

While I would love that to be the case, I don’t think it is that simple. Java edition, at least, has been experimenting with shader-like features in resource packs for a while now. It could be that Luanti convinced them it needs to be built in and not an extra pack, but I think it is at best parallel ideas, or at worst, Luanti taking inspiration from those shader-like packs and trying to do better not even knowing they are doing the same process as Minecraft.
You know, this explains some stuff. Namely, why the guard can be so ineffective. If their final task is to kill one another, Hunger Games style, then you would expect the “best of the best” to be quick to turn on one another for their own safety rather than assisting one another. Even explains why that one guard who found Vee preferred to just let her go for their own safety instead of following directions. That is how they are trained!
Also, as a side note: that also helps explain how Belos went through SO MANY golden guards. You have to assume a good amount failed that test.