of training? No," Tycon chuckled, shaking his head... "Was there anything else? Besides your newfound ability to dodge attacks with your eyes closed."

"Ah, right." Zenon nodded, "The city of Caeruleum's issued a dungeon quest-- issued by Holy Magus Antonidus. The Brazen Guard is rotating back to Ezyria for it."

Tycon gazed up at the blue sky... "Yes. That will be more than fine. We'll join up with their collective, then. I'm looking forward to working with Bannok and the others-- perhaps not so much, your 'hero', Tancred."

Zenon shook his head... "I don't really like that guy, anymore. I've been starting to follow a different gladiator-- his gimmick is... that you can't see him."

"Hmph," Tycon pursed his lips. "Very well."

​ It sounded silly, but he was certain that whomever Zenon spoke of was a far better role model than the Stormbrand Reaver.

"You know, Optio..." Zenon took a deep breath and sighed... "It's been a pleasure working with you."

"I feel the same way," Tycon smiled, feeling the warmth of pride surge in his chest. "We've done well, and neither of our stories are near being finished."

"I was thinking... even though this dungeon's my last adventure with Sol Invictus... you're going to the Free Nation after this, right?"

"Correct."

"We have some military bases over there-- I should be able to apply for a transfer?" Zenon turned, looking uncertain, "Maybe I can visit? Or you can visit me?"

"Hahah!" Tycon laughed, "Of course, Brother-Zenon. I will always welcome your company... However..."

"However?"

Tycon smirked, raising an eyebrow, "There aren't any Olea Gardens in the Free Nation."

Zenon burst out in laughter, with Tycon joining in. It was slightly more reserved, but the camaraderie between the two was apparent.

The Librarian wiped a joyful tear from his eye... "I think I'll manage, Brother-Tycon. Let's get this dungeon... Death to the enemies of Sol Invictus."

"Indeed," Tycon nodded. "For the righteousness of Tyrion and the glory of mankind."