ILLUSION

Grecko lowered his head a bit, and it took about a moment before he lifted it up, as though he used that time to hold out his laughter. 

"What in the world are these terrifying beings?" Arex let out a piercing scream, his voice echoing through the surroundings, causing Leomold and Grecko to feel the intense fear emanating from him. 

Leomold wanted to help Arex calm down, however, he was having a hard time figuring out what could be the problem since he still couldn't see what it was that Arex was so terrified of at the moment.

He was just about to go and talk to Arex when suddenly, Grecko quickly responded, "It's fascinating how you appeared to have triggered a simulation as if you've attracted these revered Jinnxes to be drawn into you. Well, it only makes sense, you're just like them after all."

Following what Grecko said, he then spread his palm open, and in just a swift moment his black orb appeared on his palm. Arex pondered the intentions behind the reason why Grecko suddenly took out the black orb until a mist spread out from it and drifted through the garden.

The mist transformed into blazing green flames that engulfed both the living Jinnx that Arex observed wandering the garden and also the deceased ones. The Jinnxes surrounding them were instantly incinerated, leaving nothing in their wake.

What truly amazed Arex, besides Grecko's swift defeat of the Jinnx, was how the green flames vanished, revealing a beautiful garden—just as Leomold had been seeing from the very beginning. 

The violent and horrifying garden Arex had witnessed before had disappeared. It transformed into a stunning garden teeming with a variety of decorative flowers in various sizes and colors.

For a moment, Arex found it hard to believe how it was even possible. 

"How were you able to do that?" Arex couldn't resist the urge to inquire.

Grecko was seated on the same chair once more before he could manage to reply. "Oh, you mean that? Those were illusions used for military training. We use virtual stimulation of Jinnxes to test the Shikari's capabilities in combat with an almost real-looking Jinnx." Grecko elaborated in great detail.

Although Grecko may have seriously provided an explanation about what Arex may have horribly experienced, Arex couldn't help but feel a bit cautious that things around him could eventually turn into a simulation area once again where those cryptic hollow figures of Jinnxes would eventually appear.

Arex confessed to being utterly terrified when he saw a Jinnx for the first time. Even though the Jinnx appeared as ethereal beings with delicate forms, they bore a resemblance to demonic-looking silhouettes that would certainly leave anyone in cold feet.

Seeing as how both Leomold and Grecko seemed to have not been affected by the presence of those Jinnxes, Arex felt like these two seemed to be used in the presence of those malevolent entities. 

"Don't tell me you're all quite accustomed to dealing with those creatures?" Arex couldn't resist inquiring, still pondering how it seemed like they were unaffected by it. It wasn't until Arex noticed the bandage around Grecko's eyes that he considered the possibility of Grecko being blind. "Perhaps your lack of fear stems from your inability to see." He boldly gestured in the direction of Grecko.

Meanwhile, Leomold, who was standing just on the side, quickly slapped his palm against his forehead upon hearing that from Arex. He felt so embarrassed for not being able to reprimand Arex around the high lord.

However, rather than becoming upset, Grecko eventually grinned and almost laughed, leaving both Leomold and especially Arex puzzled about the reason behind Grecko's sudden laughter, considering that Arex hadn't said anything humorous.

As a matter of fact, it really confused Arex as to why the high lord would rather laugh than scold him. Arex knew for himself that what he made would definitely trigger the high lord.

"Arex, did you not know that even though I may be blind, I think I perceive things more clearly than you do." Grecko eventually emphasized, clearly indicating that he didn't want Arex to undermine him in front of his subordinate.

Arex, on the other hand, seemed to immediately understand what he meant, "Ohhh, was that supposed to mean you're challenging me or something? You know, Leomold here and I were practically testing my capabilities ever since I got stuck here." Arex boasted, barely even lowering his lower lip as though it were some kind of weird, haughty expression he has as a habit.

"Ahh, is that so? I hope to see your report, Leomold." Grecko suddenly said, addressing quickly to Leomold.

And Leomold eventually lowered his head for a bow before the high lord's presence before he answered, "I'll have it prepared as soon as I can, high lord."

However, while they were already there, it would appear that the high lord actually appeared like he suddenly had a bright idea, "Well, in regards to that, why don't I personally assess it since we're already here anyway?"

"What do you mean, high lord?" Leomold then asked, confused about what exactly the high lord meant by what he said.

Eventually, the high lord took a few more sips of his usual afternoon tea before he finally rose and walked closer to Arex.

"Leomold, please have someone bring two sets of bows and arrows to this location." Grecko eventually inquired, leaving Arex puzzled.

Leomold wasted no time and headed straight for the door to locate a servant and inquire about the high lord's request. Not long after Leomold left Arex with the high lord, Arex started to feel uncomfortable in his presence.

Arex was aware of his lack of sight, yet he couldn't shake the feeling of suspicion towards Grecko's actions.

"Say, are you really blind, or was that just something you made up?" Arex couldn't help but ask the moment that it was just the two of them.

"I got blind after forming the black parade. It's the consequence of that decision. But that doesn't mean I am totally incapable of doing anything. Like I said, I strongly believe that despite my condition, I might still be able to accomplish things better than you."

"What kind of belief is that? Having to achieve better than me when you're actually blind? Cut the crap and just tell me the damn truth!"

"That's why we're here to prove it. Let's just wait for Leomold to get us bows and arrows. We will see who among us does better with bows and arrows."

Although Arex had never once held a bow and arrow before, he simply couldn't let Grecko sense that he was completely ignorant. "That one is a piece of cake. Are you certain of that? I'm pretty confident I could beat you, and you might regret it," Arex retorted, his tone dripping with arrogance.

Finally, Arex found himself feeling triggered and intimidated, particularly when Grecko responded with a smirk on his face. "I will not stand by and watch you have all the fun and enjoy having to do anything to embarrass me in front of my subordinates, Arex Carceri."