Chapter 234: Balance(1)
Chapter 234: Balance(1)
Please read the afterword!
I am the slave of Elena, a history professor at Halo Academy... No, I’m her teaching assistant. I’m the manpower currently being groomed to potentially become the next assistant after Cindy.
Naturally, my duties involve assisting Elena and teaching Cindy—who recently earned her doctorate—how to write. Aside from my own writing, I have quite a lot on my plate.
Furthermore, working as a TA has revealed numerous pros and cons. To start with the cons: I’m busy. Extremely busy.
It’s not just "busy"; research materials are piled up like mountains, forcing me to run around constantly.
I have to visit other professors for Elena’s data collection, and sometimes I even have to go to professors in other departments, not just history, to request materials.
As I’ve mentioned before, there’s no internet here. To find information, you either have to look through books or use your own two feet. And I’m the one doing the legwork.
Also, Elena seems to value my historical knowledge and philosophy quite highly, as she asks for my opinion every time she writes a thesis.
The problem is that she possesses knowledge and experience that no mere human could ever hope to reach, which makes things awkward for me in many ways. I’m trying my best to be at least a little helpful.
Next, the pros. Similar to the cons, there’s an overwhelming flood of historical knowledge.
Elena’s lab is already packed with countless history books and theses, and there are even ancient texts of unknown origin.
There’s even a diary written by a human soldier during the Race War. It’s an artifact of immense historical value, perfectly preserved, yet Elena just tossed it to me and told me to give it a read.
When I asked if it was okay to give me something so precious, she said that, by her standards, it wasn't from that long ago. It made me realize once again that she’s an Elf with a lifespan of nearly a thousand years.
To an Elf, three hundred years ago is probably like thirty years ago to a human, so there’s bound to be a difference in perspective. Still, by my standards, it’s a very significant item.
‘I guess the military is the same everywhere.’
I wasn't sure if I should call the contents of the diary "very military-like" or "unnecessarily realistic." The diary was filled with the struggles of a powerless "Soldier A" getting kicked around.
There were accounts of charging forward regardless of comrades falling just to take down a single Elf warrior, getting a stomachache from drinking improperly purified water, and sand crunching in his teeth while eating bread.
What stood out here was the PTSD. While there were daily complaints about the army, interestingly, there were almost no descriptions of PTSD symptoms.
Of course, there were minor symptoms, like occasionally having nightmares about dead comrades or hearing their voices. But compared to the harsh environment of the military, it was relatively mild.
The reason for this was revealed in every account of battle with the Elves. Every time he fought them, the entries were filled with hatred and murderous intent, calling them "knife-ears" or "bastards who deserve to be torn apart."
‘There’s a deep-seated contempt for Elves throughout.’
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is difficult to treat, but there is a way to alleviate it: by granting "justification" to one's actions.
You can see what I mean by comparing soldiers from World War II and the Vietnam War.
In World War II, there was a firm conviction that they were fighting a great evil—the Axis Powers. The Vietnam War was different, as they were simply fighting for national interests.
The owner of this diary was the same. From what I could see, before the Race War, Elves didn't just look down on humans; they treated them like monkeys.
There were even circumstances suggesting the diary's owner had been openly discriminated against by Elves in the past, and one could infer that this trend was rampant throughout Elven society.
In response, humans formed an alliance and declared war on Albenheim. You could say they brought it on themselves; the Elves' fatal mistake was taking humans too lightly.
This also seemed to be the reason for the disparity between the Old Generation Elves and the New Generation Elves.
‘The ranks... are almost the same as they are now.’
The rank system for common soldiers took a form similar to Ancient Rome, with titles like Decurion and Centurion. The diary's owner started as a regular soldier and was eventually promoted to Decurion.
Even so, compared to a Knight, he was nothing more than an ordinary soldier. The gap between a Knight and a soldier is unbridgeable, and the reason for that is the use of "Mana."
Even though Mana exists in this world, it doesn't mean just anyone can use it. It’s just that Elves and Demons are outliers; in the distant past, only chosen humans could manifest it.
Fortunately, as time passed and civilization developed, know-how accumulated, making it much more accessible.
Currently, all Martial Studies students at the Academy can use Mana, and even I, who only received basic physical training at the mansion, can use Mana for physical reinforcement.
But that’s it. I can’t imbue a sword with Mana to slice through boulders like some people. I might be able to handle the internal flow, but projecting it externally requires grueling effort.
Of course, an unprecedented genius could probably use Mana exactly as they imagined. Those are the people commonly called "Heroes."
‘Looking at it this way, it really is a miracle that humans won the Race War.’
The power of the Elf warriors described in the book was practically a disaster. It was standard for five soldiers to be cleaved in half with a single swing, but what was even scarier was the magic.
There was an entry about an Elf driven into a corner who fired off a final, desperate spell that didn't just devastate the surroundings but nearly wiped out the entire unit.
Fortunately, that Elf was taken down with the support of a Knight, but the diary owner’s unit suffered critical damage and took a long time to reorganize.
The story ended with the war finishing, him being discharged, marrying his fiancée, and having lovely children.
‘This is actually really well-written.’
Even though it was just a diary, the immersion was incredible. There were elements that drew me in deeply, and the mishaps caused by the unique military culture even made me chuckle.
Of course, it wasn't without its profound moments. There were times when the diary owner felt skeptical, wondering if what he was doing was right, and times when he felt a sense of helplessness, unable to do anything as his comrades fell.
Regardless, I was certain this diary was an artifact of immense historical and cultural value. I closed the worn-out diary and sank into thought.
‘The gap between a common soldier and a Knight really is severe.’
When most people think of war, they think of Knights; common soldiers are an afterthought. As written in this diary, common soldiers are, frankly, little more than meat shields.
They can handle monsters or other human soldiers, but they fall short when facing Elves and Demons who can use Mana from birth, or Beastkin whose physical hardware is on another level.
In game terms, it’s not like a Marine; it’s like a single Zergling trying to take on a Zealot. The reality for a common soldier is that they can't even beat a human Knight.
‘And yet, an ordinary Elf warrior is on the level of a human Knight.’
As I’ve mentioned, that’s just an ordinary warrior. Just as humans, who imitated Elven civilization, have Knights, the Elves have a similar rank.
The difference is that a warrior is a combatant who fights solely with physical specs, while a Knight can be seen as a battle mage who incorporates magic.
If even a single warrior is hard to handle, imagine a Knight. According to records, it took four to five human Knights ganging up to take down a single Elf Knight.
The fact that a massive internal schism occurred within Albenheim was a factor in the victory, but the fact that humans pushed through with sheer numbers like a swarm of ants also played a part.
Furthermore, with the support of the Demons, they could at least defend, even if they couldn't attack. Especially since humans didn't hesitate to use underhanded tactics to secure victory, while Elves did no such thing.
At least Warlord Iker tried his best to win, but well... as everyone knows, he was detained thanks to the Elder Council’s hard trolling.
Looking at it this way, the Elder Council’s atrocities were so incomprehensible that one might wonder if they were actually on the humans' side.
‘The Beastkin didn't even have a proper unification back then, let alone a civilization. Plus, Beastkin only have superior physical specs.’
Common Beastkin warriors can't use Mana either. Their hardware is just insanely large. Crucially, the reason a Holocaust-like Beastkin massacre was possible three hundred years ago was the difference in civilization.
As the saying goes, "defeat them individually." Your chances of winning are much higher fighting two battles of 100 vs. 50 than one battle of 100 vs. 100. The Beastkin massacre was carried out through this process.
Anyway, three hundred years later, as civilization developed, various educational institutions were established, and the accessibility of Mana rose dramatically, leading to an upward leveling of power.
To master Mana, the presence of a "Master" is essential, and educational institutions are now filling that role. This is the experience humans gained through the Race War and the driving force behind their development.
‘But that aside, how strong are the demons?’
In the Xenon Biography, many demons mentioned in literature appear. Not the Seven Deadly Sins, but the demons commonly called "mobs."
The protagonist's party will take care of the Seven Deadly Sins anyway, so that’s fine, but the regular demons are the problem.
Demons are strong, but their numbers are also absurdly high. The fundamental reason they were able to occupy Albenheim—or Elvenheim in the book—was their overwhelming numbers.
I wonder if the Alliance Army can hold out while the protagonist's party defeats the Seven Deadly Sins. Humans have numbers too, but with the basic spec difference, they’re bound to crumble helplessly.
Of course, if I just vaguely describe them holding out somehow, the readers will probably let it slide. After all, the Xenon Biography is a story about heroes, not common soldiers.
‘To effectively counter such numbers...’
Magic is the best fit. More accurately, it’s overwhelming "firepower."
Gunpowder and cannons do exist in this world. However, only humans and Dwarves use them; Elves and Demons naturally rely on magic, and Beastkin don't depend on machinery.
Above all, since there is magic that can unleash several times the firepower, they don't feel the need to use cannons.
As this is a world where magic replaces science, the development of "machinery" is inevitably much slower compared to my previous life.
‘Still, the Mana Engine has been invented.’
Everyone knows the news that Eins invented the Mana Engine. Currently, he is in the Dwarven nation of Machina, receiving support to co-invent the Magical Locomotive.
It’s the invention of the Magical Locomotive, a symbol of mechanical civilization, but people are still looking at it with skeptical eyes.
They question whether machinery can surpass magic and if it’s more efficient.
‘I should try putting this in Volume 19 instead of Volume 18.’
Would you believe it if five human soldiers could produce the combat power of a human Knight?
For the record, I won't reveal this foreshadowing in the Xenon Biography, but in the World War II story I’ll write in the future. The worldviews aren't connected at all, but I plan to show the pinnacle of mechanical civilization.
As Luminous said, there’s a high probability the Dwarves will bring a tank to the exhibition, but I still have to write what I have to write. I looked away from the moldy, old diary.
Where I turned my head, I saw Elena writing a thesis and Cindy researching materials beside her.
"Are you done reading?"
As if sensing my gaze, Elena put down her pen for a moment and looked at me. She looked quite intellectual as she pushed up her slightly slipping glasses.
Hearing her question, I held up the old diary and spoke.
"Where did you get this?"
"From a student of mine. I heard it was a diary written by one of their ancestors."
"Then what is that student doing now?"
"They’re dead. They passed away early without any descendants, so it was passed on to me."
"..."
Another stack was added to the "Elven Majesty" counter. While I was feeling awkward, Elena rested her chin on both hands and made a subtle expression.
I’ve seen that expression many times, so I knew exactly what it meant. It was the face she made after tossing me a thesis or interesting material to read and then demanding my feedback.
"Well. So, what do you think after reading it?"
As expected, Elena asked for my thoughts on the old diary. Cindy, who was researching materials nearby, also seemed curious as she put down her pile of documents and turned her gaze toward me.
Her dark circles were still deep and her eyes hollow, but they held a strong sense of curiosity. I don't know why they all keep expecting things from me.
I rolled my eyes, wondering what to say, and then just spoke the thoughts that were in my head.
"I’m curious about how Elves discriminated against humans in the past. Contempt for Elves is scattered throughout the diary. At the same time, he stands in awe of the Elves' power."
"You read it properly. You’re right. During the Race War, the Elves were the very embodiment of pride. They held not just humans, but all other races beneath their feet."
Elena said that, then brought up something that made me flinch.
"Before this, I used to wonder: why didn't these arrogant Elves conquer other countries? Even Elves aren't entirely without a desire for dominance. But thanks to the Xenon Biography, all those questions were answered at once."
"...The Xenon Biography?"
"Yes. It was explained in the Xenon Biography. The Dark Elf Expulsion Incident. They caused a disaster by fighting among themselves for dominance. That incident must have created an atmosphere of self-restraint. Of course, the root cause—their arrogance—wasn't fixed, which is why they bled during the Race War."
"Aha."
That could be it. Certainly, as she said, before the Race War, the Elves had a somewhat fascist leaning.
It wouldn't have been strange for imperialism to take hold and for them to conquer other nations at any moment, but since the Dark Elf Expulsion Incident happened, they might have been cautious about everything.
Furthermore, since they were binding themselves with the shackles of "Law," the stiff-necked Elves would have stayed still.
"That could be the case. But do you believe the contents of the Xenon Biography as they are?"
"It explains everything—why the laws the Elder Council clung to were created, and further, why Albenheim stayed quiet. I’ll be presenting this at Yggdrasil soon."
At Yggdrasil, renowned scholars gather at specific intervals to present their research results. There’s no official name for it, but you can think of it as a kind of seminar.
Originally, only Elves could attend, but after Arwen’s open-door policy, other races can attend as well. Thanks to that, its scale has become enormous.
Though, due to the difference in lifespans, some bittersweet things often happen. Apparently, when a few humans occasionally disappear, the Elves only then realize the difference in their lifespans.
I thought deeply about Elena’s story, then a question suddenly occurred to me, and I asked her. It was a doubt that came to mind while looking at this diary.
"Professor."
"Speak."
"What do you think would have happened if there were no Mana in the world?"
At my question, not only Elena but even Cindy blinked with blank expressions. They looked like they couldn't understand at all.
I didn't think I’d asked a difficult question, so I had no idea why they were reacting like that. Conversely, as I tilted my head in confusion, Cindy asked in her characteristic, fluid voice.
"What does that meeean...?"
"Pardon?"
"No Mana... I don't know what you meeean..."
Elena’s words followed Cindy’s.
"I’m the same. A world without Mana? Is that even possible? If there were no Mana, humanity would have gone extinct long ago."
"Uh... is it that serious?"
"Of course. It would be hard to subjugate an Orc, let alone an Ogre, with just your bare body. Even we Elves, without Mana, would be nothing more than unnecessarily pretty dolls. Since lifespan is also closely related to Mana, we’d become similar to humans. Humanity probably would have gone extinct together."
A flood of rather pessimistic speculations poured out. Cindy, beside her, seemed to feel the same way as she nodded in agreement.
As someone with memories of my previous life, I couldn't help but feel dazed. Then again, I have clear memories of my past life, while they are people living in this world, so there’s bound to be a difference.
I scratched my head and then spoke as if reluctantly agreeing.
"Hmm... I see what you mean. You’re saying it’s impossible."
"It is impossible. Unless, of course, a weapon comparable to magic appeared. If you wrote that as a thesis, it wouldn't be a thesis; it would be a novel."
I flinched at those words. Maintaining my composure as much as possible, I spoke quietly.
"...Then what do you think of the Mana Engine Eins invented?"
"That’s only possible because Xenon is a person from the future. If it weren't for that, he wouldn't have even thought of it."
So that’s what she meant by bringing a tank. I gave a bitter smile at her answer.
‘...I should just stick to dropping foreshadowing.’
I had considered writing it as a thesis, but I should set that aside for a while.