ROLE OF THE BLIND (2)

Everyone fell silent while looking at Roxina's direction, still confused why would the high prefer to choose Roxina above the rest, especially after the failure she did on her last mission.

"Forgive me for suddenly asking, high lord, we are all curious as to what possible reason why Lady Roxina had been chosen instead of the others like Lord Valkas Perhaps?" Leomold couldn't help but break into the silence that had consumed the rest of the people inside the chamber.

"I understand that all of you may have been wondering why I prefer Roxina to be the blind? It was because I wanted her to take this opportunity to redeem herself. Don't you think that would only be fair, Leomold?" Grecko quickly replied.

Although Grecko may have been talking to Leomold, his face was facing the rest of the three lords standing before him. It was as though Grecko already knew that Merfestina, Kiyo and especially Halze would eventually react in a violent manner regarding his decision.

"Also," Grecko added. After that he straightened up his posture, his hands were now clasped together. "I know that most of you would certainly be interested in becoming the blind. However, I have a better plan."

Suddenly, Valkas, who was silent for a while now, finally asked, "What better plan is this, high lord?"

Grecko simply smirked, "The rest of you will be joining Arex as players."

Only Merfestina, Roxina, Kiyo and Halze were shocked from the high lord's announcement, meanwhile, Valkas, Leomold and Braganza remained calm as though they came prepared for that case.

"But high lord," Merfestina suddenly walked forward, making up that revolting face. "Wouldn't that also mean that we would be required to group up with this human here to win the game?" she asked while pointing at Arex.

Suddenly, Arex who was standing just by couldn't help but say, "Hey, it's not like I want to team up with you anyway." 

Merfestina flinched as she couldn't stand the fact that Arex actually tried to retort back. "Same goes here, human. None of us want to team up with you at all."

There was rising tension surging between Arex and Merfestina. However, seeing that it should be prevented before it flared up, Grecko finally meddled into their bantering.

"Why, Merfestina, has the rule changed?" Grecko snapped, fully getting Merfestina's attention towards him. This suddenly shut off Merfestina quickly. Then, Grecko added, "As far as I know, the game rule has not changed yet. Meaning, to answer your question, yes, you are required to group up with Arex to win the game."

Humiliated for her behaviour, Merfestina bit her lower lip to prevent herself from speaking her thoughts again. She composed herself before the presence of the grand necromancer as she didn't want herself to be further humiliated by Grecko's words.

And then, Merfestina eventually said, "No, high lord. The game's rules haven't changed and we will abide by it." her voice was now more obedient. 

"Of course, you must." Grecko eventually said. "Now, since the blind and the players have already been set, we will finally commence with the shikari's hunting game tomorrow morning. I want everyone to make all the necessary preparations today. Leomold, kindly gear up Arex. I'm counting on you." He concluded after telling Leomold to take Arex with him for preparations.

Leomold bowed after facing the high lord and said, "Yes, I will, high lord."

"Alright, that will be all then. I will see you all tomorrow at the crack of dawn." 

Following that, the abrupt conference between Arex, the seven lords and Grecko adjourned. After Grecko left them first, each of the six lords who took their leave next left Arex with a menacing glare. 

"It was a clear indication that they are not happy to learn that they'd be teaming up with you, Arex." Leomold eventually commented the moment he noticed how Arex was fixed from the spots that those six lords used to be before they disappeared and left.

"I don't care what they feel. I am not pleased with this teaming up as well. Worst, I hate it that I would get chased by that freak woman, Roxina." Arex couldn't help his mouth from badmouthing the other lords.

"It's just a game, Arex. but with a little seriousness in it though. You just have to do your best to stay alive and blend it with the others so you could win. Although I would personally suggest you won't overdo it with lady Roxina."

"Why? She doesn't seem to be that strong for me. I mean she barely even had me. And it's all just the same with the others. None of you could harm me with your scythes. You've tried it several times, right?"

Leomold heaved a heavy sigh. "Yes, but remember it only works so as long as you are aware you're in harm. Your abilities won't work if you are open from the back and you won't be able to anticipate their attack."

"I'm sure I could be able to get through it."

"Don't be confident, Arex. Although we have proven that you have an ability to become invulnerable to our scythes. You should know that your ability has its flaws. The longer you use it, the shorter it becomes useful to you." 

Leomold's sudden statement left Arex astounded. He never thought that Leomold eventually noticed that aspect when they first made an attempt to understand how Arex's ability works earlier. 

"How were you able to know that?" Arex eventually asked, still curious to know how Leomold must have get that.

"It's simple. I observed how you easily get tired after using it. The way you breathe heavily earlier when we attempt to study and test your abilities. Even when you tried to fight off Halze, I immediately interrupted you because I know you still have no control over your powers. And that part would make you lose.'