Hero of Darkness

Chapter 698 The Culture

The ruling class of the Zivot Empire, called High Elves, practiced Endogamy in their culture.

They preserved their bloodlines and did not allow the males and females of their families and clans to marry anyone outside or below their social standing; not even with the normal elves of the empire.

Premarital sex and post-marital affairs for the High Elves were taboo as per the laws.

The punishment for these 3 crimes was straight-up execution of the culprit and the person they married to or had an affair with.

But this was also the most effective and viable practice that maintained their bloodline purity and elite standing in the empire above everyone else.

After the High Elves, the highest standing regardless of their origins were the normal Elves.

No matter whichever field it was, Elves were in the highest position of basically everything. Even if someone from another species was better than an elf or more fit for a position of authority… they would never receive that no matter what because of the Reservation System.

However, compared to the Vulcan empire, Kahn found this place much better to live because of the 2nd most influential species in the Zivot Empire. And those were none other than…

Humans.

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After the High Elves and Elves, the most widely acknowledged and favored species in the elven empire was Humans.

Due to their abilities to use magic and various classes and professions related to it… humans were 2nd only to elves.

Although Humans were not the masters in Magic, didn't have towering strength or defense like Demi-Human, and weren't as fast as even wild animals… But because of their large numbers and higher birth rate, they were spread basically everywhere.

Out of 100, at least 30 humans could use magic and invoke fighting classes, making them the best commodity to use for the Elven species that had a much lesser population and fertility rate.

Hence, the Elven Empire and its laws gave Humans preferential treatment compared to all the other species, unlike the Vulcan empire where humans stood at the bottom of the social structure.

Even among the Nobility Class of the empire, there were two groups.

One was the High Nobles which was part of the High Elves group composed of only Elven nobles of rich history and standing in the empire.

While the Human Nobles were addressed as Exalted Nobles.

These were the ones who gained the title through great service to the empire through either economic or military achievement. Even the human clans and their people were given many favors such as tax exemptions, favored rise in ranks of government and military as well.

This setting led humans to become the most reliable force who greatly aided Elves in maintaining the rule.

And finally, below the Humans were the Demi-Humans, Lukion, Tolorus and Enasios.

The last three were the species that Kahn hadn't come across in his new life so far.

As for the species such as Vampires, Demonkin and Dwarves… they were non-existent here at this point because of the cultural differences and also the enmity with the Vulcan empire where Dwarves were among the top of the order.

There were fights over architectural history, weapon crafting and many things because Dwarves were among the people where the majority of the species couldn't use magic to a great degree unlike humans and other Demi-Human species.

As for the Vampires who lived on blood… the Elven religious customs addressed them as heathens and blood devils just because their existence did not fit well with their perception of culture and ethnic beliefs.

Demonkins on the other hand were actually the descendants of True Demon but only with 5% of their original bloodline. Thus, their situation was no different than Vampires.

Both these special social standing was the same as that of humans in the Vulcan empire before Kahn solved the issue.

Thus, Vampires and Demonkins had moved to Rakos Empire when Rathnaar founded it over a thousand years ago and 90% of the native dwarves went to the Vulcan empire after the Firebornes assumed command.

So Kahn had two choices now before he decided to settle here for good.

He already had the Elven Bloodline at 100% purity ever since his time in Rakos Empire and now, Kahn could utilize it if it was favorable.

However, Kahn decided to wait patiently before he made a decision. And that was because the religion and social customs weren't exactly unified as one would expect.

In the end, although everyone worshipped God of Life in the empire… their customs and ways to pray to their god differed greatly.

Although the elven monasteries were the main authority of the religious institutions, some species and regions of the empire didn't join or serve under any cult and had rituals of their own.

And after extensive research, Kahn finally found out the main cause of this difference in customs. The main reason why there existed different ways to worship the same god was…

The 4th Hero of Life.

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Kahn learned about the events that changed the history of the Elven Empire and created new branches of customs and practices to worship the God of Life, Gyvenimas was the 4th Hero of Life.

The 4th Hero was summoned 1800 years ago and led the Elven empire against enemies who either attacked them and even helped the imperial clan expand their borders to a great degree.

The most peculiar fact was that he established a lot of his own world's cultural customs in the empire and given the huge influence he had which even dwarfed the elven emperor of that time, hundreds of millions of people regardless of their species and origin had accepted his cultural and religious doctrine.

And given his identity, strength and importance, the Monasteries and Emperor had no choice but to acknowledge it because at the end of the day, he was still worshipping their god.

Kahn had a surprised expression when he finally came across the information about the 4th Hero of Life who left a mark in this ancient empire's history that was still standing strong.

There were 2 key factors that made Kahn drop his jaw in shock.

The first reason was that the 4th Hero of Life was also from Earth.

And the second reason being the fact that this chosen Hero was…

A Viking.