Arex felt ostracized when he saw that Grecko's left eye was a brilliant shade of emerald without a pupil. He pondered whether Grecko's right eye was also the same condition as his left eye. Just by glancing at it, Arex noticed that everything around him had become eerily quiet, as if time itself had frozen for Arex.
And the moment that Grecko laid his eyes on Arex, it immediately caused Arex's entire body to go numb. After that, a sudden wave of excruciating shockwaves caused Arex to cry out in agony. Suddenly, Arex felt like he couldn't catch his breath, especially with Grecko's piercing gaze fixed on him.
"W-what on earth is this?" Arex found it difficult to even form the question. He tumbled from the ground, attempting to withstand the intense agony he was experiencing at that instant. Arex's entire being, particularly his thoughts, felt as though it was being tormented by countless unseen sharp needles.
"That's the reason why I don't remove my fold, Arex. I could have simply informed you, but I think it would be more beneficial for you to experience it firsthand." Grecko finally responded. Observing that Arex appeared satisfied with what he had found, Grecko proceeded to once again conceal his left eye.
And as Grecko closed his accursed eyes again, it gradually eased Arex's suffering until he could no longer sense that excruciating pain anymore.
"What in the world was that unbelievable power." Arex grumbled as he gasped for air.
Arex was convinced he wouldn't make it through that ordeal. But when he saw how he managed to remain composed, Arex understood that Grecko was an exceptional Shikari not to be underestimated.
"Rise to your feet, Arex." Leomold finally confided in Arex after he opened his eyes the moment he felt Grecko sealed his eye again.
"Darn it, I could hardly keep my balance." Arex found it challenging to shift his position and get on his feet. It was some time before he managed to find his balance again. As soon as he rose, the first thing Arex did was mortify Grecko once more when he abruptly laughed. "So, was that all your powers got, huh?"
It was like Arex had not yet suffered enough that he was once again trying to mock Grecko, almost conveying his earnest desire of getting another shot for trying to taunt him earlier.
Following the offending words that Arex said, he instantly had to make show off the high lord that be belittling Arex as well. In that moment, Arex tried to utilize his powers. There was a surged of blue flames that emanated from Arex's two palms until it spread out throughout his body.
"Now that I've harnessed my abilities, let's see if you even stand a chance at harming me once more." Arex finally spoke as he lunged forward in an attempt to strike Grecko.
He was resolute on smashing his fist into Grecko's jaw. But, Arex was utterly shocked to discover that right before he could even extend his fist, Grecko suddenly vanished, leaving behind only a hint of green mist.
It was just like how he disappeared during the council gathering when Grecko used that technique once more.
"Hey, don't run away from me, you coward." Arex teased, attempting to provoke Grecko into revealing himself. "There's no point in attempting to evade me using that method because I won't stop until my punch lands on your damn face!"
Arex's overwhelming confidence could easily intimidate anyone, but Grecko seemed unfazed by Arex's provocations. As Arex scanned his surroundings, Grecko seized the chance to materialize behind him, casually leaning against his back.
"I can't allow you to do that in front of my subordinate, you know. What kind of person would I be if I let you hit me in the face, Arex?" Grecko responded, indicating he was not going to let Arex continue mocking him without consequence.
Even the way that Grecko replied simply sounded like he was up for the idea of countering Arex in every way he could.
Upon spotting Grecko right behind him, Arex swiftly seized the moment to pivot and launch another assault, hopeful that this time he would land a decisive blow on Grecko.
However, Arex was completely surprised when he found Grecko already standing in front of him when he turned around, as if he had predicted Arex's actions.
Not only did that made Arex shunned in surprise, but he was also shocked that Grecko was able to stop Arex's fist in one
"How the hell was that even possible?" Arex, though taken aback, couldn't resist muttering as he watched how he couldn't bring himself to strike Grecko's face.
Arex seemed unable to break through with his punch. It was as if there was an invisible wall that blocks Arex from penetrating through.
He pondered how to confront Grecko when it seemed like none of his attacks could harm him. Still, that didn't deter Arex from attempting again. Arex was determined to show that he had what it takes to defeat the highest authority in Necropolis.
The fact that none of his subordinates, the seven lords of the Black Parade, could lay a finger on him with their scythes, only fueled Arex's confidence in his ability to defeat their high lord.
"How about this, Arex. Why don't we make a bet? I'm sure you'd be interested in this." Grecko quickly mentioned something that caught Arex's attention.
The notion of making a wager with any of these people in this realm had not even entered Arex's thoughts. Even though he had agreed with Leomold, Arex believed it was simply because he required Leomold's assistance in recovering his body at that time. Furthermore, Arex understood that supporting Leomold's research at the moment would also be advantageous for him to gain further insight into his capabilities.
On the other hand, this wager with Grecko presented a completely contrasting perspective. Arex was well aware that he couldn't fully trust the high lord.
Arex was quite intimidated by Grecko. He simply refused to acknowledge Grecko's immense powers, while Arex recognized that defeating him would be a real challenge.
However, as time went on, Grecko stayed quiet, eagerly anticipating Arex's response. At that instant, Arex found himself reconsidering his decision. He hesitated to trust the high lord, but a feeling inside him urged him to go ahead and agree to the wager.
Arex was still a little undecided, until he saw the seriousness upon Grecko's face which for some unknow reason compelled Arex into finally agreeing with him as he finally came to utter, "What's this bet all about now?"