Chapter 23

■ Chapter 22. Humanity (1) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

If my major of greatest interest at the Academy is history, then the next most intriguing subject is 'Anthropology.' Anthropology in this world encompasses not only humans but also elves, merfolk, dwarves, demons, and other diverse races.

Therefore, in anthropology classes, we learn about the unique characteristics of each race, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.

However, Halo Academy focuses primarily on humans while comparing them with other races. This is because the institution was established by humans, and most of the students are human.

Still, exchange students, or non-human students admitted to Halo Academy, are generally satisfied. They are well aware that humans have always been at the center of events in this vast world with its diverse races.

"According to recent studies, the human population is approximately 1.6 billion, while the total of all other races combined is only about 800 million. Thanks to this vast population and our boundless ability to develop, humans have been able to maintain their dominance. And..."

An elderly gentleman with thick, gray eyebrows was enthusiastically explaining at the front of the lecture hall. I sat in the front row, listening intently to his lecture.

The elderly gentleman's name is Professor Roy Magnus. As you can see, he is a professor of anthropology. Like Professor Virius, who teaches humanities, he is passionate, leaving no room for boredom.

"Of course, other races also have their unique strengths, which constantly challenge humans. Dwarves can dominate the weapons market, elves are as powerful as human knights, and the same goes for merfolk. Lastly, demons are unparalleled in magic, just like elves. In contrast, humans? We don't have any outstanding innate traits. This is clearly demonstrated in the Racial War."

Anthropology is inherently inseparable from the 'Racial War.' The war revealed the light and dark sides of each race, and humans took the lead. I completely agree with this point.

However, I have a separate question. When Professor Roy paused to catch his breath, I subtly raised my hand. When I did, Professor Roy's face lit up, and he looked at me.

"Oh, right. Isaac. What question do you have today?"

"..."

I smiled wryly at his words. Anthropology was the second subject I was most interested in after history, so I had asked various questions from the first class. Because of this, Professor Roy has a favorable view of me.

Of course, the other students' gazes were not so positive, but I received extra credit for asking many questions. Anyway, I need to ask my question.

"Earlier, you mentioned that the human population is 1.6 billion, and the total of all other races is less than 800 million."

"Yes."

"Let's focus on elves. Elves have the lowest birth rate among all races, which is why their population is the smallest. I've heard that the elf population is at most 100 million."

"And dwarves are 250 million, merfolk 350 million, and demons 100 million. Roughly speaking, that's the case."

As Professor Roy explained, the elf population is quite small in proportion to the total. One might think that 100 million out of 2.1 billion is not bad, but that's only from the perspective of my previous life.

We must not overlook the fact that on Earth, only 'humans' existed. Considering the racial characteristics of elves, their population is alarmingly small.

"Yes. Moreover, elves can live for about 1,000 years. Compared to humans, who can barely live past 100 years, this is an enormous number. Even roughly calculated, it's over 10 times. Despite this, I find it strange that the elf population is so small."

"In other words, you're saying that despite the numerous human deaths over 1,000 years, the small elf population is strange. Is that correct?"

Professor Roy neatly summarized the question I wanted to ask. When I nodded, he met the eyes of Cecil, who was sitting next to me.

After a brief moment of eye contact, Professor Roy looked away and scanned the room. Apart from Cecil, who is a demon, the lecture hall was filled with humans.

"Hmm... That's quite an interesting question. First, let's talk about the biological and cultural characteristics of elves. Isaac, how much do you know about sex?"

"..."

I was taken aback by the sudden and unexpected question. I was caught off guard, especially since it was about sexual knowledge.

Noticing the strange atmosphere in the lecture hall, Professor Roy quickly added an explanation.

"Ah, everyone, don't think anything strange. This requires a basic understanding of sexual knowledge. Anyway, Isaac, what's your answer to my question?"

"Um... I know everything I need to know."

Despite my answer, my face turned red in real-time. I hoped the explanation would be worth it.

While I had these thoughts, Professor Roy cleared his throat and began his explanation.

"Ahem. Let me explain. This is something you might learn in a biology class, but I'll explain it for those who haven't taken biology. First, human females have a monthly cycle that allows them to conceive. However, elves have a much longer cycle. According to research, it's about once a year on average."

"Wow..."

I genuinely marveled at Professor Roy's explanation. This is the reason for the extremely low birth rate. It's even more surprising that they haven't gone extinct with such a long cycle.

"And another point. Elves view sexual relations as a sacred 'ritual,' unlike humans. Moreover, the sexual desire of male elves is relatively mild compared to humans. In this context, it's fitting to explain that human sexual desire is stronger than that of other races."

"..."

"The low elf population is a result of these combined factors. Do you understand?"

I slowly nodded at Professor Roy's question. The mysterious race of elves had a mysterious reason for their low birth rate.

I felt a sense of wonder. In my previous life, when explaining elves, I only mentioned their low birth rate without further details. It was considered common knowledge, and no one questioned it, including myself.

But not now. The clear explanation not only made sense but also reinforced my realization that I had been reborn into a fantasy world.

"Thank you. Your explanation has cleared my mind."

"Rather, I should thank you. I haven't had many students ask such interesting questions. I hope you continue to ask such engaging questions in the future."

"What about merfolk?"

"Hmm?"

This wasn't my question. It wasn't Cecil's either. I turned my head.

Looking in the direction of the voice, I saw a beautiful woman with copper-colored hair raising her hand. Her expression was emotionless, matching her rigid tone.

When the woman with copper-colored hair realized everyone was looking at her, she repeated her question.

"I want to know why the merfolk population is so small."

"Your name... is Leona, right? Leona, is that correct?"

"Yes, that's right."

"What are you curious about?"

"Merfolk have a strong sexual desire like humans and a menstrual cycle similar to humans. Yet, their population is only 200 million. I'm curious about the reasons for this."

Leona's question was valid. Merfolk have a hybrid appearance, combining human and animal features, and they once insisted on a primitive lifestyle. However, they established their own nation about 300 years ago.

Still, compared to humans, their population is strangely small. Even considering the recent establishment of their nation, it's significantly low.

After listening to Leona, Professor Roy stroked his chin, thinking for a moment, and then gave a somewhat ambiguous answer.

"That's a rather complex issue. There are cultural characteristics of merfolk, but during the Racial War, merfolk were almost exterminated by humans. At least tens of millions of merfolk were eliminated. This has led to a hostile relationship with humans."

Professor Roy is referring to the worst war crime committed by humans during the Racial War. While the Holy Kingdom 'Savior' indiscriminately massacred demons, this event was a crime committed by the 'Human Alliance.'

The Human Alliance, seeing their former slaves, the merfolk, siding with the elves, killed them indiscriminately. In my view, it was even more severe than the Holocaust, the genocide of Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II. To make matters worse, a bounty was offered for the killing of merfolk.

This frenzied event reduced the merfolk population to a quarter of its original size. It's a history that shows how cruel humans can be.

"Moreover, merfolk are a race that is passionate about combat from birth. From a human perspective, they can be seen as barbaric, while from a merfolk perspective, they consider themselves honorable warriors. Due to this cultural characteristic, they often die in battle rather than from natural causes. Some even despise those who die of natural causes, considering it dishonorable."

"..."

"Still, compared to 300 years ago, their population growth rate is similar to or even higher than that of humans. The answer to what Leona wants is ongoing, so I can't give a clear answer. Keep that in mind."

"Understood. Thank you for the explanation."

After her characteristic blunt response, Leona sat down. Listening to her, I recalled the relationship between humans and merfolk.

'Quite dangerous... indeed.'

The relationship between humans and merfolk can be defined in one way.

Eternal enemies and slaves.

Merfolk unilaterally hate humans, and humans consider merfolk inferior. I've heard that merfolk are frequently sold as slaves in the black market.

In short, humans view merfolk as inferior beings. The phenomenon seems less severe because of the common enemy, the demons, but a closer look reveals significant discrimination against merfolk.

"Isaac, humans and merfolk don't get along, right?"

Cecil, who was also curious about this, whispered to me. Her red eyes were filled with curiosity.

I glanced at Professor Roy and quietly answered.

"Yes. Humans consider merfolk inferior, and merfolk view humans as demons who mercilessly massacred their kind. This has been a vicious cycle since the events of the Racial War."

"Like how our demons were treated as ticking time bombs by all races?"

"Similar, but unlike demons, merfolk are only treated as slaves by humans."

"I see."

Perhaps feeling a sense of kinship due to the harsh discrimination she faced from birth, Cecil nodded with a subtle expression.

She then looked down, as if in thought, and spoke hesitantly.

"Then, can't the story of Zayon change the relationship between humans and merfolk? If it can change the perception of demons, it should be possible, right?"

"Hmm..."

I rubbed my pen cap thoughtfully. As she said, the perception of demons changed through the story of Zayon, but it was something I hadn't anticipated.

Moreover, the relationship between humans and merfolk is bound by a chain of 'hatred.' Just as revenge begets more revenge, breaking the chain of hatred is extremely difficult, even with the story of Zayon.

"Will merfolk even read the story of Zayon? Since the protagonist is human, I've seen reviews from dwarves and elves in the newspaper, but there are no reviews from merfolk, no matter how hard I look."

"Who knows? Maybe they're just not saying it, but they might be enjoying it."

"Then what?"

I chuckled and replied.

"It would be quite an interesting story."

Despite my words, I had these thoughts.

'What if they are reading it?'

Cecil wouldn't know, but there is a plot in Zayon where the prince of the merfolk and Zayon build trust and become friends.

Through this plot, humans sincerely apologize to merfolk, and they form an alliance to fight against demons.

'This is completely unrealistic...'

No, it's not a matter of realism. There is a living witness right in front of me. The demons, who were despised by all races, including humans.

Cecil tilted her head, confused by my intense gaze.

"Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?"

"No, nothing."

"I know your face is red."

"..."

"Be honest. Do you think I'm pretty?"

I just kept my mouth shut.