Headed by a Snake

Patriarch Kimura Daigo sat in the central courtyard of the Kimura estate. Honored personages and guests had been invited from the various sect families.

Earlier that sun, a team of 100 comprised of elites of the younger generation and a few sect elders were dispatched against an Outsider force of 100. According to his wife, Kagehisa Yumiko, Guild Invictus was instrumental in routing them with only minimal severe casualties. After observing them carouse and converse for a time, Daigo concluded that the youth in their group had the highest status.

"Uncle Kakui, that is..." Daigo stealthily directed the elder's attention to the green-haired youth wearing a black kimono.

Elder Kakui adjusted his posture pridefully, "Patriarch, that is Master Invictus Tycon. He is the leader of Guild Invictus, wholly responsible for resolving the great Calamity."

Daigo continued to silently observe, "Is that so...? Tell me more of this youth, Uncle."

The older man averted his gaze, "He is an honorable leader, far more experienced than his age would suggest. His aura may be foreign, but his accolades speak of his strength and capability."

Daigo looked to his side, at his wife's empty seat. He wanted her opinion, but she was still busy preparing. "Yumiko has advised that I do not antagonize my daughter's boyfriend... But how much older is this Tycon than my beautiful daughter?! He's what-- 18? 19? Nearly twice Taree's age."

Elder Kakui wiped his brow with a damp handkerchief, "Err.. Patriarch, that--"

Daigo stood up from his seat, "Aha, I've got it! We'll disguise my challenges as a contest! Then Yumiko won't be able to scold me! Ahaha! Uncle Kakui, your patriarch is a GENIUS!! "

Kakui held out a hand, "No, Patriarch. Please wait!"

"Leader Tycondrius!" Daigo descended the steps of the outdoors platform, approaching Guild Invictus' table. With every sect member bowing or nodding politely, the man would be a fool to not know who he was.

"Patriarch," Tycon stood and bowed politely. A young man at his side with a spear did the same. Daigo was pleased with their knowledge of sect tradition.

Daigo promptly ignored the boy, "What say you to a set of contests as part of the celebration! I'm certain the sect would love to see the capabilities of the men and uh... horses who made this celebration possible."

Why were there horses being served wine and snacks at their table? Daigo had associated with Outsiders before but was not aware of such a custom.

Tycon's first reaction was to look towards Tamaki, another anomalous action that confused Daigo.

"Ooh, a celebratory contest. Don't worry, Young Master Tycon. Dad's got no reason to embarrass ya. You can take it at face value," Tamaki explained with an innocent smile.

Tycon gave another polite bow, "Very well, Patriarch. Guild Invictus accepts your challenges."

...

"Why is it only me?" Tycon asked in annoyance. He held a sturdy bamboo blade in either hand.

He and Patriarch Daigo had moved to a sparring circle for a bout of swordsmanship. Many of the sect members had gathered around to watch, talking excitedly.

"Master Invictus is sooooo hot." "I wonder if he needs a yin cultivator!" "I want Invictus Dragan to perform next!!" "By the gods, have you seen the boy with a spear?!" "With the silver armor? I dream of him every night!" "The boy? Wait, that's illegal!" --Tycon deigned to ignore the crowd's conversations. He mentally reminded himself to never listen to the murmuring of a crowd, ever again.

Daigo had taken a low crouched sword stance, "I must warn you, Warrior Tycon! For many years, I have practiced the Shiba Defensive Sword!"

Tycon darted his eyes left to Young Master Tamaki. Was Tycon supposed to know what that was? Was it impressive? Tamaki flashed him a giddy smile and an upward thumb of approval.

"Three moves, Warrior Tycon! If I cannot take 3 moves from you, I'll admit defeat!" Daigo declared.

Tycon pointed to himself, "Oh, then I can go first?"

The patriarch laughed, "Ahaha! Of course, young warrior! The challenger always goes first!"

'But... you challenged us?' Tycon thought. His reverence for Yumiko's mate was quickly declining.

Tycon began to move counter-clockwise, with the patriarch matching him. Tycon checked to make sure his back was to the crowd and that nothing was behind the patriarch.

Tycon slashed at the ground, "Iron Dragon Rend."

The patriarch reflexively dove out of the way as the ground opened up, rocks and debris flying up and away. Members of the sect covered their ears to block out the loud sounds of the breaking earth.

The crowd was eerily silent from the ridiculous display of power... then it erupted into excited yells.

"Oh, what was thaaaat?!" "What SKILL is that!!" "N-n-nascent Profound Realm!!" "No way, the destructive power was far too great for that!!" "It's like he's the Chosen One!!" "Psh. There's no way he can talk to animals!!"

Sitting among the fight's observers, Barza Keith's face had paled to a ghostly white, "I... I survived that?"

Pale pat the man's back to reassure him, "I-it's okay, Lone. Just don't piss off Boss."

Tycon tossed aside one of his swords. It had completely disintegrated from the mana he used.

"Shall... we continue, Patriarch?"

"N-n-n... NEXT CHALLENGE!!" Daigo declared.

The crowd erupted into a roar of cheers.

...

Patriarch Daigo had set up two seats and a board game. Pieces with foreign lettering on them were placed on a checkered board. "I have been training in this game for many years! I am unbeatable within the Kimura clan!"

Dragan raised his hand, "Ooh! I know this game!!"

Tycon shrugged. He walked back and tagged out with Dragan with an accurate slap of their palms before taking his seat beside Barza.

Daigo looked aggrieved, "Wait! But..."

Tycon raised his voice from where he sat, "I forego this challenge, as I am no match for Patriarch Daigo in this contest. I have chosen Mister Dragan as Guild Invictus' champion."

Daigo pursed his lips, unable to argue. The youth had declined firmly and respectfully. He eyed the brutish red-maned giant of a man that sat in the tiny seat before him and was scrutinizing the board. Daigo would have to defeat the man, Invictus Dragan, before he could think of another plot to discredit Invictus Tycon.

Tycon glared at Barza, "Is there a reason you've got a stupid look on your face, Mister Barza?"

"Well, Sir... I figured you'd be good at those sorts of games. You're super strategic."

Tycon shook his head with a helpless expression, "Is it such a surprise? Board-based tactics are not one of my innate skills."

"But you could play it a lot and get better?"

"This is true. Like with any skill, training and combat beget improvement." Tycon smirked, "But since you so altruistically suggest I improve my board-gaming skill, may I suggest you work on your swordsmanship?"

Barza held his heart as if he were injured, "That kinda hurts, Boss. Right here."

Tycon softened his expression in mock care, "To solve such an affliction, I propose we add to your training regimen."

Barza gave a piteous look, holding his stomach, "My stomach's not feeling so great, Boss. I'll be back."

As Barza weaved his way through the crowd, the Patriarch flipped the board, pieces and all. Dragan sat, grinning wildly.

"NEXT CHALLENGE!!" Daigo yelled.

The crowd erupted into a roar of cheers.

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